Arizona (AZ)

Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon State," Arizona is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich Native American history, and year-round sunshine. From the stunning red rocks of Sedona to the vast beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the state offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality.

• Population: ~7.5 million
• Weather: Hot summers (90-120°F); mild winters (40-70°F).
• Famous Sites: Grand Canyon, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Saguaro National Park.
• Top Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, hot air balloon rides, Native American cultural experiences, golf, stargazing.

Arizona has a strong job market driven by industries like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and construction. With a growing population and economy, the state offers excellent career opportunities. Below are the top 5 in-demand jobs in Arizona based on salary and job availability. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Arizona's largest cities play key roles in education, commerce, and culture. These cities have various colleges and universities that attract students from across the state and beyond. Here is a look at the ten largest cities in Arizona, showing their population and major student enrollments.

City Population (Approx.) Student Enrollment (Approx.) Phoenix 1,660,000 80,000+ Tucson 545,000 55,000+ Mesa 515,000 28,000+ Chandler 280,000 15,000+ Gilbert 275,000 4,500+ Glendale 255,000 28,000+ Scottsdale 245,000 8,000+ Peoria 195,000 1,200+ Tempe 190,000 55,000+ Surprise 155,000 1,000+

Arizona is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in engineering, business, healthcare, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Arizona

• Arizona State University (ASU) – One of the largest public universities in the U.S., known for innovation and strong business, engineering, and journalism programs.
• University of Arizona (UA) – A top research institution with strong programs in medicine, law, and aerospace engineering.
• Northern Arizona University (NAU) – Offers excellent programs in education, environmental sciences, and health sciences.
• Arizona State University – Polytechnic Campus – Focuses on hands-on learning in engineering, aviation, and applied sciences.
• Arizona Western College – A respected public institution providing strong programs in agriculture, business, and education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Arizona

• Grand Canyon University (GCU) – A leading private university known for business, nursing, and education programs.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott – A premier institution specializing in aviation, aerospace engineering, and cybersecurity.
• Arizona Christian University (ACU) – A faith-based university offering programs in business, education, and theology.
• Ottawa University – Arizona – A private university focusing on business, health sciences, and education.
• Southwest University of Visual Arts – A well-regarded institution offering degrees in fine arts, graphic design, and animation.

Arizona is home to some of the best high schools in the country. Both public and private institutions offer students exceptional academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. These schools help students build a strong foundation for future success.

Top Public High Schools in Arizona

• BASIS Scottsdale, Scottsdale – A nationally ranked charter school known for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum and high college acceptance rates.
• University High School, Tucson – Offers an advanced college prep program with strong AP course offerings and a focus on academic excellence.
• BASIS Oro Valley, Oro Valley – Recognized for its challenging coursework and strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• BASIS Chandler, Chandler – A high-performing school that provides students with a competitive academic environment and strong college readiness programs.
• Great Hearts Chandler Preparatory Academy, Chandler – Focuses on a classical liberal arts education with an emphasis on critical thinking and character development.

Top Private High Schools in Arizona

• Brophy College Preparatory, Phoenix – A prestigious all-boys Jesuit school known for its strong academics, athletics, and commitment to service.
• Xavier College Preparatory, Phoenix – A highly ranked all-girls Catholic school offering a challenging college preparatory curriculum with strong extracurricular programs.
• Phoenix Country Day School, Paradise Valley – Offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and a focus on personalized learning.
• Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Scottsdale – A faith-based school providing a well-rounded education with strong academic and arts programs.
• The Gregory School, Tucson – Known for its innovative teaching methods and an emphasis on preparing students for top universities.

Arizona is home to several major league professional sports teams, representing all four major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). The state has a passionate sports culture, with Phoenix serving as the hub for most teams.

Here are Arizona's major professional sports teams:

• Arizona Cardinals (NFL) – Based in Phoenix, the Cardinals are Arizona’s professional football team. They play at State Farm Stadium and have a dedicated fan base.
• Phoenix Suns (NBA) – The state’s professional basketball team, the Suns have had a strong presence in the league since their founding in 1968.
• Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB) – The state’s Major League Baseball team, the Diamondbacks won a World Series championship in 2001.
• Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – Arizona’s professional ice hockey team, which has had a strong following since relocating to the state in 1996.

In addition to the major league teams, Arizona has several minor league and semi-professional teams across various sports:

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Arizona

Baseball 🏟️

• Hillsboro Hops (High-A – Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate) – A farm team developing future stars for the Diamondbacks.

Soccer ⚽

• Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship – Second-tier professional league) – One of the most successful soccer clubs in the USL, known for its passionate fan base.

Basketball 🏀

• Northern Arizona Suns (NBA G League – Phoenix Suns affiliate) – A developmental basketball team that helps groom future NBA players.

Arizona’s warm climate, dedicated sports fans, and strong team presence make it a great place for both professional and minor league sports.

1. Home of the Grand Canyon 🏜️ – Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It attracts millions of visitors each year.
2. Sunniest Place in the U.S. ☀️ – Yuma, Arizona, holds the record for being the sunniest city in the United States, with an average of over 4,000 hours of sunshine each year.
3. Land of Cacti 🌵 – The Saguaro cactus, which can grow over 40 feet tall, is found only in the Sonoran Desert and is a symbol of Arizona.
4. State of Copper 🪙 – Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the U.S. The copper used in the Statue of Liberty came from Arizona mines.
5. No Daylight Saving Time ⏳ – Arizona is one of the only states that doesn’t observe daylight saving time, except for the Navajo Nation, which follows it.
6. Home to the Oldest Rodeo 🤠 – Prescott, Arizona, hosted the world’s first rodeo in 1888, and it continues to be a popular event in the state.
7. Meteor Crater Landmark 💫 – Arizona is home to one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites on Earth, known as Meteor Crater, which is over 50,000 years old.
8. Tombstone’s Wild West History 🔫 – Tombstone, Arizona, was the site of the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, a legendary event in Wild West history.
9. Has a Floating Forest 🌲 – Lake Havasu is home to the famous London Bridge, which was shipped from England and rebuilt in Arizona, creating an unusual floating forest around it.
10. Official State Neckwear 🎀 – Arizona is the only state with an official state neckwear, the bolo tie, which is worn proudly by many Arizonans.