AriZona Real Estate insider!

When it comes to fun in the sun (and shade), Arizona knows how to play — and WalletHub agrees.

In their 2025 ranking of the Best & Worst Cities for Recreation, seven Arizona cities scored spots on the national top 100 list. WalletHub analyzed the 100 largest U.S. cities across four key categories:

• Cost of living
• Access to recreational facilities
• Quality of parks
• Weather

Arizona showed up strong — not just in sunshine, but in activities, affordability, and accessibility. So, if you’re wondering where to hike, bike, golf, kayak, or just kick back with a cheap movie, our cities deliver.

Here’s how they ranked — and what makes each one actually fun to live in.

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🥇 Scottsdale (#7) – Luxe parks, desert hikes, and top-tier weather

Why it scored high: Best-in-class park quality and year-round sunshine.

Recreation idea:
Tee off at TPC Scottsdale, kayak the Lower Salt River, or hike Tom’s Thumb Trail at sunrise for unbeatable views. Want something mellow? Stroll through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve — it’s massive and gorgeous.

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☀️ Phoenix (#12) – Big-city amenities, big-time adventure

Why it scored high: Excellent access to rec areas and warm weather.

Recreation idea:
Bike the Arizona Canal Trail, hike up Piestewa Peak, or float through Encanto Park. Pro tip: grab a paddleboard and head to Tempe Town Lake just next door.

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🌵 Tucson (#13) – Affordable fun and desert beauty

Why it scored high: Strong affordability and plenty of sunny days.

Recreation idea:
Birdwatch or hike at Madera Canyon, rent an e-bike downtown, or stroll through the Reid Park Zoo. Prefer stargazing? Tucson’s dark skies make it one of the best urban areas in the U.S. to see the stars.

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🎉 Glendale (#29) – Underrated and full of surprises

Why it scored high: Good value and favorable weather.

Recreation idea:
Catch a game at State Farm Stadium, explore Thunderbird Conservation Park, or hit the water at Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center. And don’t sleep on downtown Glendale’s antique district.

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🛶 Chandler (#49) – Chill vibes and budget-friendly fun

Why it scored high: Affordable recreation and lots of sun.

Recreation idea:
Hit Veterans Oasis Park for trails and fishing, or cruise the Chandler Bike Loop. Got kids? The Tumbleweed Recreation Center has everything from rock walls to indoor courts.

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🎬 Mesa (#55) – Suburban feel, serious entertainment

Why it scored high: Cheap movie nights and family-friendly parks.

Recreation idea:
Catch a flick at Fat Cats Mesa, paddle at Riverview Park’s urban lake, or ride the Skyline Trail in Usery Mountain Park. You’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the wild — but still close to home.

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🍦 Gilbert (#78) – Lower-ranked, but still in the game

Why it scored high: It made the cut — and still has perks.

Recreation idea:
Walk the Riparian Preserve, cool off at Discovery Park splash pad, or grab gelato and people-watch at the Heritage District. Gilbert keeps growing, and so does its outdoor scene.

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Final Thought

Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker, dog walker, weekend warrior, or iced-coffee sipper, Arizona’s got something for everyone — and more cities ranked than most states. Thanks to WalletHub for the 2025 breakdown.

To borrow a line from a cinematic baller who knew how to move:

“Basketball is like poetry in motion, cross the guy to the left, take him back to the right, he’s fallin’ back, then just J right in his face. Then you look at him and say, ‘What?’” — Jesus Shuttlesworth, He Got Game (1998)

Arizona’s cities aren’t just livable—they ball. Now go play.

Thanks to WalletHub for the 2025 breakdown. Full rankings and methodology can be found here.

Featured image by Diego Lozano on Unsplash