Moving to Maricopa, AZ? If you realize that Phoenix’s home prices are a little out-of-budget, then Maricopa might be the destination for you. Just a short commute to Phoenix, Maricopa serves as the perfect location for commuters who need to work in the Phoenix metro area but would prefer a small-town living experience. Small town vibes aside, what is it like living in Maricopa, AZ?
In this article, we’ll answer that. We cover everything from the cost of living, the crime rate, and all the things to do in Maricopa, AZ. So sit back, relax and plan your move to the Oasis of the Desert.
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What’s the Cost of Living in Maricopa, AZ?
No matter where you live, the cost of living is a vitally important factor to consider. In Maricopa, AZ, the cost of living isn’t the worst, but it’s not the best either. Compared to the national average, Maricopa gets a 108/100 score, meaning our living cost is slightly higher. That’s because, of all the big bills a typical homeowner pays, nearly all are higher than the average. That includes housing, median home cost, utilities, and transportation, which are all higher. (Groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous are all lower than the national average.) In short, when you ask, “what is it like living in Maricopa, AZ?” the answer is “slightly more expensive.”
How Are Housing Costs in Maricopa, AZ
Housing costs here in Maricopa are, like the cost of living, good but not great. For example, we’re slightly higher than the Arizona average for rentals but marginally lower than the national average. (We get a solid B for housing, which isn’t bad at all.) The median home value here is just over $202,000, and the median rent is around$1380. (The vast majority own their homes.) A two-bedroom, two-bath apartment will cost about $1080 in Maricopa, whereas the national average is $1148. Finding a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home for under $300,000 is not a problem either.
How Is the Job Market Living in Maricopa, AZ?
There’s good news and bad news when it comes to the job marketing Maricopa. The good news is that, recently, job growth has been on the upswing. Future job growth is also rated quite highly, 45.09% compared to the national average of 33.51%. Median household incomes are slightly higher in Maricopa also. The unemployment rate is slightly higher too, though, as well as yearly income rates. Overall, Maricopa gets a solid B+ rating for jobs, which is excellent. Some of the highest paying jobs in our city include:
- Architects
- Healthcare providers
- Legal service providers
- Health sciences
- Business and finances
- Mining and Gas
- Administrators
How Are the Schools in Maricopa, AZ?
The public school grade here in Maricopa, unfortunately, is a C+. For some, that may be adequate, but it can improve. Several of the schools here get a higher rating, though. They include Piuma Butte Elementary with an A+ and Leading Edge Academy, Maricopa with a B+. Here are a few more stats about Maricopa’s education system:
- Maricopa spends $8,040 per student. (The average in the US is $12,380.)
- We feature 1 teacher per 19 students.
- Each school counselor has approximately 1100 students.
- There are 18 public schools and zero private schools in Maricopa, AZ.
Is There a Lot of Crime Living in Maricopa, AZ?
When it comes to crime and safety, Maricopa could improve a bit. We’re higher in property crime (45.9 vs. 35.4 nationally). But that shouldn’t deter you from moving to Maricopa, AZ. The good news is that, for most other crimes, we’re lower. Like any big American city, there are pockets where crime is higher. However, most of Maricopa’s neighborhoods are very safe, quiet, and tranquil. When you talk about what it is like living in Maricopa, AZ, most residents will tell you ‘peaceful.’
What Are the Things To Do in Maricopa, AZ?
Oh my, yes, there are many fun activities and things to do in Maricopa! The thing is, Arizona is a vast state, much of which is untouched! Getting out and exploring is a favorite activity for people who live here! Add to that the sun is always shining, and the possibilities for fun and adventure are endless! Some of the best activities include;
- Learning how to hang glide
- Riding horses at Koli Equestrian Center
- Hiking, biking, and camping
- Visiting Jane Askew Memorial Park
- Gambling at Wild Horse Pass Casino
- Bonding with your pup at Maricopa Dog Park Alliance
If you’re thinking of moving to Maricopa, AZ, you’re making a great choice. Even with the needed improvements, Maricopa makes a good home for families and serves as a good location if you need to commute to Chandler or Phoenix. Living here is a bit slower, more in line with small-town living, but it offers plenty of activities to keep busy.
Check out our other blogs about the Phoenix Metro Area:
This post was published on 6/13/2018. It was updated on 2/23/2021.