Arizona

Best affordable suburb: Fountain Hills
Nearest major city: Phoenix
Population: 23,820
Median household income: $74,499
Median home price: $380,182
Unemployment rate: 7.1%
Violent crime index: 29

Fountain Hills, 20 miles from Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, is known for its natural beauty and its massive fountain that shoots water 560 feet in the air on the hour. It's on the eastern slope of the McDowell Mountains, and outdoor activities include boating, hiking, biking, and golfing. About 27% of residents are married with children. The average commute is 29 minutes.

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