Top 5 Safest cities in Arizona with the Best quality of life – 2024

Home to a population of more than seven million people, Arizona has a lot to offer — from the stunning views of the Grand Canyon to beautiful sunsets, warm climate and Monument Valley. Arizona can be a home for anyone!

Before moving to Arizona, it is suggested to research the things to know and do before moving to Arizona so you have a better understanding of your potential new home. The state’s diverse culture, amenities, parks, housing options, and safe areas enhance its residents’ quality of life. 

Read on to discover the top 5 safest cities to live in Arizona with the best quality of life in 2024.

Top 5 Safest Cities to live in Arizona with the Best Quality of life

Methodology

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the Arizona Crime Statistics for 2023. Data is collected from participating agencies on a monthly basis, and all charts reflect data processed prior to the current day. 

The current year does not reflect a full 12 months of data and should not be compared to previous years. The data shows the crimes against person offenses, property offenses, and society offenses. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

The “best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Safest cities in Arizona

Featured in this article

Ad

1. Gilbert

Top 5 Safest Cities in Arizona with the Best Quality of Life
  • Population: 273,136
  • Crime rate: 4 crimes per 1,000 people

Once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World”, Gilbert is a growing suburb of Phoenix that is one of the safest cities to live in Arizona. The city has a low crime rate of 4 crimes per 1,000 people. Residents in Gilbert love going to the Santan Village on their days off where they enjoy shopping and dining out with friends and family. Locals also appreciate Gilbert’s close proximity to Phoenix, Arizona, being a 40-minute drive, and its accessibility to major highways such as 60, 87, and 202.

The city is home to some of the most scenic areas in Arizona, such as Sedona, the Grand Canyon, ancient ruins, and Jerome, along with Northern Arizona wineries. As noted by locals, Gilbert offers excellent school choices like Higley Unified School District and Williams Field High School. You can expect to find locals enjoying the 135 miles of bike paths, exploring scenic parks, and discovering brunch spots!

City-Data (Dec 2021) & Arizona Crime Statistics (Dec 2023)

Gilbert, Arizona

2. Maricopa

Top 5 Safest Cities in Arizona with the Best Quality of Life
  • Population: 62,720
  • Crime rate: 19 crimes per 1,000 people

Maricopa is the 21st most populous city in Arizona with a low crime rate of 19 crimes per 1,000 people. Nestled just outside the Phoenix area, approximately 15 minutes away, this city is the perfect location for families who prefer a small-town living experience.

It is important to note that several residents have mentioned Maricopa does not have the best internet connection, with slow upload speeds. However, locals love spending their time at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino or the Duke at Rancho El Dorado, which features golf courses. Maricopa is home to deserts that cultivate plants and cotton, sometimes producing a cow manure odor; however, its neighborhoods are reported to be safe and quiet nonetheless.

City-Data (Dec 2021) & Arizona Crime Statistics (Dec 2023)

Maricopa, Arizona

3. San Luis

Top 5 Safest Cities in Arizona with the Best Quality of Life
  • Population: 37,333
  • Crime rate: 36 crimes per 1,000 people

San Luis is a city located in Yuma County known for its vineyards and outdoor activities like Joe Orduño Park. The area’s main industry is agriculture, however, large employers in San Luis include the City of San Luis, the ACT call center, and Gadsden Elementary School District. With 52 miles of trails, you can walk, jog or ride your bicycle through San Luis without worrying about your safety, with a crime rate of 36 crimes per 1,000 people.

Situated right at the border of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, and California, San Luis allows locals to cross the border between both cities on a daily basis, enriching the cities’ culture, language, and environment. The city is also known as a small desert city, thanks to its stunning views of the desert landscape.

City-Data (Dec 2021) & Arizona Crime Statistics (Dec 2023)

San Luis, Arizona

4. Lake Havasu City

Top 5 Safest Cities in Arizona with the Best Quality of Life
  • Population: 58,284
  • Crime rate: 39 crimes per 1,000 people

“Arizona’s West Coast,” otherwise known as Lake Havasu City, is located on the edge of the Arizona state line next to California. Residents love living in Lake Havasu City for its spectacular waterfront, serene lake, and adventure-seeking culture. Stunning views are abundant, thanks to the Channel, the London Bridge, and the Island.

It’s important to note that Lake Havasu City is predominantly populated by campgrounds and RVs, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. The city organizes programs and events for residents throughout the year, such as the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair and beach musical festivals. Lake Havasu City is indeed a safe place to live in Arizona, with a crime rate of 39 crimes per 1,000 people.

City-Data (Dec 2021) & Arizona Crime Statistics (Dec 2023)

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

5. Florence

Top 5 Safest Cities to live in Arizona with the Best Quality of life
  • Population: 26,205
  • Crime rate: 90 crimes per 1,000 people

Located in the town of Pinal County, Florence is one of the oldest towns in the county. Living in Florence offers residents a suburban-rural mix, making it an excellent choice for families looking for more space and a good area to raise a family. The town hosts numerous events for children’s sports, with a recreation program filled with activities like Zumba classes, libraries, senior programs, and more.

Locals have noted to expect small town amenities such as small businesses; however, larger town amenities will be a 30-minute drive away. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a car if you plan on moving to Florence. Nevertheless, the town is home to many historical sites like the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Pinal County Historical Museum. Florence is a safe city for anyone looking to move to the state of Arizona with a crime rate of 90 crimes per 1,000 people.

City-Data (Dec 2021) & Arizona Crime Statistics (Dec 2023)

Florence, Arizona

Featured in this article

Conclusion

If safety is a priority for your next move, we hope this guide has helped you make a choice of the Top 5 Safest places to live in Arizona. If you are planning to move to Arizona, take the time to explore these cities and find the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Always consider factors such as amenities, proximity to the city centre, safety, and the unique characteristics of each area.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation, it’s advisable to research the best moving companies in Phoenix, AZ ahead of time.

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Florence
  2. San Luis
  3. Gilbert
  4. Maricopa
  5. Oro Valley
  6. Lake Havasu City
  7. Buckeye
  8. Paradise Valley
  9. Sahuarita
  10. Surprise

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering affordability and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places were excluded from last year’s lists due to insufficient rental data. Moreover, entries with higher average housing prices in the previous year were excluded from the current rankings. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Share this article on social media

Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
How much is your move?

Find a mover

Easily compare multiple quotes

Organize your move

Guided through a checklist

Internet packages

Get up to speed on the new deals

Address change

Update your address in a few clicks

Join the network

Become a trusted vendor in your service area

For agents and brokers

MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks

What is MovingWaldo?

We guide millions of families through each step of their moving process, helping them save time and money, and making sure nothing gets left behind.

Trouver un déménageur

Comparez plusieurs devis

Organisez votre déménagement

Guidé à travers une checklist

Changement d’adresse

Mettez à jour votre adresse en quelques clics

Forfaits internet

Soyez au courant des nouvelles offres internet à domicile

Rejoignez le réseau

Devenez un fournisseur de confiance pour desservir votre région

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Prolongez la relation avec vos clients grâce à votre propre plateforme de déménagement personnalisé

Qu'est-ce que MovingWaldo ?

MovingWaldo est un guichet unique qui simplifie la planification du déménagement

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox