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Cities & Towns

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When visiting an Arizona community you have access to:

Community Profiles & Historic Information
Real Estate and Homes for Sale
School and Demographic Information
Home Buyer, Home Seller and Relocation Guides and Reports

Local AZ real estate professionals will provide additional community information that you may request.

Overview

A sprawling natural wonderland at the heart of the American Southwest, Arizona is also one of the fastest-growing states in the country. A vast, largely uninhabited desert landscape as recently as the early 20th century, Arizona is now home to more than five million residents. to A national leader in electronics, software, aerospace engineering and agriculture among other industries, Arizona offers a flourishing economy, breathtaking natural scenery, countless options for outdoor recreation and leisure, affordable housing and a rich cultural life. From the Grand Canyon to Lake Powell, from the old frontier towns to the modern metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona is a land of great promise and boundless opportunity.

Encompassing an area of over 100,000 square miles, the state of Arizona is widely known for its striking geologic features and natural beauty. Though best known for its deserts, Arizona also encompasses several mountain ranges, the Colorodo Plateau region in the north of the state, six National Forests, several man-made lakes, and the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the United States.

Chief among Arizona's natural attractions is the Grand Canyon, a colorful, steep-sided 277-mile long gorge carved out by the waters of the Colorado River over millions of years. With a maximum depth of more than one mile, the Canyon offers more than thirty miles of spectacular vistas along the South Rim and a vast network of trails. Grand Canyon National Park, established in 1919, receives upwards of 4 million visitors each year.

Arizona is also home to one of the largest and most well-preserved meteorite impact sites in the world. The Barringer Meteorite Crater (better known simply as "Meteor Crater") is a gigantic hole in the middle of the high plains of the Colorado Plateau, about 25 miles west of Winslow. A rim of smashed and jumbled boulders, some of them the size of small houses, rises 150 feet above the level of the surrounding plain. The crater itself is nearly a mile wide, and 570 feet deep.

The state of Arizona boasts a history as colorful and expansive as its terrain. When European explorers arrived in the 16th century, Native Americans had already inhabited the region for more than 10,000 years. Meeting its original native inhabitants, Marcos de Niza, a Spanish Franciscan, explored the area in 1539. Father Eusebio Kino developed a chain of missions and taught the Indians Christianity in Pimería Alta (now southern Arizona and northern Sonora) in the 1690s and early 1700s. Spain founded fortified towns (presidios) at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775.

When Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, what is now Arizona became part of the Mexican State Nueva California, also known as Alta California. In the Mexican–American War (1847), the U.S. occupied Mexico City and forced the newly founded Mexican Republic to give up its northern territories, including the later Arizona. In 1853 the land below the Gila River was acquired from Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase. Arizona was administered as part of the Territory of New Mexico until southern New Mexico seceded from the Union as the Confederate Territory of Arizona on March 16, 1861. This is the first official use of the name. A new Arizona Territory, consisting of the western half of New Mexico Territory was declared in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 1863. Arizona became a U.S. state on February 14, 1912; it was the 48th state admitted into the U.S. and the last of the contiguous states admitted.

In the late 1800s, steamboats, mining, cattle and trains became vital parts of the Arizona economy, leading to boomtowns being formed as prospectors found gold, and the boomtowns becoming ghost towns as the miners left. Mexicans, who still were the majority in Arizona during the time shortly following the Mexican-American War, constituted most of the mining labor force.

After Arizona became a U.S. state, industries such as cotton, copper, agriculture, and mining began to flourish in the state. The military began using Phoenix and Tucson for military bases and academies, with the army becoming the communities' largest source of revenue. Following the outbreak of World War II, people began to move to Arizona from other regions of the country because of its inland position and protection from aerial attacks.

Arizona's population grew tremendously after World War II, in part because of the development of air conditioning, which made the intense summers more comfortable. The 1960s saw the establishment of retirement communities, special age-restricted subdivisions catering exclusively to the needs of senior citizens who wanted to escape the harsh winters of the Midwest and the Northeast. Sun City, established by developer Del Webb and opened in 1960 was one of the first such communities. Green Valley, south of Tucson, was another such community designed to be a retirement subdivision for Arizona's teachers.

In recent times, Arizona has become a major warm-weather tourist and retirement destination, much like Florida. A major part of the tourism industry is based on the presence of the Grand Canyon. With a gorgeous natural landscape, countless historical sites, parks and museums, a booming high-tech economy, excellent state services and a progressive approach to future growth, Arizona remains a great place to live, work and explore.

Facts

First explored by the Spanish in 1539, the land that now comprises Arizona became part of the Mexican State of Vieja California upon the Mexican assertion of independence from Spain in 1821. The United States took possession of most of Arizona at the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848, securing the remainder with the Gasden Purchase of 1853. Arizona was administered as part of the Territory of New Mexico until it was organized into a separate territory on February 24, 1863. Arizona was admitted into the Union–officially becoming a U.S. state on February 14, 1912.

Climate

WEATHER STATISTICS
Flagstaff				Phoenix			Yuma
Month	Average Temp		Precipitation	Average Temp		Precipitation	Average Temp		Precipitation
	High	Low	Inches	High	Low	Inches	High	Low	Inches
January	65	43	0.83	43	17	2.22	69	43	0.45
February	69	47	0.27	46	19	2.40	74	47	0.35
March	74	51	1.07	50	23	2.85	79	51	0.36
April	83	58	0.25	58	27	1.35	86	57	0.15
May	92	66	.15	68	34	0.68	94	64	0.05
June	102	75	0.09	79	41	0.47	103	72	0.03
July	104	81	.99	82	50	2.23	107	80	0.31
August	102	80	0.94	80	49	3.1	105	50	0.70
September	97	75	0.75	74	42	2.47	101	73	0.50
October	86	63	0.79	63	31	1.94	90	62	0.31
November	73	50	0.73	51	22	1.97	77	49	0.17
December	65	44	0.92	44	17	1.59	68	0.51	0.33

Note: Source – US National Climactic Data Center
Weather in Arizona

Population

One of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Arizona has a population of over 6.1 million, an increase of more than 1 million since the year 2000. The state's population is largely concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson, the state's two largest cities. While there are smaller population centers around Yuma (in the southwest corner) and Flagstaff (in north-central Arizona), vast areas of the state remain largely uninhabited, due in great part to the desert climate.

According to U.S. Census Population Estimates for the year 2006, Arizona's five largest cities by population are: Phoenix, 1,512,986; Tucson, 518,956; Mesa, 447,541; Glendale, 246,531; and Chandler, 240,595.

Arizona population estimates by county, 2007:
Apache – 71,118
Cochise – 127,757M
Coconino – 124,953
Gila – 52,209
Graham – 33,660
Greenlee – 71,118
La Paz – 20,256
Maricopa – 3,768,123
Mohave – 193,035
Navajo – 111,399
Pima – 946,362
Pinal – 271,059
Santa Cruz – 43,080
Yavapai – 208,014
Yuma – 187,555

(Courtesy of the Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau, October 15, 2007)

Arizona Population Statistics
State of Arizona Information and Statistics

Government

Arizona's capital is Phoenix, which lies in the Salt River Valley in the central region of the state. The state government has three branches:

Executive

The Governor serves as Chief Executive
- Arizona's executive branch is headed by a governor elected for a four-year term.
State Officials – The State of Connecticut elects four additional state officials to four-year terms:
- The Secretary of the State
- The Attorney General
- The Superintendent of Public Instruction
- The Treasurer

Legislative

The Senate, with 30 members (upper house)
- Leadership of the Senate consists of a Senate president, president pro tempore, majority leader, majority whip, minority leader, and minority whip
The House of Representatives, with 60 members (lower house)
- Leadership of the House consists of a Speaker, a majority leader, and a minority leader

Judicial

The Arizona Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of Arizona. It consists of a Chief Justice, a Vice Chief Justice, and three Associate Justices. Each Justice is appointed by the Governor of Arizona from a list recommended by a bipartisan commission. Justices stand for retention in an election two years after their appointment and then every six years The Supreme Court consists of 7 justices and is the highest court in the state. It is located in Hartford.
The Arizona Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court for the State of Arizona. Twenty-two judges sit on the court: sixteen in Division One, located in Phoenix, and six in Division Two, located in Tucson.
The superior court is the state's general jurisdiction court. It is a single entity with locations in each county. Each county has at least one superior court judge. In counties with more than one superior court judge, the judges operate in numbered divisions.

State Agencies & Offices in Arizona

Department of Administration
Department of Agriculture
Attorney General's Office
Banking Department
Bar Association
Department of Commerce
Criminal Justice Commission
Early Childhood Development & Health
Department of Economic Security
Department of Education
Emergency and Military Affairs
Department of Environmental Quality
Fish and Game Department
Government Information Technology Agency
Governor's Office
Health Services Department
Homeland Security
House of Representatives
Department of Housing
Judicial Branch
Land Department
Medical Board
Parks Department
Department of Public Safety
Department of Real Estate
Retirement System
Department of Revenue
Secretary of State
Senate
Supreme Court
Tax Appeals Board
Office of Tourism
Office of Transportation
Treasurer's Office
University of Arizona
Department of Water Resources

Arizona State Website
Arizona Supreme Court Organization
Arizona Supreme Court Jurisdiction

Taxes

Income Tax

Arizona state tax is based on a percentage of the Federal income tax withheld for the pay period.
The individual income tax rates for 2007 are determined as follows (income level followed by rate as a percentage):
- 0-$10,000 – 2.87%
- $10,000-$25,000 – 3.20%
- $25,000-$50,000 – 3.74%
- $50,000-$150,001 – 4.72%
- $150,001+ – 5.04%

Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax

The Arizona sales tax rate is 5.6%.
Currently, all fifteen counties levy a tax in addition to the state tax.
Incorporated municipalities also levy transaction privilege taxes which are generally in the range of 1% to 3%. To calculate sales tax for individual cities and counties, visit Arizona Department of Revenue Sales Tax.

Property Tax

With the exception of centrally valued properties such as airlines, railroads, and mines, property tax in Arizona is assessed and administered in each individual county by the county assessor.
For a list of links to Arizona counties, Arizona Department of Revenue Property Tax.

Estate Tax

Arizona does not impose an inheritance tax or a gift tax.

Tobacco Tax

Arizona tax rates on tobacco products are as follows:
- Cigarettes (per 20 pack) - $2.00
- Smoking tobacco, snuff, etc. - $0.223 per oz.
- Cavendish plus plug or twist - $0.055 per oz.
- Small cigars - $0.441 per 20
- All other cigars (retailing at not more than $0.05 each) - $0.218 per 3
- All other cigars (retailing at more than $0.05 each) - $0.218 each

Alcoholic Beverages Tax

Arizona tax rates for alcoholic beverages are as follows (rates are per gallon):
- Beer - $0.16
- Wine - $0.84
- Liquor- $3.00

Gas Tax

In addition to the tax imposed by the federal government, Arizona adds a tax on gasoline that is currently 18 cents per gallon.

For all other taxes and additional information, visit Arizona's Deparment of Revenue website at Arizona Gas Tax.

Licenses and Fees

Drivers

If you are currently licensed in another state, you must bring in your out-of-state driver license and one other form of identification, take the vision test, and pay the appropriate fee. A written test will not be required.
You are required by law to provide your Social Security Number.
Operator or Motorcycle License fees are as follows:
- Ages 16-39 – $25
- Ages 40-44 – $20
- Ages 45-49 – $15
- Ages 50 and over and 5-year – $10
- Limited License – $10

Automobile Registration

When you buy a vehicle, Arizona law requires that you apply for a title within 15 days of purchase. If your vehicle was registered in another state and you wish to operate it in Arizona, you must register it here as soon as you become an Arizona resident.
Most vehicles may be registered for either one or two years at a time.
In addition to other fees, vehicle owners in Arizona pay a Vehicle License Tax (VLT), assessed in place of a personal property tax charged by some other states. The VLT is distributed to the State Highway User Revenue Fund, State Highway Fund, State General Fund (for school financial assistance), County General Fund, to the counties for the same use as the State Highway User Revenue Fund and to the incorporated cities and towns for transportation, maintenance and improvements.
Arizona issues an "extended" driver's license that does not expire until age 65. However, your photo and vision screening will need to be updated every 12 years. Drivers age 60 and over will receive a 5-year license.
The make, vehicle identification number (VIN), body style and other general vehicle information must be verified at a Motor Vehicle Division office prior to registration.
Before you register, your vehicle may need to be emissions tested. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is responsible for vehicle emissions testing.
ADEQ emissions tests all motor vehicles registering in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson with a model year of 1967 and newer, including diesel, but excluding golf carts and motor vehicles 89cc or less. New vehicles (current year models and four previous model years) are not subject to emissions testing.
For more information, including locations, manuals and fees, visit the Motor Vehicle Division website: http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/

Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Arizona residents and non-residents over the age of 14 need a valid hunting license to hunt in Arizona.
A person under 14 may hunt wildlife other than big game without a license when accompanied by a properly licensed person 18 years or order. No more than two unlicensed children may accompany any license holder.
No one under the age of 14 may take big game without having completed a Hunter Education Course. No one under age 10 may take big game in Arizona. Check the Arizona Hunting Regulations for additional information.
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 14 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.
Youth under the age of 14 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for additional information.
2007 hunting and fishing license and stamps are available for purchase at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and at more than 300 license dealers statewide. All licenses and stamps sold are valid for a calendar year from January 1 to December 31, 2007.
2007 resident fees for Arizona Hunting and Fishing Licenses are as follows:
- General Hunting – $32.25
- General Fishing – $23.50
- Urban Fishing – $18.50
- One Day Fishing – $16.25
- Combo Hunt and Fish – $54.00
- Youth Combo Hunt and Fish – $26.50

Boats & Recreational Vehicles

Without an Arizona Watercraft Registration, a motorized boat cannot legally be put on the water. An owner registering a boat for the first time in Arizona is always issued three things:
- A certificate of number (ownership document)
- An AZ number
- A set of decals
Registration fees for residents are determined by watercraft size as follows:
- 0 to 12 ft. – $20
- 12 ft. 1 in. to 16 ft. – $22
- 16 ft. 1 in. to 20 ft. – $30
- 20 ft. 1 in. to 26 ft. – $35
- 26 ft. 1 in. to 39 ft. – $39
- 39 ft. 1 in. to 64 ft. – $44
- 64 ft. 1 in. and over – $66

Gun Permits

You do not need a permit to purchase a handgun in the state of Arizona.
You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun)
You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer, or 18 years of age in the case of private sale.
Concealed Carry Permits are issued by the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Permit applicants must:
- be a resident of this state or a United States citizen 21 years of age or older
- not be under indictment for and not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony
- not suffer from mental illness and been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
- satisfactorily complete a firearms safety training program approved by the Department of Public Safety (an 8-hour training course is available through the department)
The Conceal Carry Permit fee is $60 and must be mailed with the completed application and a fingerprint card to the Department of Public Safety. For detailed information on obtaining the permit, visit the following site: Arizona Gun Permits

Marriage License

Marriage Licenses are obtained from the County Clerk's office.
If you are both 18 years or older, you can get a marriage license.
If you are under 18, you must either have a notarized parental consent form or have your parents accompany you, present the proper identification, and sign the parental consent form in front of the clerk issuing your license.
If you are age 16 - 17 identification and one of the following documents showing proof of age is needed: certified copy of birth certificate; current driver's license; state or military I.D. card; or current passport.
If you are age 15 or under, you must also have a court order to get a marriage license.
The fee for a marriage license is $50.00 payable by cash or check with a driver's license or bank guarantee card, or credit card. If you are purchasing a license at the Justice Courts, they accept checks, money orders, or cashiers checks.
You may be required to provide proof of age to obtain a marriage license.
You will receive your marriage license at the time you apply for it, so you can be married on the same day.
The marriage license is valid for one year, and can only be used within the State of Arizona.
Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy, a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town.

AZ Real Estate & Arizona Homes for Sale