Prime Locations in Arizona

Phoenix | Image credit: Chris Tingom

Arizona is a Southwestern state with much to offer residents, from the vibrant culture found in the state’s several major cities to the rugged appeal of its deserts and canyons. There are many reasons people seek to live in Arizona, but its cities are a big factor driving the state’s desirability.

Many of Arizona’s communities are positioned to offer residents an excellent lifestyle, providing cultural and natural hotspots that make them stand out. Let’s explore Arizona’s communities in prime locations.

Tucson | Image credit: James Lee

Carefree

Carefree is a small city with a peaceful suburban feel, approximately a 40-minute drive north of Phoenix. Carefree is renowned for the numerous golf courses and spas surrounding the city, along with its many delicious restaurants, great shopping destinations, and amazing natural beauty in and around the town. Cave Creek Regional Park is a beautiful desert environment just outside Carefree that highlights the state’s majestic, rugged terrain.

Cave Creek Regional Park

Mesa

Mesa, part of the massive Phoenix metro area, is just east of the city. Mesa is a major town known for its blend of natural sites and busy commercial and cultural areas. It is a hotspot for hiking, with countless trails and parks, including the Usery Mountain Regional Park Nature Center, where visitors can explore the Sonoran Desert. Mesa has many award-winning golf courses, as well as an excellent museum and arts scene. Some major sites include the Mesa Arts Center, Downtown Mesa Art Walk, and Arizona Museum of Natural History. 

Usery Mountain Regional Park

Parker

Parker, a small town along the California border, is widely known as an outdoor playground for those who love the water. While Arizona is better known for its desert landscapes, Parker is near the Colorado River and Lake Havasu, which makes it a popular destination for outdoor fun. White water rafting, fishing, boating, and water sports are all activities residents enjoy throughout the warmer months. Parker also has much more to offer, including a large casino, lively bars, and several tasty restaurants.

Lake Havasu

Phoenix

Phoenix is Arizona’s biggest city and capital, famed for its year-round sun and terrific cultural attractions. Phoenix has one of the best food scenes, serving up delicious Southwestern cuisine with significant Hispanic influences. The shopping options are abundant, including massive malls and busy shopping districts, such as Uptown Phoenix, which has trendy vintage stores and much more. Phoenix also has some of the top golf courses in the country and world-renowned spas, making it a hub for vacationers looking to unwind. For those seeking to settle in Phoenix, it has a massive job market with numerous corporate offices of powerful Fortune 500 companies.

Downtown Phoenix | Image credit: James Day

Tucson

Tucson, the state’s second-biggest city, is in Southern Arizona with a mountainous backdrop. It is a lively city with a busy core area, which includes a downtown bursting with bars, restaurants, museums, and music venues. Home to the University of Arizona, it has a college town energy that adds to the nightlife. Tucson has a delectable food scene within its upscale restaurants and high-quality local eateries. Outside the city are open Sonoran Desert landscapes and jagged mountain peaks, making Tucson a hotspot for hikers and outdoor wanderers.

Tucson | Image credit: Frankie Lopez

Prescott

Prescott, a historic city in Central Arizona, is a cultural destination beloved by residents and visitors alike. It holds several top-notch museums, including the renowned Museum of Indigenous People. Whiskey Row, a street lined with historical saloons, is a well-known hotspot with a lively nightlife and much to see. Prescott’s beautiful natural surroundings include 400 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

Prescott | Image credit: Randy Bailey