10 Healthiest Cities in Arizona

With more than 20 national parks and 4,000 mountain peaks to explore, it is no wonder that Arizona residents stay so healthy! From the vastness of the Grand Canyon to the beauty of the saguaro cacti, Arizona’s surroundings make getting outdoors easy and exciting. 

If you’re looking to live a healthy lifestyle in Arizona, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the state’s 10 healthiest cities to consider.

10. Queen Creek 

Niche fitness score: B+

Smoking rate: 15.2

Physical inactivity rate: 19.7

Air quality rate: 23

Queen Creek is a small town located in the foothills of the San Tan Mountains on the outskirts of Phoenix. With its fast-growing population, Queen Creek is quickly adapting its agricultural roots to accommodate for its residents’ modern needs. In addition to the hiking trails at San Tan Mountain Regional Park, there are multiple parks throughout town with playgrounds, sports facilities, and skate areas. You can even get some quality playtime with your four-legged friends at the Pocket Park for Pups. Helping Queen Creek stay true to its roots is Schnepf Farms. Family owned and operated, Schnepf Farms holds seasonal festivals and events year-round, and people can visit the bakery and U-Pick Garden on any Thursday through Sunday.

9. Marana

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 10.4

Physical inactivity rate: 23.9

Air quality rate: 36

Just north of Tucson, Marana is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing cities. Rich history runs deep in Marana, where human settlement can be traced back more than 4,000 years. Saguaro National Park West (also known as the Tucson Mountain District) sits right along Marana’s southern border and provides beautiful scenery for walkers. It is also home to some of the largest stands of saguaro cacti in the world. In town, folks can enjoy fresh produce harvested from the community garden at Heritage River Park. The garden has covered seating, 40 plots for planting, and access to the playground, walking paths, and exercise stations on the Santa Cruz Shared Use Path. Residents over age 50 can join the city’s senior program for special access to a fitness center and exercise classes. 

8. Sedona

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.7

Physical inactivity rate: 18.1

Air quality rate: 37

Stepping into Sedona’s Verde Valley will transport you right into a Hollywood film. The iconic red rock formations have been used in more than 60 films and are one of the many things that attract people to the city. They also make for Sedona’s great hikes! Using the Sedona hiking app, you can find all the best trails and hiking destinations, such as Centennial Trail if you’re hiking with kids, Cathedral Rock for the best view of the scenery, and the best routes for long runs. Because Sedona has a long history of being a tourist attraction, it is very conscious about treating nature with respect. That is why residents and visitors are encouraged to sign an environment pledge and stick to seven “Leave No Trace” principles to ensure that Sedona stays a healthy and beautiful place to live.

7. Gilbert

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 14

Physical inactivity rate: 18.5

Air quality rate: 35

A suburb of Phoenix, Gilbert wasn’t always the booming community it is now. Instead, it was the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World.” Thanks to consistent population growth over the past few years, it is now the fifth-largest city in Arizona. Gilbert is a family-oriented community that likes to keep its residents moving. Freestone Park is one of many parks scattered around the city. The park covers 120 acres and includes a skatepark, the Freestone Recreation Center, multiple sports facilities, lakes for fishing, and playgrounds that are wheelchair accessible. Gilbert is also known for being a bike-friendly community. The Central Trail System is 135 miles of trails that run along the canals and through town. And Gilbert didn’t forget about your four-legged family members! The Cosmo Dog Park is a fenced-in, lighted park that has space for both active and timid dogs. There are also family picnic areas, a lake, and pet-washing stations. 

6. Flagstaff

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.8

Physical inactivity rate: 13.3

Air quality rate: 37

Flagstaff, located on the famed Route 66, is one of the United States’ sunniest and snowiest cities. Its distinct seasons make it virtually perfect year-round. An hour and a half away from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is no stranger to beautiful scenery. In fact, if you are brave enough to climb to the top of Humphreys Peak, the highest peak in Arizona, you just might see clear across to the Grand Canyon. In addition to Humphreys Peak, the San Francisco Peaks have nearly 30 hiking trails that are open to the public. If heights aren’t your thing, you can stay close to the ground on any of the more than 20 parks within Flagstaff. These parks have sports facilities, picnic areas, and playgrounds, as well as entry points to the many trails on the Flagstaff Urban Trails System.

5. Fountain Hills

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.2

Physical inactivity rate: 19.4

Air quality rate: 35

Only 31 miles north of Phoenix you will find Fountain Hills. This city lives up to its name by keeping one of the tallest fountains in the world at the center of the community. The fountain shoots up to 560 feet at its full height and runs for 15 minutes every hour on the hour every day. Fountain Hills is one of many cities that have put forth efforts to reduce light pollution and became an International Dark Sky Community in 2018. This means residents have a clear view of the beautiful desert night sky. The Adero Canyon Trailhead is accessible from Fountain Hills and open to hikers every day of the week. Fountain Hills also has five recreational parks including a three-acre dog park at Desert Vista Park.

4. Oro Valley

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 10.2

Physical inactivity rate: 16.1

Air quality rate: 37

Earning its reputation as the “Upscale Tech Mecca” hasn’t stopped Oro Valley from getting outdoors. The suburban town just north of Tucson has been named a gold-level bicycle-friendly city by the League of American Bicyclists. There are about 80 miles of bicycle routes including paved roadways and shared-use paths that run through the city. The city is so conscious of its two-wheeled transportation that new commercial buildings are required to have bicycle parking in their lots. Oro Valley’s sunny but comfortable days and cool nights set up the perfect climate for cyclists and hikers. It also makes for perfect conditions year-round at the Heirloom Farmers Market at the historic Steam Pump Ranch. It is open every Saturday throughout the year and is a long-standing staple for Oro Valley residents.  

3. Scottsdale

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 10.7

Physical inactivity rate: 19.2

Air quality rate: 35

Located east of Phoenix, Scottsdale brings an urban twist to its Old West roots. Downtown Scottsdale keeps its history alive with a section of nine walkable neighborhoods called Old Town, which consists of more than 90 restaurants, hundreds of retail shops, and more than 80 art galleries and public art installations. It is also home to historic sites dating back to the 1880s. When you aren’t taking in the art and culture of Scottsdale, take the opportunity to enjoy the area’s Sonoran Desert terrain and sunny skies. The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve has more than 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

2. Peoria

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 10.5

Physical inactivity rate: 18.8

Air quality rate: 53

Peoria is located in the Salt River Valley, northwest of Phoenix. The low-elevation peaks in the Peoria Sunrise Mountain Preserve are great for easy day hikes. There are about 20 miles of trails open year-round for walking, jogging, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, and most are dog friendly. Peoria also has more than 30 parks around town including six dog park areas and four splash pad locations to combat the warm summer days. For indoor fun, visit the Rio Vista Recreation Center, where you can use the public gym, rock climbing wall, or join one of the many exercise classes offered.

1. Paradise Valley

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 8.1

Physical inactivity rate: 16.1

Air quality rate: 53

In the heart of the greater Scottsdale-Phoenix metropolitan area sits Paradise Valley. Known for its natural beauty, Paradise Valley is home to eight resorts. It is also known for its luxury golf courses, restaurants, and shopping. Residents can also take in the bells made by local artisans at the Cosanti art gallery or explore the fantastic views and interesting wildlife on the trails at Camelback Mountain.

For more information on moving to Arizona, check out our articles on the most affordable cities in the state and the best state parks. When you’re ready, get started building your own home in Arizona, or shop new daily listings on NewHomeSource.