17 Best Places to Live in Arizona in 2024

If you’re dreaming of moving West, you might be wondering about the best places to live in Arizona. As you probably know, there are plenty of options to choose from to embrace the scenic beauty of The Grand Canyon State. More than just a symbol of the Old West, the most beautiful places to live in Arizona are home to outdoor wonders, world-class cities, entertainment, and culture with a reputation for incredible food. With so many options, it’s hard to know where to start.

Ready to find the best places to live in Arizona? In this guide, we’ll take a look at where to live in Arizona, from cities to suburbs, to find the best option for you. When even featured insights from @LivinginArizona to give you a personal perspective on gems this state has to offer!

Let's get started.

Best Places to Live in Arizona

1. Phoenix

Ranking as one of the best places to live in Arizona, Phoenix lives up to its name Valley of the Sun, with hot, sun-drenched days. Some say Phoenix has some of the best weather in Arizona, with around 313 sunny days per year, as long as you don't mind the heat.

We recommend Phoenix at the top, though, because it's also one of the most affordable places to live in Arizona. That makes it it a popular destination for just about every demographic, from young professionals looking for a start in a big city to retirees and snowbirds looking for an affordable cost of living with a low-key vibe (though don't worry -- there’s still plenty to do, from dining to visiting spots like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, or outdoor wonders like the Desert Botanical Garden).

The city is comprised of seven distinctive areas and neighborhoods, including Ahwatukee, Downtown Phoenix, Central Avenue Corridor, Mountain Park Ranch, and Arcadia home within Phoenix’s boundaries.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Phoenix.

• Population: 1.62 million
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,397
• Median Household Income: $64,927
• Walk score: 41
• Transit Score: 36
• Bike Score: 56

2. Gilbert

If you’re trying to figure out where to live in Arizona, put Gilbert on your list. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, a robust job market, quality public schools, and plenty of leisure activities, Gilbert is among the best places to live in Arizona and attracts young professionals in their early to mid-30s.

Locals enjoy a vibrant downtown and oversized pretzels and beer at the World of Beer and wander 4.5 miles of trails at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Families also enjoy highly-regarded schools, low crime rates, and plenty to do outdoors, from hiking to golf and annual hot air balloon displays.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Gilbert.

• Population: 273,136
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,691
• Median Household Income: $105,733
• Walk score: 29
• Transit Score: 15
• Bike Score: 53

3. Mesa

As one of the best cities in Arizona, young professionals and families flock to Mesa to launch their careers and enjoy reasonable rents and downtown amenities. Unlike other similar-sized cities, landlords can afford the low property taxes in Mesa, which often keeps rents lower.

Locals enjoy nearby lakes and rivers for a day of tubing and boating to beat the heat in this desert city. Mesa is known for its Cactus League, with greats like Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio playing the fields over the years and the Cubs' spring training. For arts and culture, stop by the Mesa Arts Center of the Arizona Museum of Natural History to round out your weekend in one of the best places to live in Arizona.

• Population: 509,475
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,234
• Median Household Income: $65,725
• Walk score: 38
• Transit Score: 27
• Bike Score: 60

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Mesa.

4. Tucson

One thing we love about Arizona is seeing how the Old West meets modern culture. Tucson’s laid-back, artsy vibe attracts locals and visitors to indie shops, bustling restaurants, and eclectic boutiques in this bike-friendly town.

This melting-pot city swells above half a million year-round residents but retains its tight-knit vibe. It includes the University of Arizona students, families, and retirees looking for hiking, amenities, and a distinctive Old West vibe without compromising culture and fun. Get to know the area by stopping by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, or Pima Air and Space Museum.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Tucson.

• Population: 543,242
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,452
• Median Household Income: $48,058
• Walk score: 43
• Transit Score: 35
• Bike Score: 66

5. Chandler

If Phoenix's bustling culture isn’t your thing or you're just looking to branch out of the area, we recommend you put Chandler on your list for a shot at a bigger apartment at a more affordable price than nearby downtown.

Intel employees flood Chandler neighborhoods, along with technology manufacturing employees. The bedroom community isn't known for its culture and hopping nightlife, but it's a quiet, easy-going place close to Phoenix and home to the Chandler Center for the Arts and Vision Art Gallery.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Chandler.

• Population: 279,458
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,687
• Median Household Income: $91,299
• Walk score: 35
• Transit Score: 24
• Bike Score: 57

6. Tempe

Where students at Arizona State University go to unwind, Tempe abounds with students, nightclubs, live music, sports bars, and Casino Arizona. Like snowbirds, the graduates and career climbers feel at home in Tempe.

As one of the most beautiful places in Arizona, you can see Camelback Mountain anywhere in the city. It’s a good orientation point, and no matter your neighborhood, Tempe is also one of the best places for remote workers for its affordability, natural amenities, shops, and dining, with plenty of activity along Mill Avenue corridor.

• Population: 184,188
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,567
• Median Household Income: $64,080
• Walk score: 53
• Transit Score: 47
• Bike Score: 74

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Tempe.

7. Glendale

With six distinct districts, Glendale offers a diverse population and spirit in every city corner. It's easy to see why the area ranks as one of the best places to live in Arizona. There’s plenty of shopping, history, luxury, and nightlife, plus a little sports when Glendale hosts NFL home games at the University Of Phoenix Stadium.

Home to all walks of life, Glendale is popular among millennials and graduates looking for an affordable cost of living and careers in retail, sales, construction, and business services. Apartment hunters head to Barrel, Yucca, Ocotillo, Cholla, Cactus, or Sahuaro which are all designed for different lifestyles, from culture to outdoor play. Make sure your Glendale apartment has a pool to cool off in the hot summer and a sundeck to gather with friends and neighbors.

• Population: 249,630
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,415
• Median Household Income: $60,449
• Walk score: 40
• Transit Score: 34
• Bike Score: 59

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Glendale.

8. Scottsdale

Scottsdale is one of the top places to live in Arizona, with residential, commercial, and newer condos and lofts in Old Town and the Waterfront area. The city is popular for young adults and families with a reasonable cost of living, low crime rates, a strong job market, and outdoor fun.

Scottsdale is full of trails, desert landscapes, and stops like the Scottsdale Arts Festival, Culinary Festival, International Film Festival, and historical museums, and over 125 art galleries and studios to hang your work. In addition, locals have their pick of some of the best neighborhoods in Arizona, including McCormick Ranch, with picture-perfect views of the mountains.

• Population: 242,753
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,817
• Median Household Income: $97,409
• Walk score: 31
• Transit Score: 26
• Bike Score: 56

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Scottsdale.

9. Paradise Valley

Situated on the outskirts of Phoenix, Paradise Valley lives up to its name with a desert backdrop and eight resorts, golf courses, and attractions. As one of the best towns in Arizona, Paradise Valley is stunning, but renting can be a challenge with a competitive real estate market and limited options. If you want to settle into the area, you’ll have your pick of highly-rated restaurants ranging from wine bars to steakhouses.

• Population: 12,682
• Rents start at: $4,400
• Median Household Income: $203,659
• Walk Score: 50
• Transit Score: 38
• Bike Score: 75

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Paradise Valley.

10. Flagstaff

If the great outdoors is one of your top reasons to live in Arizona, you’ll love Flagstaff. This city takes the prize for outdoor recreation options, including proximity to the Grand Canyon and Arizona Snowbowl. Stargazing is also a popular hobby in the city, as Flagstaff enacted dark sky rules making for incredible solar views at the Lowell Observatory. Some of the city's most popular activities is include lawn yoga, pub crawls, movies in Heritage Square, and events centered around its thriving art scene. Beyond all the outdoors and downtown fun that rank Flagstaff as one of the nice areas in Arizona, you’ll find a robust economy dominated by distribution, logistics, tourism, education, and government.

• Population: 76,989
• Median 2-Bedroom Rent: $1,493
• Median Household Income: $61,026
• Walk Score: 39
• Transit Score: 39
• Bike Score: 65

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Flagstaff.

11. Cave Creek

Cave Creek is known for the iconic cave and creek where the town was first settled and is now one of the best small towns in AZ. You’re also outside the bustle of downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale without missing out on amenities. Like other parts of Arizona, Cave Creek's semi-arid climate and low precipitation draw visitors looking for warm, sunny days and an idyllic backdrop. You have plenty of access to outdoor activities and are just a short drive to downtown Phoenix. Depending on the apartment you rent, you may have views of the stunning Black Mountains.

• Population: 5,015
• Rents start at: $3,900
• Median Household Income: $91,463
• Walk Score: 39
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 57

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Cave Creek.

12. Peoria

Peoria is a thriving city that Money Magazine voted among the Top 50 Cities to Live in 2018. Locals head to the P83 District, a top destination for dining, hotels, shopping, entertainment, and plenty of outdoor fun, including hiking and biking along its 12.5-mile Trail System.

The city is also the winter home to the Peoria Sports Complex, where the Seattle Mariners trains. In addition, the 23,000-acre Lake Pleasant Regional Park helps locals cool off with boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, camping, and scuba diving. With booming job growth and a scenic mountain backdrop, Peoria has much to offer graduates and professionals looking to grow their careers in healthcare and heavy machinery.

• Population: 194,917
• Rents start at: $1,817
• Median Household Income: $81,017
• Walk Score: 30
• Transit Score: 19
• Bike Score: 47

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Peoria.

13. Litchfield Park

Litchfield Park started in 1916 when Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company sent junior executive Paul Litchfield to purchase 16,000 acres for their company. Today, the area is home to the iconic Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, Luke Air Force Base, and the nearby White Tanks Regional Park. The area is ideal if you’re looking for proximity to Phoenix, a convenient layout with all the standard amenities, and a quiet suburban feel. Litchfield Park also holds the distinction of providing a natural habitat for endangered species and exotic animals.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Litchfield Park.

• Population: 6,942
• Rents start at: $1,400
• Median Household Income: $94,844
• Walk Score: 54
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 54

14. Prescott

Prescott blends the best of both worlds with a small-town feel and modern amenities. It's a college town with students attending Prescott College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott. The area also has a solid job market with careers in education, healthcare, and infrastructure-related construction.

Like much of Arizona, you're never far from hiking and biking at areas like The Prescott National Forest Sharlot. Or spend some time exploring the small arts and culture scene at the Hall Museum or the Phippen Art Museum in Downtown Prescott.

• Population: 46,833
• Rents start at $1,876
• Median Household Income: $61,090
• Walk Score: 25
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 27

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Prescott.

15. Oro Valley

Just north of Tucson, Oro Valley sits at the base of Pusch Ridge with views of the Tucson skyline and Tortolita Mountains. Oro Valley is considered among the safest places to live in Arizona and boasts local galleries, studios, art walks, and over 200 sculptures and large installations peppered throughout the community. In addition, the outdoors is always within reach, offering 50 miles of trails and paths along the Santa Catalina Mountains and nearby Catalina State Park. Major employers in Orzo Valley include education, healthcare, and local government.

• Population: 47,879
• Rents start at: $1,198
• Median Household Income: $92,548
• Walk Score: 12
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 41

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Oro Valley.

16. Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills is known for its hiking trails, scenic beauty, and green space. This planned community was designed by Charles Wood, Jr., the designer of Disneyland in southern California. The town has 119 acres of parks, including Fountain Park with a lake amphitheater, playgrounds, a walking trail, and an iconic 560 ft high fountain taller than the Washington Monument.

Whether you're looking to work in hospitality or throw some dice, Fountain Hills is near Fort McDowell Casino & Resort and six pristine golf courses.

• Population: 23,819
• Rents start at: $1,500
• Median Household Income: $90,143
• Walk Score: 19
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 23

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Fountain Hills.

17. Surprise

If you love outdoor activities, you're in for a Surprise. The Sonoran desert community of Surprise, Arizona features the largest tennis and racquet complex in the Southwest, fishing at an urban lake, golf course, and a sprawling downtown park.

Sports enthusiasts can catch the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers play at the Surprise Stadium, a top-rated spring training stadium. Surprise also hosts college baseball tournaments and the local Ottawa University 21 varsity sports team. In addition, locals work in education, banking, finance, healthcare, and retail.

• Population: 149,191
• Median 2-Bedroom Rent: $1,381
• Median Household Income: $76,623
• Walk Score: 21
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 46

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Surprise.

Find an Apartment in Arizona

Whether you’re looking for the best small town in Arizona or a thriving city center, you can find something for everyone. The top cities in Arizona boast outdoor recreation, arts, cultures, and a strong job market. Or you can choose the best suburbs of Arizona to find a reprieve from bustling cities like Phoenix.

Interested in moving to Arizona? Take our easy quiz to get matched to your next apartment in Arizona today!

Best Places to Live in Arizona FAQs

Is Arizona Worth Moving To?

If you enjoy sunny days, beautiful natural spaces, Western architecture and history, and warm weather, there's a good chance you'll love Arizona. While it's probably most popular with retirees, it's also an affordable place to live, including several of its cities such as Phoenix, making it attractive to people of many ages.

Is Arizona or Texas Better to Live In?

In terms of climate, both Arizona and Texas share very hot summers, so the choice between the two may come down to other factors like taxes, which are favorable to retirees in Arizona, environment, proximity to a major city and airport, and general affordability. The cost of living in Texas is 8% below the national average, whereas it is 6% higher in Arizona according to Rent Cafe.