About 60 miles from Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona City offers a more rural way of life between two of the state’s largest cities. The population remains less than 11,000, and many locals are snowbirds. “It’s a tough area that is a little divided, but it’s a great location. My husband is the pastor of a church there,” says Debra Kwiat, an agent with HomeSmart Premier. “It is a city that was originally planned to be kind of a Palm Springs vibe, but they ended up changing that plan to half retirement, half Section 8.” Since its humble beginnings as a master-planned community in the 1960s, the area has grown to include more housing options and amenities. With median home prices $100,000 below the Pinal County median, Arizona City provides a lower-cost alternative to Casa Grande and Eloy.
Outdoor adventures in Arizona City include picturesque hiking trails in the Sonoran Desert.
Arizona City's elegant waterfront homes are suitable for the retirement community.
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Prices below the average for Pinal County
Properties in Arizona City embrace the desert scenery with minimalist landscaping. Front yards feature beds of red rock, and the occasional palm tree or mature cactus lines each street. Paradise Lake Association remains one of the area’s most in-demand communities because of its waterfront properties, but homeowners associations are few and far between. As an eligible city for the Arizona Department of Housing’s Pathway to Purchase program, Arizona City appeals to homebuyers seeking down payment or closing cost assistance. According to Phoenix Realtors, the median price for a single-family home in Arizona City is $275,000, about 25% less than the median in Tucson. “You can get a huge house with a pool for under $300,000, probably even around $250,000,” Kwiat says. Overall, homes sit on flat lots with views of several mountains, including the Picacho and Casa Grande. Though located in the desert, around 25% of the city features a minor to major flood risk.
From contemporary to traditional, Arizona City offers a diverse range of home styles.
One of the area’s most in-demand homes are waterfront properties in Arizona City.
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Mountain trails within a 20-mile drive
Except for Arizona City Park and Arizona City Golf Club, opportunities to hike or explore the outdoors are several miles away. The nearest trails weave through the Casa Grande Mountains, about 5 miles north, while the most extensive paths are 20 miles away in the Picacho Mountains. “Hiking is all within 20 to 30 minutes, so it’s a great location, but the city is unincorporated, so there’s no real beautification,” Kwiat says. Because of its unincorporated status, Arizona City does not have a local government — one of the main reasons for its minimal recreational spaces.
Arizona City has opportunities to hike or explore the outdoors.
Shoot some hoops and have fun at Arizona City Park's basketball courts.
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Community hubs in a residential area
Nightlife in the area is sparse, and most bars are inside a local restaurant. Tap Inn, part of the Arizona City Golf Club, features live music and karaoke throughout the week, making it the top spot for entertainment. One of the area's main hubs of daytime activity is the Arizona City Community Library, which hosts book clubs, classes in financial literacy, and regular hangout sessions for homeschooled students. Places of worship also act as community hubs throughout the city. Churches are a frequent sight along Sunland Gin Road and South Overfield Road, but the presence of local ministries is notable throughout Arizona City. “We have food banks, and then our associate pastor and his family go to the dollar store and set up a booth for prayer,” Kwiat says.
Discover a taste of Mexico with a seafood twist at Casa Mora in Arizona City.
Dine in style and unwind with friends at Tap Inn Restaurant and Bar in Arizona City.
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Commutes to Casa Grande, Phoenix and Tucson
Many locals travel 15 miles northwest to Casa Grande for work and shopping needs, as Arizona City includes few stores of its own. Because of its central location, commuters can also head to Phoenix and Tucson as needed, and residents can reach top vacation destinations in a day’s drive. “You don’t have the congestion because you’re not in the Phoenix metro area where it is crazy,” Kwiat says. “You’re smack dab between Tucson and Phoenix and about 5 hours away from Las Vegas, San Diego, New Mexico and the Grand Canyon. You can be snow skiing in less than 3 hours.” The nearest commercial airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International, about 60 miles away.
Schools in surrounding towns and cities
Elementary students can attend nearby Toltec School District, which earns a C-minus from Niche. For middle school, students can travel to Casa Grande for charter and magnet options like Legacy Traditional and The Grande Innovation, and for high school, students can attend Casa Grande Union High School District, which earns a C-plus and features two public high schools. Private options similarly require a ride to towns and cities like Casa Grande and Mesa.
Arizona City Elementary in Arizona City serves students from Pre-K to eighth grade.
Find endless adventures within the pages of books at Arizona City's community library.
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Declining crime rates in Pinal County
Across Pinal County, crime rates fall below the national average, and the CAP Index reports that the Crime Score in Arizona City aligns with nationwide averages. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the county's total number of violent crimes declined from 313 to 274 between 2021 and 2022. The Pinal County Attorney's Office reports that over 38% of cases filed from February 2023 to February 2024 were drug offenses, while 15.5% were related to assault.
Combatting economic hardship
With less than 50% of its population in the labor force, Arizona City trends below the national average for employment. Homes make up over 98% of the area, so job opportunities are primarily limited to Casa Grande’s national chains and the major employers of Tucson and Phoenix. According to the United States Census Bureau, 13.4% of Arizona City residents are experiencing poverty. To help the community, the Arizona City Fire Department raises money for seniors, donates safety kits to children and finds other ways to give back to residents. Pinal County also hopes to foster a more robust economy in Arizona City. The county’s Comprehensive Plan aims to “promote key social businesses” and improve the presence of parks and recreational spaces throughout the community.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Alex Medina
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Goodman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Arizona City, AZ sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Arizona City, AZ over the last 12 months is $256,123, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover refined living in this beautifully crafted NEW CONSTRUCTION Home that proves less square footage doesn't mean less comfort. Designed with intention, this efficient floor plan lives large with ample storage throughout and stylish upgrades in every corner. Inside, enjoy quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, white shaker cabinets, and wood-look laminate flooring. The spacious
Nallely De La Pena ArenivarMy Home Group Real Estate
Stunning New Build in Rapidly Growing Arizona City - Modern Luxury Meets Small-Town Charm! Experience elevated living in this beautifully designed new construction home featuring neutral tones inside and out, a paved driveway and walkway, and a charming open porch. The desert front landscape offers curb appeal with low maintenance, while the spacious backyard is ready for your dream design.
Nallely De La Pena ArenivarMy Home Group Real Estate
Spacious 4 bed, 3 bath home with loft and over 2,400 sq. ft. of updated living space. Fresh interior paint, new carpet, light fixtures, and appliances make it move-in ready. The bright, open layout in the great room makes entertaining easy. Upstairs loft w/bathroom adds flexibility for work or play. Downstairs is a split floor plan and laundry room. Block-fenced backyard with RV gate and
Modern 4-Bedroom Home with RV Gate & 2-Car Garage - Built in 2021!Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring solid block construction and built in 2021 for modern living. Perfectly situated in a desirable neighborhood, this home offers comfort, functionality, and style.Step inside to an open-concept layout with spacious living and dining areas, perfect for
Dreaming of waterfront living in the desert? This lot is over 10,000 sq.ft. on Paradise Lake in Arizona City and offers the perfect setting to build your dream home! With utilities available and no HOA you're free to build the home you want! The mandatory lake association ensures that the lake is well-maintained and the water levels are preserved so you can enjoy the peaceful view. Located 1/2
One floor Townhome style with amazing views and a large private block fenced backyard that is gated. Full side by side washer and dryer in the patio closet. New electrical stove. Electrical Oven. Ceiling fans in all rooms, kitchen, and living room. Bonus game room. Gas water heater. Full bathroom and half bathroom with side by side washer and dryer. New bathroom vanity and sinks. Central cold and
Spacious 3 Bedrrom 2 Bathroom home. Island kitchen and 2 pantries. Stainlees steele refrigerator. Built in Microwave. Washer and dryer are included for use, not warranted. Primary Bedroom has walk in closet, double sinks, garden tub and shower.Plant shelves throughout home. Access door from Primary bedroom out to back patio. Extended back patio. Block wall fencing with RV gates. Corner lot!
NO HOA!!!!! Discover this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom new build located on a spacious lot along the Arizona City Golf Course. Perfectly positioned near the cart path for tees 6 and 7, this home offers scenic views and quick access to the green. Featuring a great room with a desirable split floor plan, enhanced by recessed lighting throughout. The spacious kitchen is a chef's dream,
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