Arizona offers diverse climates, with each city offering something different for the residents that live there.
WorldAtlas has ranked the top ten best places in Arizona to live, but whether one is better than another depends on which city fits your needs best. Whether you prefer a big city or a small mountain town, this WorldAtlas list offers something for everyone in Arizona.
Climate and population aren't the only things the ranking considers. Housing prices, job accessibility and safety were also considered in the ranking.
Although the usual Arizona cities have been highlighted, some Arizona cities you may have never considered have some great perks that might have you reconsidering your next big move.
Scottsdale
It's no surprise that Scottsdale is a hotspot
for those who can afford it.
The city is premium for night lights, restaurants, employment and health care, while also having the mountain in your backyard for outdoor recreational activities. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve connects suburban neighborhoods to the desert outdoors, allowing for a solid hike without having to venture outside the city.
However, all this comes at a price. According to WorldAtlas, the median listing price is about $915,625, nearly twice Arizona's median of $467,000.
Still, WordAtlas cites major job opportunities in Scottsdale in markets like health care, finance, technology and defense with companies such as Mayo Clinic, Vanguard, General Dynamics and Axon that have operations within Scottsdale.
Chandler
For those who might be a little intimidated by Scottsdale, Chandler might be the perfect step down with a smaller population size and cheaper home prices without having to sacrifice the fun of a bigger city.
Median home prices in Chandler are about $564,750, and there are employment options from major companies like Intel, Wells Fargo and Bank of America, according to WorldAtlas. Chandler's downtown district also offers shopping, nightlife and restaurants that give the suburban life a big city feel.
Gilbert
While Gilbert is still one of the pricier cities from World Atlas's list, it is a hub for those seeking family life.
Gilbert is a considerably safe area with 1.3 violent crimes and 7.8 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Its property crime rate has fallen from 10.3 per 1,000 in 2024, according to WorldAtlas. Both Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified District's in-person schools received an "A" from the Arizona Department of Education.
Still, the median home price in Gilbert falls above the state median at $619,450.
Queen Creek
However, for larger families who don't mind the cost and want more space, Queen Creek could be an option, according to WorldAtlas. Queen Creek has a higher median household income with larger housing options accessibility to the outdoors through San Tan Mountain Regional Park.
The city also has a low crime rate, with 1.2 violent crimes and 8.3 property crimes per 1,000 residents.
Surprise
While Surprise continues to develop, the housing prices remain low compared with other cities on the list.
According to WorldAtlas, Surprise's median housing price is about $442,336, slightly below Arizona's statewide median of $467,000.
Low crime rates, local aquatic centers, libraries and sports facilities make Surprise the perfect spot for families and retirees who don't want to commute to the East Valley.
Goodyear
Goodyear has also continued to develop in the West Valley while maintaining a more modest price tag. The current median listing price is about $482,500, which is slightly above the state's median, while having a direct route to Phoenix through Interstate 10.
Tucson
Tucson is a choice for those who still want a big city without having to deal with Phoenix prices. The city's current median listing price is about $362,450, more than $100,000 below Arizona's statewide median.
Tucson also has more opportunities for the desert outdoors than Phoenix does, with Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon.
The University of Arizona also offers education, employment, athletics and public transportation that connects the university to local districts across the city.
Marana and Oro Valley
Marana and Oro Valley also offer Tucson desert scenery without getting caught up in the big city. While Marana sits between Tucson and Oro Valley, it offers housing prices slightly lower than Oro Valley, but still above Tucson prices.
Although Oro Valley is a little pricier, Catalina State Park connects hikers right to the trails for those serious about the outdoors.
Flagstaff
Unlike every other city on this list, Flagstaff provides a cold, snowy retreat for those getting away from the heat.
Flagstaff residents get snowy, picturesque Christmases with a ski resort close to home. Northern Arizona University also provides employment and education, as well as public transportation through Mountain Line buses around the campus and downtown area.
However, a luxury like this comes at a price. Flagstaff has one of the most expensive housing markets in the state, making living here reasonable only for those who can afford it and put a high value on the outdoors and the cool air.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These Arizona cities were named the best places to live in 2026
