Best AZ Cities for Veterans: Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale

Arizona’s allure isn’t just limited to its breathtaking landscapes and cultural vibrancy; it also stands out as an ideal home for veterans. The ThinkAdvisor article “12 Best Cities for Veterans: 2023” particularly highlights Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale as among the top choices in Arizona, offering unique benefits tailored to the needs of veterans. In this article, we explore why these cities are prime options for veterans considering moving to Arizona, using their VA loan, or PCS’ing to the state. For a comprehensive understanding of their rankings, you can read the ThinkAdvisor article here.

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Chandler: A Community of Warmth and Opportunity

Chandler, ranked 11th on the ThinkAdvisor list, is a city where community and hospitality are paramount. Here’s why it’s a top pick:

Welcoming Community: Chandler’s residents are known for their southern-style hospitality, making it easy for newcomers, especially veterans, to feel at home and build lasting connections​​.

Diverse Culinary Scene: With a plethora of restaurants, including unique local spots and diverse cultural cuisines, Chandler is a haven for food enthusiasts​​.

Education Excellence: The city’s public schools rank highly, offering quality education and numerous extracurricular opportunities, making it ideal for veterans with families​​. And for those without school aged children, they can rest assured that high performing schools help home owners who want to make sure their real estate investment retains it’s value over time.

Safety First: Low crime rates in Chandler ensure a secure living environment, a crucial factor for families and individuals alike​​.

Community Activities: Numerous parks, recreational facilities, and community events make Chandler a great place for family-oriented activities​​.

Modern Infrastructure: With its clean and modern infrastructure, Chandler offers convenient access to freeways and a well-planned city layout​​​​.

Affordable Luxury Housing: The city provides more affordable luxury housing options compared to neighboring areas, making it a financially attractive option for veterans using VA loans​​.

Chandler, Arizona, presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for veterans considering a move to this city. The median household income in Chandler is about $91,299, with an average annual household income reaching $116,068. This suggests a relatively affluent community with a robust economy. Residents in the age bracket of 45 to 64 years enjoy a median wage of $110,998, which indicates a financially stable demographic, particularly beneficial for veterans seeking to establish themselves post-service​​.

However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in Chandler is somewhat higher than the national average. The median value of owner-occupied housing units stands at around $546,800, reflecting the higher property values in the area. For veterans, this means that while employment opportunities may be ample and incomes high, the cost of housing and other living expenses will also be significant​​​​.

Given these factors, veterans should carefully consider their financial stability and job prospects in Chandler. The city’s higher income levels could offset the cost of living for those who secure well-paying jobs. However, for those on a fixed income or seeking more affordable living options, nearby cities like Mesa might offer a more cost-effective alternative without compromising on the quality of life and access to necessary services and amenities.

In summary, Chandler offers a prosperous environment with higher income potential, but this comes with a proportionately higher cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Veterans moving to the area should weigh these factors according to their personal financial situation and long-term plans.

For veterans looking for an alternative to Chandler with a lower cost of living a little further removed from the Phoenix Metro area, the city of Maricopa could be a suitable option. Maricopa is located about 50 miles south of Phoenix and offers a median home sale price of $365,000, which is more affordable than Chandler or even Mesa. This city provides a balance of suburban living with access to larger city amenities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a more cost-effective lifestyle without straying too far from the conveniences offered in larger metro areas like Chandler​​.

Living in Maricopa, Arizona, has some drawbacks. The town is relatively isolated, with limited access to big-city amenities. Residents may need to travel to nearby cities like Phoenix for more diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It also means a longer drive to the VA Hospital for veterans. Additionally, Maricopa can experience higher temperatures, which might be uncomfortable for some. The public transportation options are limited, making it necessary to have a personal vehicle for commuting. Finally, as a smaller town, Maricopa might not offer the same level of job opportunities as larger metropolitan areas. But for those looking to retire, employment options are less of a concern.

If Chandler’s blend of community spirit and modern conveniences appeals to you, you can start your home search in Chandler here.

Gilbert: A Serene and Supportive Environment

Gilbert, ranking 8th on the ThinkAdvisor list, is another excellent choice for veterans. And for many reasons, its reputation precedes it:

Safety and Serenity: Known for its low crime rates, Gilbert offers a peaceful living environment.

Quality of Life: The city provides a high quality of life with excellent healthcare facilities and community services.

Great Schools: With its focus on family-friendly activities and amenities and high ranking schools, Gilbert is ideal for veterans with families.

Gilbert, Arizona, stands out as an ideal city for veterans, blending a strong economic landscape with a community tailored to meet the needs of its residents. With a median household income of around $104,802 to $105,733, Gilbert is not only one of the most affluent cities in Arizona but also offers economic stability, which is crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life​​​​ (find more on that here). This financial stability is evident in the city’s predominant age demographic of 45 to 64 years, which holds the highest median income and indicates an established community with stable careers​​. Additionally, the city’s employment landscape is diverse and robust, offering opportunities across various sectors such as tech, healthcare, and business, which can be beneficial for veterans seeking new career paths​​. Gilbert’s commitment to quality education, healthcare facilities, including proximity to VA health facilities, and its overall high quality of life make it a top choice for veterans who are considering relocating to Arizona.

For veterans considering a move to Gilbert, Arizona, the city’s higher-than-average cost of living is an important factor to consider. The overall cost of living in Gilbert is about 13% above the national average, with housing costs being a significant contributor to this figure. The median home price in Gilbert is approximately $549,900, and renting a two-bedroom unit generally costs around $2,270 per month. These housing expenses are markedly higher than the national average, making it crucial for veterans to have a stable income to afford comfortable living in Gilbert​​​​.

Moreover, other essential living costs such as utilities and healthcare are also slightly above the national average. Veterans moving to Gilbert should thus plan their finances accordingly, taking into account these elevated expenses. The median household income in Gilbert is notably high at $105,733, which is indicative of the income needed to sustain a standard of living in the city​​.

As an alternative, veterans might consider nearby cities like Mesa, Arizona, which generally has a lower cost of living. Mesa offers a more affordable housing market compared to Gilbert, with a variety of residential areas that cater to different budgets. While it provides many of the same amenities as Gilbert, including access to quality healthcare and educational institutions, Mesa could be a more financially viable option for veterans looking to move to the area. This city can offer a balance of urban conveniences and a cost-effective lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for those who find Gilbert’s cost of living a bit steep.

To explore homes in this serene city, click here to begin your search in Gilbert.

Scottsdale: Dynamic Lifestyle and Rich Culture

Scottsdale, ranked 6th, offers a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty. It’s a perfect match for veterans seeking a dynamic lifestyle:

Employment Opportunities: The city’s strong job market is a major draw, especially for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

Cultural Richness: With its art galleries, cultural events, and vibrant nightlife, Scottsdale is a hub of cultural and social activities.

Outdoor Recreation: The city’s proximity to natural landscapes offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Scottsdale, Arizona, boasts a high median household income, particularly among the age group of 45 to 64 years, where it stands at $136,517. The overall median household income in the city is around $100,636. This financial prosperity reflects Scottsdale’s strong job market and higher-income brackets, particularly advantageous for professionals and established individuals.

Pros of living in Scottsdale include a robust economy, affluent neighborhoods, and high-quality lifestyle amenities. The city offers diverse employment opportunities, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. However, these advantages come with a higher cost of living, making it less affordable for some.

For those considering alternatives to Scottsdale in the North Valley, several options offer varied lifestyles and cost of living. North Phoenix presents a more affordable option with access to city amenities. Cave Creek and Carefree, known for their small-town charm and scenic beauty, offer a tranquil, albeit often pricier, living experience. Paradise Valley is an ultra-luxe area, known for its affluent neighborhoods and higher price points. Anthem, a planned community, provides a balance of affordability and amenities, making it suitable for families and professionals alike. Each of these areas has unique qualities, catering to different preferences and budgets.

North Phoenix: This area offers affordability with the convenience of city amenities. It’s a diverse region with a range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments, making it suitable for various lifestyles and budgets. Very close to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, a North Phoenix address gets you within reasonable driving distance of the entertainment and amenities of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, but with a slightly smaller price tag.

Cave Creek: Known for its rustic charm, Cave Creek is a blend of old Western themes and modern living. It’s ideal for those seeking a quieter, more nature-centric lifestyle, though this can come with a higher cost. However, if you are looking for more space and more bang for your buck, you can usually get more house and land for your money in comparison to Scottsdale or Paradise Valley. With high performing schools, it’s also a much desired location for home Buyers with school-aged children.

Carefree: As its name suggests, Carefree offers a laid-back lifestyle with scenic views and upscale amenities. It’s a small town that provides a serene environment, often attracting those looking for luxury living. It’s a small town with a very upscale presence. Drawn into the Cave Creek Unified School District, is also boast highly desirable schools. Both areas are also known for incredibly low crime rates.

Paradise Valley: This area is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Known for its upscale homes, resorts, and golf courses, it’s ideal for those seeking an affluent lifestyle with a high price tag. Many consider it the “Beverly Hills of Arizona’, and for good reason.

Anthem: A planned community north of Phoenix, Anthem is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, community events, and well-maintained parks and recreational facilities. It offers a balanced and affordable lifestyle, suitable for families and professionals. As mentioned above, it’s a planned community, not an actual town. It is essentially a very large HOA with amenities like water parks, golf courses, and elaborate community parks and play areas. The community also features a gated portion known as the Anthem Country Club for those seeking a slightly more exclusive lifestyle, but for less than what you would pay in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley.

Interested in the vibrant lifestyle of Scottsdale and surrounding areas? Start your home search here by seeing homes for sale in Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, and other highly desirable North Valley locations.

Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale each present their unique advantages, making them some of the best cities in Arizona for veterans. Whether you are attracted to Chandler’s community warmth, Gilbert’s serene environment, or Scottsdale’s dynamic lifestyle, these cities offer a blend of safety, quality of life, and opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. As a veteran, using your VA loan in these cities not only becomes a wise investment but also a step towards a fulfilling life in one of Arizona’s welcoming communities.

Ready to explore your options in these veteran-friendly cities? Click here to view homes for sale in Arizona, and take the first step towards finding your perfect home in one of these outstanding cities.

About the Author: Dusti Martin, a dedicated Realtor and Team Lead of The Martin Group at Platinum Living Realty, has made a significant mark in the real estate industry over the past 10 years. As a certified Military Relocation Professional, Dusti specializes in assisting military families with their unique housing needs, combining expertise and compassion to facilitate smooth transitions. Leading a dynamic team, Dusti is known for a deep understanding of the local market, offering tailored solutions and guidance to clients navigating the complex world of real estate.