Fidelis … as our resident AZ expert… where do you consider the best places to live in AZ?
I don't consider myself an expert, but it depends on your likes and needs. The big cities and towns here are just like anywhere else: liberal, crime infested, and shabby. Touristy areas like Flagstaff and Sedona are nice but too lefty.
I live in a suburb on the far east edge of the greater Phoenix area, but that's mainly for family reasons. If you like suburbs, Gilbert is nice and, if you have money, Scottsdale and the north Valley are nice too.
If I had my druthers, I'd probably live up in Prescott Valley or something like that. It is somewhat rural, but has decent shopping amenities. Lots of fishing and hunting opportunities there.
If you like the mountain small town life where you have four seasons, you could always consider small towns like Payson, Show Low, etc. I like Payson a lot (in the summer), but it might be too small town for me. Other Arizonans are free to weigh in here.