Arizona cities didn't rank high on a recent list of the best United States cities to live in, according to an analysis by U.S. News and World Reports.
For its annual Best Places to Live ranking, U.S. News evaluates quality of life across 150 major cities and ranks them from the best to the worst places to live. In this year's list, Phoenix and Tucson both barely made it to the top half, situated between cities such as Columbus, Indianapolis and Anchorage.
Although both Arizona cities scored 6.3 out of 10, Tucson led Phoenix by four slots on the list, likely because the southern Arizona city obtained better scores on the quality of life and value categories. The poor attainment of both cities on the list is also a reflection of Arizona's low position on another U.S. News ranking of the best states in America.
Other categories evaluated in the ranking were desirability and job market, for a total of four categories in which the quality of life and value indexes were weighted most heavily based on a survey on the factors that were most significant to people. Cities were evaluated using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor, crime statistics from the FBI and U.S. News' internal resources.
Here's how Arizona cities performed on the ranking as well as a rundown of the places that made it to the top of the list.
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Top 10 places to live in the U.S.
These are the 10 cities named the best places to live in the nation by U.S. News and World Reports, along with the overall score they obtained.
- Naples, Florida: 7.1
- Boise, Idaho: 7.0
- Colorado Springs, Colorado: 7.0
- Greenville, South Carolina: 6.9
- Charlotte, North Carolina: 6.8
- Raleigh, North Carolina: 6.8
- Huntsville, Alabama: 6.8
- Virginia Beach, Virginia: 6.8
- Austin, Texas: 6.8
- Boulder, Colorado: 6.7
Where did Tucson fall among best places to live in the U.S.?
A sprawling metro in southern Arizona, Tucson has constantly transformed over the years while maintaining its strong identity and roots. According to U.S. News, Tucson's rapid growth has drawn new residents seeking beautiful scenery and a low cost of living
Among the best places to live in the nation, Tucson ranks 63rd, according to U.S. News.
Tucson ranked particularly well in the value category, where it obtained a score of 7. The cost of living in Tucson is considered mostly reasonable, although it has increased in recent years.
The median price for a home in Tucson is about $335,000, just below the national median. New housing developments springing up in suburban areas have helped keep housing costs down, according to U.S. News. However, Tucson residents also tend to earn less than the average American.
Tucson also scored a 6.7 in the quality of life category. Tucson has a wide range of activities to do, from hiking and winter skiing to art galleries and museums. And don't forget the authentic Sonoran-Mexican style restaurants that boost the city's gastronomic scenery.
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Where did Phoenix fall among the best places to live in the U.S.?
The Phoenix area sprawls more than 2,000 square miles between desert mountains, which is why it is nicknamed the Valley of the Sun. According to U.S. News, Phoenix has a lot to offer, including a thriving economy, a relatively low cost of living and many things to do around the Valley.
Phoenix ranked 67th among the best places to live, according to U.S. News.
Among the study categories, Phoenix scored best for the job market. As the fifth-largest city in the nation, Phoenix offers plenty of work opportunities, with tourism and technology among the city's top industries.
Although Arizona's capital did not perform as well in the other categories, Phoenix still obtained a score of 6.4 for value, which is better than the majority of cities on the list. According to U.S. news, living in Phoenix is considered somewhat affordable in comparison with metro areas like San Francisco or New York City.
However, the average annual salary in Phoenix falls slightly below the national average and the cost of housing is well above the national median. The median home price in Phoenix is about $342,000, while the national median sits at about $282,000.
Phoenix also obtained a score of 6.3 in the quality of life category. Outdoor and indoor activities around the Valley are practically endless, with hiking trails, natural parks, lakes, gardens, museums, galleries, malls, movie theaters, entertainment shops, sports events and music venues extending across greater Phoenix. However, Phoenix's harsh summers may impact some outdoor activities.
Laura Daniella Sepulveda is a trending reporter for the Arizona Republic. Reach her on Twitter at @lauradaniella_s or by email at laura.sepulveda@gannett.com.
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Arizona cities ranked low on best places to live ranking. Here's why - The Arizona Republic
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