Living in Chandler, AZ
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living and Quality of Life Details

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Chandler, AZ? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Chandler, AZ

Known as the “Community of Innovation,” Chandler, AZ, is a desirable desert destination that balances high-tech ambitions and family-friendly fun. As one of the country’s fastest-growing tech hubs, Chandler is the ideal spot for forward-thinkers, and for the 277,492 who call Chandler home, these innovative ambitions have created a robust economy that attracts everyone from new grads to seasoned entrepreneurs.  

Despite its reputation as an economic engine, it isn’t all work and no play here! Chandler maintains its small-town charm thanks to a tight-knit community and a revitalized downtown, the cultural heart of the city, with public art, local boutiques and restaurants and a buzzing brewery scene. In addition to nearly 200 different dining options, locals can enjoy a year-round calendar of events, including the Downtown Chandler Fine Art and Wine Festival, the Chandler Jazz Festival, the Ostrich Festival and the Southwest Cajun Festival, to name just a few. 

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Chandler’s sunny disposition is hard to beat. For those with outdoor ambitions, there are more than 60 parks and numerous world-class golf courses to enjoy under the near-perfect desert skies. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a stellar sports scene, Chandler is committed to creating plenty of green spaces so there is always a place to play.

And the area’s high health care ranking isn’t just a result of plenty of outdoor spaces – great hospitals and doctors keep residents in good health. Families, in particular, are drawn to Chandler thanks to its superb school options. When you pair these excellent schools and high-ranking healthcare facilities with a convenient location just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, it’s easy to see why Chandler consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. 

Top Reasons to Move to Chandler

• Chandler is a tech hub, offering a robust economy and high-wage opportunities for startups, recent grads and seasoned professionals.
• Chandler is known for being family-friendly, thanks to its ample outdoor spaces and top-notch school system.
• With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, 60+ parks and world-class golf courses, recreation is a way of life in Chandler.
• The revitalized downtown provides Chandler residents with big-city amenities and maintains a tight-knit feel.

Located within the Greater Phoenix area, Chandler is conveniently situated in the East Valley Region and accessible via several major interstates and freeways, including Loop 202 and Loop 101. In addition to being one of Arizona’s largest cities, Chandler residents have easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and to neighboring cities such as Tempe and Mesa. Nearby major cities include:

• Phoenix is just 22 miles northwest and home to the Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Zoo.
• Mesa is 8 miles north, where you can take in a performance at the Mesa Arts Center, visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History or catch the Chicago Cubs when they are in town for spring training at Sloan Park.
• Tempe sits 17 miles north and is home to Arizona State University, the Mars Space Flight Facility and family-friendly attractions like Legoland and the Arizona SeaLife Aquarium.

Chandler has a hot desert climate with long, dry summers and mild winters, with mostly clear skies year-round. Residents can enjoy an average of 330 sunny days per year.  

As the “Community of Innovation,” it’s no surprise that Chandler’s economy is anchored by sectors that prioritize research and development. The economy is a diverse mix of industries, but aviation and aerospace, as well as advanced manufacturing, lead the pack. Chandler is also a global leader in autonomous vehicle research and technology. Intel is the city’s largest employer, and Wells Fargo and Bank of America are also significant employers.  

The cost of living in Chandler is higher than the national average. The median home value in Chandler is $493,310, and the average household income is $108,713.

Arizona residents pay a state income tax, and residents can expect a combined 7.8% sales tax rate in 2026.

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Chandler is bursting with energy. The cultural heart of the city is in Downtown Chandler, a walkable district full of arts and experiences. Explore the Vision Gallery or catch a performance at the Chandler Center for the Arts. For history buffs, the Chandler Museum offers a look into the region’s history and the Arizona Railway Museum showcases meticulously restored vintage rail cars – some of which have even appeared in movies! And, Chandler is super family-friendly. From adventure parks to zoos, there is something for kids of every age to enjoy.

Looking to do a little retail therapy? Shopping around town ranges from upscale retailers to locally made treasures. The city itself is basically a huge canvas. Chandler channels its artsy side and fosters a creative community that locals love. The city’s Art in Public Places Program has boosted the number of sculptures, murals and interactive art pieces throughout the city, making for a tremendous self-guided city tour for newbies.

With more than 300 days of sunshine every year and the Sonoran Desert serving as a stunning backdrop, Chandler is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is home to more than 60 parks across more than 1,200 acres, anchored by the crown jewel: Veterans Oasis Park. Recognized as one of Arizona’s premier birding sites, the park is home to more than 150 species and offers 4.5 miles of trails, a fishing lake and free guided bird walks. For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, Chandler’s an incredibly bike-friendly city with several trails, including the Paseo Vista Trail. 

Adventurers can take part in a guided horseback ride through the desert at the KOLI Equestrian Center or take to the skies for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Of course, it is Arizona after all and golf enthusiasts can enjoy more than 70 top-tier courses in and around Chandler. Neighborhoods are full of family-friendly parks like Tumbleweed and Desert Breeze, offering picnic spots, splash pads and more. Just a short drive away are San Tan Mountain Regional Park and South Mountain Park, which is the largest municipal park in the world. Whether kayaking on a park lake, hiking scenic ridgelines or floating down the Salt River, Chandler makes it easy to become one with nature. 

After spending hours exploring the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of places to eat in Chandler. The local dining scene is thriving and offers a diverse menu of flavors, influenced by the city’s proximity to the border. Beyond authentic Southwest flavors, Chandler’s restaurants encompass everything from fine dining to cozy coffee shops. The heart of the foodie experience lies in Chandler’s locally owned establishments, where award-winning chefs and restaurateurs serve up world-class flavors. The city has also established itself as a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers, boasting an impressive lineup of breweries and bars.

Families interested in putting down roots in Chandler will be glad to know that the educational opportunities are top-notch. The city is represented by the Chandler Unified School District, known for its highly rated system. The latest numbers suggest that about 53% of students are proficient in math and nearly 60% in reading. At first glance, those numbers might not look like anything to write home about, but they are significantly higher than the Arizona state average and rank CUSD as the best school district in the state. The student-to-teacher ratio is around 18 to 1, and some of the top-ranked schools include Weinberg Gifted Academy, Bogle Junior High School and Hamilton High School. Private education is great here, too, and there are several different schools for families to choose from.