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
Spring Training is drawing closer in Arizona, and that means more than baseball; it’s sunshine, easy day trips, incredible food, and some of the best desert scenery in the country. With 15 MLB teams playing across Greater Phoenix, visitors can catch a game and still have plenty of time for hiking, shopping, museums, and nightlife. advertisement Plan Around the Baseball Schedule Arizona’s Cactus League brings teams and ballparks close together, making it easy to see multiple games (and multiple stadiums) in one trip. Many games start in the daytime, leaving late afternoons and evenings wide open for exploring. Pick a
Flagstaff, Arizona, is internationally recognized for its commitment to protecting the night sky. Long before “dark sky” became a global movement, this mountain town was taking action to preserve its stars. Flagstaff’s dark sky advocacy is a combination of science, community planning, and environmental stewardship that has made it a model for cities around the world. advertisement A City Built Around the Stars Flagstaff’s relationship with the night sky dates back to the late 1800s, when astronomers were drawn to the area’s high elevation, clean air, and minimal light pollution. The founding of Lowell Observatory in 1894 cemented the city’s
Arizona may be best known for deserts and red rocks, but the state has quietly built a thriving wine scene that continues to surprise visitors. Thanks to high elevations, mineral-rich soil, and dramatic temperature swings, Arizona produces award-winning wines with character and depth. From laid-back tasting rooms to scenic vineyard views, these are the best wine tasting destinations in Arizona. advertisement Verde Valley Wine Trail The Verde Valley is Arizona’s most accessible and popular wine region. Set among red rocks, rivers, and historic towns, this area offers a relaxed, scenic wine experience that pairs perfectly with weekend getaways. Why it
If you’ve spent any time researching Sedona, Arizona, you’ve likely come across the term Sedona vortex. Often described as mysterious, spiritual, or even life-changing, Sedona’s vortexes are one of the area’s most talked-about attractions. But what exactly are they, and why do so many people feel drawn to them? advertisement Understanding the Sedona Vortex A Sedona vortex is believed to be a place where the earth’s energy is especially strong. Visitors often report feeling heightened emotions, clarity, inspiration, or a sense of calm while spending time in these areas. Some describe physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, or lightheadedness, while
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. |