Arizona is known for its beautiful landscapes, sunny weather, and affordable living costs. For those looking to settle down in this southwestern state, there are several cities that offer both low housing costs and a high quality of life. Here are the 8 cheapest places to live in Arizona, along with information on renting an apartment and the unique qualities of each city.
Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista is a small city located in southeastern Arizona, with a population of slightly over 43,000. It is an affordable option for those seeking to reside in the state, as its cost of living is 9.7% lower than the national average, and renting an apartment in Sierra Vista averages around $860 monthly.
The city is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly its proximity to the Huachuca Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. Sierra Vista also boasts several local attractions, such as the Fort Huachuca Museum and the Henry F. Hauser Museum. For college students, Sierra Vista is home to Cochise College and is within driving distance of various universities in Tucson.
Sierra Vista offers several employment opportunities, including Fort Huachuca, the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, and Cochise County, which are among its leading employers. Besides, the city provides housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Sierra Vista Housing Authority and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The crime rate in Sierra Vista is moderate, with 2,890 property crimes and 341 violent crimes reported per 100,000 individuals.
Casa Grande
Casa Grande, a small city located in central Arizona, has a population of slightly over 55,000. It is an affordable option for those seeking to live in the state, with a cost of living that is 6.8% lower than the national average. If you are looking to rent an apartment, the average cost is approximately $900 per month.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Casa Grande, as it is situated close to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Picacho Peak State Park. The city also boasts several local attractions, such as the Casa Grande Art Museum and the Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort. For college students, numerous universities in Phoenix are within driving distance.
Major employers in Casa Grande include Abbott Laboratories, Frito-Lay, and the Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. Low-income residents can benefit from various housing grants and support programs, including the Casa Grande Housing Authority and the Community Action Human Resources Agency. The crime rate in Casa Grande is moderate, with 2,939 property crimes and 297 violent crimes reported per 100,000 people.
Apache Junction
Apache Junction, a small city situated in central Arizona, has a population of slightly over 38,000. It is an affordable option for those seeking to reside in the state, with a cost of living that is 9.5% lower than the national average. If you are planning to rent an apartment in Apache Junction, the average cost is around $1,100 per month.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Apache Junction's proximity to the Superstition Mountains and the Lost Dutchman State Park, which offer abundant recreational opportunities. The city also has various local attractions, such as the Goldfield Ghost Town and the Arizona Renaissance Festival. For college students, several universities in Phoenix are within driving distance.
Apache Junction is home to numerous major employers, including the Apache Junction Unified School District, the Walmart Supercenter, and the Fry's Food and Drug. Low-income residents can benefit from various housing grants and support programs, including the Apache Junction Housing Authority and the Apache Junction Community Development Block Grant Program. The crime rate in Apache Junction is moderate, with a reported 3,029 property crimes and 369 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Florence
With a population of just over 26,000, Florence is a small town located in central Arizona that is known for its historical landmarks, particularly its Old West architecture and the Florence Historic District. The cost of living in Florence is 5.4% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for people seeking affordable living in the state. The average rent for an apartment in Florence is around $1,100 per month. Florence offers numerous local attractions, including the McFarland State Historic Park and the Pinal County Historical Museum, making it an ideal place to visit.
For college students, Florence is a short drive from several universities in Phoenix. Florence is home to major employers such as the Pinal County Government, the Florence Unified School District, and the Florence Hospital at Anthem, providing excellent employment opportunities.
Additionally, Florence has a low crime rate, with just 2,130 property crimes and 158 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The town also provides housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Florence Housing Authority and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Coolidge
Coolidge is a small city located in central Arizona with a population of slightly over 13,000. The cost of living in Coolidge is 13.3% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for people looking to reside in the state. The average rent for an apartment in Coolidge is around $900 per month.
Coolidge is famous for its historical landmarks, particularly its Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Central Arizona College. The city boasts several local attractions, including the Coolidge Municipal Airport and the Francisco Grande Resort and Golf Course. For college students, Coolidge is home to Central Arizona College and is just a short drive away from several universities in Phoenix.
In terms of employment opportunities, Coolidge is home to major employers such as the Central Arizona College, the Nikola Motor Company, and the Banner Health Center, providing excellent job opportunities. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Coolidge Housing Authority and the Coolidge Community Action Program. Additionally, Coolidge has a moderate crime rate, with only 2,613 property crimes and 283 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Globe
Located in southeastern Arizona, Globe is a small city with a population of just over 7,000. The cost of living in Globe is 11.4% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the state. Renting an apartment in Globe averages around $800 per month.
Globe is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly its proximity to the Tonto National Forest and the Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park. The city also has several local attractions, including the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park. For college students, Globe is within driving distance of several universities in Phoenix.
In terms of employment opportunities, Globe is home to several major employers, including the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., the Globe Unified School District, and the Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Globe Housing Authority and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The crime rate in Globe is moderate, with a reported 2,657 property crimes and 179 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Douglas
With a population of just over 16,000, Douglas offers an affordable cost of living that is 13.5% lower than the national average. Renting an apartment in Douglas is budget-friendly, with an average of around $650 per month.
The city is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Douglas Historic District and the Gadsden Hotel, which offer a glimpse into the past. Douglas also boasts several local attractions, such as the Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge and the Tenth Street Park, that are sure to delight visitors.
For college students, Douglas is within driving distance of several universities in Tucson. In terms of employment opportunities, Douglas is home to major employers such as the Douglas Unified School District, the Cochise College-Douglas Campus, and the Copper Queen Community Hospital, providing a diverse range of job options.
The city also provides support programs for low-income residents, including the Douglas Housing Authority and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Additionally, Douglas has a moderate crime rate, with 3,872 property crimes and 460 violent crimes reported per 100,000 people.
Holbrook
Holbrook is a small city with a population of just over 5,000 that offers an affordable cost of living, being 12.8% lower than the national average. Renting an apartment in Holbrook is relatively inexpensive, with an average of around $750 per month.
Holbrook is famous for its well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Wigwam Motel and the Petrified Forest National Park, which are a testament to the area's rich history. The city also boasts several local attractions, such as the Holbrook Navajo County Historical Museum and the Northland Pioneer College, which highlight the area's cultural heritage. For college students, Holbrook is home to Northland Pioneer College and is a short drive away from several universities in Flagstaff.
In terms of employment opportunities, Holbrook is home to major employers such as the Holbrook Unified School District, the Navajo County Government, and the Little Colorado Medical Center, providing ample job opportunities. The city also provides housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, such as the Holbrook Housing Authority and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Additionally, Holbrook has a low crime rate, with only 2,055 property crimes and 176 violent crimes reported per 100,000 people.
Conclusion
In summary, Arizona is a state that offers many affordable options for those looking to live in the southwestern United States. The cities highlighted in this article - Sierra Vista, Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Florence, Coolidge, Globe, Douglas and Holbrook- provide a low cost of living and a variety of attractions and employment opportunities. With their unique qualities and housing support programs, these cities offer accessible options for individuals and families looking to make a home in Arizona.
