9 Arizona cities rank as best places for families; 

one tops the nation

By: Mignon A. Gould

Scottsdale has been named the No. 1 city in the country to raise a family. 

That’s according to research from This Old House, an online platform that offers expert how-to and DIY advice on home improvement.

"Scottsdale earned the top spot for families by excelling in education and offering a well-rounded community with something for everyone," according to the study. "Known for its stunning desert landscape and luxurious lifestyle, the city provides high-quality amenities and services."

Other Arizona cities in the top 20 national ranking for families to live include Gilbert (No. 6), Chandler (8) and Tempe (15). Other Arizona cities ranked in the overall study include Phoenix (No. 36), Mesa (55), Glendale (66), Peoria (69) and Tucson (77).

The Grand Canyon State had the fourth most cities on the list after California (26), Texas (18) and Florida (10).

With a cost of living well above national average (13% according to Payscale), Scottsdale emerged as the victor among 149 of the most populous U.S. cities that were analyzed and ranked based on affordability, safety and access to family-friendly amenities. 

The results bode well for residential real estate sales in Scottsdale. Separately, the Business Journal previously reported findings from Poin2Homes that Scottsdale ranked No. 8 among leading cities in luxury home rentals, with 34% of single-family houses on the market being in the luxury category.

Key findings for Scottsdale

According to the This Old House study, Scottsdale's school district rated 9 out of 10 — one of only 13 cities to achieve that rating. Gilbert and Chandler also received that rating.

The Maricopa County city had a child care provider ratio of 5.34 per 1,000 residents below the age of five and a dependent child tax credit — making it easier to manage child care and related expenses, according to the study. 

In addition, Scottsdale has a primary care providers ratio of 6.65 per 1,000 residents — the highest among the top five cities analyzed.

Most family-friendly cities to live in Arizona

The best cities to live for families based on affordability, safety and family-friendly amenities.

It was also found that outdoor recreation is accessible with 0.37 parks per 1,000 residents and myriad activities for children. Scottsdale ranked No. 2 in the number of kids’ activities (2.81 per 1,000 residents) and No. 4 in libraries (0.14 per 1,000 residents).

Scottsdale ranked No. 28 for crime, while Gilbert ranked No. 5 and Chandler No. 23.

Overland Park (Kansas), Aurora (Illinois), Boise (Idaho), and Madison (Wisconsin) followed Scottsdale to round out the top five family-centric cities to live in.

This Old House used data from multiple sources for its study, ranging from school district ratings from NeighborhoodScout, regional price parity from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; rent burden statistics and family incomes from U.S. Census data, and data on childcare options from Yelp, among others.

Final Thoughts:
Scottsdale has long been a sought-after destination, but its latest ranking as the No. 1 city in the U.S. to raise a family cements its reputation as a premier place to call home. With top-rated schools, abundant outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community, it’s no surprise families are flocking to the area. Whether you're relocating from out of state or simply looking for a fresh start, Scottsdale and its neighboring cities—like Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe—offer an unmatched lifestyle with safety, convenience, and family-friendly amenities at the forefront. Thinking about making the move? Let’s find your perfect home today!