2023 Most Diverse Places to Live in Maricopa County

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  840 reviews

Current Resident: I love that Glendale is a good location in between vibrant cities like Phoenix and Peoria. I love the beautiful mountainous views that can be seen from all different angles! I would like to see Glendale host more activities for the communities. Some activities could include sports challenges, picnics, and hiking. I love how the state fair brings people all over the state together and I would love for small events to be held in Glendale as well! Glendale should also promote recycling, as the world needs to become more eco-friendly!... Read 840 reviews

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• Population 245,685

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,895 reviews

Current Resident: Safe and beautiful! Clean neighborhoods, well-maintained streets with mountains in the backdrop makes driving in Arizona quite breathtaking. Nice people, good place to raise a family. However, the weather is terrible in the summer, reaching 100 F for several days. Traffic is bad, the drivers aren't very good, and there's just so many people here that everyone goes to the same "fun" things on the weekends.... Read 1,895 reviews

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• Population 1,591,119

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Interesting, bustling, safe area. Lots of homeless people. I have 2 grocery stores within walking distance. Wish there were more places open past 9pm-11pm. 20 minutes to ASU. I immediately liked this area when I first saw it. This is one of the few areas in Phoenix where all the buildings are NOT a different shade of brown. We have pink buildings, purple buildings, blue buildings, green buildings, murals, palm trees, and even an artificial forest. Can see the mountains from any street in any direction. Bike friendly. Young professionals.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 54,980

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: The location is perfect! Easy access to all major freeways, shops all around but isn't too noisy. Safe people and a great area for children!... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 177,174

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

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• Population 120,837

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  89 reviews

Current Resident: Laveen has more of a sense of community than anywhere I’ve lived before. Close to downtown Phoenix, but also close to orchards, mountains, and farmland! There is some crime on the side by South Phoenix, but we’re working with local officials to end it.... Read 89 reviews

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• Population 36,730

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  920 reviews

Current Resident: Tempe, Arizona is a fast-paced, metropolitan city with plenty to offer. It is a very lively and youthful place filled with food and entertainment. The job market is tremendous as well with jobs ranging from business to construction to tattooing. Not to mention, Arizona State University is also in the vicinity for those looking to work towards a degree. It is a great place for young people who are getting their start in the world, and also for established adults who are just looking for a good time. Tempe, Arizona is just an all-around fun environment to be a part of!... Read 920 reviews

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• Population 178,862

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Camelback East! We are close to restaurants, grocery stores, and the Dreamy Draw recreation area. Camelback East is a quieter, older Phoenix neighborhood that is close enough to downtown to have easy access to Phoenix's finest restaurants, sporting arenas, and entertainment.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 137,839

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  978 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in chandler almost 14 years and I love it! Chandler is such a caring community and truly does for the people. The lifestyle, environment, and citizens in Chandler really build onto the strong city in our community. Not only are a schools A+ and #1 for Football (Go Wolves 4-Peat), but so much support and love from the community truly makes it happen. I honestly am going to live in Arizona my whole life and I wouldn't want to live in any other city than Chandler. Uptown and Downtown Chandler have some of the best hot-spots like restaurants, bars, and awesome hangout places. Chandler is such a pretty city that I love living in!... Read 978 reviews

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• Population 272,439

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  337 reviews

Former Resident: Avondale is a fantastic city if you desire some peace. With a mix of farmland and sprawling neighborhoods, Avondale has provided me a safe place to live. There are also seasonal events that are a blast to go to! Such as the city fair or Nascar season when it takes place at Phoenix International Raceway (yes, the name says Phoenix, but it is technically within Avondale's boundaries.... Read 337 reviews

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• Population 88,065

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  334 reviews

Current Resident: I would say that neighborhood is important to me since I will be living in the area. I live in a wonderful neighborhood. All the neighbors are peaceful, friendly, and lively. With the many parks nearby they attract friendly people all the time and they make a great place to gather around and enjoy the air. A benefit in the Goodyear area would be the local grocery stores and supermarkets. They are nearby and it is easy for residents to stop by. The neighbors are incredibly friendly and always helping each other out. You will see kids and family outside having a great time. I can’t forget to mention how clean it is! It is very clean with beautiful sceneries. Waking up everyday to a peaceful morning and fresh air. I have never once experienced a bad situation. I enjoy living here in Goodyear rather than where I used to live. It wasn’t safe or friendly at all. The streets were always dirty and had people with bad intentions. Overall, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love where I am now!... Read 334 reviews

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• Population 93,651

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.63 out of 5  110 reviews

Current Resident: It’s becoming very urban, I think if there was more HOA or guidelines on people’s property it would look very uniformed but that’s what makes it nice in diversity. Some people have red or blue houses while others have tan and brown.... Read 110 reviews

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• Population 35,410

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.62 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I love living here and have no regrets about buying a house. We are an unincorporated city which means things run a little differently. The biggest perq is no HOA and no city property taxes. It's pretty quiet but there are coyotes... but they were here first so no complaining! We have several parks in a tiny area, including a duck pond you can fish in, a dog park, and a playground with basketball courts. Most people are pretty friendly. There is some crime but that is in all of Phoenix and it's nothing violent. We are removed enough to have some peace and quiet and see stars, but we are still very close to shopping and restaurants. We also have several long-term care facilities in the area for those needing work close by. Banner Boswell is very close as well, definitely within biking distance and the Surprise shops are a 10 min drive up Grand Ave.... Read 21 reviews

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• Population 6,908

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,609 reviews

Current Resident: Mesa is a large suburb outside the central city of Phoenix. However, unlike most suburbs it’s not just housing there is more entertainment spots than you would think. Mesa has been previously ranked as one of the most boring places to live but after living in other places like Aurora, Colorado I cannot understand that how that is true. Mesa offers a lot of nice housing, although there are some not so nice parts, for the most part it offers some really nice homes. Mesa also has multiple malls, small hikes, a water park, multiple entertainment places like fat cats, dog parks, mini-golf, and many other entertainment places to keep the city fun. Mesa also has downtown Tempe (mill avenue), downtown Scottsdale and downtown Gilbert, within a 20 minute drive. All these places offer a great night out. I believe Mesa is reasonably priced relative to other areas in Arizona, has everything you need as far as grocery stores and is more fun than most suburbs.... Read 1,609 reviews

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• Population 497,752

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

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• Population 36,903

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  320 reviews

Current Resident: I love Buckeye! I moved here a few years ago, so I'm still relatively new, but I enjoyed the farm life, the greenery, the quietness, and the overall rural vibe of it all. Recently, though, the land has been replaced by houses and such, and that's fine and dandy (though I will miss the fields), but I think they should be plotting stores instead. They should also be working on widening the roads. They have so many homes being built, and are keeping the roads narrow? That won't do. Overall, Buckeye is fantastic, but I enjoyed it better before the pandemic.... Read 320 reviews

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• Population 89,711

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Legacy golf course community is amazing! Neighbors are long time residents - mostly transplants from east coast, California, and Midwest and very friendly. Gated, Mountain View’s, beautiful properties, close to all amenities near 24th and Baseline. 10 minutes from airport and 18-22 min from downtown Phoenix- what more could you ask for?!... Read 15 reviews

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• Population 79,500

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.55 out of 5  75 reviews

Current Resident: Moved here 12 years ago from Florida very happy its become a lot more diverse. it's one of the best neighborhoods in the Phoenix area. only 12 mins from the airport, 15 mins from downtown. located near I-10 and 202 so easy to get across town from here. My son has been going to school here since kindergarten now he's in high school -very good schools! lots of shopping close by: JC Penny, Kohls, Ross, Marshalls, Burlington, Target, 2 Goodwill stores, and so much more. very safe here compared to the rest of Phoenix. Several parks and hiking trails. Pecos community park has a very nice pool with slides and they have a shaded area with a ramada that you can reserve for a party free of charge. We have a seniors community center they also have a pool. Ahwatukee has a free shuttle that has a good route to get you around in Ahwatukee. The rent has gone up it used to be more affordable when I moved here. Other than that I highly recommend it for raising your children in a decent neighborhood.... Read 75 reviews

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• Population 78,142

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: A wonderful Community! Very Friendly and inviting. Many hiking trails and parks. Schools are great and plenty of shopping nearby.... Read 15 reviews

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• Population 161,038

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  644 reviews

Current Resident: Peoria is a peaceful and quiet suburb just north of Phoenix. Peoria is an excellent place to raise a family and the education in Peoria is one of the best in Arizona! Outside of that, Peoria also has a lot of things to do and amazing restaurants to try out! Some of the note worthy places to check out in Peoria would have to be Lake Pleasent and Rio Vista park, which is located just off of Thunderbird and the 101 on the West side of town. Peoria is not too far away from central Phoenix and is a great place for those to get property in a safe suburban neighborhood without being too far away from work!... Read 644 reviews

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• Population 187,733

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Paradise Valley is located in the perfect location, in between North Scottsdale and Old Town. It is a beautiful area with well cared for homes. Although in a major city, it has a small town feel with our own police and fire departments. The best part is its quiet and safe! I wouldn't change a thing.... Read 12 reviews

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• Population 169,805

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  78 reviews

Current Resident: Litchfield Park has been my home since the age of 4. In my time here I have noticed that most neighborhoods are close to one another and there are several grocery stores and fast food restaurants nearby- which makes everything you could ever want very easy to access. In general, the civilians here are kind and helpful and the city overall is an easygoing place to be. I recommend people to move here because of the positive atmosphere with lots of parks for family friendly fun!... Read 78 reviews

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• Population 6,656

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  1,202 reviews

Current Resident: My husband and I grew up here. Gilbert is a clean city with clean people. I have read comments about a lack of diversity and complaints about those that are Mormon. Gilbert is known for being a wonderful place to live. That obviously has to do with the residents! Why not get to know the people that live here instead of judging everyone? FYI, there are double the amount of Catholics in Gilbert than Mormons, and other Christian religions are a higher percentage than Mormons too. The Mormons are just actively involved in their religion and their communities. That is a great thing for a city! The reason I did not give my rating five stars is because Gilbert has changed too much! There used to be open space and beautiful farm fields. Now there are ugly apartment complexes on every corner and too many people have moved here from other states. We do not want our community inundated with Californians. The reason why Gilbert was so special is being changed by outsiders.... Read 1,202 reviews

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• Population 262,249

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  515 reviews

Current Resident: Since living in surprise since 2004, I have seen this city grow and develop before my eyes. There has been constant improvements and new developments everywhere. There are public and charter schools and they have great programs. Surprise is a great place for you to raise your family because there are many things to do and nothing is too far away!... Read 515 reviews

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• Population 141,875

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ

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  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in nearby Litchfield Park in the 80's/90's and had a few friends from the Clearwater Farms neighborhood in Citrus Park. I absolutely fell in love with the area and the rural lifestyle so when it came time to buy a place of my own and raise a family this is where we laid our roots. The homes are all unique and the streets are pedestrian and horse friendly. Our neighbors are true friends, supportive and vigilant. It's more than community it's a bond, like family we really watch out for each other out here. It has been amazing to raise children and teach them to grown their own food and raise their own livestock. The irrigation makes for big trees and green grass so it just has a different feel out here. The area around us is starting to grow rapidly. Developers have bought out the farm lands and are building high density tracts that are in stark contrast to the existing area, the orchards are all but disappeared but overall my experience here has been excellent.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 5,640