Best Places to Live in Arizona

Arizona is known for its desert sunsets, mountain views and breathtaking landscape. Mild winters and endless sunshine makes it a place people love to call home. But Arizona is more than just scenery that draws people in. Over the past few years, the state has seen a steady economic growth, with the rise of tech and remote jobs, and the semiconductor industry. New home construction has also helped meet the rising demand, keeping the housing market attainable. With that in mind, here are 10 of the best places to live in Arizona.

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Rankings: 10 Best Places in Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ

How do you rate Scottsdale?

Scottsdale is where desert beauty meets high-end living. It’s a magnet for pros in finance and real estate who want a mix of luxury and adventure. You can spend your morning hiking the 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve and you...

43/100

Safety Score

Why is Scottsdale safe?

Personal Safety : 46

Personal Safety: 46/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

500%

Rape

102

34.21%

Robbery

33.93%

Aggravated Assault

279

15.29%

Kidnapping / Abduction

17.65%

Property Safety : 43

Property Safety: 43/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

364

18.75%

Larceny

3,635

3.27%

Motor Vehicle Theft

262

31.77%

Arson

42.86%

Theft From Building

546

4.55%

Community Safety : 35

Community Safety: 35/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,332

0.91%

Stolen Property Offenses

118

10.61%

Vandalism

1,163

22.62%

Weapon Law Violations

211

7.65%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

699

11.07%

Home Prices in Scottsdale

$960,000

Median Home Rent

$2,380

Homes for Sale in Scottsdale Link

(View 2,997 homes)

Flagstaff, AZ

How do you rate Flagstaff?

Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet, offering real winters and snowy peaks. It’s a college town, home to NAU and the state’s best school, BASIS Flagstaff. You’ve got skiing at Arizona Snowbowl and the Grand Canyon just 90 minutes away. T...

89/100

Safety Score

Why is Flagstaff safe?

Personal Safety : 87

Personal Safety: 87/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

89.09%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

85.88%

Kidnapping / Abduction

82.93%

Property Safety : 94

Property Safety: 94/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

89.58%

Larceny

201

86.71%

Motor Vehicle Theft

83.02%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

81.82%

Community Safety : 86

Community Safety: 86/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

240

84.02%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

136

84.96%

Weapon Law Violations

89.55%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

87.26%

Home Prices in Flagstaff

$810,000

Median Home Rent

$1,850

Homes for Sale in Flagstaff Link

(View 285 homes)

Prescott, AZ

How do you rate Prescott?

Prescott offers that classic small-town charm with pine trees and mild summers that desert dwellers crave. Retirees and remote workers flock here for the historic Whiskey Row and the endless trails in the National Forest. You even...

30/100

Safety Score

Why is Prescott safe?

Personal Safety : 29

Personal Safety: 29/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

66.67%

Rape

8.82%

Robbery

41.67%

Aggravated Assault

267

15.58%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 27

Property Safety: 27/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

119

9.16%

Larceny

705

6.37%

Motor Vehicle Theft

7.69%

Arson

11.11%

Theft From Building

39.62%

Community Safety : 11

Community Safety: 11/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

928

9.46%

Stolen Property Offenses

7.69%

Vandalism

484

23.78%

Weapon Law Violations

124

14.48%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

223

35.36%

Home Prices in Prescott

$600,000

Median Home Rent

$1,725

Homes for Sale in Prescott Link

(View 2,812 homes)

Gilbert, AZ

How do you rate Gilbert?

If you’re looking for a place to raise a family, Gilbert is hard to beat. It’s consistently ranked as one of Arizona’s safest cities, with crime rates nearly half the state average. Families love the top-tier schools like Highland...

68/100

Safety Score

Why is Gilbert safe?

Personal Safety : 68

Personal Safety: 68/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

600%

Rape

Robbery

30%

Aggravated Assault

215

22.38%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 73

Property Safety: 73/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

174

21.97%

Larceny

1,956

15.87%

Motor Vehicle Theft

160

7.51%

Arson

77.78%

Theft From Building

14.63%

Community Safety : 61

Community Safety: 61/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,595

11.29%

Stolen Property Offenses

15%

Vandalism

286

66.27%

Weapon Law Violations

178

4.71%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

677

27.83%

Home Prices in Gilbert

$580,000

Median Home Rent

$2,150

Homes for Sale in Gilbert Link

(View 1,065 homes)

Peoria, AZ

How do you rate Peoria?

Peoria is a hidden gem for families who prioritize outdoor fun. It’s home to Lake Pleasant, where weekends are spent boating, fishing, and camping across 10,000 acres. The schools, like Liberty High, are highly rated, and the comm...

59/100

Safety Score

Why is Peoria safe?

Personal Safety : 57

Personal Safety: 57/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

33.33%

Rape

36.84%

Robbery

42.86%

Aggravated Assault

254

32.8%

Kidnapping / Abduction

9.68%

Property Safety : 66

Property Safety: 66/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

172

44.34%

Larceny

1,274

31.87%

Motor Vehicle Theft

123

58.86%

Arson

27.78%

Theft From Building

29.46%

Community Safety : 55

Community Safety: 55/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,182

19.59%

Stolen Property Offenses

24.56%

Vandalism

633

6.77%

Weapon Law Violations

121

33.15%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

236

35.52%

Home Prices in Peoria

$540,000

Median Home Rent

$1,895

Homes for Sale in Peoria Link

(View 1,236 homes)

Chandler, AZ

How do you rate Chandler?

Chandler has transformed into a massive tech hub, with giants like Intel and Northrop Grumman providing a rock-solid job market. It’s a hit with families thanks to stellar districts like Chandler Unified and planned communities li...

67/100

Safety Score

Why is Chandler safe?

Personal Safety : 74

Personal Safety: 74/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

23.53%

Robbery

46.27%

Aggravated Assault

196

27.94%

Kidnapping / Abduction

29.63%

Property Safety : 61

Property Safety: 61/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

227

33.82%

Larceny

2,632

28.03%

Motor Vehicle Theft

202

21.71%

Arson

9.09%

Theft From Building

232

37.63%

Community Safety : 58

Community Safety: 58/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,504

5.88%

Stolen Property Offenses

21.05%

Vandalism

383

29.21%

Weapon Law Violations

274

9.6%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

612

15.93%

Home Prices in Chandler

$515,000

Median Home Rent

$2,075

Homes for Sale in Chandler Link

(View 986 homes)

Tempe, AZ

How do you rate Tempe?

Tempe is fueled by the energy of Arizona State University’s 65,000 students, making it a hotspot for young professionals and researchers. Mill Avenue is the heart of the action, filled with live music and a vibrant, inclusive LGBT...

29/100

Safety Score

Why is Tempe safe?

Personal Safety : 23

Personal Safety: 23/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

125

9.42%

Robbery

100

21.88%

Aggravated Assault

490

22.1%

Kidnapping / Abduction

27.03%

Property Safety : 36

Property Safety: 36/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

471

26.75%

Larceny

3,671

15.45%

Motor Vehicle Theft

364

37.13%

Arson

28.57%

Theft From Building

36.15%

Community Safety : 32

Community Safety: 32/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

2,458

16.08%

Stolen Property Offenses

112.5%

Vandalism

764

63.41%

Weapon Law Violations

196

27.68%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

672

25.66%

Home Prices in Tempe

$480,000

Median Home Rent

$1,850

Homes for Sale in Tempe Link

(View 511 homes)

Phoenix, AZ

How do you rate Phoenix?

If you want to be at the center of it all, Phoenix is the state's economic engine. It’s the best spot for career growth in finance and tech, offering everything from trendy lofts in Roosevelt Row to the quiet suburbs of Ahwatukee....

37/100

Safety Score

Why is Phoenix safe?

Personal Safety : 16

Personal Safety: 16/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

31.65%

Rape

773

27.69%

Robbery

1,923

36.32%

Aggravated Assault

5,552

696.56%

Kidnapping / Abduction

170

100%

Property Safety : 38

Property Safety: 38/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

3,443

34.72%

Larceny

18,351

30.25%

Motor Vehicle Theft

4,640

34.5%

Arson

129

42.92%

Theft From Building

450

100%

Community Safety : 89

Community Safety: 89/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

3,709

100%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

Weapon Law Violations

584

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Phoenix

$455,000

Median Home Rent

$1,750

Homes for Sale in Phoenix Link

(View 6,264 homes)

Mesa, AZ

How do you rate Mesa?

Mesa offers a sweet spot for those who want to be near Phoenix jobs without the high price tag. It’s widely considered one of the best value spots in the state. Neighborhoods like Eastmark are famous for being safe and family-frie...

38/100

Safety Score

Why is Mesa safe?

Personal Safety : 38

Personal Safety: 38/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

14.29%

Rape

129

47.77%

Robbery

224

13.51%

Aggravated Assault

1,625

17.55%

Kidnapping / Abduction

20%

Property Safety : 42

Property Safety: 42/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

736

24.51%

Larceny

4,504

19.43%

Motor Vehicle Theft

759

26.1%

Arson

24.39%

Theft From Building

698

16%

Community Safety : 31

Community Safety: 31/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

5,509

12.8%

Stolen Property Offenses

209

20.23%

Vandalism

639

23.47%

Weapon Law Violations

595

6.15%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

2,690

21.67%

Home Prices in Mesa

$445,000

Median Home Rent

$1,625

Homes for Sale in Mesa Link

(View 2,255 homes)

#10

Tucson, AZ

How do you rate Tucson?

For a more affordable, laid-back desert life, Tucson is the go-to. It’s much easier on the wallet than Phoenix and has a diverse economy powered by the University of Arizona and Raytheon. You’ll find great magnet schools for the k...

57/100

Safety Score

Why is Tucson safe?

Personal Safety : 58

Personal Safety: 58/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

67.35%

Rape

87.71%

Robbery

139

79.22%

Aggravated Assault

970

62.52%

Kidnapping / Abduction

27.05%

Property Safety : 57

Property Safety: 57/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

226

87.37%

Larceny

7,860

46.38%

Motor Vehicle Theft

597

79.62%

Arson

70.4%

Theft From Building

258

80.79%

Community Safety : 54

Community Safety: 54/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

2,621

65.4%

Stolen Property Offenses

27.78%

Vandalism

3,100

57.54%

Weapon Law Violations

457

55.8%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

2,346

14.94%

Home Prices in Tucson

$325,000

Median Home Rent

$1,420

Homes for Sale in Tucson Link

(View 110 homes)

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Arizona

Top 3 Best Places to Retire in Arizona

Top 3 Best Places to Live in Arizona for Families

Top 3 Best Places to Live in Arizona for Young Adults

Best Affordable Places to Live in Arizona

Finding the most affordable places to live in Arizona doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life. These cities deliver housing costs well below state averages, with some offering homes under $270,000, while maintaining access to jobs, schools, and essential services. Budget-conscious buyers and renters discover real value in these communities.

City	Median Home Price	Median Rent	Cost of Living vs. State Avg.	Affordability Score
Douglas	$162,379	$784	15% lower	9.3/10
San Luis	$234,160	$1,500	9% lower	8.4/10
Eloy	$266,060	$1,100	13% lower	8.8/10
Kingman	$266,716	$1,600	7% lower	8.1/10
Yuma	$295,559	$1,600	9% lower	8.2/10
Coolidge	$280,396	$1,650	10% lower	8.3/10

Safest Places to Live in Arizona

Safety matters when choosing where to live. These safest cities in Arizona report the lowest crime rates statewide, with violent crime incidents under 125 per 100,000 residents. Families, retirees, and professionals choose these communities for their secure neighborhoods, active police presence, and strong community values.

Oro Valley

83/100

Score

Safest Safest

Buckeye

70/100

Score

Safest Safest

Gilbert

68/100

Score

Safest Safest

Queen Creek

58/100

Score

Safest Safest

Maricopa

53/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to live in Arizona?

Gilbert ranks as the best place to live in Arizona for overall quality of life, with top-rated schools (Highland High ranked #3 in Arizona), low crime rates (45% below state average), and family-friendly amenities. Scottsdale is best for luxury living, Tempe attracts young professionals, while Tucson remains one of the most affordable options in the state.

What are the most affordable places to live in Arizona?

Douglas delivers the lowest housing costs, with a median homes price of $162,379 and a median rent of $784, making it the most affordable place to live in Arizona. However, limited job opportunities push most buyers toward Yuma, Kingman, and Coolidge, which balance lower costs with better access to employment and amenities.

Is Arizona a good place to retire?

Yes, Arizona ranks among America's top retirement destinations. The state has no estate tax, low property taxes (0.62% average), year-round warm weather, and excellent healthcare facilities. Sun City pioneered age-restricted communities, Scottsdale provides luxury retirement living, and Prescott attracts retirees seeking cooler mountain climates. These factors make Arizona highly desirable for seniors nationwide.

What are the best places to live in Arizona for families?

Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek rank as the best places to raise a family in Arizona. These cities have high-quality schools (8-9/10 ratings), maintain low crime rates, offer master-planned communities with pools and parks, and provide strong job markets. Arizona's lack of state estate tax and relatively low property taxes also benefit families financially.

Where should young professionals live in Arizona?

Tempe tops the list for young adults, with ASU-driven tech and research jobs, Mill Avenue's lively bars, restaurants, and entertainment, and an energetic social scene. Scottsdale attracts those seeking higher salaries in finance and tech, while Chandler offers careers at Intel alongside affordable living and easy access to Phoenix.

What are the safest towns in Arizona?

Some of the safest towns in Arizona are Gilbert, Chandler, Peoria, and Scottsdale, with crime rates 25–45% below the state average. These communities feature family-friendly neighborhoods, strong schools, and robust local amenities, making them ideal for families and professionals seeking safety and quality of life.

What do first-time buyers need to know before purchasing a home in Arizona?

Knowing how to buy a house in Arizona means being prepared for a fast-moving market, particularly in high-demand cities like Gilbert and Chandler where inventory moves quickly. Connecting with a local agent early and exploring state assistance programs can give first-time buyers a stronger foothold before making an offer.

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Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.