The best cities in Arizona: 5 places worth moving to

Key takeaways

• Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Mesa rank as Arizona's top five places to live in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 rankings.
• All five cities are in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offering relatively short commutes but also the realities of extreme summer heat, water-supply concerns and car-dependent living.
• Queen Creek stands out for rapid growth and newer housing, with its population more than tripling since 2010 and most homes built after 2000.

Homebuyers looking for more space and lower costs than many coastal markets are increasingly turning to Arizona.

"Arizona continues to attract new residents because it offers a strong combination of economic opportunity, business-friendly policies and an exceptional quality of life," said Anita Verma-Lallian, founder and CEO of Arizona Land Consulting, a real estate and land development firm.

Based on U.S. News & World Report's 2026–2027 Best Places to Live rankings, the top five Arizona cities are Gilbert (1), Chandler (2), Queen Creek (3), Scottsdale (7) and Mesa (10).

All five sit within the Phoenix metropolitan area, and each scores well across quality of life, job market and value. The table below compares them on the data points that matter most to people planning a move.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2026–2027 Best Places to Live

The five cities share some common traits: All are located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offer relatively short commute times and continue to attract buyers from higher-cost states. Mesa is the most affordable of the group, both in home value and rent, while Scottsdale has the highest home prices. Queen Creek stands out for its high household incomes, rapid growth and newer housing stock.

"The Phoenix metro area remains the primary destination for out-of-state buyers, particularly those relocating from California, Washington, Illinois and Colorado," said Verma-Lallian. These cities consistently attract buyers seeking lower taxes, more living space, and a business-friendly environment.

Gilbert earned the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Arizona rankings thanks to its strong schools, newer housing stock and balanced suburban lifestyle. The town is home to nearly 279,000 residents and boasts a median household income of $123,352, a median home value of $538,229 and an average commute of just 23 minutes.

Education is one of Gilbert's biggest draws. Gilbert Public Schools holds an A rating from Niche, while Gilbert Classical Academy consistently ranks among the top high schools in Arizona.

The housing market is dominated by single-family homes, many of which are located in master-planned communities such as Power Ranch, Seville and Agritopia. Power Ranch spans more than 2,000 acres and offers parks, trails and community amenities, while Agritopia is centered around a working organic farm with on-site restaurants and seasonal produce markets.

Residents also benefit from a walkable downtown. Gilbert's Heritage District features dozens of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, while the 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch offers trails, fishing lakes, and wildlife viewing close to home.

The trade-off is cost. Gilbert's cost of living is 12.7% above the national average, according to Apartments.com, reflecting the community's popularity and strong quality of life. Property taxes remain relatively low at 0.47%.

Gilbert is a strong fit for families prioritizing highly rated schools, newer neighborhoods and a suburban lifestyle with easy access to jobs across the East Valley. With home prices that fall between more affordable Mesa and higher-priced Scottsdale, it offers a middle-ground option for buyers seeking strong schools and a high quality of life without paying luxury-market prices.

The town's housing stock is dominated by newer single-family homes, particularly in master-planned communities such as Power Ranch, Seville and Agritopia. Buyers looking for larger lots and family-oriented amenities will find plenty of options, while those seeking condos, townhouses or other attached housing may encounter a more limited selection.

Chandler has become one of Arizona's leading technology and manufacturing hubs, anchored by major employers such as Intel, Wells Fargo, and Microchip Technology. Intel's Ocotillo Campus, spanning more than 700 acres, remains one of the region's largest employment centers and has attracted significant semiconductor investment in recent years.

That concentration of high-paying jobs helps support a median household income of $108,713 while keeping the average commute to just 22 minutes. Families are also drawn to the area's schools. Chandler Unified School District earns an A+ rating from Niche and ranks among the top school districts in Arizona.

Beyond the office, Chandler offers a more walkable urban core than many Phoenix suburbs. Downtown Chandler features restaurants, breweries, entertainment venues, and community events that provide residents with a gathering place beyond the city's corporate campuses.

"Buyers benefit from access to a growing technology and manufacturing job market, excellent schools, newer housing stock and a wide range of lifestyle amenities," said Verma-Lallian.

Chandler is especially well-suited for technology, manufacturing, and finance professionals who want to live close to major employers without paying Scottsdale prices. With a median home value of $493,310, it offers a lower entry point than Gilbert and Scottsdale while still providing highly rated schools, newer housing, and a strong mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Queen Creek has transformed from a small farming community into one of the fastest-growing towns in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its population has more than tripled since 2010, fueled by buyers seeking newer homes, more space and a suburban lifestyle.

According to a MovingPlace relocation report based on moving activity data, Queen Creek's primary ZIP code, 85142, ranked as the sixth most popular destination for movers in 2025.

Housing is the town's biggest selling point. According to Queen Creek's housing assessment, 88% of homes were built after 2000, meaning buyers can often find newer floor plans, modern finishes and energy-efficient features without paying Scottsdale prices. Master-planned communities dominate the market, and builders frequently offer incentives such as mortgage rate buydowns and closing-cost assistance.

Local leaders are also investing in growth. The town's 2025-26 budget allocates nearly half of its spending to infrastructure projects to support a rapidly expanding population.

The trade-off is location. At 30 minutes, Queen Creek has the longest average commute among the five cities on this list, and its dining, shopping and entertainment options are still developing compared with more established Phoenix suburbs. However, new retail and commercial projects continue to expand the town's amenities.

Queen Creek is a strong fit for families and move-up buyers who prioritize newer construction, larger lots and master-planned communities. It also appeals to higher-income households looking for more space without sacrificing access to the Phoenix job market.

With the highest median household income and the second-highest home values among the cities on this list, Queen Creek offers a premium suburban lifestyle. Buyers commuting daily to downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale, however, should consider whether the longer drive fits their routine.

Scottsdale is the most expensive city on this list, with a median home value of $736,703. But it also offers the shortest average commute at just 20 minutes, along with some of the Phoenix area's most sought-after neighborhoods, dining destinations and outdoor amenities.

The housing market spans a wide range of price points. Buyers can find condos and townhouses in South Scottsdale that provide a more affordable entry point, while North Scottsdale is known for luxury communities, custom homes and golf-course properties. Neighborhoods such as McDowell Mountain Ranch and Pinnacle Peak attract buyers seeking larger homes and resort-style living.

Scottsdale's economy is more diversified than many buyers realize. While tourism remains a major driver, healthcare, financial services and technology also play important roles. Employers, including Mayo Clinic and a growing number of technology companies, help support the local economy beyond the hospitality sector.

Families are also drawn to Scottsdale's schools. Scottsdale Unified School District earns an A rating from Niche and serves roughly 21,000 students across 30 schools. Residents also have access to hundreds of golf courses across the metropolitan area and miles of hiking and biking trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Scottsdale is a strong fit for professionals, retirees, and lifestyle-focused buyers who prioritize amenities, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant dining and entertainment scene. While it carries the highest price tag of the five cities on this list, buyers can often find more attainable options in South Scottsdale through condos, townhouses and older single-family homes.

Those seeking walkable nightlife, restaurants, arts venues and year-round outdoor activities will find few communities in Arizona that offer the same mix of lifestyle and convenience.

The largest city on the list also offers the lowest home prices.

With a median home value of $429,734, Mesa is the most affordable of Arizona's five highest-ranked cities. It's also the largest, with more than 530,000 residents spread across a wide range of neighborhoods, giving buyers more choices at different price points.

That diversity is one of Mesa's biggest strengths. East Mesa communities such as Las Sendas, Red Mountain Ranch, and Eastmark offer many of the same amenities that attract buyers to Gilbert and Chandler, including newer homes, master-planned developments, and access to outdoor recreation. Downtown Mesa, meanwhile, has evolved into a growing hub for restaurants, arts and entertainment.

The trade-off is that Mesa can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next. School quality differs across districts, and some older areas may require more maintenance than newer master-planned communities. Buyers should focus their search on specific neighborhoods rather than citywide averages.

Mesa is a strong fit for first-time buyers, growing families and anyone looking to maximize their housing budget. Buyers can often find more square footage and larger lots than they would in Gilbert, Chandler or Scottsdale while still benefiting from proximity to major employers across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

No matter which Arizona city you choose, buyers should consider a few factors that can influence both monthly expenses and long-term property values.

• Extreme summer heat. Temperatures in the Phoenix metropolitan area regularly exceed 110 degrees during the summer. Air-conditioning costs can significantly increase utility bills, and many outdoor activities shift to the early morning or evening.
• Water resources. Arizona relies on a mix of Colorado River water, Salt River Project supplies and groundwater. While cities continue to invest in long-term water planning, buyers may want to research their community's water provider and future water supply outlook.
• Car-dependent communities. All five cities on this list are designed primarily around driving. Public transit options are limited outside central Phoenix and Tempe, making transportation costs and commute times important considerations.
• Homeowner associations, or HOAs, and ongoing development. Many newer communities require HOA membership, which can add monthly costs. Rapid growth can also change a neighborhood's character over time as new homes, retail centers and roads are built nearby.

"Buyers should also carefully evaluate commute times, water resources, HOA requirements and future development plans, as neighborhoods can evolve quickly," said Verma-Lallian. "It's important to think beyond today's home price and consider how the surrounding area is expected to grow over the next decade."

Arizona remains popular with remote and hybrid workers because housing costs are generally lower than in many coastal markets, and buyers can often get more space for their budget. Cities such as Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek are particularly attractive to remote workers seeking larger homes, newer construction, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Arizona's effective property tax rates are generally below the national average, helping keep ownership costs relatively affordable. In Maricopa County, cities such as Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa typically have property tax rates below 0.5%, which can help offset higher home prices in some communities.

School boundaries are based on a home's address, not the city in which it's located. This is especially important in Mesa, where school quality can vary across districts and individual campuses. Before making an offer, buyers should review school assignments and ratings for the specific property they are considering.

Inventory has improved across much of the Phoenix metropolitan area compared with the highly competitive conditions of 2021 and 2022, giving buyers more options and, in some cases, greater negotiating power.

"The market has become more balanced than it was over the past few years, giving buyers more negotiating power and a wider selection of homes," said Verma-Lallian. "Buyers should focus on long-term value rather than trying to perfectly time interest rates, as the right property in a strong market can remain an excellent investment over time."

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