If you’re looking at a list of az cities, you’re probably expecting a lot of sand, maybe some cacti, and a whole lot of retirement communities. Honestly, that’s what I thought before I actually spent a decade driving between the jagged peaks of the Superstition Mountains and the red rocks of the north.
Arizona is weird. It’s huge. It’s the only place where you can stand in a pine forest at 7,000 feet and, four hours later, be sweating in a palm-fringed desert. But when people search for cities here, they usually just find a dry list of populations. That doesn't tell you why people are actually moving here or where you should spend your weekend.
Let's fix that.
The Big Players: More Than Just Phoenix
Phoenix is the obvious start. It’s the 5th largest city in the U.S. now, pushing toward 1.7 million people. But "Phoenix" is often shorthand for the Valley of the Sun—a massive sprawl of about 25 different cities that all bleed into each other.
You’ve got Mesa, the third-largest city in the state, which has transformed from a sleepy agricultural hub into a massive suburban powerhouse with over 500,000 residents. Then there's Tucson. Don't call it a suburb of Phoenix; locals will get annoyed. It’s about two hours south, home to the University of Arizona, and was the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S. because the Mexican food there is basically a religious experience.
Here’s a quick look at how the heavy hitters stack up by population as we head into 2026:
- Phoenix: The anchor. It's where the jobs are, especially in tech and healthcare.
- Tucson: The "Old Pueblo." Cooler than Phoenix (usually by 5 degrees) and much more artsy.
- Mesa: Huge for families. It has a surprisingly cool downtown scene developing lately.
- Chandler & Gilbert: These two are the tech corridor. Intel has a massive presence here. Gilbert used to be the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World," but now it’s mostly high-end gastropubs and really nice parks.
- Scottsdale: This is where the tourists go. Think luxury resorts, golf courses, and Old Town’s nightlife. It's expensive. Like, "don't look at your bank account" expensive.
Why the Arizona Cities List is Changing So Fast
If you look at a list of az cities from five years ago, it looks nothing like today. Places like Buckeye and Goodyear are exploding. Why? Because they have space.
Buckeye was once just a tiny stop on the way to California. Now, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country. Developers are dropping master-planned communities into the desert faster than you can keep track of.
Then there’s Queen Creek. It’s technically a town, but with a population nearing 100,000, it feels like a city. It still tries to keep that "rural" vibe with peach festivals and equestrian trails, but the traffic on Ironwood Drive tells a different story.
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The Rise of the Pinal County Boom
A lot of people are getting priced out of Maricopa County (where Phoenix is). This has led to a massive surge in:
- Maricopa (the city): Not to be confused with the county. It’s a commuter city south of Phoenix.
- Casa Grande: Halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. It’s becoming a manufacturing hub, thanks to companies like Lucid Motors setting up shop.
- Coolidge: This place is seeing some of the highest percentage growth in the state right now.
The Mountain Escapes (Where We Go to Breathe)
When the thermometer hits 115°F in the Valley, everyone on that list of az cities in the south heads north.
Flagstaff is the big one. Sitting at nearly 7,000 feet, it’s a mountain town through and through. It has the Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered!) and a very cool, crunchy vibe.
Then there's Prescott. Pronounced "press-kit," not "pres-cott"—if you say it wrong, the locals will know you're from out of state immediately. It’s famous for Whiskey Row and having the "World's Oldest Rodeo." It’s got a distinct Victorian feel that you just don't see in the rest of the desert.
And we can't forget Sedona. Everyone knows the red rocks. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s also crowded. If you want the same red rock beauty without the $20 parking and crystal shops, look at Cottonwood or Camp Verde. They’re right nearby and way more "real."
The Quirky "Don't Skip These" Cities
The real soul of Arizona is in the places that didn't quite become megacities.
Jerome is a literal ghost town—or it was. It’s built on the side of Cleopatra Hill at a 30-degree incline. The buildings are literally sliding down the mountain. It’s full of artists, haunted hotels, and wine-tasting rooms now. It is easily the coolest spot in the state if you like history and weird vibes.
Further south, near the border, is Bisbee. It’s an old copper mining town that looks like it belongs in Europe. It’s built into a canyon with steep stairs instead of sidewalks in some places. It’s incredibly liberal, very artsy, and has a bar called St. Elmo’s that has been open since 1902.
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Route 66 Nostalgia
- Kingman: The heart of Route 66.
- Seligman: The inspiration for the town in the movie Cars. It’s kitschy, neon, and perfect.
- Winslow: Yes, you can stand on the corner. There’s a statue and everything.
Practical Insights for Your Search
When you're navigating a list of az cities, keep the climate in mind. Arizona is split into three steps: the low desert (Phoenix/Yuma), the transition zone (Prescott/Sedona), and the high country (Flagstaff/Pinetop).
If you're moving here for work, you're likely looking at the East Valley (Gilbert/Chandler) or the West Valley (Surprise/Peoria). The West Valley is generally a bit more affordable, but the East Valley has more of the high-tech infrastructure.
One mistake people make is underestimating the driving distances. Arizona is the 6th largest state. Driving from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon (near Williams and Tusayan) takes four hours. Driving from Phoenix to the Mexican border at Nogales takes about three.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Elevation: Before visiting or moving to any city on the list, check its elevation. This dictates your entire lifestyle, from your AC bill to whether you need snow tires.
- Visit the "Second Cities": Instead of just Phoenix, spend a day in Cave Creek for cowboy vibes or Carefree for a quieter desert experience.
- Monitor Water Reports: If you’re looking at buying in newer growth areas like San Tan Valley or Rio Verde, always check the local water provider’s long-term outlook. Arizona is a desert, and water rights are a huge deal here.
- Explore the State Parks: Many of the best small cities are adjacent to incredible parks, like Lost Dutchman near Apache Junction or Kartchner Caverns near Benson.
Arizona is growing fast, and while the "desert" label sticks, the variety of its cities—from the tech hubs to the haunted mining camps—is what actually makes it worth exploring.