Pros, cons, key stats, and the strongest Arizona cities to consider. Based on our analysis of 78 tracked Arizona city markets.
Yes, for many movers. The better answer is city-specific: Arizona contains both stronger and weaker markets, and the right fit depends on your budget, job needs, climate tolerance, and tax situation.
Pros
- No state estate or inheritance tax
- Year-round outdoor lifestyle (hiking, mountain biking, golf)
- Mild winters across most populated areas
- Strong job growth in Phoenix metro
- Affordable outside Phoenix/Scottsdale core
Cons
- Brutal summer heat (Phoenix exceeds 110°F regularly)
- Water access is a long-term concern
- Wildfire risk in higher elevations
- Healthcare worker shortage in some areas
What this means in practice
Across 78 tracked Arizona city markets, the median home costs $396,646 with a 1-year change of -0.8% and a median momentum score of 61 out of 100.
On taxes, Flat 2.5% income tax (one of the lowest). Low property tax. Decent retirement treatment. That matters because the cheapest state on paper can still be expensive if property tax, insurance, or local housing costs overwhelm the headline rate.
State-level averages mask city-level variation — within any state, individual cities can have radically different cost, climate, and trajectory. Use the strongest-momentum cities below as a starting point.
Top 5 Arizona cities by momentum
- Paradise Valley — momentum 81, median $3,503,410
- San Luis — momentum 78, median $237,938
- Somerton — momentum 77, median $270,483
- Thatcher — momentum 77, median $354,023
- Golden Valley — momentum 76, median $243,136