Chandler, Arizona, located in Maricopa County, southeast of Phoenix, has a lot to offer younger singles, couples, families, and seniors who live in Chandler.
The vibrant lifestyle that many people enjoy provides opportunities to enjoy many attractions and things to do throughout the year.
Some people are likely to wonder if living in Chandler is the right choice for them.
Consider the pros and cons of living in this fourth-largest city in the State of Arizona.
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Pros of Living in Chandler Arizona
Location, Location, Location
The location of Chandler makes it an ideal place to live when people want easy access to their job in Chandler, or anywhere in Maricopa County.
It also provides easy access to shopping, dining, and schools.
Residents have easy access to major highways running through the Phoenix area.
Chandler is conveniently situated to provide easy access to the downtown district, the Chandler Municipal Airport, or any of the Phoenix area airports.
Chandler is consistently listed on sites that rank it as one of the “best places to live in Arizona.”
Chandler Schools
Sites that list the top schools in the state consistently rank Chandler Schools as one of the best school districts in Arizona.
Several public school districts, charter schools private schools, and post-secondary institutions of higher learning serve the residents of Chandler.
Niche indicates that their researchers and data scientists “rigorously analyze data and user opinions” to assess the major aspects of Chandler schools and other areas, such as grading Chandler as a place to live.
The site gave Chandler Arizona schools a grade of A+.
Chandler Consistently Has Excellent National Rankings
Chandler Arizona often ranks high in reports that provide national rankings.
The city has been included in the top 100 best cities for young people several times.
It ranks high on lists for the best places to find a job, and the best cities for specific types of jobs.
Chandler is regularly on lists that rank the best cities for schools, parks, and recreation.
One ranking that is sure to raise a few eyebrows is that Smart Asset lists Chandler as number 1 on its list of the Top 10 Places to Become Wealthy.
Chandler tied with Plano, Texas for the top position.
High-Paying Jobs and Rapid Job Growth
Chandler, AZ is a progressive city, with many small businesses and large corporations making their home in the area. Chandler is becoming a high-tech hub.
Microchip Technology, Fugro, Intel, Northrop Grumman, and Everspin Technologies are some of the companies that call Chandler home.
The reputation for being an important technology hub is sure to contribute to high-paying jobs and job growth.
Nearly 35 percent of the jobs in Chandler pay at least $75,000, which is among the highest in the state and the U.S.
Niche lists the Chandler median household income at $91,299, well above the national median income.
The city ranks in the top 15 best cities for women in technology careers.
Chandler experienced a 23 percent increase in the number of women working in high-tech jobs over a three-year period.
Decreasing Crime Rate in Chandler AZ
A recent report indicates that the crime rate for serious crimes has decreased and is at a historically low level.
Statistics indicate that property crimes decreased by 25 percent, compared to the number of reported property crimes the previous year.
Most violent crimes committed in Chandler are also on a downward trajectory, with an 11.5 percent decrease in most types of violent crimes in one year.
Playtime in Chandler
Chandler received the “Playful City USA” award for 11 consecutive years.
It received a designation as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country by the League of American Bicyclists.
Chandler has 67 neighborhood parks, a bike park, a skate park, a trail system, several dog parks, and six aquatic centers.
It is home to one of just five Crayola Experience locations in the world.
The destination features a variety of hands-on activities.
Escape Chandler is not an invitation to leave town.
It is an escape room experience that gives small groups the fun opportunity to solve puzzles and riddles to find their way out of the attraction.
Golf at one of the more than 250 golf courses in the metro Phoenix area, bike or hike the trails, enjoy birding, fishing, a trampoline park, or other opportunities for all ages to enjoy playtime in Chandler, Arizona.
Enjoy Dining in Chandler
It is easy to find a great restaurant in Chandler, whether you want to stop for a quick bite, enjoy international cuisine, meet at the local coffee shop, or share a fine dining experience.
There is always a fun restaurant to try in Chandler.
Check out a café or have dinner and drinks with friends.
Take the kids to a family restaurant or to the local bakery.
The variety of dining experiences gives residents dining options for any budget.
Affordable Luxury Homes
Luxury housing is expensive unless you know where to find affordable luxury housing in Arizona.
Chandler offers luxury housing at costs well below that of some other areas in Arizona.
The rental market for luxury housing provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of luxury living at a lower cost of rent when compared to some other Arizona cities, such as Scottsdale.
The cost of purchasing a luxury home is considerably less expensive in Chandler, compared to the cost of a similar luxury home in Scottsdale, AZ.
Cons of Living in Chandler Arizona
High Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chandler is higher than the cost of living in several other Arizona cities, including Phoenix, Tuscon, and Tempe.
The cost of housing in Chandler is more than 55 percent higher than the national average.
The average cost of transportation, food, and utilities are also higher in Chandler, compared to some other cities in Arizona.
Utility costs in Chandler are slightly higher than the national average cost for utilities.
The Hot Weather
People in some cities across the U.S. likely think that having 297 sunny days a year is indicative of great weather.
The fact is that Chandler has a desert climate with particularly hot, dry temperatures.
The temperature on many days during the summer months may exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chandler averages around nine inches of rain a year.
Population Growth Leading to Overcrowding
Chandler has experienced considerable growth over the past several years.
The 58.3 percent growth rate since 2000 and job opportunities are likely responsible for the overcrowding.
The population density is nearly 4,400 people per square mile.
The increase in population resulted in the need to construct new housing.
Workers got quite a surprise when building one new housing development.
They unearthed the remains of a wooly mammoth.
Long Commute Times
Although Chandler provides easy access to highways and major roads, they are often crowded, particularly during peak travel times.
The rapid population growth in the Chandler area means that there are more vehicles on the road.
Residents who work outside the city are likely to experience longer commute times.
People who have a shorter commute to get to work or school also experience longer commute times.
The investments by tech companies and other industries mean the population growth in Chandler will continue for some time, and so will the longer commute times.
Lack of Public Transportation
Make sure that the car is always in good working order when you live in Chandler.
Public transportation is sorely lacking, with limited bus service and plans for expanding the light rail still years away.
People who do not want to be stranded in Chandler with no public transportation available have reliable transportation or a backup plan.
A Limited Nightlife
Chandler is recognized as a place with lots of things to do but seems to be lacking in nightlife.
The downtown area is touted as having a vibrant nightlife, but there are not many places to go.
People who do not like the downtown vibe may have difficulty finding a quality spot for enjoying Chandler nightlife.
Age of Residents
Several sources list the median age of Chandler residents as being about 35 years of age.
A city that has a younger vibe may not appeal to some older families or to seniors.
Many local activities and attractions also seem to be geared toward younger families or younger residents.
Air Quality in Chandler
Issues related to the air quality in Chandler are a frequent complaint from some people.
There are factors that may contribute to air quality issues.
The hot, dry desert air with little rain may increase the risk of air pollution.
Dust, particulates, and debris blown around during high winds can cause issues for some people.
The increase in population means that there are more cars on the roads, leading to a potential risk of affecting Chandler’s air quality.
Pros and Cons of Living in Chandler, AZ – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Chandler Arizona | Cons of Living in Chandler Arizona |
|---|---|
| 1. Location, Location, Location | 1. High Cost of Living |
| 2. Chandler Schools | 2. The Hot Weather |
| 3. Chandler Consistently Has Excellent National Rankings | 3. Population Growth Leading to Overcrowding |
| 4. High-Paying Jobs and Rapid Job Growth | 4. Long Commute Times |
| 5. Decreasing Crime Rate in Chandler AZ | 5. Lack of Public Transportation |
| 6. Playtime in Chandler | 6. A Limited Nightlife |
| 7. Enjoy Dining in Chandler | 7. Age of Residents |
| 8. Affordable Luxury Homes | 8.Air Quality in Chandler |
Chandler Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Chandler Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chandler have any museums?
Chandler offers many cultural and arts activities and has several museums.
The Chandler Museum features many exhibits.
It is a research center and archive center for the area’s cultural heritage.
The Arizona Railway Museum, located in Chandler, provides information about Arizona’s railway history.
See a Santa Fe caboose, Alaska RR dining car, and train memorabilia at the open-air museum.
Are professional sports played in or near Chandler?
The game facilities for all four major sports are located within minutes of Chandler.
Take in an NFL or MLB game.
See the NBA team the Phoenix Suns play or the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.
Can you tell me something fun about Chandler, AZ?
There are many fun facts about Chandler, including that Al Capone and several actors and politicians stayed at the San Marcos Hotel.
Another notable fact is that there is a crematorium named Crazy Carl’s Crematorium, owned by “Crazy Carl.”
Educational facilities and institutions offer jobs in education, while there are careers for people who work in recreation, service industries, government, public works, and other career positions.
What does Chandler offer people who prefer a quieter lifestyle?
There are quieter communities away from the vibrant lifestyle of the city.
Chandler is home to many arts and cultural venues, restaurants, parks, and recreational centers.
Chandler, AZ is a vibrant city with excellent schools and high-paying jobs in the tech industry; however, it’s not without its drawbacks such as higher cost of living compared to other Arizona cities and limited nightlife.