When one considers where to live in the United States, there is certainly a great deal of aspects to consider. Are you looking for the best opportunity for career growth, or are you seeking a place to raise your family? Do you crave the outdoors and want to settle in a place that has outdoor attractions, or do you desire the pace of city life? Is education a priority, or do you yearn to find a place with a hot night scene?
Most likely, if you’re thinking about moving, it’s a blend of a few or all of these factors that you’re pursuing. Most people in the know are familiar with the major market places like Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX and Chicago, IL. It’s time to take a closer look at cities that aren’t nearly as big but just as significant in a variety of ways, like education, income average and amenities.
20. Scottsdale, AZ
There is a lot to love about Scottsdale. First off, the state of Arizona enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year! That alone has to be a big plus if you’re from a region with a brutal winter. Scottsdale averages only seven inches of rain per year, but its plant life, like cacti and banana yucca, has adapted well to the dry climate. Only 20 minutes outside of Arizona, it’s a hot spot for golf with more than 200 courses to choose from. There are more than 700 eating establishments there, and they cook with organic ingredients with an emphasis on quality. Scottsdale restaurant staples include Greasewood Flats, a burger joint with seating for 1,000 customers, and Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge, a classy spot with rave reviews. Additionally, the median household income in Scottsdale is about $68,000, besting the US average by almost $20,000.
