Best Cities to Buy a Vacation Home in Arizona
Arizona is a perfect place for a vacation home. With its 300 days of sunshine, the mild climate makes it ideal for winter getaways or summer vacations. Plus, with all that sun, it’s great for solar power, so your electricity bills could be very low.
Due to Arizona’s prime location as a retirement haven, as well as a popular vacation spot, demand for vacation homes is high and inventory is limited. This can drive up prices. Here are the most popular cities to buy your Arizona vacation home::
Tucson
Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona and is one of the most popular places to live. Located in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing and biking. It’s also home to several national parks.
The city has a population of over one million people and is the second-largest city in the state. It’s located about 75 miles southeast of Phoenix. The city itself is nestled in a valley surrounded by several mountain ranges making it an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts.
The University of Arizona is located in Tucson and is the second-largest employer in the area. There are also two major military bases nearby that provide employment, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca Army Base.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a high-growth area. The city has a population of more than 1.4 million and is the largest city in Arizona. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, due to its warm winter climate, great restaurants and recreational opportunities, including hiking and golfing. As a result, Phoenix has become a popular vacation destination for people who want to escape cold northern winters or enjoy a warm weather getaway.
Mesa
Mesa is located about 20 miles from downtown Phoenix. It is home to the Mesa Arts Center, which offers exhibitions and performances in music, dance, theater and visual arts. Residents also enjoy outdoor recreation at nearby Usery Mountain Regional Park. Golfers can play at more than 50 golf courses in Mesa. This is a great area to purchase your Arizona vacation home.
Yuma
Yuma is located on the Yuma River near the Mexican border. Its economy historically revolved around agriculture with much of its produce shipped by way of the Colorado River before being trucked or flown to other parts of the country. Today, tourism contributes to the economy as many travelers stop here on their way to California or other nearby states.
Sedona
In the northern part of Arizona, Sedona is packed with things to do and see. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including sandstone red rocks and mountains.
Situated in the Coconino National Forest, Sedona has numerous hiking trails. It also offers some of the best mountain biking trails in America. You can explore hundreds of miles of Jeep trails or take in the scenery on horseback.
If you want to shop and dine, Sedona has plenty of options for that as well. Main Street is lined with charming shops and restaurants.
Lake Havasu City
If you love the water, Lake Havasu City probably already sounds like the perfect place to buy your Arizona vacation home. The Arizona city is situated right on the Colorado River, where residents and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in the lake. The area also has a number of fun attractions for families, including a London bridge, historic downtown and famous Route 66. This city is ideal for a vacation home purchase because it offers relatively low prices with plenty of amenities.
Flagstaff
There are few things more beautiful than Flagstaff’s scenery, with its spruce trees, mountain peaks and deep blue skies. This charming mountain town is not only known as one of Arizona’s top tourist destinations; it’s also been named as one of America’s best places to live by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to boasting natural beauty and great weather all year long, Flagstaff offers some excellent dining options and plenty of fun activities for families and couples alike.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a great place to buy a vacation home for many reasons. It’s beautiful and filled with a variety of activities and attractions. There are plenty of cultural events, golf courses and shopping — from small boutiques to major malls. Plus, it has the most affordable prices out of all the cities listed here.
Arizona is a wonderful place to visit. It’s a fine spot for a vacation home on its own merits, but you get the added benefit of yet another destination you can travel to on your downtime. No matter how you slice it, Arizona is a great state with much to offer—the perfect place to purchase your next vacation home.
Scott is a Business Development Manager at 1stNWM. He blogs about home loans, personal finance and lives in Orange County, CA. He feels good about sharing his expertise and real world stories of successful real estate transactions. when he’s not at work, he is with his bestie, a four-legged furry and often sloberring Saint Bernard, Wyatt.