List of Cities in Arizona Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 8, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

Arizona has approximately 90 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital is Phoenix, which is also the largest city in Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States. Other large cities in Arizona include Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, and Surprise. Arizona’s population is heavily concentrated in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with several of the largest cities forming part of this region. Smaller towns, particularly in northern Arizona, tend to be more rural and tourism-driven due to attractions like the Grand Canyon.

1. Phoenix

City Facts

Population: 1,640,641 (2023 estimate)
Area Code: 602, 480, 623
Zip Codes: 85001–85099
County: Maricopa County

Geography and History

Phoenix is located in the Salt River Valley in central Arizona, often referred to as the “Valley of the Sun” due to its hot desert climate. Surrounded by mountains and sitting within the Sonoran Desert, the geography of Phoenix includes flat arid land, with the Salt River running through the city, though often dry. Founded in 1867, Phoenix initially served as an agricultural community. It grew rapidly after it became the state capital in 1912. The expansion of irrigation systems helped develop the city into a major metropolitan area. Post-World War II, Phoenix experienced explosive growth due to air conditioning and the arrival of high-tech industries. Today, it is a major financial, technological, and cultural center in the southwestern U.S.

Colleges and Universities

Arizona State University (ASU): ASU’s main campus is located in nearby Tempe, but it has campuses in downtown Phoenix offering programs in law, journalism, nursing, and business.
Grand Canyon University (GCU): A private Christian university known for programs in business, healthcare, and education.
Phoenix College: A community college offering a wide range of associate degrees and vocational programs.

Major Landmarks

Phoenix is home to a variety of notable landmarks. Papago Park is known for its distinctive red rock formations and the Desert Botanical Garden, showcasing local plant life. Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the city, offering panoramic views of the valley. Downtown Phoenix hosts Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Art Museum, the largest visual arts institution in the Southwest. The Heard Museum is a significant cultural institution, focusing on Native American art and history. For nature enthusiasts, South Mountain Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering numerous hiking trails and scenic vistas.

2. Tucson

City Facts

Population: 548,073 (2023 estimate)
Area Code: 520
Zip Codes: 85701–85775
County: Pima County

Geography and History

Tucson is located in the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona, surrounded by five minor mountain ranges: the Santa Catalina Mountains, Rincon Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, Tucson Mountains, and Tortolita Mountains. The region is arid, with hot summers and mild winters, but Tucson also has a more green and diverse ecosystem compared to Phoenix due to higher elevation. Tucson’s history dates back to ancient Native American settlements, including the Hohokam people. The city was officially founded in 1775 as a Spanish fort, later becoming part of Mexico, and finally the U.S. after the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. Tucson became a key city in the Arizona Territory and remains a hub for ranching, military installations, and technology.

Colleges and Universities

University of Arizona (UA): The largest university in Tucson, UA is a public research institution known for its programs in astronomy, optics, and engineering.
Pima Community College: A two-year community college that offers various associate degrees and vocational training across several campuses in the city.
University of Phoenix (Tucson Campus): Specializing in adult education, this campus offers degrees in business, education, and healthcare.

Major Landmarks

Tucson is known for its iconic landmarks and natural beauty. Saguaro National Park, which borders both sides of the city, is home to the giant Saguaro cactus and offers numerous hiking trails. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum combines a botanical garden, zoo, and natural history museum, showcasing the unique desert ecosystem. Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission, is one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. The Pima Air & Space Museum is another notable attraction, featuring over 300 aircraft and historical exhibits. The downtown area has undergone revitalization, with modern art galleries, restaurants, and historic theaters such as the Fox Tucson Theatre.

3. Mesa

City Facts

Population: 536,826 (2023 estimate)
Area Code: 480
Zip Codes: 85201–85277
County: Maricopa County

Geography and History

Mesa is located in the East Valley section of the Phoenix metropolitan area, about 20 miles east of downtown Phoenix. The city sits on a flat desert plain, with the Salt River to the north. Like much of central Arizona, Mesa experiences a desert climate, characterized by very hot summers and mild winters. Mesa was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1878 and retains a large Mormon community to this day. The city grew significantly during the 20th century, especially after World War II, when airfields and military installations brought in an influx of residents. Today, Mesa is a large suburban city with a diverse economy, including technology, healthcare, and education.

Colleges and Universities

Arizona State University (ASU) Polytechnic Campus: Located in nearby Mesa, the ASU Polytechnic campus focuses on science, technology, and engineering programs.
Mesa Community College: One of the largest community colleges in Arizona, offering associate degrees and vocational training.
Benedictine University Mesa: A private Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, education, and health sciences.

Major Landmarks

Mesa boasts several key landmarks, including the Mesa Arts Center, a large complex dedicated to visual and performing arts. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a family-friendly institution with exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient Native American cultures, and local history. Usery Mountain Regional Park, located on the outskirts of the city, offers hiking and camping with scenic views of the desert landscape. For aviation enthusiasts, the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field features vintage aircraft and war memorabilia. Mesa’s historic downtown also features a growing arts district, with galleries, theaters, and restaurants contributing to its cultural revival.

4. Chandler

City Facts

Population: 283,540 (2023 estimate)
Area Code: 480
Zip Codes: 85224–85286
County: Maricopa County

Geography and History

Chandler is located in the southeastern part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The city sits on flat desert land with little variation in elevation. Like other cities in the region, Chandler experiences a hot desert climate with long, dry summers. Chandler was founded in 1912 by Dr. Alexander John Chandler, who established the area as an agricultural town. The advent of irrigation turned the region into a hub for cotton, alfalfa, and other crops. In the late 20th century, the city evolved into a suburban community with a strong economy based on the tech industry, including semiconductor manufacturing, which continues to drive much of its growth today.

Colleges and Universities

Chandler-Gilbert Community College: A two-year institution offering degrees in business, technology, and healthcare, with campuses in Chandler and surrounding areas.
University of Phoenix (Chandler Campus): Focuses on adult education, offering online and in-person degrees in business, education, and healthcare.
Arizona State University (ASU) nearby in Tempe: Many Chandler residents attend ASU’s main campus in nearby Tempe, which offers a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Major Landmarks

Chandler has several notable landmarks and attractions. The Chandler Center for the Arts is a key venue for concerts, theater productions, and art exhibits. The Arizona Railway Museum showcases the history of railroads in the Southwest with restored train cars and exhibits. For outdoor enthusiasts, Veterans Oasis Park offers miles of trails, birdwatching, and scenic desert landscapes. Downtown Chandler has also become a cultural hub, with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. Tumbleweed Park hosts many of the city’s major events and festivals, including the annual Ostrich Festival, celebrating Chandler’s agricultural roots.

5. Scottsdale

City Facts

Population: 256,840 (2023 estimate)
Area Code: 480
Zip Codes: 85250–85271
County: Maricopa County

Geography and History

Scottsdale is located just east of Phoenix and is part of the larger Phoenix metropolitan area. The city sits at the base of the McDowell Mountains, offering stunning desert landscapes and a semi-arid climate. Scottsdale was founded in 1894 by Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, who envisioned the area as an agricultural settlement. Throughout the 20th century, Scottsdale transformed from a small town into an affluent suburb, known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and vibrant arts scene. It has earned the nickname “The West’s Most Western Town” due to its preservation of its cowboy and ranching heritage.

Colleges and Universities

Scottsdale Community College: A two-year college offering associate degrees and vocational training, it is one of the few community colleges located on Native American land (the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community).
Arizona State University (ASU) Skysong Campus: Located near Scottsdale, this campus focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation programs.
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts: Although it closed in 2017, it was once a prominent culinary school in Scottsdale.

Major Landmarks

Scottsdale is known for its upscale lifestyle and cultural landmarks. Old Town Scottsdale is a popular tourist destination, featuring Western-themed shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Taliesin West, the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers tours of his unique architectural style. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers more than 225 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art showcases modern art, architecture, and design. Additionally, Scottsdale hosts several annual events, including the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, which draw international visitors.

List of Cities in Arizona Alphabetically

1. Phoenix

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Tucson

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Mesa

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Chandler

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Scottsdale

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in Arizona in Alphabetical Order

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