Arina P Habich // Shutterstock
Best places to raise a family in Arizona
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family 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. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
#25. 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: 2385 Isla Bonita Dr, Sierra Vista ($574,000, 4 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: 2385 Isla Bonita Dr, Sierra Vista ($574,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. South Tucson
- Population: 5,667
- Median home value: $84,200 (34% own)
- Median rent: $630 (66% rent)
- Median household income: $24,967
- Top public schools: University High School (A+), Ida Flood Dodge Traditional Middle Magnet School (B+), Tucson Magnet High School (B)
- Pictured: 449 W 30th St, Tucson ($205,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $84,200 (34% own)
- Median rent: $630 (66% rent)
- Median household income: $24,967
- Top public schools: University High School (A+), Ida Flood Dodge Traditional Middle Magnet School (B+), Tucson Magnet High School (B)
- Pictured: 449 W 30th St, Tucson ($205,000, 3 bedrooms)
#23. 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: 3452 E Jaeger Cir, Mesa ($3.3 million, 4 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: 3452 E Jaeger Cir, Mesa ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#22. 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)
#21. 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: 1758 E Carver Rd, Tempe ($1.9 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: 1758 E Carver Rd, Tempe ($1.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
#20. 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: 7520 S Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear ($1.3 million, 4 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: 7520 S Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. 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 1, Tucson ($2.1 million, 2 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 1, Tucson ($2.1 million, 2 bedrooms)
#18. 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: 1111 E Madera Estates Ln, Sahuarita ($774,995, 4 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: 1111 E Madera Estates Ln, Sahuarita ($774,995, 4 bedrooms)
#17. 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: 13932 E Bighorn Pkwy, Fountain Hills ($3.7 million, 4 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: 13932 E Bighorn Pkwy, Fountain Hills ($3.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
#16. 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: 1951 N Cota Ln, Thatcher ($345,000, 4 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: 1951 N Cota Ln, Thatcher ($345,000, 4 bedrooms)
#15. 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: 8344 W Williams Rd, Peoria ($2.3 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: 8344 W Williams Rd, Peoria ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#14. 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: 14740 N Soaring Dove Pl, Marana ($3.8 million, 4 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: 14740 N Soaring Dove Pl, Marana ($3.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
#13. 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: 9670 N Camino Del Plata, Tucson ($1.2 million, 4 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: 9670 N Camino Del Plata, Tucson ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. 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: 42413 N Olympic Fields Ct, Phoenix ($1.4 million, 6 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: 42413 N Olympic Fields Ct, Phoenix ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
#11. 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: 1206 W Tortolita Mountain Cir, Oro Valley ($2.9 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: 1206 W Tortolita Mountain Cir, Oro Valley ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
#10. 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: 7524 S McCormick Way, Queen Creek ($2.5 million, 6 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: 7524 S McCormick Way, Queen Creek ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#9. 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: 10519 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson ($2.5 million, 7 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: 10519 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson ($2.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
#8. 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: 20936 N 109th Pl, Scottsdale ($16.5 million, 6 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: 20936 N 109th Pl, Scottsdale ($16.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#7. 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: 6355 S Upper Valley Rd, Vail ($1.3 million, 4 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: 6355 S Upper Valley Rd, Vail ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#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: 18931 W Verde Ln, Litchfield Park ($1.7 million, 5 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: 18931 W Verde Ln, Litchfield Park ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#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: 8100 N 68th St, Paradise Valley ($18.0 million, 5 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: 8100 N 68th St, Paradise Valley ($18.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#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: 3800 S Clubhouse Dr Unit 7, Chandler ($2.5 million, 5 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: 3800 S Clubhouse Dr Unit 7, Chandler ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#3. 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: 516 E Drawdown Trl, Vail ($469,900, 4 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: 516 E Drawdown Trl, Vail ($469,900, 4 bedrooms)
#2. 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: 2866 E Robin Ct, Gilbert ($3.2 million, 6 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: 2866 E Robin Ct, Gilbert ($3.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#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: 6799 N Rattlesnake Canyon Rd, Tucson ($4.9 million, 5 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: 6799 N Rattlesnake Canyon Rd, Tucson ($4.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
