From natural hidden gems to urban investment properties, Arizona is home to a range of attractive acreage. When it comes to purchasing property, the best place to buy land in Arizona is the region that aligns with your goals as a landowner.
Read on to explore eight popular locations across the Grand Canyon State, and discover which area is the right fit for you.
Why Arizona Is a Top Choice for Land Buyers
Whether you’re moving out west or you’re a lifelong Arizonan, this desert state has significant appeal for landowners, especially thanks to its:
- Steady population growth
- Economic opportunities
- Flat income tax rate
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Affordability
These advantages make buying land in Arizona an appealing option for everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors. With that in mind, let’s compare some of the best places to buy land in Arizona.
Phoenix and Surrounding Suburbs
Phoenix is not only the fifth-largest city in the US—it’s also in the top ten for fastest growth rates nationwide. Thanks to consistent population increases and suburban expansion, this capital city and the surrounding metro area offer a diverse job market with lots of economic opportunity.
Whether you’re looking for a move-in-ready family home or a commercial investment property, the Phoenix area is appealing for a range of land buyers.
Tucson
Located in southern Arizona, Tucson is a vibrant city that blends outdoor recreation with urban living. Its unique history and culture create a lively downtown atmosphere of local shops, restaurants, and museums. And with 350 days of sunshine a year, Tucson is perfect for landowners with an active lifestyle.
Home to the University of Arizona, it also offers lucrative investment potential near campus and in developing suburban neighborhoods.
Flagstaff
Just north of Sedona, Flagstaff is ideal for recreation, lifestyle, and retirement land buyers. Boasting mountain scenery, a cooler climate, and easy access to nature, Flagstaff is also a stop on Route 66 and an entry point to the Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff offers changing autumn leaves and clear summer skies alike. As Arizona’s official Winter Wonderland, Flagstaff is just as breathtaking (and fun!) in the snow. Plus, having all four seasons means residents can enjoy year-round outdoor activities. It’s no wonder why Flagstaff is popular among families, retirees, and vacationers.
Sedona
Characterized by its stunning red rock landscapes, Sedona strikes the balance between adventure and relaxation. Home to four wilderness areas and two state parks, Sedona has strong lifestyle appeal, plus no end to scenic desert views. Also known as a spiritual hotspot, there’s a strong market in tourism and retreats, thanks to its famous energy vortexes and holistic healing culture.
Landbuyers interested in luxury residential properties will have lots to choose from, with potential for rental and investment acreage as well.
Prescott
Nestled in the nation’s largest ponderosa pine forest, Prescott is a small historic city with over 400 miles of nearby trails., Plus, with downtown attractions like galleries, museums, and festivals, Prescott offers the perks of city living, as well as small-town charm and easy access to the great outdoors. It also boasts an ideal climate year-round, with four mild yet beautiful seasons.
Prescott is relatively affordable compared to other Arizona cities, and is appealing for families and retirees interested in owning land.
Yuma
Tucked into Arizona’s southwest corner, Yuma is a small city on the banks of the Colorado River. Warm and sunny year-round, it’s a popular destination for retirees and snowbirds. In fact, Yuma’s population nearby doubles in the winter months.
If you’re looking for agricultural land, Yuma is an ideal choice in Arizona. Agriculture is the number one industry in Yuma, which is known as the nation’s winter vegetable capital—over 91% of the leafy greens eaten in the winter are grown right in Yuma.
With tons of verdant acreage and riverfront property to choose from, Yuma stands out from the typical Arizona landscape.
Mohave County
Located in northwestern Arizona, Mohave County is a desert region dotted with rural communities and outdoor recreation. Driving distance from both Nevada and California, it has significant potential in the tourism market, especially along the Colorado River.
Landowners are often drawn to the region’s natural beauty and outdoor attractions. Overall, Mohave County offers a quiet slice of life, whether you’re looking for residential, recreational, or investment property.
Cochise County
Southeastern Cochise County is a rural and affordable option for landowners who want to get off the beaten path. With a low cost of living and no end to wide-open spaces, Cochise County is perfect for off-grid buyers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families on a budget.
Choosing the Best Arizona Location for Your Goals
So, where is the best place to buy land in Arizona? On Land.com, the nation’s leading network for rural real estate. Explore land for sale in Arizona to find acreage that aligns with your needs and goals, whether you’re looking for a residential homestead, an investment property, or anything in between.
Connect with a local Land Pro today to find your dream Arizona acreage.
Sources:
Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. Arizona at a Glance. https://oeo.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Arizona.
ABC 15 Arizona. Arizona is the third most affordable state to live in, data analysis shows. https://www.abc15.com/news/state/arizona-is-the-third-most-affordable-state-to-live-in-data-analysis-shows.
Arizona Economic and Business Research Center. Phoenix Maintains Top 5 Status as Arizona Cities Lead in Growth. https://www.azeconomy.org/2025/05/economy/phoenix-maintains-top-5-status-as-arizona-cities-lead-in-growth/.
Visit Arizona. Tucson. https://www.visitarizona.com/places/cities/tucson.
Discover Flagstaff. Flagstaff. https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/.
Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Sedona. https://visitsedona.com/.
Experience Prescott. Experience Prescott, Arizona. https://www.experienceprescott.com/.
Visit Arizona. Prescott. https://www.visitarizona.com/places/cities/prescott.
Visit Yuma. About Yuma. https://www.visityuma.com/about-yuma/.
Visit Yuma. Agriculture. https://www.visityuma.com/plan-your-trip/trip-ideas/agriculture/.
Mohave County. Live in Our Communities. https://www.mohave.gov/departments/economic-development-tourism-and-film/live-in-our-communities/.
