What Are the Best Areas to Move to in Arizona?
A complete Northern & Southern Arizona guide for Southern California homeowners — 25+ areas covered, from Prescott to Scottsdale.
25+ Areas Covered
Northern & Southern AZ
Updated 2026
Local AZ Team Member On The Ground
The truth is — Arizona is where Southern California equity goes to work. More California homeowners are relocating to Arizona than to any other state. Lower taxes. More space. More for your money. And a lifestyle that's different in all the right ways. But Arizona isn't one thing — it's dozens of distinct communities, each with its own personality. This guide breaks them all down so you can stop guessing and start comparing.
Why Arizona
The Numbers That Make Arizona the Move
Side-by-side comparison for California homeowners evaluating the move.
| Factor | California | Arizona | Your Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | 2.5% flat rate | ✓ Keep significantly more of your income |
| Median home price (2026) | ~$852,000 | ~$467,000 | ✓ Buy more home for less money |
| Annual property tax rate | ~1.1% (Prop 13 avg) | ~0.62–0.79% | ✓ Lower ongoing tax bill |
| Cost of living index | ~154 (national avg = 100) | ~105 | ✓ Your dollar stretches further |
| #1 destination for CA exits | — | Arizona & Texas | ✓ Your neighbors are already there |
| Summer climate | Variable (coast vs. inland) | Hot and dry (Phoenix) / mild (Prescott) | ✓ Choose your climate zone |
| New construction availability | Limited, expensive | Strong pipeline | ✓ More options, better pricing |
Sources: MoveNumbers.com 2026 · WorldAtlas 2026 · U-Haul Migration Data
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona: Area-by-Area Guide
Northern Arizona operates on a completely different frequency than the Phoenix metro. Think cooler summers, pine trees, red rock formations, and a pace of life that actually lets you breathe. This region attracts retirees, remote workers, artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and California transplants who want something genuinely different. Prescott alone has become one of the top retirement destinations in the entire United States.
Prescott
#1 with CA Transplants- Mile-high elevation delivers four real seasons — summers average just 89°F vs Phoenix's 106°F
- Historic Whiskey Row, thriving arts district, strong sense of community identity
- Fastest-growing retirement destination in Arizona, consistently ranked nationally
- 90 minutes to Phoenix Sky Harbor — far from the heat, close to the airport
- Prescott Gateway Mall, Costco, and full shopping/dining infrastructure
- Popular with CA transplants from Ventura County, the Valley, and coastal communities
Prescott Valley
Family Suburb of Prescott- ~20% lower price point than Prescott proper — same weather, same access
- Growing commercial corridor: Target, Costco, expanding dining and retail
- Access to all Prescott schools, parks, hiking, and amenities
- Strong growth trajectory — early-mover opportunity still exists
Anthem
Award-Winning Master-Planned- Del Webb master-plan: resort pools, miles of walking trails, golf, community center
- Slightly higher elevation means a few degrees cooler than Phoenix metro
- Excellent schools, low crime, one of the strongest community identities in AZ
- Residents describe it as "the friendliest neighborhood in the Phoenix area"
Cave Creek & Carefree
Upscale Desert / Equestrian- Boutique restaurants, art galleries, and an authentic western character unlike any suburb
- Horse properties, custom homes, and larger parcels — real Arizona land
- Carefree is one of Arizona's most desirable zip codes and communities
- 25–30 minutes to North Scottsdale's amenities, dining, and healthcare
Sedona
Scenic Luxury + Resort Lifestyle- World-famous red rock scenery — genuinely one of the most beautiful places in America
- World-class spas, hiking, mountain biking, arts community, and restaurants
- Limited inventory keeps values strong — historically excellent equity hold
- Very popular with California buyers trading coastal luxury for desert luxury
Cottonwood & Verde Village
Arizona Wine Country- Gateway to Verde Valley wine country — dozens of tasting rooms within a short drive
- Walkable Old Town Cottonwood with restaurants, galleries, and a river trail
- More affordable than Prescott or Sedona with similarly beautiful natural surroundings
- Easy day-trip access to both Jerome and Sedona
New River
Semi-Rural In-Between- Sits between Anthem and Prescott — you get a taste of both
- Horse properties, large lots, and custom-build opportunities
- I-17 corridor provides easy Phoenix metro access when needed
- Under the radar and growing quietly — still good timing to buy here
Black Canyon City
I-17 Gateway Community- One of Arizona's most affordable communities along a major interstate
- Quick drive north to Prescott or south to Phoenix metro
- Small-town feel surrounded by natural desert landscape
- Popular starting point for buyers new to Northern Arizona
Mayer & Dewey-Humboldt
Authentic Small-Town Arizona- Genuine small-town Arizona character — rare and increasingly valued
- Situated between Prescott and the I-17 corridor
- Very affordable by any Arizona standard
- Quiet, friendly, and grounded in Arizona's rural identity
Jerome
Historic Arts Colony- Former copper mining boom town turned artist enclave — one of Arizona's most unique communities
- Stunning Verde Valley views, Victorian-era architecture, boutique galleries and wine bars
- One of Arizona's most photographed and visited towns
- Limited inventory makes properties here genuinely special
Chino Valley & Williamson
High Desert Open Space- High desert plains between Prescott and Prescott Valley
- Large lots, horse-friendly zones, HOA-free options available
- Growing bedroom community for Prescott workers
- Open sky, wide land — the definition of Arizona freedom
Cornville
Verde Valley Hidden Gem- Situated between Cottonwood and Sedona — wine country access in both directions
- Oak Creek tributaries make it unusually lush and green for Arizona
- Peaceful and uncrowded — still flying under the radar for most CA buyers
- A genuine Verde Valley hidden gem with strong long-term potential
Crown King & Cordes Lakes
Mountain Retreat Living- Crown King sits at 6,000+ ft — a true mountain community and summer escape from Phoenix heat
- Cordes Lakes is I-17-adjacent, between Prescott and Phoenix — affordable entry point
- Very affordable, especially for a second home or investment property
- Rustic, quiet, and tightly knit community identities
Yarnell
Sky Island Community- 5,000+ ft elevation means genuinely cool summers — a rare find at this price
- One of Arizona's most affordable entry price points
- Strong community spirit and scenic granite rock formations
- Note: Wildfire-adjacent history — research current risk factors and insurance carefully before purchasing
Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona: Area-by-Area Guide
The Phoenix metro is where most California transplants land — and for good reason. The infrastructure is mature, the job market is one of the strongest in the Sun Belt, and the range of communities is enormous. Whether you want luxury resort living in North Scottsdale, a master-planned family community in Surprise, an active adult paradise in Sun City, or an affordable starter in El Mirage — it's all here. This is the largest and most diverse real estate market in Arizona.
Scottsdale — North Scottsdale
Luxury Flagship- Top-tier dining, resorts, world-famous Old Town entertainment district
- 200+ golf courses in the Phoenix metro — a significant concentration in Scottsdale
- Best healthcare access in Arizona — Mayo Clinic Scottsdale campus nearby
- California transplants consistently say Scottsdale feels closest to what they left behind
- Strong luxury resale market — values here have shown consistent long-term appreciation
Arrowhead Ranch (Glendale)
Lake Community — Yes, a Lake- Glendale's most prestigious planned neighborhood — built around an actual lake
- Waterfront views, boat launch, walking paths — in the desert
- Excellent schools, strong community events, and a tight-knit neighborhood feel
- CA transplants consistently rank this as a top Phoenix metro pick
Phoenix
Arizona's Economic Center- Major employers: Intel, Amazon, TSMC semiconductor fabs, Nationwide Insurance, Banner Health
- Broad price range — from entry-level neighborhoods to high-end luxury districts
- Light rail, walkable downtown arts and entertainment districts
- Strongest rental demand in Arizona — top investor market in the state
Tempe
Urban Energy + ASU- Home of Arizona State University — 112,000+ students, massive employment and economic engine
- Mill Avenue District: walkable restaurants, bars, arts venues, and nightlife
- Light rail access and a bikeable streetscape
- Strong rental demand makes it Arizona's #1 investor neighborhood type
Glendale
Sports Hub + Affordable Metro- Home of State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals) and Westgate Entertainment District
- More affordable than Scottsdale, Chandler, or Gilbert
- Strong west valley location with quick Phoenix freeway access
- Home to Arrowhead Ranch — one of the metro's premier planned communities
Surprise & Surprise Farms
#2 Safest City in AZ (SafeWise 2026)- One of Arizona's fastest-growing cities — driven by real quality of life, not just hype
- Ranked 2nd safest city in Arizona by SafeWise 2026
- Spring Training MLB home — Cactus League games all March long
- Strong new construction pipeline, below Phoenix metro median — outstanding value
- U-Haul data shows California as the top origin for Surprise movers
Sun City & Sun City West
The Original 55+ Community- Del Webb's original master-planned retirement community — the blueprint for all others
- 8 recreation centers, hundreds of clubs, multiple golf courses, and bowling lanes
- Most affordable entry point into the Phoenix metro for retirees
- A thriving, active community with a pace of life CA retirees consistently love
Peoria
Best NW Valley Value- Top-ranked schools and well-established master-planned communities
- P83 Entertainment District — restaurants, bowling, sports bar, live events
- Home to Vistancia, one of Arizona's most award-winning master-planned communities
- Below Phoenix median — strong value with strong lifestyle amenities
El Mirage
Value Play — Surrounded by Growth- Bordered by high-growth Surprise (west) and Glendale (south) — surrounded by appreciation
- Well below metro median — strong upside potential as the corridor develops
- Quick Loop 101 and 303 freeway access
- The smart early-buyer move in the West Valley
Vistancia (Peoria)
Award-Winning Master-Planned- One of Arizona's most decorated master-planned communities — consistently award-winning
- Village layout with resort amenities, trails, community events, and top-rated schools
- New construction and resale options blend seamlessly
- CA buyers who loved Moorpark Ranch or Dos Vientos consistently gravitate here
Waddell
Rural West Valley — Space + Nature- Western edge of the Phoenix metro — wide open land that isn't going away
- Horse properties and large lots still available at reasonable prices
- Backs up to White Tank Mountain Regional Park — 30,000 acres of desert preserve
- One of the last rural communities within reach of full metro infrastructure
Find Your Fit
Which Arizona Area is Right for You?
Match your top priority to your best areas. Most buyers will find 2–3 areas worth visiting in person.
🏆 Luxury Living
North Scottsdale · Sedona · Arrowhead Ranch · Vistancia
🌴 Retire from SoCal
Prescott · Prescott Valley · Sun City / SCW · Cave Creek
👨👩👧 Best for Families
Surprise · Peoria · Anthem · Arrowhead Ranch · Cave Creek
💰 Affordable + Metro
Surprise · Glendale · El Mirage · Sun City · Prescott Valley
🐴 Rural / Acreage
Waddell · New River · Chino Valley · Cornville · Williamson
🎨 Arts / Character
Sedona · Jerome · Prescott · Cornville · Cave Creek
💼 Career Driven
Phoenix · Tempe · Scottsdale · Peoria · Surprise
📈 Investor / Rental
Phoenix · Tempe · Glendale · Surprise · El Mirage
🏡 Remote Worker
Prescott · Sedona · Anthem · New River · Chino Valley
🍷 Wine Country
Cottonwood · Cornville · Jerome · Verde Village
One Team · Both Sides
Ross Realty Group Covers Your Entire Move
Most agents do one side or the other. We do both — with a licensed Arizona team member on the ground serving every area in this guide.
We Sell Your SoCal Home
- Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Calabasas
- All Ventura & Los Angeles County markets
- Expert pricing from real neighborhood comps
- Full remote coordination after you've moved
- Rent-back negotiation to protect your timeline
We Find Your Arizona Home
- Licensed Arizona team member on the ground
- Northern and Southern Arizona — all cities in this guide
- Keller Williams — the largest real estate network in the world
- Boots on the ground for showings, inspections, and closing
- No handoff surprises — one trusted team throughout
Also planning a 1031 Exchange alongside your move? We can help with that too. See our complete 1031 Exchange guide.
Your Action Plan
Your Arizona Relocation Checklist
Print this. Share it. Work through it. Your move to Arizona starts here.
Get your SoCal home value — start with a free RRG market analysis
Confirm Arizona budget based on sale proceeds + financing
Choose: Northern Arizona, Southern Arizona, or compare both
Narrow your search to 2–3 specific areas using this guide
Visit your top areas in both summer AND winter — the difference is real
Get pre-approved for an AZ mortgage (some CA lenders don't lend there)
Review AZ property tax rates (~0.62–0.79% vs CA ~1.1%)
Research HOA rules if considering a master-planned community
Consult a CPA on AZ income tax (2.5% flat vs CA's up to 13.3%)
Understand CA Form 593 withholding (3.33%) on your sale
Connect with RRG's Arizona team member for local guidance
Make your move — popular AZ markets move fast in spring
Frequently Asked Questions
Arizona Relocation FAQ
The best Arizona areas depend entirely on your lifestyle. For luxury living, North Scottsdale and Sedona top the list. For families, Surprise, Peoria, and Anthem consistently rank highest. For retirees from California, Prescott and Prescott Valley are the most popular destinations. For affordability near the metro, Surprise, Glendale, and El Mirage offer strong value. Use the lifestyle match guide above to narrow your search to 2–3 areas worth visiting.
Arizona is consistently the #1 destination for California transplants, according to U-Haul migration data. The key advantages: a flat 2.5% state income tax versus California's up to 13.3%; median home prices around $467,000 versus California's ~$852,000; lower annual property tax rates; and a broad economy anchored by tech, healthcare, and financial services. Many Southern California homeowners find that their equity allows them to buy outright or dramatically reduce their mortgage.
Prescott is Arizona's most popular retirement destination for California transplants. Its mile-high elevation delivers four real seasons with mild summers averaging 89°F — dramatically cooler than Phoenix. Prescott Valley offers a slightly lower price point with the same area amenities. For active adult communities, Sun City and Sun City West (Del Webb) near Phoenix are the most established. Sedona appeals to retirees seeking scenic luxury at a premium price. For those who want the desert lifestyle but still want access to Phoenix, Anthem and Cave Creek are popular picks.
Yes — consistently one of Arizona's top-ranked places to live and retire. The mile-high elevation keeps summers genuinely mild (highs in the high 80s to low 90s), and real winters with occasional snow make it feel seasonally alive. Prescott features historic Whiskey Row, a strong arts community, top outdoor recreation (hiking, mountain biking, fishing), and proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor (90 minutes). Median home prices around $531,000 reflect strong and consistent demand.
For the lowest entry prices in Northern Arizona, look at Yarnell, Black Canyon City, Mayer, and Dewey-Humboldt — communities where medians can be $160K–$280K. In the Phoenix metro, El Mirage, Sun City/Sun City West, and Surprise offer the best value relative to amenities and location. If affordability is your primary driver, Prescott Valley also delivers compared to Prescott proper, at roughly 20% less with access to the same schools and lifestyle.
North Scottsdale has a median home price of roughly $841K–$916K — comparable to many Southern California markets. However, the lifestyle offered is exceptional: resort amenities, world-class dining, 200+ golf courses, and some of the best healthcare in Arizona. Many California buyers find their SoCal equity allows them to purchase in Scottsdale outright or with a dramatically reduced mortgage. Arizona's lower state income tax also offsets the higher home price for most buyers doing the math long-term.
U-Haul and Census data consistently show California as the top origin state for Arizona arrivals. The most popular destinations for California transplants are Scottsdale, Surprise, Peoria, Anthem, Prescott, and Glendale. Many California buyers are drawn to master-planned communities like Vistancia (Peoria), Arrowhead Ranch (Glendale), and Anthem — communities that mirror the organized, amenity-rich neighborhoods they are familiar with in Southern California.
Pros: significantly lower state income tax; lower median home prices and property taxes; strong job market anchored by tech, healthcare, and finance; warm weather year-round; no Prop 13 cliff to worry about when you eventually sell. Cons: extreme summer heat in the Phoenix metro (June–August regularly exceeds 110°F); limited public transit outside central Phoenix; water scarcity is a serious long-term consideration for the state; wildfire risk in some Northern Arizona communities (research before buying). The best part? You choose your climate zone — Phoenix is hot, Prescott is not.
The most seamless approach is using one agent team that handles both sides of the transaction. Ross Realty Group manages the sale of your Southern California home across all Ventura and Los Angeles County markets, and we have a licensed Arizona team member on the ground serving both Northern and Southern Arizona through the Keller Williams network. We coordinate your timeline, negotiate rent-backs when needed, and make sure you're not caught owning two homes or zero homes at the same time. Contact us here to start the conversation.
Yes. We serve both Southern California and Arizona through our licensed team members and the Keller Williams referral network — the largest real estate company in the world. We sell your SoCal home and connect you with on-the-ground expertise across both Northern and Southern Arizona, including every area covered in this guide. Call us at 805-300-1626 or start here.
More Helpful Guides
Related Resources from Ross Realty Group
Everything you need to plan your move, from start to closing.
Relocation
Relocating Out of Southern CaliforniaTimeline, equity math, tax guide, and remote seller toolkit for your SoCal departure.
Tax Strategy
What Is a 1031 Exchange?If you're moving investment property to Arizona, a 1031 can defer a massive capital gains bill.
Specialty Situations
Probate & Trust Real Estate SpecialistMoving after losing a loved one? We handle trust sales and probate properties with care.
Life Transitions
Selling a House During a DivorceCalifornia community property law, your options, and how to coordinate a sale during divorce.
Sell Your Home
Sellers: How We Market Your HomeOur Four Pillars framework — Pricing, Preparation, Promotion, and Presentation.
About Us
About Ross Realty Group20+ years in real estate, marketing-first approach, and a team built for the modern market.
Ready to Make Your Arizona Move?
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