Best places to live in Arizona in 2023
Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon State, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thriving cities, and a diverse range of opportunities for both retirees and young professionals. With its stunning landscapes, abundant sunshine, and over 300 golf courses, Arizona has something for everyone. While the housing market in the state experienced a surge during the pandemic, it’s now stabilizing, making it a great time to consider making Arizona your home.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of four cities that stand out as Bankrate’s best places to live in Arizona:
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Phoenix
- Median home sale price: $440,000
- Cost of living: 104.7 (national average is 100)
- Average salary: $51,851
- Unemployment rate: 3.4%
- Total employees year-over-year: +4.3%
- Well-being: 66.3 out of 100
- Diversity: 64.5 out of 100
- Net migration: +1.4% population increase year-over-year
Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona, offers a plethora of career opportunities with renowned employers like American Express, Honeywell, and Intel. Whether you’re hiking Camelback Mountain or savoring award-winning cuisine at Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix promises a vibrant lifestyle.
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Tucson
- Median home sale price: $340,000
- Cost of living: 102.1 (national average is 100)
- Average salary: $48,373
- Unemployment rate: 3.6%
- Total employees year-over-year: +3.0%
- Well-being: 65.7 out of 100
- Diversity: 62.5 out of 100
- Net migration: +0.8% population increase year-over-year
Nestled in the picturesque landscape, Tucson offers a serene lifestyle with awe-inspiring mountain views. It’s home to the University of Arizona, making it an ideal place for both studying and remote work. With a lower median home price than the national average, Tucson provides affordability without compromising quality of life.
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Flagstaff
- Median home sale price: $647,450
- Cost of living: 115.1 (national average is 100)
- Average salary: $53,036
- Unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Total employees year-over-year: +5.9%
- Well-being: 64.9 out of 100
- Diversity: 60.6 out of 100
- Net migration: -0.2% population decrease year-over-year
Flagstaff, a small town with big opportunities, boasts a mountainous terrain that offers both summer hiking and winter skiing. With a thriving restaurant and craft-beer scene, Flagstaff combines the charm of a small community with the amenities of a larger city.
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Lake Havasu City
- Median home sale price: $467,500
- Cost of living: 143.4 (national average is 100)
- Average salary: $36,529
- Unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Total employees year-over-year: +4.7%
- Well-being: 65.3 out of 100
- Diversity: 40.0 out of 100
- Net migration: +2.8% population increase year-over-year
Located on the border with California, Lake Havasu City is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and abundant water activities. While the cost of living is higher, the city’s impressive well-being score and high net migration rate indicate a strong appeal for newcomers.
Methodology:
Our selection of the best places to live in Arizona is based on five key factors: well-being, job markets, affordability, migration, and diversity. We have gathered data from reputable sources including Sharecare, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Council for Community and Economic Research, and the U.S. Census Bureau to provide you with a comprehensive overview of these cities.