Current Phoenix Weather:
advertisement
2 December 2024
A recent study from WalletHub named this small city the best small city in Arizona, and it may not be one you might expect. While many of the Grand Canyon State’s charming small cities—such as Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome are beloved for their picturesque views and inviting downtown areas, this study focused on key factors like affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety.
Despite Arizona’s small cities not making it to the top 10 in the U.S., Queen Creek emerged as the best small city in Arizona, according to the WalletHub study.
Queen Creek is the top small city in Arizona due to its strong performance in areas that contribute to its residents’ well-being. Notably, It is ranked as the 72nd most affordable small city in the U.S., a significant draw for those looking for budget-friendly living. It also earned the 80th spot in economic health.
Although Arizona’s small towns may not always make national headlines, Queen Creek’s high rankings reflect the factors that matter most to those looking to settle in a small city.
Here’s a closer look at how some of Arizona’s small cities stacked up in the WalletHub study:
While the study’s rankings may surprise some, particularly regarding the location of certain cities, they highlight that small towns in Arizona, like Queen Creek, offer more than scenic beauty—they provide solid economic opportunities, safety, and a high quality of life.
So, if you live in a small town that didn’t make the list, there’s no need to be disheartened. Your town may shine in other ways, even if it didn’t rank highly in these categories.
Queen Creek’s top ranking shows that Arizona’s small cities can be just as thriving and livable as their larger counterparts. They offer a welcoming environment for residents and newcomers alike.
Photo credit: Globemax
advertisement
Spirit of Arizona Tours (SOA) offers a unique experience that blends history, mystery, and culture in one journey. Locally owned and operated, SOA takes pride in sharing Phoenix’s hidden gems—those lesser-known places that often slip under the radar of mainstream tours. advertisement Founded in September 2019 by Arizona native Jarrod Riddle, SOA was born from his desire to share Phoenix’s untold stories. As well as overlooked sites with locals and visitors alike. From true crime tales and ghost stories to the art of murals and the soul of the city’s tacos, Riddle’s tours provide a fresh perspective on the city’s
Phoenix is a city rich in history, culture, and heritage, with roots extending back to the first century AD. As Phoenix continues to grow into the 21st century, it faces the challenge of balancing urban expansion with the preservation of its diverse historic and archaeological resources. The PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan is the city’s roadmap to achieve this balance. They will be building on the success of the 2015 preservation plan and setting ambitious goals for the next decade. advertisement Why Historic Preservation Matters Phoenix is not just a modern metropolis; it is a city with deep ties to its past.
In a state known for its intense summer heat, it’s helpful to understand how to stay comfortable in hot temperatures while living or visiting Arizona. However, when referring to ‘being comfortable,’ there tends to be a spectrum of what people consider comfortable. People who have spent their whole lives in Arizona have an excellent tolerance for heat but typically get cold easily, and vice versa for those who grew up in much colder states. This spectrum is defined as thermal comfort. advertisement According to ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), thermal comfort is defined in their
In a city where the culinary scene is growing rapidly, one restaurant stands out for its authentic, innovative, and flavorful take on Thai cuisine — and it’s earned national recognition. Lom Wong, a Thai restaurant in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row, has become a popular hotspot for locals and food critics alike. Chef Yotaka “Sunny” Martin, co-owner of Lom Wong, has made it to the finalist round for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards, among the highest honors in the culinary world. advertisement The Vision Behind Lom Wong Opened in 2022, Lom Wong is more than just a place to grab a
advertisement
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |