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The Best Places to Live in Arizona and Find a Job

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

Known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and incredible natural wonders, Arizona boasts some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. But the Grand Canyon state has so much more to offer. Consistently rated as one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., Arizona has a booming job market, a low unemployment rate, and a positive economic outlook. Plus, some of the best companies to work for in Arizona include American Express, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. If you're considering moving here to find work, read on as we explore some of the best places to live in Arizona.

Before we go into detail about the state's best cities, let's explore some of the benefits of living and working in Arizona overall:

  • It is currently ranked 1st in the United States for its economic performance based on its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), population, and job growth.
  • It's soared up the ranks to be 3rd for its economic outlook, after Utah and North Carolina.
  • Its unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. average.
  • The future job growth in Arizona over the next ten years is expected to be much higher than the U.S. average. Industries seeing the strongest growth are healthcare, government, manufacturing, construction, and finance.
  • It's home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon, a mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River.
  • Arizona offers plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. In fact, it has 47 National Historic Landmarks, including the Hoover Dam and the red rocks of Sedona, within its 114,000 square miles of canyons, deserts, and forests.
  • You can enjoy an average of 300 days of beautiful sunshine annually in Arizona.

You have a lot to consider when looking for Arizona work, such as living costs, job prospects, schools, and amenities. Now that we've shown you why the Grand Canyon state is a great place to find a new career, let’s look at some of the best places to live in Arizona.

Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the fifth most inhabited city in the U.S. Thanks to its growing population and strong economy, it's favored by young professionals. It is also one of the best places to live in Arizona for families. If you're looking for a laid-back lifestyle, diverse community, and excellent culture and nightlife, Arizona is the perfect place to relocate. You can find many job opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and education. Its concentration of tech companies is also among the highest in the country.

Discover Phoenix, AZ jobs on Monster.

Tucson

The second largest city in Arizona and one of the sunniest cities in the U.S., Tucson is worth considering. The sprawling metro area in southern Arizona draws new residents with its low cost of living, affordable housing, access to quality healthcare, and the nationally recognized University of Arizona. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for work in the engineering, manufacturing, or life science sectors. As a national leader in aerospace and defense, astronomy, and medical industries, Tucson offers a wealth of job prospects in these fields.

Discover Tucson, AZ jobs on Monster.

Scottsdale

This affluent and family-friendly city lies just east of the state capital, Phoenix, and is known for its spa resorts, golf courses, and Wild West vibes. Its low unemployment rate, strong job market, and high median household income compared to the state's average make Scottsdale one of the best places to live in Arizona. The city fosters a business-friendly climate that attracts leading healthcare, hospitality, technology, and finance companies.

Discover Scottsdale, AZ jobs on Monster.

Mesa

This thriving metropolis is a great option if you're looking for a big-city atmosphere without the hustle and bustle that a larger city brings. One of the best places in Arizona to live, Mesa has excellent public schools, a diverse community, and a robust job market. It’s also known for its magnificent views of the Superstition Mountains, thrilling outdoor attractions, and exciting nightlife. There is no shortage of opportunities in Mesa's healthcare, education, technology, and tourism industries.

Discover Mesa, AZ jobs on Monster.

Chandler

There is so much to love about Chandler. This cosmopolitan and family-friendly city has plenty to offer and is an excellent place to settle down. From its booming job market and low unemployment rate to its award-winning school district, low crime rate, and vibrant downtown area, it's no surprise that Chandler is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona. Plus, the growing healthcare, high-tech manufacturing, technology, and education sectors provide plenty of job opportunities.

Discover Chandler, AZ jobs on Monster.

Ready to Start Your New Career in the Grand Canyon State?

Now that we've shown you some of the best places to live in Arizona, it’s time to take the next step in your job hunt. Speed up your search with Monster by creating your free profile today. You'll be able to upload your resume and have recruiters find you easily online. We'll also send you personalized job alerts to match you with the right employer in your field.