Thinking about moving to or within Arizona? You’re not alone—and now, there’s fresh data to guide your decision.
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025–2026 Best Places to Live in the U.S., and Arizona cities are shining on the list. The rankings evaluate cities based on quality of life, value, job market, and desirability—making this one of the most comprehensive looks at where Americans want to live right now.
This year, the study expanded to include over 850 U.S. cities, offering a more community-level view than ever before. The top 250 were recognized, and among them, 20 cities across Arizona earned their spot.
Top 20 Best Places to Live in Arizona (According to U.S. News & World Report)
1. Queen Creek
Overall Score: 6.2
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Population: 68,717
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Median Home Value: $547,271
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Median Rent: $1,678
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Median Household Income: $133,328
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Average Commute: 29 minutes
Queen Creek claims the No. 1 spot in Arizona thanks to its blend of luxury, suburban charm, and booming family-friendly growth.
2. Gilbert
Overall Score: 6.2
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Population: 272,479
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Median Household Income: $120,156
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Median Home Value: $496,010
3. Marana
Overall Score: 6.1
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Population: 55,483
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Median Home Value: $358,011
4. Chandler
Overall Score: 6.1
A tech hub with strong infrastructure and a great job market.
5. Scottsdale
Overall Score: 6.0
Known for luxury living, golfing, and vibrant tourism appeal.
6–10
6. Sierra Vista – Affordable and military-friendly
7. Peoria – Family-oriented with lots of green space
8. Surprise – Strong community vibe, growing infrastructure
9. Maricopa – Affordable homes and suburban feel
10. Mesa – Large, established city with growing opportunities
11–20
11. Goodyear – Up-and-coming west valley suburb
12. Buckeye – One of the fastest-growing U.S. cities
13. Phoenix – Arizona’s capital with a diverse job market
14. Avondale – Balanced affordability and access to downtown
15. Tucson – Historic culture and affordable cost of living
16. Prescott – Mountain town charm with higher home values
17. Glendale – Entertainment, sports, and affordable homes
18. Casa Grande – Short commutes and affordable living
19. Lake Havasu City – Outdoor recreation hotspot
20. Tempe – College town energy and innovation
What Makes a City Desirable in 2025?
According to Erika Giovanetti of U.S. News, quality of life remains the top factor, but growing weight is given to job market strength, especially as economic uncertainty affects housing trends.
The methodology behind the rankings includes:
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U.S. Census data
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Bureau of Labor Statistics
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FEMA and NOAA for environmental safety
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Consumer sentiment surveys on priorities like affordability and commute time
Why This Matters for Arizona Home Buyers and Sellers
Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or investing in real estate, understanding how cities rank can guide smart decisions.
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Buyers can compare affordability and lifestyle across locations.
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Sellers in top-ranked areas may see stronger demand and pricing power.
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Investors can target high-growth, high-value markets for long-term gains.
Spotlight: Why Queen Creek Tops the List
Queen Creek stands out with:
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High median household income
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Excellent schools and community amenities
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Strong real estate market with beautiful new developments
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Easy access to Phoenix without the urban congestion
If you’re considering relocating to Queen Creek or the East Valley, now may be the perfect time to explore your options.
Source:
“The 20 best places to live in Arizona, according to U.S. News,” AZ Big Media
Read the full report at azbigmedia.com
