Best places to live in Arizona
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Arizona
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Arizona using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Phoenix
- Population: 1,633,017
- Median home value: $235,400 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,053 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $57,459
- Top public schools: BASIS Phoenix (A+), BASIS Ahwatukee (A+), The Farm at Mission Montessori Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Brophy College Preparatory High School (A+), Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy (A+), Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School (A+)
- Pictured: 7140 N 40th St, Paradise Valley ($10.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $235,400 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,053 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $57,459
- Top public schools: BASIS Phoenix (A+), BASIS Ahwatukee (A+), The Farm at Mission Montessori Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Brophy College Preparatory High School (A+), Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy (A+), Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School (A+)
- Pictured: 7140 N 40th St, Paradise Valley ($10.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#24. Sierra Vista
- Population: 43,398
- Median home value: $172,600 (57% own)
- Median rent: $938 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $59,585
- Top public schools: General Myer Elementary School (A-), Leman Academy of Excellence Sierra Vista (A-), Colonel Smith Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Community School (B+), First Baptist Christian Academy (unavailable), Childtime of Sierra Vista (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3116 Camino Las Palmeras, Sierra Vista ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $172,600 (57% own)
- Median rent: $938 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $59,585
- Top public schools: General Myer Elementary School (A-), Leman Academy of Excellence Sierra Vista (A-), Colonel Smith Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Community School (B+), First Baptist Christian Academy (unavailable), Childtime of Sierra Vista (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3116 Camino Las Palmeras, Sierra Vista ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#23. Catalina
- Population: 7,910
- Median home value: $167,900 (79% own)
- Median rent: $902 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $56,250
- Top public schools: Painted Sky Elementary School (A-), Ironwood Ridge High School (B+), Coronado K-8 School (B)
- Pictured: 5000 E Via Estancia Miraval Unit 15, Tucson ($4.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $167,900 (79% own)
- Median rent: $902 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $56,250
- Top public schools: Painted Sky Elementary School (A-), Ironwood Ridge High School (B+), Coronado K-8 School (B)
- Pictured: 5000 E Via Estancia Miraval Unit 15, Tucson ($4.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#22. Thatcher
- Population: 5,047
- Median home value: $173,700 (65% own)
- Median rent: $905 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $61,106
- Top public schools: Ruth Powell Elementary School (B+), Thatcher High School (B+), Safford High School (B+)
- Pictured: 3177 W 1st St, Thatcher ($439,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,700 (65% own)
- Median rent: $905 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $61,106
- Top public schools: Ruth Powell Elementary School (B+), Thatcher High School (B+), Safford High School (B+)
- Pictured: 3177 W 1st St, Thatcher ($439,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#21. Goodyear
- Population: 80,371
- Median home value: $290,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,375 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $83,866
- Top public schools: BASIS Goodyear Primary (A+), University High School (A), BASIS Goodyear (A)
- Top private schools: St. John Vianney Catholic School (unavailable), West Valley Christian School (unavailable), Montessori in the Park (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16477 W San Pedro Cir, Goodyear ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $290,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,375 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $83,866
- Top public schools: BASIS Goodyear Primary (A+), University High School (A), BASIS Goodyear (A)
- Top private schools: St. John Vianney Catholic School (unavailable), West Valley Christian School (unavailable), Montessori in the Park (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16477 W San Pedro Cir, Goodyear ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#20. Clifton
- Population: 3,703
- Median home value: $48,500 (24% own)
- Median rent: $465 (76% rent)
- Median household income: $69,472
- Top public schools: Metcalf Elementary School (B+), Fairbanks Middle School (B+), Morenci High School (B)
- Pictured: 629 Turner Ave, Clifton ($110,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $48,500 (24% own)
- Median rent: $465 (76% rent)
- Median household income: $69,472
- Top public schools: Metcalf Elementary School (B+), Fairbanks Middle School (B+), Morenci High School (B)
- Pictured: 629 Turner Ave, Clifton ($110,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. Mesa
- Population: 499,720
- Median home value: $226,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $58,181
- Top public schools: Gilbert Classical Academy High School (A+), BASIS Mesa (A+), Self Development Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Faith Christian School (B+), Redeemer Christian School (A), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7401 E Hermosa Vista Dr, Mesa ($9.4 million, 22 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $226,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $58,181
- Top public schools: Gilbert Classical Academy High School (A+), BASIS Mesa (A+), Self Development Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Faith Christian School (B+), Redeemer Christian School (A), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7401 E Hermosa Vista Dr, Mesa ($9.4 million, 22 bedrooms)
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#18. Anthem
- Population: 22,468
- Median home value: $346,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,623 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $102,719
- Top public schools: Diamond Canyon Elementary School (A-), Great Hearts Academies - Anthem Prep (A-), Canyon Springs (A-)
- Top private schools: Tutor Time of Anthem (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3022 W Summit Walk Ct, Phoenix ($2.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $346,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,623 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $102,719
- Top public schools: Diamond Canyon Elementary School (A-), Great Hearts Academies - Anthem Prep (A-), Canyon Springs (A-)
- Top private schools: Tutor Time of Anthem (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3022 W Summit Walk Ct, Phoenix ($2.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#17. Sahuarita
- Population: 29,905
- Median home value: $214,100 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,392 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $80,525
- Top public schools: Copper View Elementary School (B+), Great Expectations Academy (B+), Walden Grove High School (B+)
- Pictured: 244 S Vaughn Canyon Pl, Sahuarita ($824,995, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $214,100 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,392 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $80,525
- Top public schools: Copper View Elementary School (B+), Great Expectations Academy (B+), Walden Grove High School (B+)
- Pictured: 244 S Vaughn Canyon Pl, Sahuarita ($824,995, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Fountain Hills
- Population: 24,729
- Median home value: $402,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,259 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,200
- Top public schools: McDowell Mountain Elementary School (A-), Fountain Hills Middle School (A-), Coronado Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 13950 E Bighorn Pkwy, Fountain Hills ($5.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $402,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,259 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,200
- Top public schools: McDowell Mountain Elementary School (A-), Fountain Hills Middle School (A-), Coronado Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 13950 E Bighorn Pkwy, Fountain Hills ($5.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Queen Creek
- Population: 43,129
- Median home value: $348,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,590 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $105,729
- Top public schools: Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (A+), Legacy Traditional School - Queen Creek (A+), Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Power (A+)
- Top private schools: Canyon State Academy (unavailable), Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy (unavailable), Tutor Time of Queen Creek (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7342 S Beach Blvd, Queen Creek ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $348,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,590 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $105,729
- Top public schools: Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (A+), Legacy Traditional School - Queen Creek (A+), Benjamin Franklin Charter School - Power (A+)
- Top private schools: Canyon State Academy (unavailable), Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy (unavailable), Tutor Time of Queen Creek (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7342 S Beach Blvd, Queen Creek ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. Peoria
- Population: 168,196
- Median home value: $264,500 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,255 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $75,323
- Top public schools: BASIS Peoria (A+), BASIS Peoria Primary (A+), Legacy Traditional School - Glendale (A+)
- Top private schools: Guidepost Montessori at Peoria (unavailable), Montessori Kingdom of Learning (unavailable), Cross of Glory Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6961 W Hatfield Rd, Peoria ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $264,500 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,255 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $75,323
- Top public schools: BASIS Peoria (A+), BASIS Peoria Primary (A+), Legacy Traditional School - Glendale (A+)
- Top private schools: Guidepost Montessori at Peoria (unavailable), Montessori Kingdom of Learning (unavailable), Cross of Glory Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6961 W Hatfield Rd, Peoria ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#13. Vail
- Population: 12,982
- Median home value: $237,500 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,445 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $85,927
- Top public schools: Corona Foothills Middle School (A), Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School (A), Empire High School (A)
- Top private schools: Creation School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15656 E Tumbling Q Ranch Pl, Vail ($2.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $237,500 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,445 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $85,927
- Top public schools: Corona Foothills Middle School (A), Ocotillo Ridge Elementary School (A), Empire High School (A)
- Top private schools: Creation School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15656 E Tumbling Q Ranch Pl, Vail ($2.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#12. Tanque Verde
- Population: 15,638
- Median home value: $386,800 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,725 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $101,508
- Top public schools: University High School (A+), Catalina Foothills High School (A+), Hermosa Montessori School (A+)
- Pictured: 5080 N Hidden Valley Rd, Tucson ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $386,800 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,725 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $101,508
- Top public schools: University High School (A+), Catalina Foothills High School (A+), Hermosa Montessori School (A+)
- Pictured: 5080 N Hidden Valley Rd, Tucson ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. Marana
- Population: 45,279
- Median home value: $252,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,212 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,812
- Top public schools: Leman Academy of Excellence (A), J. Robert Hendricks Elementary School (A-), Robert Richardson Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Redeemer Lutheran School (unavailable), Childtime of Tucson - North Thornydale (unavailable), Ina KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6981 S Leary Dr, Tucson ($184,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $252,100 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,212 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $85,812
- Top public schools: Leman Academy of Excellence (A), J. Robert Hendricks Elementary School (A-), Robert Richardson Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Redeemer Lutheran School (unavailable), Childtime of Tucson - North Thornydale (unavailable), Ina KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6981 S Leary Dr, Tucson ($184,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#10. Casas Adobes
- Population: 70,166
- Median home value: $206,500 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,123 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $64,224
- Top public schools: Legacy Traditional School - NW Tucson (A), Sonoran Science Academy - Tucson (A), Canyon Del Oro High School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Andrew's Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (unavailable), Faith Community Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8310 N Rose Marie Ln, Tucson ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $206,500 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,123 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $64,224
- Top public schools: Legacy Traditional School - NW Tucson (A), Sonoran Science Academy - Tucson (A), Canyon Del Oro High School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Andrew's Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (unavailable), Faith Community Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8310 N Rose Marie Ln, Tucson ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#9. Corona de Tucson
- Population: 8,470
- Median home value: $228,200 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,426 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $97,287
- Top public schools: Corona Foothills Middle School (A), Empire High School (A), Copper Ridge Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 16696 S Saguaro View Ln, Vail ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $228,200 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,426 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $97,287
- Top public schools: Corona Foothills Middle School (A), Empire High School (A), Copper Ridge Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 16696 S Saguaro View Ln, Vail ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#8. Oro Valley
- Population: 44,630
- Median home value: $311,800 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,237 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $83,341
- Top public schools: BASIS Oro Valley (A+), BASIS Oro Valley Primary (A+), Leman Academy Of Excellence-Oro Valley Arizona (A)
- Top private schools: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (A), Casas Christian School (A+), Immaculate Heart School (A)
- Pictured: 1277 W Tortolita Mountain Cir, Oro Valley ($4.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $311,800 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,237 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $83,341
- Top public schools: BASIS Oro Valley (A+), BASIS Oro Valley Primary (A+), Leman Academy Of Excellence-Oro Valley Arizona (A)
- Top private schools: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (A), Casas Christian School (A+), Immaculate Heart School (A)
- Pictured: 1277 W Tortolita Mountain Cir, Oro Valley ($4.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. Tempe
- Population: 187,454
- Median home value: $272,900 (41% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $57,994
- Top public schools: Tempe Preparatory Academy (A+), ASU Preparatory Academy - Polytechnic High School (A+), Pueblo Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (unavailable), Bethany Christian School (unavailable), Grace Community Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2133 E Ranch Rd, Tempe ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $272,900 (41% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $57,994
- Top public schools: Tempe Preparatory Academy (A+), ASU Preparatory Academy - Polytechnic High School (A+), Pueblo Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (unavailable), Bethany Christian School (unavailable), Grace Community Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2133 E Ranch Rd, Tempe ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#6. Litchfield Park
- Population: 6,073
- Median home value: $318,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,828 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $83,156
- Top public schools: Scott Libby Elementary School (A), Verrado Middle School (A), Western Sky Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Peter's Episcopal Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20011 W Minnezona Ave, Litchfield Park ($4.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $318,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,828 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $83,156
- Top public schools: Scott Libby Elementary School (A), Verrado Middle School (A), Western Sky Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Peter's Episcopal Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20011 W Minnezona Ave, Litchfield Park ($4.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#5. Paradise Valley
- Population: 14,362
- Median home value: $1,516,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,547 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $211,393
- Top public schools: Phoenix Union Bioscience High School (A+), Chaparral High School (A), Pueblo Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Phoenix Country Day School (A+), Christ Church School (unavailable), Desert View Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7620 N Red Ledge Dr, Paradise Valley ($20.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,516,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,547 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $211,393
- Top public schools: Phoenix Union Bioscience High School (A+), Chaparral High School (A), Pueblo Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Phoenix Country Day School (A+), Christ Church School (unavailable), Desert View Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7620 N Red Ledge Dr, Paradise Valley ($20.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#4. Chandler
- Population: 252,692
- Median home value: $300,800 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,312 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $82,925
- Top public schools: BASIS Chandler (A+), Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (A+), BASIS Chandler Primary - North Campus (A+)
- Top private schools: Seton Catholic Preparatory (A), Valley Christian Schools (A), Tri-City Christian Academy (B+)
- Pictured: 24307 S Lindsay Rd, Chandler ($3.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,800 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,312 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $82,925
- Top public schools: BASIS Chandler (A+), Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (A+), BASIS Chandler Primary - North Campus (A+)
- Top private schools: Seton Catholic Preparatory (A), Valley Christian Schools (A), Tri-City Christian Academy (B+)
- Pictured: 24307 S Lindsay Rd, Chandler ($3.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#3. Gilbert
- Population: 243,254
- Median home value: $328,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,518 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $96,857
- Top public schools: Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (A+), Gilbert Classical Academy High School (A+), Great Hearts Academies - Archway Arete (A+)
- Top private schools: Gilbert Christian Schools (A-), Christ Greenfield Lutheran School (unavailable), The Learning Curve (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7342 S Beach Blvd, Queen Creek ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $328,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,518 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $96,857
- Top public schools: Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (A+), Gilbert Classical Academy High School (A+), Great Hearts Academies - Archway Arete (A+)
- Top private schools: Gilbert Christian Schools (A-), Christ Greenfield Lutheran School (unavailable), The Learning Curve (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7342 S Beach Blvd, Queen Creek ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Scottsdale
- Population: 250,602
- Median home value: $475,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,365 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $88,213
- Top public schools: BASIS Scottsdale (A+), Great Hearts Academies - Scottsdale Prep (A+), BASIS Scottsdale Primary - East Campus (A+)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame Preparatory School (A+), Thunderbird Adventist Academy (B-), Ville de Marie Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 15860 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale ($19.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $475,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,365 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $88,213
- Top public schools: BASIS Scottsdale (A+), Great Hearts Academies - Scottsdale Prep (A+), BASIS Scottsdale Primary - East Campus (A+)
- Top private schools: Notre Dame Preparatory School (A+), Thunderbird Adventist Academy (B-), Ville de Marie Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 15860 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale ($19.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#1. Catalina Foothills
- Population: 50,454
- Median home value: $440,100 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,061 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $92,929
- Top public schools: University High School (A+), Catalina Foothills High School (A+), Sunrise Drive Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Tucson Waldorf School (unavailable), Lamb's Gate Christian School (unavailable), Al Huda Islamic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7474 N Catalina Ridge Dr, Tucson ($9.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $440,100 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,061 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $92,929
- Top public schools: University High School (A+), Catalina Foothills High School (A+), Sunrise Drive Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Tucson Waldorf School (unavailable), Lamb's Gate Christian School (unavailable), Al Huda Islamic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7474 N Catalina Ridge Dr, Tucson ($9.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
