Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

- Population: 61,788
- Median home value: $493,700
- Median rental price: $2,030

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Mesa (grade A+), BASIS Chandler (grade A+), Great Hearts Academies - Archway Lincoln (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Tri-City Christian Academy (grade A−), Gilbert Christian Schools (grade B+), Mesa Christian Academy (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

#5. Queen Creek, Arizona

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

- Population: 6,794
- Median home value: $470,600
- Median rental price: $1,900

- Top schools nearby: Great Hearts Academies - Archway Trivium (grade A+), BASIS Goodyear (grade A+), Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center - Estrella (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Dream City Christian School (grade A−), Trinity Lutheran School (grade unavailable), St. John Vianney Catholic School (grade unavailable)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+

#4. Litchfield Park, Arizona

F8 studio // Shutterstock

- Population: 275,618
- Median home value: $423,900
- Median rental price: $1,675

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Mesa (grade A+), BASIS Ahwatukee (grade A+), BASIS Chandler (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Rancho Solano Preparatory School (grade A+), Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep (grade A+), Seton Catholic Preparatory (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

#3. Chandler, Arizona

FamVeld // Shutterstock

- Population: 12,672
- Median home value: $2,000,001
- Median rental price: $3,501

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Phoenix (grade A+), BASIS Scottsdale (grade A+), Khalsa Montessori Elementary School at Virginia (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Phoenix Country Day School (grade A+), Rancho Solano Preparatory School (grade A+), Brophy College Preparatory (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

#2. Paradise Valley, Arizona

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

- Population: 267,267
- Median home value: $454,300
- Median rental price: $1,839

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Mesa (grade A+), BASIS Ahwatukee (grade A+), BASIS Chandler (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep (grade A+), Seton Catholic Preparatory (grade A+), Redeemer Christian School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

#1. Gilbert, Arizona