The 10 Best Places in Arizona to Raise a Family

The United States is a massive country with many great places to live. Ultimately, some areas of the country are cold, and some are hot, depending on the climate. There are many states to choose from when deciding where to live. Furthermore, there are many options when it comes to where you want to raise a family.

While states like California and Florida offer sunshine and beautiful weather in addition to coastal environments, it is difficult to beat the amazing environment that Arizona provides. Without a doubt, the Grand Canyon State offers many opportunities for people to enrich themselves. But it also provides a great chance to raise a family.

These are the 10 best places in Arizona to raise a family, with numerous opportunities and endless possibilities to grow. Subsequently, this article will highlight these great places in Arizona and detail what makes them unique.

10. Gilbert, AZ

The first city on our list is not bad by any means. Actually, it is one of the best-kept secrets in Arizona. Gilbert is a great place to raise a family due to several factors, such as an excellent school system and low crime rate.

Niche, a website that reviews neighborhoods, gave Gilbert an A grade overall. Additionally, they rated public schools and family life with an A grade as well. According to the official Gilbert website, it is the fifth largest city in the state. It also got several awards, including the top place to raise a family by Wallet Hub. Therefore, Gilbert definitely earns its spot as one of the best places in Arizona to raise a family.

One of the best reasons to move to Gilbert is because it is one of the safest cities in Arizona, according to a report by the FBI in 2019 and released by the Gilbert Official Page. The report highlighted that Gilbert was the only large city to make the top-15 list of safest cities. With a population of 273,136, that is a great thing for anyone considering a move to Gilbert.

9. Flagstaff, AZ

When it comes to picking a place to raise a family, there are plenty more things to consider other than schools. Moreover, you also have to find exciting things to do. You have those opportunities and more in Flagstaff. Curiously, some of the things to do include visiting the Arizona Snowbowl, which is a great place for people who want to learn how to ski.

The Lowell Observatory is also a great place to take your family to teach them about astronomy. Likewise, the Historic Downtown and Railroad District offers festivals and farmers’ markets. There is also a Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course that will challenge your kids to be the best they can be.

Flagstaff Medical Center is also one of the best hospitals in Arizona. Also, Flagstaff is also home to Northland Preparatory Academy, one of the best college preparation schools in the country. When you have a mixture of fun, education, and good-quality facilities, then you have a city that is one of the best places in Arizona to raise a family.

8. Tempe, AZ

Tempe is east of Phoenix and is quickly growing into one of the best cities in Arizona. Amazingly, one of the best things to do with the family in Tempe is visit the Sea Life Arizona Aquarium. But the Tempe Town Lake is by far the most popular place for Tempe residents.

There are plenty of things to do and animals to see, according to the Tempe Official Website. Ultimately, some animals you might see include the egret and the Great Blue Heron. You also may see squirrels and other fish.

Tempe is also home to Arizona State University. Additionally, it is where the Arizona Coyotes play. The city gives you plenty of options for sports if you wish to take your family to a game.

Niche gave Tempe an A grade overall and rated it as good for families. Ultimately, Tempe is a good option if you want to raise a family and give them plenty of adventures.

7. Glendale, AZ

When raising your family, you might want to get them interested in sports. If you are, then Glendale is the perfect place to live. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals, the professional football team. Therefore, you have a great atmosphere to take in if you want to watch football.

Glendale is also approximately 12 percent below the national average when it comes to the cost of living. Thus, you can live in Glendale and work in Phoenix, and there is only a 20-minute drive. Glendale also has Tolmacoff Farms, which is a great place to buy fresh produce.

The Wet N’ Wild Phoenix is the biggest water park in Arizona and is located in the heart of Glendale. Significantly, the water park offers over 30 attractions for families to enjoy.

When it comes to affordability and great atmosphere, Glendale is a great pick. Also, all the fun activities to do makes it one of the best places in Arizona to raise a family.

6. Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix is the most popular city in Arizona. Ultimately, it is a place where the economy is strong and helps the rest of the state. Many of the cities on this list are either affiliated with Phoenix or part of them. Uniquely, one of the coolest places to go in this city is the Phoenix Zoo.

There are trails, art, and, of course, animals at the Phoenix Zoo. Significantly, some of the animals you may see at the Phoenix Zoo include the cheetah and the golden eagle. There are numerous other animals that your family will enjoy.

If you and your family like sports, you can always catch a ballgame and watch the Arizona Diamondbacks. Likewise, if you are a basketball fan and want to see some of the best players in the world, the Phoenix Suns offer an entertaining option, especially when the Los Angeles Lakers are in town.

Phoenix also offers affordable housing, great education, great healthcare, and an abundance of job opportunities. Thus, it is one of the best places in Arizona to raise a family.

5. Mesa, AZ

If you love having fun with the family, then UpTown Jungle Fun Park is a blast. Yes, this is a trampoline park that provides many events for kids to partake in, including Halloween festivities. It is one of the best places to take your kids.

But aside from fun events, Mesa also is a good place for kids to go to school. Moreover, Niche gave the public school system an A- grade and highlighted the coffee shops and parks in the area. Thus, Mesa is one of the best places in the state to raise a family.

4. Paradise Valley, AZ

This is a suburb of Phoenix, so it technically is part of the larger county. However, it is approximately 30 minutes away from the center of Phoenix and has its own identity.

One of the best things about Paradise Valley is the surrounding mountains around it. Also, it is secluded and away from the noise of the downtown area. If you want privacy, it is the perfect place to live with your family.

Niche gave Paradise Valley an A- grade for public schools and emphasized that it was great for families. Additionally, they detailed how it feels more like a rural community, which gives it a unique feel.

3. Tucson, AZ

One of the best things about Tucson is all the recreational activities that it offers families. Ultimately, if you want to hike with your family, Tuscon offers many trails. The Saguaro National Park also offers a great opportunity for families to explore together. Ultimately, you will likely see animals in the park, such as the coyote and the roadrunner.

The Tucson Festival of Books occurs every March and is a great way to further your child’s mind. Moreover, Tucson is also home to the University of Arizona, where your child can find higher education after they have finished high school.

University High School also made the 2023-2024 U.S. News Report of the best high schools in the nation. Therefore, the education in Tucson is amazing and one more reason to move your family here.

2. Scottdale, AZ

BASIS Scottsdale also made the list of top high schools in the country. Therefore, it is one of the many things that put Scottsdale on the map. Niche gave Scottsdale an A grade for public schools. Ultimately, you will have good options if you enroll your kids in school in Scottsdale.

The crime rate in Scottsdale is 11, which is significantly lower than the national average of 22. Subsequently, it is a good place to locate your family if you want a safer area to live and one to enjoy watching your kids grow up.

The OdySea Aquarium is a great place to take your kids if you want to show them cool animals. Whether they want to watch penguins waddle or see sharks swim, there are plenty of fascinating animals to show your family.

1. Chandler, AZ

This is it! This is the number one place in Arizona to raise a family. Why did we choose Chandler? Let’s go over the facts.

Chandler has exceptional schools, affordable housing, and a job market that is continuing to get better. Moreover, there are plenty of things to do in Chandler, such as the annual Chandler Ostrich Festival, which features ostrich racing, along with carnival games to play with the family.

If you have kids who are slightly older, the Chandler Skatepark is a great place for them to learn how to skateboard. It is free and available to skaters of all skill levels.

It is continuing to grow every day. Subsequently, all these factors mentioned make it the best place in Arizona to raise your family.