Phoenix at Its Finest
Arizona State University Tops Forbes List as Arizona’s Best College Employer
Arizona State University (ASU) has been recognized as one of America’s Best Employers by State for 2023 by Forbes. This recognition reflects ASU’s commitment to providing an exceptional work environment for its faculty and staff. ASU’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Michael G. Latsko, highlighted the university’s dedication to creating a thriving and collaborative workplace. Forbes collaborated with Statista to conduct a survey involving 70,000 employees across the U.S. and the District of Columbia, evaluating factors such as willingness to recommend the employer, diversity, development opportunities, salary, working conditions, and overall image of the university. ASU had previously been named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2023, reaffirming its position as a top employer. https://news.asu.edu/20230829-university-news-forbes-lists-asu-one-americas-best-employers-state (August 2023)
Arizona Cities Excel in Income Growth Analysis
SmartAsset’s analysis of income growth among 124 major U.S. cities reveals noteworthy performances in several Arizona cities. Specifically, Glendale ranks 34th, Mesa stands at 45th, Phoenix secures the 22nd position, Chandler is at 19th, Tucson ranks 18th, and Scottsdale impressively lands at 11th place in terms of income growth. This data contrasts with cities like New York and San Francisco, which experienced income losses during the same period. The analysis highlights significant economic disparities and opportunities for growth across various U.S. cities, showcasing Arizona’s positive income growth trends amid the national landscape. https://smartasset.com/data-studies/where-income-increased-most-2023 (August 2023)
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Shines in U.S.
Planetware’s analysis of flight delays and cancellations in the United States showcases Arizona’s Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as a standout performer. The airport boasts the third shortest wait time among major airports, with an impressively short 8-minute average wait time and an 81% on-time flight rate, securing a ninth-place ranking among the busiest U.S. airports. In contrast to longer wait times in Hawaii and Illinois, Arizona travelers can enjoy swift airport experiences. These findings underscore Arizona’s commitment to providing efficient and punctual air travel experiences for its residents and visitors alike. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/phoenix-ranks-no-3-for-shortest-airport-wait-time-of-the-busiest-u-s-airports/ (August 2023)
New Residents Continue Moving to Arizona, Despite Heat
Arizona has seen a notable influx of high-earning households, ranking fourth in the nation for net migration in this category, with a gain of 4,563 households. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, this is largely attributed to the state’s attractive low-tax environment. Maricopa County, particularly suburban areas like Queen Creek and Maricopa, has been at the forefront of this population growth, adding 56,831 residents in a year. Coolidge experienced a remarkable 12% population increase, partly due to advanced manufacturing job opportunities tied to the SRP Generating Station expansion. Arizona’s strong energy resources, including its second-place ranking in solar energy potential and a new battery manufacturing complex by LG Energy Solutions, have contributed to its appeal. The growing population has also spurred expansion in the healthcare sector, expected to grow by 3% annually, while the Phoenix metro area’s lower cost of living compared to other major cities continues to draw new residents. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/arizona-continues-to-attract-new-residents-despite-the-heat/ (August 2023)
Arizona is Tops for Pets
Scottsdale, Arizona is ranked as the most pet-friendly city in the U.S., according to WalletHub’s analysis of 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 23 key metrics related to pet-friendliness. The ranking takes into account factors such as pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor pet-friendliness. Other Arizona cities, including Gilbert and Tucson, also made the list. The analysis recognizes the importance of pet companionship for nearly 90.5 million households in the U.S. and provides valuable insights for pet owners looking for cities that cater to the well-being of their furry, feathered, or scaled family members while considering factors like affordability and access to pet services. https://wallethub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562 (August 2023)
Best Real Estate Markets
To determine the best real estate markets in the U.S., WalletHub analyzed 300 cities across 17 key indicators, including median home-price appreciation and job growth. In this ranking, Gilbert, Arizona stands out as one of the top markets for housing, securing the 10th position. Other Arizona cities also making appearances are Tempe at 25th place, Peoria at 15th place, Surprise at 21st place, and Phoenix at 38th place. These rankings consider various factors affecting housing-market attractiveness and economic strength, which can be essential for both real estate professionals and potential homebuyers. https://wallethub.com/edu/best-real-estate-markets/14889 (August 2023)
Greater Phoenix and Arizona Shine in 2023 Sustainability Rankings
Greater Phoenix and Arizona have earned recognition for their dedication to sustainability and environmental enhancement, with Site Selection Magazine’s 2023 Annual Sustainability Rankings positioning the region as seventh nationally and second in the Mountain Region. Arizona achieved fifth place in the nation and first in the Mountain Region. The rankings were based on various factors like LEED-certified buildings, renewable energy capacity, eco-friendly initiatives, energy-efficient structures, green regulations, solar job data, and corporate social responsibility rankings. The positive impact of Phoenix’s sustainability efforts extends to business, underscored by a Deloitte study revealing that a significant proportion of millennials and Gen Z individuals factor personal ethics into their career and purchasing decisions. This emphasizes the role of sustainability in shaping business approaches within the Greater Phoenix area. https://azbigmedia.com/business/greater-phoenix-ranks-among-top-10-in-u-s-for-sustainability/ (July 2023)
Arizona is No. 11 in the Country for Most Fun States to Visit
States vary in their ability to provide personalized enjoyment, leading some individuals to consider relocating for a better lifestyle. Certain states prioritize fun as an integral part of life, catering to diverse preferences for entertainment. WalletHub conducted a comprehensive comparison of all 50 states, analyzing 26 key indicators that encompass a range of enjoyable activities, ensuring affordability. These indicators span from movie expenses and access to national parks to the density of nightlife options per capita. Arizona comes in at #11 with a nightlife score of 23. https://wallethub.com/edu/most-fun-states/34665 (July 2023)
Phoenix is the No. 1 Relocation Destination
According to Redfin, Phoenix has claimed the top spot among U.S. cities attracting the most incoming homebuyers. The city’s affordable housing market, favorable climate, and job opportunities are identified as key factors driving this trend. There is an increase in out-of-state buyers, particularly from expensive urban areas. Overall, Phoenix’s affordability and attractive lifestyle have propelled it to become a leading choice for individuals seeking a new place to call home. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/phoenix-is-the-no-1-relocation-destination-for-homebuyers/ (July 2023)
Arizona State University is One of the Top Universities in Sustainability
Arizona State University (ASU) is a trailblazer in innovative higher education, holding the 24th spot for sustainability in the world according to TopUniversities. The university’s dedication to exceptional academics and student accessibility is exemplified by its renowned faculty comprising global experts. ASU’s diverse academic community welcomes students with a strong passion for learning, fostering an environment where they’re mentored by professors to tackle complex global issues, showcase creativity, and drive positive change. Boasting over 100,000 enrolled students from around the world, ASU equips graduates with the skills to succeed and flourish in their future endeavors. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/arizona-state-university (July 2023)
Phoenix Ranks Among the Top Cities in the Country
Phoenix has secured the 23rd position in the World’s Best Cities ranking. This assessment is based on six key criteria encompassing factors such as walkability, amenities, culture, diversity, prosperity, and online presence. The evaluation takes into account Phoenix’s attributes like professional sports teams and knowledge-based businesses, contributing to its ranking. With a rapidly growing population over the past decade, Phoenix is recognized for its art districts, walkability, and urban developments. https://phoenixagentmagazine.com/2023/06/07/americas-best-cities-2023-phoenix/ (June 2023)
Chandler in Top 10 Best Cities for Women in Tech
Chandler ranks 8th best city in the U.S. for women employed in technology careers, according to Power to Fly. Women on average bring home $61,878 after housing costs in the tech field in this hub of the southwest! https://powertofly.com/up/best-cities-for-women-in-tech (June 2023)
Phoenix #2 of 200 Best U.S. Cities for Hiking
LawnStarter ranked 2023’s Best Hiking Cities in the U.S. based on five categories. These categories consisted of hiking access, supplies access, quality, climate, and safety. Phoenix has swooped in with an overall score of 57.93% – ranking #1 in both hiking access and hiking quality. https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-for-hiking/ (June 2023)
Best City for Staycation
WalletHub considered 42 key metrics in ranking U.S. cities for the best Staycation. Arizona claimed 3 spots, all within the top 31 out of 182 rankings. Tucson is #14, Scottsdale is #15, and Tempe is #31. Around 85% of Americans plan to travel during the summer, however with inflation up, this may force people to take less extravagant trips. One doesn’t have to travel far to have a great time. https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-staycations/4341/ (June 2023)
One of Best Children’s Hospitals in the U.S.
U.S.News has placed Phoenix Children’s Hospital as the #1 ranked children’s hospital in Arizona and #3 in the Southwest overall. Their Pediatric Nephrology has a ranking of #29 in the Nation out of 288 hospitals. Overall rankings are based on eight pediatric specialties. https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/az/phoenix-childrens-hospital-6860210#rankings (June 2023)
Phoenix Ranks Among 20 Best Cities for the Gig Economy
Phoenix is ranked 13th among the best U.S. cities for the gig economy and 3rd best among the Western U.S. according to Commercial Search. Phoenix obtained this ranking in large part due to the Phoenix co-working space offering gig workers some of the most affordable options of flexible and shared workspaces in the region. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/phoenix-ranks-among-20-best-cities-for-the-gig-economy/ (June 2023)
Phoenix No. 4 in U.S. for New Home Construction
Chamber of Commerce ranks Phoenix #4 of the top ten cities for new home construction in the U.S. The housing market remains tight, so the demand for new home construction is growing as homebuyers seek options. The analysis took a look at the building permits for privately-owned housing units in more than 200 of the largest metropolitan areas across the country. https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/new-home-construction (June 2023)
3 Arizona Cities Rank Among Best Places to Stretch Retirement Money
Casas Adobes, Peoria, and Scottsdale AZ rank at #4, 7, and 18 out of the top 30 best places to stretch retirement money. Cities were ranked based on the value of local retirement income after taxes and cost of living. The findings were further supported by looking into the retirement incomes of 100 places with the highest proportion of seniors and their applied cost of living and tax rates. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/3-arizona-cities-rank-among-best-places-to-stretch-retirement-money/ (June 2023)
Arizona is Home to Two of the Fastest-Growing Cities in the U.S.
Queen Creek and Maricopa are two of the fastest growing cities out of the top 15 large cities in the U.S. This makes Arizona the 2nd fastest growing population in the nation right after Texas. Non-farm employment has gone up by 2.3% as these cities expand. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/arizona-is-home-to-2-of-the-15-fastest-growing-cities-in-u-s/ (May 2023)
Arizona Great Place for Nurses
According to WalletHub, Arizona is ranked 8th in the U.S. as the best place to work for a nurse, including 6th highest for lowest competition. The study compared the 50 states across 20 key metrics that collectively speak to the job opportunities in each market. https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-nurses/4041/ (May 2023)
33 Arizona Restaurants Make Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in Southwest List
33 restaurants have made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the Southwest category. Whether you are looking for the next place to eat out or planning for a party, here is a brief summary of the top 5 Arizona restaurants in the list of 33! 1. Tumerico, Tucson AZ, 3. Casa De Falafel, Glendale AZ, 5. Kabob Grill N’ Go, Phoenix AZ, 7. The Clinkscale, Jerome AZ and 10. Momo’s Kitchen, Sedona AZ. For the full list visit the link! https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/33-arizona-restaurants-make-yelps-top-100-places-to-eat-in-the-southwest-list/ (May 2023)
ASU is #6 in The Times Higher Education World University Impact Rankings
Arizona State University ranks 6th in the world in the annual Times Higher Education World University Impact Rankings. For seven years, ASU has ranked #1 in Innovation in The United States by U.S. News & World Report. ASU is able to maintain these feats through their research. With students from all 50 states and more than 158 countries in attendance, it has redefined the 21st century university as a knowledge center. ASU will continue to inspire and encourage all walks of life with its facilities. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings#!/page/0/length/25/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/undefined (April 2023)
ASU and UArizona Named Best Value College
Arizona State University and The University of Arizona have yet again made the 2023 Princeton Review list of “Best Value Colleges.” The Princeton Review has compiled a list of the 209 best value schools based on more than 40 data points including, costs, financial aid, debt, grad rates, and career/salary. https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-value-colleges (April 2023)
Arizona Best Charter High Schools in Nation
Arizona pushes forward with eight in the top ten Best Charter High Schools according to Niche. BASIS Scottsdale takes the #1 rank out of 2,409 schools. BASIS Tucson North, BASIS Phoenix, BASIS Oro Valley, BASIS Peoria, BASIS Mesa, BASIS Chandler, and BASIS Ahwatukee are the other seven places in the top ten. With Arizona growing at an exponential speed, it is impressive that parents have such a grand selection of schools to choose from. https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-charter-high-schools/ (April 2023)
Arizona’s 10 Safest Cities
Arizona saw the nation’s most significant decrease in violent crime and the second-most significant decrease in property crime year over year. According to this year’s SafeWise survey, Arizona’s crime statistics fell below the national average in every category. To determine the safest cities in Arizona, Safewise reviewed the most up-to-date FBI crime report statistics and population data. Gilbert #4, Buckeye #5, Surprise #6, Maricopa #7, and Chandler #10 were listed in the top ten safest cities. https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-arizona/#:~:text=Property%20crime%20incidents%20dipped%20from,ninth%2Dlowest%20property%20crime%20rate (March 2023)
2023 Most Diverse Cities in America
The Niche Most Diverse Places ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall diversity of an area. This grade takes into account key indicators of a location’s demographic composition, including the levels of variance in race, age, and income levels among residents. Phoenix ranked #57 and Tucson #92 out of 228. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/most-diverse-cities/ (March 2023)
2023 Best Arizona Golf Courses
The top golf courses in Arizona have been voted and rated by ArizonaGolfer.com golfers. Each year, users rate the courses. Courses making the list in Phoenix include: Quintero (Peoria) #2, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes (Maricopa) #5, TPC (Scottsdale) #6, Troon (Scottsdale) #8, Grayhawk (Scottsdale) #9, and Raven at Verrado (Buckeye) #10. https://www.arizonagolfer.com/golfcourses/topgolfcourses.cfm (March 2023)
9 Arizona Restaurants Make Open Table’s 100 Most Romantic List
Open Table’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America, culled from over 13 million diner reviews, represents beloved diner spots coast-to-coast. A staggering nine restaurants from Arizona made the list – only California had more. The list includes: Arrowhead Grill, Café Monarch, Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano, Dominick’s Steakhouse, Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Lon’s at the Hermosa, Mariposa, Ocean 44, and Steak 44. https://www.opentable.com/lists/most-romantic-restaurants-us-2023 (February 2023)
Economic Growth Ensures Arizona Will Have Lowest Flat Tax in 2023
The Goldwater Institute relayed that the Arizona state income tax rate beginning January 1, 2023 will be a flat 2.5%, one year earlier than originally anticipated. The state is forecast to have a budget surplus of more than $4 billion by 2024, and the Arizona economy is ranked #1 for economic performance and #3 in economic outlook among all 50 states according to the “American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Rich States, Poor States” report. https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/new-year-new-tax-rate-goldwaters-flat-tax-reform-takes-effect-to-kick-off-2023/ (January 2023)
Arizona Restaurants in Top 100 Places to Eat in US
In Yelp’s annual list honoring eateries across the US, four Arizona restaurants made the list of the top places to eat in 2023. Yelp looked at reviews received by businesses while considering both the ratings and the volume of reviews to determine the list. Restaurants on the list include: Tumerico #8 and Buendia Breakfast and Lunch Café #26 in Tucson, De Babel #39 in Scottsdale, and Cocina Madrigal #57 in Phoenix. https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-100-us-restaurants-2023 (January 2023)
Phoenix Ranks in Top 10 Among Best Cities for Downtown Living
Downtown living is making a comeback after the pandemic-driven flight to the suburbs. Some cities are better than others at getting the right mix of amenities to keep residents engaged after working hours. One of the best is Phoenix, which ranks in the Top 10 among best cities for downtown living. To help decide, StorageCafe selected the 30 most populous cities in the U.S. and ranked using factors such as cost of living, rental inventory, apartment amenities, safety, restaurants, cultural and shopping options and more. https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/best-cities-for-downtown-living/ (January 2023)
ASU Ranked Tops in the Nation
Recognized by the Best Colleges 2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report, Arizona State University was nationally ranked #121 (tie) among all universities and #56 (tie) among public universities. U.S. News Best College Rankings – In addition to ranking #1 Most Innovative School, ASU also ranks #10 for Management Information Systems, #76 for Best Colleges for Veterans, # 18 (tie) Teaching, #23 Business, #29 (tie) Nursing, and #33 Engineering. U.S. News Best Grad School Rankings includes #1 in Homeland Security, #29 (tie) Business School, #18 Part-time MBA, #12 (tie) Best Education Schools, #40 Best Engineering Schools, #30 (tie) Best Law Schools, #47 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice and #49 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Master’s. U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings includes #7 Best Online MBA Programs, #1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Programs, #1 (tie) Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs, #4 Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans, #6 Best Online Finance MBA Programs and #3 Best Online General Management MBA Programs. U.S. News Best Global University Rankings includes #156 (tie) Best Global Universities, #77 Arts and Humanities, #26 Economics and Business, #83 Psychiatry/Psychology, #38 Social Sciences and Public Health, and #23 Education and Educational Research. https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/arizona-state-university-104151 (January 2023)
UArizona Recognized Nationally
Recognized by the Best Colleges 2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report, The University of Arizona was nationally ranked #105 (tie) among all universities and #48 (tie) among public universities. It was ranked #11 among all colleges and universities designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions. U.S. News Best College Rankings – In addition to ranking #5 for Management Information Systems, UArizona also ranks #67 (tie) for Best Colleges for Veterans, #20 (tie) Accounting, #21 (tie) Entrepreneurship, #30 (tie) Business, #29 (tie) Nursing, #54 (tie) Computer Science and Engineering. U.S. News Best Grad School Rankings includes #3 Information Systems (#1 among public universities), #2 Geology, #9 (tie) Earth Sciences, #47 (tie) Business School, #43 (tie) Part-time MBA, #54 (tie) Best Education Schools, #64 (tie) Best Engineering Schools, #45 Best Law Schools, #74 (tie) Best Medical Schools: Research, #30 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice and #34 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Master’s. U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings Includes #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs, #5 (tie) Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs, #9 (tie) Best Online MBA Programs, #34 (tie) Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs, #32 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, #4 Best Bachelor’s Programs for Vets, and #10 Best Online Bachelors Program. U.S. News Best Global University Rankings includes #108 Best Global Universities, #21 (tie) Water Resources, #58 (tie) Arts and Humanities, #123 Economics and Business, #49 Environment/Ecology, #65 (tie) Plant and Animal Science, #127 Psychiatry/Psychology, #144 (tie) Social Sciences and Public Health, #31 Geosciences and #10 (tie) Space Science. https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-arizona-104179/rankings (January 2023)
Arizona Ranks as Top Moving Destination
Arizona ranked #1 overall as the top moving destination for 2022, according to an annual study by Allied Van Lines. Last year, 64.5% of all Arizona moves were inbound compared to 35.5% that were outbound. Tucson ranked as the #1 overall top inbound city in the country. https://www.allied.com/migration-map (January 2023)
Tops for Finding a Job in 2023
Scottsdale is ranked at #14 among the top best U.S. cities for finding a new job in 2023 according to WalletHub. Chandler sits at #28, Tempe #42, Gilbert #53, and Glendale #77. To narrow down the best cities for finding a job, WalletHub compared 180 of the most populous US cities based on 26 indicators which ranged from job opportunities to employment growth to monthly average starting salary. https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-jobs/2173/ (January 2023)
ASU and UArizona Rank High Among EPA’s Largest Green Power Users in the U.S.
Arizona State University has been ranked #3 and The University of Arizona #11 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Top 30 College & University list of the largest green power users from the EPA’s Green Power Partnership – a voluntary program that supports organizations in procuring green power. ASU is also #62 and UArizona #100 on the EPA’s Top 100 list of the largest green power users in the United States. https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/green-power-partnership-top-30-college-university (January 2023)
Best Cities for an Active Lifestyle
WalletHub ranked the 100 most populated cities in the U.S. based on how well they accommodate or encourage an active lifestyle and Scottsdale ranked #40, Phoenix #43, Chandler #65, Mesa #71, Glendale #74 and Gilbert #82. They analyzed 24 key metrics, ranging from the average monthly fitness club fee to the number of sports clubs per capita. https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-an-active-lifestyle/8817/ (January 2023)
Nation’s Report Card: Arizona 8th Grade Charter Students Score Among U.S. Best
Newly-released results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), better known as the Nation’s Report Card, demonstrate continued strong performance among students attending Arizona charter schools. Arizona 8th grade charter students performed especially well. In fact, if these charter attendees were grouped together as their own state, it would rank number 1 nationally in math and number 2 in reading. In both subject areas, Arizona 8th graders scored approximately one full grade level better than their district peers. https://chamberbusinessnews.com/2022/12/01/nations-report-card-arizona-8th-grade-charter-students-score-among-u-s-best/ (December 2022)
Arizona 13th in Pentagon Spending
According to Defense Department data, Pentagon spending in Arizona places it at #13 nationally. Military contracts have long been a staple of the Arizona economy, which includes multinational defense manufacturers such as Boeing, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, among others. Tucson and southern Arizona have the fifth-highest concentration of aerospace and defense employees in the country. The defense industry remains a pillar of the state’s economy, and will likely continue to be so for the foreseeable future. https://azbigmedia.com/business/arizona-slips-from-top-10-in-pentagon-spending-heres-where-we-rank/ (December 2022)
ASU Thunderbird Ranked Number 1 by QS International Trade Rankings
In the first-ever rankings of their kind, the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU was named #1 in the world in international trade by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the premier global higher education analyst organization. The Master of Global Management is an innovative leadership and entrepreneurship degree for professionals seeking careers across global sectors. The program builds on a foundation of global management courses and adds 21st century skills such as digital transformation, sustainability, diversity and inclusion. https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/international-trade-rankings/2023?qs_qp=topnav (December 2022)
Four Arizona Cities Among Most Fun Cities in the U.S.
According to WalletHub, Phoenix is #28 among the top 50 U.S. cities named as the Most Fun. In order to be considered “Fun,” WalletHub said the city has to provide a little bit of everything for everyone. The study compared the 150 largest U.S. cities based on 58 key metrics. They range from fitness centers per capita to movie costs to average open hours of breweries. Other Arizona cities making the top 50 list were Tucson #25, Tempe #34 and Scottsdale #39. https://wallethub.com/edu/most-fun-cities-in-the-us/23455/ (December 2022)
Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert Best Cities for Families with Children
Heading into 2023, what are the best cities for families? To determine which cities offer the best conditions to raise a family, StorageCafe created a ranking of cities where families are most likely to thrive. They considered metrics such as public-school ratings, cost of living, income, cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities. Arizona made a good showing with Scottsdale ranked at #13, Chandler #18, Gilbert #25, and Mesa #50. https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/best-cities-for-families-with-children/ (November 2022)
Phoenix Ranks Among the 15 Hottest Tech Hubs in North America
Phoenix held its own among top tech markets in North America during this year’s first half, sustained by the Valley’s growth in both tech employment and office lease rates, according to CBRE’s annual Tech-30 report. Tempe, the Valley’s leading tech submarket, ranked 10th in office-rent growth. The city’s proximity to ASU and limited office availability have helped the submarket outperform the overall market. https://azbigmedia.com/business/phoenix-ranks-among-the-15-hottest-tech-hubs-in-n-america/ (November 2022)
Top Public High Schools
Niche has released its 2023 Best Public High Schools ranking which is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Some of Arizona’s top ranked schools in Phoenix, all receiving an A+ Grade, were: Basis, Tempe Preparatory Academy, Great Hearts, Arizona College Prep High School, Gilbert Classical Academy, Horizon Honors Secondary School, Hamilton High School, Madison Highland Prep, Arizona School for the Arts, and Phoenix Union Bioscience High School. https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/ (October 2022)
Four Arizona Communities Rank Among Best Suburbs in the U.S.
Vail, Sahuarita, Apache Junction, and Marana ranked among the best suburbs to live in near a large city according to a new SmartAsset study. Suburbs can offer more affordable housing, lower crime rates and a variety of entertainment options. SmartAsset analyzed the affordability, livability, and job situation of nearly 500 suburbs across the nation. Vail #36 Tucson, Sahuarita #63 Tucson, Apache Junction #79 Phoenix, and Marana #127 Tucson all made the list. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/3-arizona-communities-rank-among-best-suburbs-in-the-u-s/ (October 2022)
Surprise Ranks Number 1 in U.S. for Attracting Young Homebuyers
In a new study, SmartAsset analyzed the 200 largest cities where more (and fewer) young people are buying homes and the findings show that Surprise, AZ ranks #1 among U.S. cities with the most young homebuyers. The study used two metrics: 2021 homeownership rate for those under 35 and the ten-year change in homeownership rate for those under 35. Surprise has a total homeownership for that age cohort of 57.60% with an increase of 15.88%. https://smartasset.com/data-studies/where-are-young-people-buying-homes-2022 (October 2022)
Arizona Ranks as Number 15 Best State to Succeed in Business
Harrington Group International released this study after analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis data from 2020 to 2022. The rankings were determined by analyzing nine factors in three main categories: workforce and consumer habits, business culture, and financial climate. https://hgint.com/best-and-worst-states-to-succeed-in-business/ (October 2022)
Tempe Ranks #2 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Not to be outdone, Tempe is ranked #2 on Money’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” list. Digital platform Money announced its annual ranking spotlighting 50 cities and towns with strong labor markets, affordable homes, and racial, economic and cultural diversity. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/tempe-ranks-no-2-on-best-places-to-live-in-u-s-list/ (September 2022)
Best Places to Retire
Niche has released its 2022 Best Places to Retire list and has named Scottsdale the #1 top city to retire in the U.S. Other Arizona cities that made the list: Mesa #12, Tucson #28, Tempe #46, and Phoenix #59. This ranking takes into account key factors, such as weather, crime rates, residents 65 and older, housing costs, and access to amenities such as restaurants, golf courses, exercise facilities, and doctors, in an attempt to measure the appeal of an area for retirement. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-cities-to-retire/ (September 2022)
Arizona Blue Ribbon Schools
U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School program has recognized 6 Arizona schools with the 2021 Blue Ribbon Award. The honor recognizes outstanding public and non-public schools that achieve high levels of overall academic excellence or make significant improvements in closing the achievement gap with student subgroups. The Arizona Blue Ribbon Schools named in 2022 are: Notre Dame Prep School-Phoenix, Weinberg Gifted Academy-Chandler, Cherokee Elementary-Scottsdale, Vista Del Sur Academy-Laveen, General Myer Elementary-Fort Huachuca, and Masada Charter School-Colorado City. https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/ (September 2022)
UArizona and ASU Included in Forbes America’s Top Colleges
Forbes Top Colleges methodology includes measures pertaining to graduate success as well as academic excellence in its evaluation of 500 four-year schools drawn from nearly 2,700 higher education institutions in the United States. These measures include: alumni salary, debt, graduation and retention rates, and academic success measured by receipt of fellowships and doctorates. ASU ranked #125 and UArizona ranked #131. https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/ (September 2022)
