No. 22: North Scottsdale
No. 26: Paradise Valley
No. 50: Cave Creek
No. 72: Oro Valley
No. 89: Ahwatukee Foothills
What are the top 10 most envied places to live in the US?

No. 22: North Scottsdale, No. 26: Paradise Valley, No. 50: Cave Creek, No. 72: Oro Valley, No. 89: Ahwatukee Foothills, What are the top 10 most envied places to live in the US?

Arizona may not have magnificent beaches and ocean views or huge cultural and historical prestige, but it still has several cities that are among the most desirable places to live in the nation.

This 7,060-square-foot house in north Scottsdale’s Troon Village was listed by Laura and Lisa Lucky of Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty and sold for $4.5 million.

The New Jersey Real Estate Network surveyed more than 3,000 people to locate the 170 most envied places to live in the U.S. Cities, suburbs, and neighborhoods from all 50 states made the list

The top of the list may not surprise you, with hotspots like Beverly Hills topping the list, followed by cities in Hawaii, California and Florida.

What may surprise you though, is the number of Arizona locales that were named among the most envied places to live. Five Arizona places, including some of the richest cities in the state, made the list: Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Oro Valley and Ahwatukee Foothills.

No. 22: North Scottsdale

It's not surprising to see Scottsdale make the list of most envied places to live. Between the downtown scene, arts culture, outdoors opportunities, there's a lot to envy and many equate the city with luxury. Scottsdale also ranked among the happiest cities to live in two years running.

No. 26: Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley claims the title of richest city in Arizona, with a median household income of $221,333. The posh suburb east of Phoenix is home to CEOs, professional athletes and business owners. With a population of about 12,600, Paradise Valley is known for its two luxury golf courses and sprawling, gated homes.

No. 50: Cave Creek

With a population just over 5,000, the small suburb has a distinctly Western flair that's obvious in its saloons, art galleries and more. There are also plenty of golf courses and outdoor opportunities given it's mountainside location in the northern portion of metro Phoenix.

No. 72: Oro Valley

This small suburb of 48,000 people is located just north of Tucson. Oro Valley's prime location between the Catalina and Tortolita mountain ranges makes it an outdoor recreation destination. It's known for its parks, nature trails and birding opportunities. In 2024, Oro Valley was named the safest place to retire in the U.S. by GoBankingRates.

No. 89: Ahwatukee Foothills

Ahwatukee Foothills is one of Phoenix's 15 urban villages and is home to nearly 70,000 people who tout the area's central location, entertainment opportunities and high-quality schools. Nestled at the base of South Mountain, the area offers quick access to trails, nature and fun recreation opportunities.