Arizona City, Arizona, boasts one of the largest water sources in the state. In fact, water was the reason the town founders developed the area.
Don't let the name fool you: Arizona City is actually a census-designated place and not an incorporated city. They have tried. The residents of this area have attempted to incorporate as a municipality numerous times, but keep losing the vote. At last count during the 2010 U.S. Census, there were 10,475 souls inhabiting this small patch of land in Pinal County. Within the 6.2 square miles that make up Arizona City, you will find a variety of rental options. So, why move to a city that is not a city? Location, location, location -- Arizona City sits just an hour's drive away from Phoenix to the north and Tucson to the south.
Moving to Arizona City
Arizona City is a practical choice for those who want to find rental housing in a small town while still living within commuting range of larger metropolitan areas like Phoenix or Tuscon. Arizona City may not actually be a town, but it still has plenty to offer potential renters, especially if looking for something convenient such as all-bills-paid apartments.
Find It Fast
This area has many vacancies, so finding a place in a pinch will be no problem. Give yourself at least a month when hunting for one-bedroom apartments or a home for rent in Arizona City. Odds are the property owners will not be too security conscious, because they will be anxious to rent.
You should plan on bringing at least one month's rent and a security deposit with you when seeing apartments. The owners may or may not do background checks, but you should prepare for the possibility. More than likely, they will ask to verify employment, however.
Picking a Neighborhood
There are only two constituent neighborhoods in this not really a city city, so picking one depends on what type rental you want. Both of the neighborhoods in Arizona City are equally close to shopping and travel routes. The great news is that because Arizona City is small, no matter where you hang your hat, you are close to everything the town has to offer.
Laguna / Friendly Corners: Laguna/Friendly Corners makes up the bulk of the town. Casa Grande borders it on one side and Interstate 10 on the other. You can grab a bite to eat at Nicos Mexican or play a round of golf at the Arizona City Club.
Town Center: The Town Center neighborhood makes up a tiny sliver in the northeastern corner of Arizona City. Grab a home cooked meal at Chris's Diner after shopping at Dollar General just down the street.
Life in Arizona City
If it's a quiet life you seek, then Arizona City is ideal. It is laid back without much in the way of local attractions or annual festivals unless you play golf. The Arizona City Golf Club offers 18 holes with a course rating of around 71.6. It is also the oldest golf course in the state of Arizona. After a game, hit the local restaurant and sports bar for a drink and a meal.
Going on the Road for Fun
For most other things, you will go to one of the neighboring towns. Casa Grande is just a few minutes to the north of Arizona City. There you will find, well, more golf. The Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf resort at one time was the training site for the San Francisco Giants. This is also where most residents of Arizona City do most of their shopping.
Keep Going North
The further north you go, the more there is to see. Phoenix is the capital and just a one-hour drive from Arizona City. In Phoenix, you can enjoy culture and art. Take in a show at the Orpheum Theatre or at the Herberger Theater Center. Spend a day getting your science on at the Arizona Science Center or view the largest musical instrument collection in the world at the Musical Instrument Museum. The Heard Museum offers over 130,000 square feet of signature exhibits that include jewelry, Hopi Kachina dolls and Native American art.
Getting Around in Arizona City
The good news is Arizona City is small, so you can get around without a car. The walk score is 22, and of course, a bike will get you there faster. The climate in Arizona is warm year-round, too, so you won't need snow tires on that bike.
The bad news is if you want to go anywhere else, you need a car. There is no public transportation in Arizona City. It's not even a town, so it doesn't have a bus system. For shopping and most of your entertainment needs, a car is a necessity. Interstate 10 is close by for convenient travel
It's a quiet life in Arizona City, the census-designated place that yearns to be a real town. That is the beauty of living there. If location matters to you, then Arizona City ranks high there, too. You are within minutes of major travel routes that lead to bigger towns and cities.
This may not be the place to live if you are looking to eat out every night of the week or see a movie five times a month, but if quiet is what you seek, then Arizona City has plenty to offer. That, and it has a really nice golf course, too.