10 Pros and Cons of Living in Casa Grande, AZ: An Affordable City on the Rise

The charming city of Casa Grande, Arizona, is quietly winning over new residents with its convenient location, affordability, and that beloved sunny Southwest atmosphere. With warm weather, outdoor adventures, and room for future growth, it might be easy to see the appeal — but no place is perfect. Before making the move, it’s best to weigh both the pros and cons of living in Casa Grande, AZ, to make sure it checks all the right boxes for your lifestyle.

Casa Grande at a Glance

• Population: Casa Grande’s population is over 67,200, with a median age of 39.
• City size: Casa’s total area is about 112 square miles.
• Location: The city is situated in the middle of popular metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson. Commuting to either city can take up to an hour.
• Fun fact: “Casa Grande” is translated to “big house” in Spanish, and refers to its ancient ruins.

10 Pros and Cons of Living in Casa Grande, AZ

Before you move to Casa Grande, it's smart to take a close look at the pros and cons of living there in order to set realistic expectations, plan ahead, and decide if the city fits your lifestyle — especially if you’re coming from a bustling metro to Casa Grande, similar to moving from California to Arizona.

Here are the pros and cons of living in Casa Grande, AZ.

1. Pro: Casa Grande Provides an Affordable Lifestyle in Arizona

While the cost of living in Casa Grande, AZ, is slightly higher than the national average index of 100 at 102, it’s still lower than the Arizona average of 106.4. The city is also more affordable than other major cities across the state, like Phoenix, where the cost of living score is 113.

Wondering about salary specifics? According to the MIT Living Wage Calculations, a family of four consisting of two adults and two children should make a household income of at least $95,000 annually before taxes to cover basic living expenses. A couple without children should make $73,000 annually before taxes, and a single person living alone should make at least $53,000 annually before taxes.

2. Con: Public Transit in Casa Grande Is Considered Limited

Though services have improved in recent years, Casa Grande’s public transit has limitations when it comes to coverage and connectivity.

Launched in late 2023, CG Link is the city’s primary means of public transit, where residents can book advanced reservations for a shared-ride service. While convenient for some residents, it only operates within specific service areas. If you’re outside of that, you’ll likely need a car to get around.

CART is the regional bus system operating within the city, which connects Casa Grande to other communities within Pinal County. However, this service still faces challenges — largely due to funding issues and the county’s urban sprawl.

With nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while living in Casa Grande, AZ.
(Source: Casa Grande Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

3. Pro: Get Away From the Winter Blues and Enjoy Casa Grande’s Sunny Climate

The hot desert climate of Casa Grande is ideal for anyone looking to move away from the cold, trading in their parkas for tank tops with nearly 300 days of sunshine per year. The weather is most favorable throughout the spring, fall, and winter months.

Winters are short and mild in the city, with lows dropping to the high 30s (Fahrenheit). Average highs throughout December and January can remain in the mid-to-high 60s. With low humidity levels year-round, the warm seasons are much more manageable for outdoor activities, with November through March being the most pleasant months to get outside.

4. Con: Extreme Heat in the Summer Can Be a Drawback

Once April through October hits, things start warming up considerably. After all, Casa Grande is still in the desert, so it’s important to prepare for oppressive heat during the summer — especially if you’re sensitive to high temps.

Heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and severe dehydration. Vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and homeless people are the most at risk.

These extreme heat conditions also put a strain on infrastructure and the environment. Heat can cause pavement on the roads to crack, and the widespread use of air conditioning can be burdensome to the energy grid — especially during heatwaves. 

Renting in Casa Grande is affordable, with one bedroom apartments going for an average of just $1,325 a month.
(Source: Cottonwood Ranch Apartments via Facebook)

5. Pro: Casa Grande’s Affordable Housing and Rental Market Is a Major Draw

Casa Grande’s cost of living isn’t the only thing that’s affordable. Homes for sale in Casa Grande, AZ, also fall within this range, with an average home price of $315,100 — lower than the national average of $357,300. The majority of homes in Casa Grande are newer builds in master-planned neighborhoods, with traditional Spanish-style designs. Ranch-style homes from the late 20th century are also common.

The average rent in Casa Grande has also gone down compared to the previous year, with a current average rent of approximately $1,450 for apartments of all sizes. The average for a one-bedroom apartment comes with an average of $1,325, while the average for a three-bedroom apartment is $1,775.

6. Con: Low Crime Is Not Casa Grande’s Strong Suit, but It’s Not the Worst

While Casa Grande doesn’t have the worst reputation for crime, the city’s crime rates are higher than average, estimated to be 85 percent above those of other Arizona communities. When it comes to violent crime, your chances of being a victim are one in 190. With property crime, on the other hand, your chances of being a victim are one in 49.

That being said, Casa Grande’s crime rate is actually pretty high when compared to other nearby metros. The city’s overall crime score comes in at 13, meaning it’s safer than 13 percent of all U.S. cities. Meanwhile, nearby Tucson and Phoenix have scores of six and seven, respectively.

7. Pro: The Best Places To Live in Casa Grande Have Something To Offer Everyone

With small-town charm and the perfect blend of peaceful atmosphere and tight-knit communities, here are the best neighborhoods in Casa Grande to consider:

• Mission Royale: Often thought of as the best 55+ community in Casa Grande, Mission Royale is known for its superb golf course. It’s a peaceful, clean, and well-maintained neighborhood with plenty of local hiking trails, noted for its walkability.
• Saguaro: The family-friendly neighborhood of Saguaro is situated right next to Saguaro National Park, with lots of outdoor recreation available close by. The community is also noted for its cleanliness and safety.
• McCartney Ranch: Known for its safety, the peaceful community of McCartney Ranch is known for its live music, beautiful landscapes, and pet-friendly environment.
• Palm Creek Resort & Residences: Retiring in Arizona means access to communities like Palm Creek Resort & Residences, with its beautiful golf course and pickleball courts. 

Kohler Co.’s new manufacturing facility highlights the surge in jobs in Casa Grande, AZ, as major employers continue to invest and grow in the area.
(Source: Kohler Co. via Facebook)

8. Con: Casa Grande’s Job Market Has Faced Challenges, but It’s on the Rise

Historically, Casa Grande has struggled with a high unemployment rate. The city’s unemployment rate as of January 2026 is 5.3 percent, higher than both the state and national averages of 4.2 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively.

While this rate can seem concerning, the city is growing thanks to its strong geographic location. Drawing in new industrial investments, several major companies — like Kohler, Procter & Gamble, and Lucid — have moved to Casa Grande in the last few years. (These three companies alone have generated more than 7,000 jobs.) So, it’s definitely safe to say that the best jobs in Casa Grande, AZ, are currently found in the manufacturing sector.

9. Pro: Casa Grande’s Ideal and Strategic Location Makes It Easy To Travel

Casa Grande’s prime location is great for more than just jobs, though. It’s situated approximately halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, allowing residents to maintain an affordable lifestyle without losing access to big-city amenities and job markets. Plus, you’re close to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (not to mention all the best Phoenix suburbs).

Need the numbers? The drive from Casa Grande, AZ, to Phoenix, AZ, can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. The drive to Tucson, on the other hand, is just over 60 minutes.

10. Con: Casa Grande Is Experiencing Growing Pains

Casa Grande has continued to experience rapid population growth and economic expansion, which has led to challenges. One of the major growing pains revolves around the infrastructure; however, the city is managing these strains by undertaking roadway upgrades and utility expansions.

Rapid population growth has put pressure on housing supply in particular, but the city has a plan to combat rising demand. Overall, local officials project a need for more than 9,800 new homes by 2040, and plans to create or preserve 2,000 units by 2030. So, even though Casa Grande is still considered much more affordable than other major metropolitan areas, managing the affordable housing is a challenge for the city.

FAQs — Pros and Cons of Living in Casa Grande, AZ

Q: Is Casa Grande, Arizona, a nice place to live?
A: While there were challenges mentioned in the pros and cons of living in Casa Grande, AZ, the city boasts an affordable and charming lifestyle that makes it a great place to settle down.

Q: What is the crime rate in Casa Grande, Arizona?
A: Casa Grande, Arizona, has a crime score of 13, meaning it’s safer than 13 percent of other U.S. cities. This is twice as safe as the nearby metros of Phoenix and Tucson, which have crime scores of six and seven, respectively.

Q: What is the best neighborhood in Casa Grande?
A: Mission Royale is often considered the best neighborhood in Casa Grande, due to its peaceful, safe, and walkable atmosphere.

Moving to Casa Grande, AZ, With PODS

Decided that moving to Casa Grande is the right choice for you? With the help of PODS, you can have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you’ll be able to load your belongings on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. Once you’re all set to move, have your container picked up and delivered to your new Casa Grande home. If you need more time between spaces, you can also have your container delivered to a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}