29. Sahuarita, Ariz.
| AT A GLANCE | |
| Population | 26,378 |
| Median Income | $68,728 |
| Job Growth | 11.1% |
| Median Home Price | $174,040 |
| Property Tax | $1,908 |
Sahuarita isn't just one of Arizona’s fastest growing communities. It's one of the fastest growing in the country. The population has swelled from 3,200 in 2000 to over 25,000 today—a 780% leap—thanks to a combination of affordable housing and an almost-painless, 20-minute commute to central Tucson. Sahuarita is also close to major regional employers Raytheon Missile Systems, the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park, Freeport McMoRan, and Asarco. In an effort to boost its growth further, Sahuarita charges no impact fees, business license fees, or property taxes.
Yet despite the influx of new residents, Sahuarita has retained a generous supply of open space. Sahuarita Lake Park contains a 10-acre lake surrounded by grassy areas, walking paths, and an amphitheater. Several other parks and 17 miles of trails dot the town as well—which is a very good thing. After all, Sahuarita also boasts 300 sunny days a year.—Kerri Anne Renzulli