Snowflake named best city in Arizona for young families
Apr 21, 2015, 9:00 AM | Updated: 9:00 am
PHOENIX — As Arizona grows as a state each year, many individual cities have seen major growth in relation.
The state, as a whole, has seen a population increase of 750 percent since 1950 — 6,392,017 residents from 749,587. Due to the growth, many communities have sprung up quickly and efficiently with young families in mind, according to NerdWallet.com.
NerdWallet analyzed the home affordability, prosperity and growth, quality of education and family friendliness in each Arizona city to compile a list of the best cities for young families.
Snowflake
Although Snowflake houses a mere 5,566 residents, it makes up for its small size in affordable housing and good schools. Snowflake’s GreatSchools score is an 8 out of 10, while the town’s median home price is $131,900, well below the statewide average of $165,100.
Corona de Tucson
Located on the edge of the Coronado National Forest, Corona de Tucson offers families exclusive hiking, camping and mountain-biking opportunities, along with a score of 9 of the GreatSchools scale. Corona de Tucson also houses the second-highest proportion of families in the state with 39 percent.
Vail
Vail, a neighbor to Corona de Tucson, has a slightly higher home price — a median of $232,400. The town has also seen strong economic growth, with median family incomes increasing more than 78 percent since 1999.
Buckeye
While Buckeye might be the westernmost Phoenix suburb, it has one of the lowest median home price on the list at $135,400. Located on the border of both White Tanks and Skyline Regional Parks, there is more than enough to keep young families occupied.
Sahuarita
As a western neighbor to both Corona de Tucson and Vail, it is no surprise that Sahuarita made the list at No. 5. The town offers exclusive celebrations such as Fiesta Sahuarita, which commemorates the town’s founding, as well as the most affordable homes in the area, with a median home price of $186,100.
Queen Creek, Gilbert, Sierra Vista, Surprise and Chander round out the top 10 cities.
