The 3 Most Beautiful Places to Live in Arizona That Are Still Affordable

It’s always nice to find a city or town that has everything you want and looks beautiful. Everyone’s tastes are a little different. Some want a quiet and peaceful town next to the wilderness while others want a bustling nightlife and plenty of places to shop and explore within the city walls. Unfortunately, finding the perfect place isn’t always cheap. Thankfully, with these 3 most beautiful places to live in Arizona that are still affordable, you have the chance to find a pretty remarkable area that has everything you want and is well within your budget.

Whether you’re looking for a city that has everything you need within a quick drive, or that is surrounded by nature, you’re sure to find a place in Arizona that ticks all your boxes.

1. Tucson

Most people associate cities with a high cost of living. Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, behind Phoenix. Despite this, the cost of living is relatively low, about six percent lower than the national average. Many people consider it the best place to live in the state.

The city isn’t just cheap. It’s a great place to live. The education in the area is some of the best in the state. One school, Tuscon Unified’s University High was ranked as the 17th best school in the United States in 2021. There’s a wide mix of private, public, and charter schools.

There’s plenty of art and culture to explore as well. With outdoor events and celebrations throughout the year and plenty of museums, zoos, and gardens, it’s hard to find time to be bored. Even the crime rate is fairly average.

The scenery in the city and the surrounding area is gorgeous. There are several parks right nearby such as Saguaro National Park. Though Tucson is a city, most of it feels like a small or medium town. If you ever visit or decide to live in the city, don’t forget to spend time watching the stunning sunsets.

2. Yuma

Pictures just don’t do the city justice. The city of Yuma, Arizona is the perfect destination for those who enjoy the sun. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it’s the sunniest city on Earth. There are roughly 4,000 hours of sunshine every year.

Though the area is a desert, you’ll find a lot to do. Colorado River runs nearby. The river is perfect for fishing, whitewater rafting, or just spending an afternoon relaxing. The Imperial Sand Dunes and three national wildlife refuges also make the surrounding area rather beautiful and amazing to visit.

The cost of living here makes it an affordable place to live. Yuma’s cost of living is about 11 percent lower than the national average. There are many jobs in many different sectors available. Combined with an easy drive to the nearby cities, a good healthcare system, and plenty to do in the city, it’s a great place to live.

Unfortunately, there are some downsides to living in Yuma as well. The rate of crime is rather high, and though the cost of living is low, so is the income from jobs. Still, if you’re willing to commute, and make the effort to pick a safe neighborhood, Yuma is a nice place to live.

3. Bisbee

If you want a town that looks and feels like it’s a part of history, you need to consider Bisbee, Arizona. It’s a small town that has a free spirit. The town is alive with the tales of the past, ghosts, and a rich art life. The abundance of life and culture in this town alone makes it beautiful in its own way.

You’ll find Bisbee in the Mule Mountains. It’s a refreshing break from the desert atmosphere of other Arizona cities. And there’s so much to do, including trying various wines, going on ghost tours, hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains, and exploring museums. Since Bisbee is in the mountains, the temperatures are also rather reasonable. It gets to about 33 degrees Fahrenheit on average during the winter, and 89 during the summer.

Because the area is so popular with tourists, there are plenty of jobs, especially seasonal ones. Thankfully, though, most people just want to visit, so the cost of living isn’t too high. It runs about 15 percent lower in Bisbee than the rest of the United States.

The major downside is crime. Both violent and property crimes are higher in Bisbee than in many other parts of the United States.

Summary of Beautiful Places to Live in Arizona That Are Still Affordable

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MattGush/iStock via Getty Images