About 60 miles from Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona City offers a more rural way of life between two of the state’s largest cities. The population remains less than 11,000, and many locals are snowbirds. “It’s a tough area that is a little divided, but it’s a great location. My husband is the pastor of a church there,” says Debra Kwiat, an agent with HomeSmart Premier. “It is a city that was originally planned to be kind of a Palm Springs vibe, but they ended up changing that plan to half retirement, half Section 8.” Since its humble beginnings as a master-planned community in the 1960s, the area has grown to include more housing options and amenities. With median home prices $100,000 below the Pinal County median, Arizona City provides a lower-cost alternative to Casa Grande and Eloy.
Outdoor adventures in Arizona City include picturesque hiking trails in the Sonoran Desert.
Arizona City's elegant waterfront homes are suitable for the retirement community.
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Prices below the average for Pinal County
Properties in Arizona City embrace the desert scenery with minimalist landscaping. Front yards feature beds of red rock, and the occasional palm tree or mature cactus lines each street. Paradise Lake Association remains one of the area’s most in-demand communities because of its waterfront properties, but homeowners associations are few and far between. As an eligible city for the Arizona Department of Housing’s Pathway to Purchase program, Arizona City appeals to homebuyers seeking down payment or closing cost assistance. According to Phoenix Realtors, the median price for a single-family home in Arizona City is $275,000, about 25% less than the median in Tucson. “You can get a huge house with a pool for under $300,000, probably even around $250,000,” Kwiat says. Overall, homes sit on flat lots with views of several mountains, including the Picacho and Casa Grande. Though located in the desert, around 25% of the city features a minor to major flood risk.
From contemporary to traditional, Arizona City offers a diverse range of home styles.
One of the area’s most in-demand homes are waterfront properties in Arizona City.
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Mountain trails within a 20-mile drive
Except for Arizona City Park and Arizona City Golf Club, opportunities to hike or explore the outdoors are several miles away. The nearest trails weave through the Casa Grande Mountains, about 5 miles north, while the most extensive paths are 20 miles away in the Picacho Mountains. “Hiking is all within 20 to 30 minutes, so it’s a great location, but the city is unincorporated, so there’s no real beautification,” Kwiat says. Because of its unincorporated status, Arizona City does not have a local government — one of the main reasons for its minimal recreational spaces.
Arizona City has opportunities to hike or explore the outdoors.
Shoot some hoops and have fun at Arizona City Park's basketball courts.
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Community hubs in a residential area
Nightlife in the area is sparse, and most bars are inside a local restaurant. Tap Inn, part of the Arizona City Golf Club, features live music and karaoke throughout the week, making it the top spot for entertainment. One of the area's main hubs of daytime activity is the Arizona City Community Library, which hosts book clubs, classes in financial literacy, and regular hangout sessions for homeschooled students. Places of worship also act as community hubs throughout the city. Churches are a frequent sight along Sunland Gin Road and South Overfield Road, but the presence of local ministries is notable throughout Arizona City. “We have food banks, and then our associate pastor and his family go to the dollar store and set up a booth for prayer,” Kwiat says.
Discover a taste of Mexico with a seafood twist at Casa Mora in Arizona City.
Dine in style and unwind with friends at Tap Inn Restaurant and Bar in Arizona City.
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Commutes to Casa Grande, Phoenix and Tucson
Many locals travel 15 miles northwest to Casa Grande for work and shopping needs, as Arizona City includes few stores of its own. Because of its central location, commuters can also head to Phoenix and Tucson as needed, and residents can reach top vacation destinations in a day’s drive. “You don’t have the congestion because you’re not in the Phoenix metro area where it is crazy,” Kwiat says. “You’re smack dab between Tucson and Phoenix and about 5 hours away from Las Vegas, San Diego, New Mexico and the Grand Canyon. You can be snow skiing in less than 3 hours.” The nearest commercial airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International, about 60 miles away.
Schools in surrounding towns and cities
Elementary students can attend nearby Toltec School District, which earns a C-minus from Niche. For middle school, students can travel to Casa Grande for charter and magnet options like Legacy Traditional and The Grande Innovation, and for high school, students can attend Casa Grande Union High School District, which earns a C-plus and features two public high schools. Private options similarly require a ride to towns and cities like Casa Grande and Mesa.
Arizona City Elementary in Arizona City serves students from Pre-K to eighth grade.
Find endless adventures within the pages of books at Arizona City's community library.
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Declining crime rates in Pinal County
Across Pinal County, crime rates fall below the national average, and the CAP Index reports that the Crime Score in Arizona City aligns with nationwide averages. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the county's total number of violent crimes declined from 313 to 274 between 2021 and 2022. The Pinal County Attorney's Office reports that over 38% of cases filed from February 2023 to February 2024 were drug offenses, while 15.5% were related to assault.
Combatting economic hardship
With less than 50% of its population in the labor force, Arizona City trends below the national average for employment. Homes make up over 98% of the area, so job opportunities are primarily limited to Casa Grande’s national chains and the major employers of Tucson and Phoenix. According to the United States Census Bureau, 13.4% of Arizona City residents are experiencing poverty. To help the community, the Arizona City Fire Department raises money for seniors, donates safety kits to children and finds other ways to give back to residents. Pinal County also hopes to foster a more robust economy in Arizona City. The county’s Comprehensive Plan aims to “promote key social businesses” and improve the presence of parks and recreational spaces throughout the community.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
