Sunny year-round weather, a stunning and diverse landscape, the Grand Canyon, and the red hills of Sedona are just a few things that attract visitors to Arizona.
But what about living there? Prospective residents will find more pros than cons to consider when moving to the Grand Canyon State. The cost of living is on par with the national average, the economy is strong, and job opportunities abound.
Arizona has some great cities for homebuyers ranging from small urban enclaves to world-class cities. Here are four stand-out cities to consider when relocating to Arizona.
1. Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a desert city a short drive east of Phoenix popular for golf courses, spa resorts, and the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed with lots of outdoor activity options.
A thriving nightlife scene and great shopping and dining mixed in with exciting outdoor adventures attract plenty of tourists, and visitors are so impressed they often research Scottsdale homes for sale while in town.
Located in Maricopa County, Scottsdale is a relatively new city, only incorporated in 1951. The city has experienced substantial growth over the years to become one of the top 100 US cities population-wise. Today the population is quickly reaching a quarter million.
It’s a culturally and ethnically diverse population that tends to be younger with around 32 percent between the ages of 25 and 49. However, mild year-round temperatures, healthier air, and some of the country’s best golfing also attract retirees and older residents.
Scottsdale is known for being a good place to raise a family with safe suburban areas, low crime, and excellent schools. Job seekers will find plenty of jobs available in the tourism, aviation, and healthcare industries. Salaries are significantly higher than many other US cities of a similar size.
There’s an abundance of things to do for all ages, and within a few hours, a road trip will take you to some of the country’s top ski resorts or the beaches of California.
Scottsdale homes for sale range from single-family detached dwellings to apartment complexes and multi-family homes. The most prevalent type is three and four-bedroom dwellings.
According to The Kay-Grant Group, a top-producing real estate team in Scottsdale, home prices were up 27.8 percent in February of 2024. Scottsdale homes sell after 28 days on the market on average compared to 41 days in 2024. Around 200 fewer homes were sold in 2024 than the year before.
2. Tucson
Home to the University of Arizona, Tuscon is located a little over 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. Although the college population consists of around 45,000 students and 15,000 employees compared to a total population of over a half-million, Tuscon has a definite college-town atmosphere.
Even those residents who don’t attend or work at the university find themselves caught up in the Bear school spirit. The university has an impact on the local job market, and Tucson is recognized as a top city for emerging techies.
The Rio Nuevo District has recently been revitalized, and the SunLink streetcar has turned the city into an arts and entertainment hub. Residents enjoy the 2nd Saturday festival around Congress Street each month with concerts, food trucks, and local arts and crafts fairs. The Mercado San Agustín Annex downtown has unique restaurants and shops made from old shipping containers.
Tucson has a cost of living that is six percent lower than the national average making it an affordable Arizona city to reside in. The cost of housing is also 25 percent lower than the national average.
Single-family homes are the most popular with a median price of around $132,200. The seller’s market is currently hot, and between 2024 and 2024, the average home price increased by $14.1K.
3. Flagstaff
Located north of Pheonix, Flagstaff is a picturesque Arizona city of around 72,000 residents. The landscape is characterized by mountains, ponderosa pine forests, and desert. At 7,000 ft above sea level, the city is home to Arizona’s tallest mountain (Humphrey’s Peak) and is the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy a host of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and snow sledding. Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, Wupatki National Monument, and Walnut Canyon National Monument are nearby.
Flagstaff has a suburban feel with lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Young professionals families are attracted to Flagstaff, and retirees love the clean, fresh air.
The minimum wage of $15 per hour is above the national average, and the public schools are highly rated. The city is home to Northern Arizona University and jobs in higher education and scientific research attract new residents.
As of February 2024, the median home price in Flagstaff is $640K reflecting a 20.8 percent increase from 2024. Homes are selling at an average of eight days on the market, up from 6 days in 2024. The number of homes sold each year has remained about the same.
Flagstaff has a total of 35 neighborhoods with homes ranging in price from $18.5K to $8 million. some of the top neighborhoods include Sunnyside, Country Club Estates, and Ponderosa Trails.
4. Buckeye
Buckeye, Arizona is metro Phoenix’s westernmost suburb. It was named after the nearby Buckeye Canal in 1910. Like its mother city, suburban Buckeye has one of the fastest-growing populations in the US.
With plenty of job opportunities, highly-rated schools, and a crime rate that is 29 percent lower than the national average, it’s easy to see why. The current population is around 85,000 and growing.
Buckeye has a great location near five major highways, a municipal airport, and a railway. Residents enjoy a variety of nearby attractions including the Verrado Golf Club, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area.
Planned and already developed neighborhoods in Buckeye feature resort-like amenities ranging from golf courses and clubhouses to parks and access to White Tank Mountain walking trails. Home styles include Contemporary, Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Revival, Modern Pueblo, and customized homes.
As of February 2024, the median selling price for a home in Buckeye was $423K. Several neighborhoods offer homes in the low $200s to the mid $300s. Homes sell at an average of 30 days on the market compared to 29 days in 2024. The number of homes sold in 2024 increased by 88 from 2024.
