Picking the Perfect Place to Live in Arizona
Could It Be Tucson AZ?
What are the best places to live in Arizona? The answer to this question is not surprising – it depends!
It depends on a variety of factors related to personal preferences and circumstances.
For example.
If you are being transferred to Arizona by your employer, the location will be where the job is at. Although in recent times, working from home in any location is possible.
If you are moving and looking for work, the larger cities in Arizona offer a plethora of choices.
For retirees or those planning to retire soon, the options are much broader. In this case, preferences of weather, activities, and lifestyle play a crucial role.
As well as the choice between being a seasonal or full-time resident in Arizona. More and more people are opting for 55+ communities for either of these choices.
The good news is that Arizona provides opportunities for any of these decisions.
What are Your Interests?
After the basics are determined, additional considerations will help you determine the best places to live in Arizona – for YOU!
- Do you want to be close to lots of cultural things, sports, shopping, etc.?
- Do you want cooler weather or hotter?
- Are you outdoorsy and want to do things year-round?
- What sports do you like? Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Hiking, etc.
- Can you deal with hot weather part of the year?
It is worth noting that Arizona has seven ecological zones within its boundaries. That means living in Arizona gives a person an endless range of topography and climate. From higher elevations with colder temperatures to desert locations with hotter temperatures.
And yes, there are many of the middle of the road locations with some elevation and more moderated temperatures.
To answer the question “where are the best places to live in Arizona”, it is helpful to understand that Arizona is a very large state. From mountains in the north to Sonoran Desert in the south. The major regions of Arizona are very different in topography and weather.
The Best Places to Live in Arizona – Southern
The southern region around Tucson provides some of the best year around weather in Arizona. The greater Tucson area is the second largest metropolitan area in Arizona with about 1 million people. Tucson is at an elevation of around 2,700 feet and up to 3,400 feet for some communities.
Southern Arizona weather is cooler than Phoenix throughout the year. Snow can happen at the higher elevations in the winter, but it is rare and usually melted by mid-morning should it occur.
Tucson offers many large city conveniences without the hassles and traffic. Please note that there is only one free way through Tucson and most travel is on surface streets. But traffic moves well.
Tucson offers a relaxed and casual lifestyle built on active outdoor lifestyles. The University of Arizona is located in Tucson and has attained national recognition in basketball, football and baseball.
The Best Places to Live in Arizona – North
North region is usually identified as the area near Flagstaff and includes Sedona, Payton and Prescott Valley. Flagstaff is at a elevation of 6,900 feet. The other cities are slightly lower with elevations ranging from 4,400 to 5,000 feet.
That provides mild temperatures in the summer and cold temps in the winter. Lots of people go skiing in Flagstaff in the winter. This area might be one of the best places to live in Arizona, if you enjoy a more rustic lifestyle and winter seasons. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are popular in this area.
The Best Places to Live in Arizona – Central
Central region around Phoenix is a large metropolitan area. Phoenix’s population is around 1.4 million and the metropolitan area has over 4.2 million. Phoenix offers all the conveniences and hassle of any large metro area.
At an elevation of the Phoenix area ranges from about 900 to 1,200 feet. Lower elevations translate into warmer temperatures throughout the year. Also, the summer temps tend to be higher due to the size of the city and the related buildings, streets and developed areas.
For those interested in being close to “everything”, Phoenix may be the place. However, there are tradeoffs. The biggest being traffic and costs.
Arizona State University is located in Phoenix as are professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey teams.
The Best Places to Live in Arizona – West
West region which runs along the Arizona/California boarder. This includes the cities of Yuma and Lake Havasu. Yuma is at an elevation of just over 100 feet. Lake Havasu to the north is at 800 feet.
Being on the western border of the state and at lower elevations means these locations are warm to hot throughout the year. Both cities have population under 100,000 and travel to major cities by car will take hours. If you want hotter days and warmer nights Yuma AZ may be the best place to live in Arizona – for you.
The Best Places to Live in Arizona – A few other thoughts.
The cost of living in Arizona is going to vary greatly depending on the area and city you choose. Obviously, the larger markets will be much more expensive than those that are smaller. Exceptions to this will include Sedona and Prescott.
Also, take note when moving. Summer is the off-season. Moving to Arizona, especially Phoenix, Tucson and their respective surrounding areas, during the summer can considerably reduce your moving costs because it is the off-season.
Winter is more expensive, primarily due to an influx of seasonal residents, making it more difficult to book moving trucks and companies.
Considering A Home in Tucson, AZ
To help you get a handle on other locations in Arizona you may be considering, here is a quick cost of living comparison.
And should you be thinking of buying a home in Arizona, we can help?
We have been a Tucson Realtor team since 2002. We know Tucson and the Tucson Real Estate market. As top Realtors, we invest the time to understand your home buying interests and desires.
At our first meeting, we will review the current real estate market with you. Show you the market data and then walk you through the Arizona home buying process.
Why? We want you to know what to expect. And what to plan for.
Interested in new construction? We’ll brief you on buying a new construction home. And what’s unique about the process.
For us, you are not another real estate transaction. You are a client and, future friend. We strive to create a relationship that continues long after you move into your home.
Review our profiles. Check out our backgrounds, education, and certifications.
We are here to help you “know what you need to know” to buy a home in Tucson, AZ. We provide you information on Tucson events, places to shop and restaurants. Our resources include contractors, electricians, and home services.
But most important, our professional service backgrounds mean we put you first!
Conclusion
So, what is the best place to live in Arizona?
Well, we think it is Tucson or one of the surrounding cities and subdivisions.
Why? We moved to Tucson in 2002 and love it. Before we moved, we reviewed five cities in the southwest and concluded Tucson was the best – for us.
And maybe will be for YOU!
Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.
Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.
We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.
We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.
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