Arizona is experiencing a major influx of new transplants from across the country. According to recent data, the Copper State was the most popular place to move to in 2022, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2023.
However, while cities like Phoenix and Tucson get much of the attention, there's an overlooked area between them: Pinal County. While this area is less recognized than its northern and southern neighbors, it has everything you could want from the Arizona experience, minus the crowded city streets or high cost of living—and homebuyers are starting to take notice. That said, before becoming a homebuyer in Pinal County, it's best to know what to expect. Let’s dive in!
Where Is Pinal County?
Pinal County is located between the cities of Phoenix and Tucson, with I-10 traveling straight through it. It’s also home to five cities: Maricopa, Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Eloy, and Coolidge. According to census data, Pinal County is the third most-populated county in Arizona, behind Maricopa and Pima.
Why More People are Moving to Pinal County in Arizona
Becoming a homebuyer in Pinal County makes sense if you love living close to a big city while having plenty of wide-open space nearby. Pinal County offers the perfect blend of southwest climate and culture and has more than enough room to roam and explore. Best of all, the cost of living is much more affordable than Arizona’s larger cities, so you get the best that Arizona has to offer for a fraction of the price.
Here's a breakdown of what you can find in this up-and-coming locale.
Activities
Because Pinal County isn't densely populated, most of the activities and attractions are found in the great outdoors. Some examples include the Superstition Mountains (be sure to check out the museum), Casa Grande National Monument, and Goldfield ghost town. If you love hiking, biking, golfing, and just being out in nature, you'll love living in Pinal County.
There are also a few incredible festivals that occur annually. The Arizona Renaissance Festival offers a chance to cosplay as a commoner in the Middle Ages, while Country Thunder offers the chance to see some of the genre’s biggest names over a multi-day event.
Affordability
Since Arizona is such a hot market for incoming residents, the entire state has a slightly higher cost of living compared to the US as a whole. That said, Pinal County is much more affordable than Maricopa or Pima Counties. For example, the median home price in Maricopa County is around $456,000, while it's only $365,000 in Pinal.
Also, the cost of everyday items like groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous goods is cheaper in Pinal than the US average. According to Best Places, Pinal County ranks 94.9 for groceries, 99.7 for transportation, and 93 for miscellaneous. For comparison, the median prices in the US are scored at 100.
Overall, your money will go further in Pinal County in Arizona, especially compared to more densely populated regions and cities.
Job Market
The job market in Pinal County is healthy and growing. The current unemployment rate is 4.5 percent, and many industries are thriving in the area. The industries with the most jobs in Pinal include:
- Retail/Shopping
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality and Food Service
- Healthcare
- Construction
As the area grows, there will invariably be more opportunities for job opportunities. Also, as more companies hire remote workers, Pinal County can be very accommodating to those who work from home.
Popular Places to Live in Pinal County
The three main cities in Pinal County are Casa Grande, Apache Junction, and Maricopa. Here's a brief overview of each city and why it may be right for a Pinal County homebuyer.
Casa Grande
Casa Grande is nestled between I-10 and I-8, near the center of Pinal County. It’s home to some world-class resorts, including the Palm Creek Resort & Residences, as well as the Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort. The western half of the city is less populated, offering more land and open space. Within the city center, there are tons of restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and amenities.
If you’re considering a move to Casa Grande, check out our selection of new construction homes in the area!
Apache Junction
Apache Junction is on the eastern edge of Phoenix, but it's not technically a suburb. Because it's connected to the rest of Phoenix, it's easy to go into the city for work or sightseeing. However, its position at the edge also means that the city is at the base of the Superstition Mountains—the perfect place for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Most of the city is residential, but there are amenities all along Highway 60 and the Old West Highway, which cuts straight through town.
Check out our selection of new build homes in Apache Junction.
Maricopa
If you prefer a small-town feel, Maricopa is the place for you. This city is outside the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, but still close enough that you can venture into the metropolis for a night out on the town. Currently, Maricopa is surrounded by open land, so it's a dream come true for those who love a desert view. However, there are still a few notable things to do, like visiting the Dwarf Car Museum, walking around the beautiful Jane Askew Memorial Park, or spending time at the Copper Sky Recreation Complex.
Interested in moving to Maricopa? We have brand-new single-family homes in the area. Explore them now!
Pinal County Has the Perfect Balance Between Urban and Rural Living
As you can see, becoming a homebuyer in Pinal County makes sense for many reasons. First, it's more affordable than Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. Second, because Pinal County isn't overdeveloped, you still have plenty of natural beauty and space to enjoy. Plus, as the area gains more residents, the quality of attractions, job opportunities, and amenities will only improve.
Knowing where you want to live is just the first step. Century Communities offers a simple and hassle-free homebuying experience, so you can enjoy your new home fast and hassle-free.