We love learning whenever Arizona makes the news but especially when it’s positive news that shows the best side of our state. That’s why we’re pleased to learn that Oro Valley, a suburb of Tucson, was named one of the best small cities in the nation by Wallet Hub.

Other Arizona cities that made the list? Florence, Marana, Sahuarita, and Maricopa help round out the top five in the state!

A combination of factors led to the small city placing 217th on the long list, so here’s a look into some of the reasons Oro Valley topped the list in Arizona.
Gary Wilpizeski/Flickr
1. Low violent crime rate
Mesa0789/Flickr
Earlier this year, Oro Valley was named the sixth safest city in Arizona with an average violent crime rate of 0.64 per 1,000 residents. With a population of approximately 41,000, that’s pretty good!
2. Low percentage of residents living below poverty level
Joseph McCarty/Flickr
Just 5.3% of Oro Valley’s residents live below the federal poverty level, which is lower than many other cities in the state.

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3. Median household income of $68,784
Evan Balbier/Flickr
On top of the low number of residents living below the poverty level, Oro Valley has a pretty good median household income that is approxiately $12,000 above the U.S. median household income.
4. High number of residents with at least a high school diploma
Jeff Meyer/Flickr
More than 97% of the city’s residents hold a high school diploma or higher, while 50.6% posess a bachelor’s degree.
6. Other factors that attract future residents to the small city? It is a high-tech career hub, has beautiful views of the Catalina mountains, and is home to a growing number of annual events.
Bryan/Flickr
If you live in Oro Valley, what do you love most about your city? Do you think it deserves to named the best in Arizona?
John A. Schwamm Sr/Flickr

Oro Valley isn’t the only place in the state deemed one of the best. Last year, Bisbee was named the best historic small town in the nation. You can read more about it in This Historic Small Town In Arizona Is The Best In The Nation.

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