Are you ready for a change of scenery? Looking for a city that offers warm winters, affordable living, and a strong sense of community? Look no further than Casa Grande, Arizona.
This hidden gem in Pinal County may have its challenges, but it also has endless possibilities for personal and professional fulfillment. From its rich history and preservation of historic charm to its booming economy and affordable housing options, Casa Grande is a city worth considering for your next move.
Key Takeaways
- Casa Grande offers warm winters and mild weather, making it an attractive location for those who prefer a more temperate climate.
- The cost of living in Casa Grande is low, making it an affordable place to live.
- Dwellics provides customizable rankings and calculators to compare Casa Grande with other cities, helping individuals make informed decisions about moving.
- Despite its advantages, Casa Grande has some drawbacks such as hot summers, limited dining and entertainment options, a challenging educational system, and high crime rates.
Demographics
If you’re considering moving to Casa Grande, AZ, you’ll be interested to know about the demographics of the city.
Casa Grande has a population of 65,064 and is ranked 18th in the state. The city has experienced a growth rate of 6.19% and has a diverse population, with the majority being White at 72.36%. Other races make up 10.6%, and Native Americans account for 5.49% of the population.
English is the primary language, spoken by 73.17% of residents, while Spanish is the largest non-English language, spoken by 24.11% of the population. Casa Grande also has a poverty rate of 18.69%, with the highest poverty rate among Islanders at 57.41%.
As you consider moving to Casa Grande, these demographics provide insight into the city’s population and cultural diversity.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Casa Grande is comparable to the national average, with an annual cost of living for a single adult slightly higher than the state average. In terms of housing costs, the median home value in Casa Grande is $142,500, which is lower than the national median of $204,900. Transportation costs in Casa Grande are slightly higher than the national average, with an average annual transportation cost of $10,904 for a single person. Health care costs are also higher in Casa Grande compared to the national average, with an average annual cost of $5,672 for a single adult. Child care expenses in Casa Grande add thousands of dollars to overall annual spending, with an average annual cost of $17,159 for two children. Food costs in Casa Grande are relatively lower than both the state and national averages.
Crime Rate
When considering living in Casa Grande, you should be aware that the crime rate is higher than in many other cities of similar size and population. Casa Grande ranks No. 774 by violent crime rate out of 4,473 cities, placing it in the top 25% most violent U.S. cities. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Casa Grande is 1 in 34, which is higher than 84% of the state’s cities and towns.
However, people who live in Casa Grande generally consider the north part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in the north part of the city may be as low as 1 in 36.
It’s important to consider these factors when deciding to move to Casa Grande.
Economy
Casa Grande’s economy is experiencing significant growth, attracting businesses from various industries and offering great opportunities for business and career development.
With its convenient location between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande serves as the manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and commercial hub for Pinal County. Many companies choose to establish their presence in Casa Grande due to its affordability and open landscapes.
The city has seen exponential growth in recent years and is projected to have a 5% increase in job growth per year. One notable investment is Lucid Motors, an electric car company, which plans to employ over 2,000 full-time employees by 2020.
This growth in the economy provides a promising environment for individuals looking for business prospects and career advancement in Casa Grande.
Education
If you’re considering living in Casa Grande, you’ll be interested in the education system and what schools are available in the area. Casa Grande has a total of 18 elementary schools and 10 high schools. However, it is important to note that the average ranking of schools in Casa Grande is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Arizona public schools. Despite this, there are some top-rated schools in Casa Grande that you can consider for your children’s education. Some of these top-rated public schools include Mary C O’Brien Elementary School, Legacy Traditional School – Casa Grande, Desert Willow Elementary School, McCartney Ranch Elementary School, and The Grande Innovation. Additionally, Casa Grande is home to Central Arizona College, a community college that offers a variety of programs and degrees for those seeking higher education.
Healthcare
You’ll be pleased to know that Casa Grande offers a range of healthcare facilities. The Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, ranked #13 in Arizona according to US News, is a general medical and surgical facility that provides quality healthcare services to the community.
In addition to the Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, there are other medical centers in Casa Grande. Casa Grande Internal Medicine specializes in internal medicine, while Oasis Health Center focuses on family medicine. These facilities ensure that residents have access to a variety of healthcare options.
If you ever need urgent care, there are also options available in Casa Grande. NextCare Urgent Care and Banner Urgent Care Casa Grande are both available to provide prompt medical attention when needed.
With these healthcare facilities available, you can have peace of mind knowing that your medical needs will be taken care of in Casa Grande.
Housing Market
When looking for a place to live, consider the housing market in Casa Grande, Arizona.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Casa Grande is $1,125 as of March 2023, according to Zumper.
The median rent for all bedrooms and property types is $1,900 as of November 2022, according to Zillow.
Some neighborhoods with low home values include Eleven Mile Corner, Sacaton, Coolidge, Stanfield, La Palma, and Randolph.
On the other hand, the central parts of the city have high home values, with neighborhoods like Sacaton Flats, Blackwater, Adamsville, and Valley Farms having a median home value of $164,699.
Overall, Casa Grande ranks #1,250 out of 2,903 places to live in Arizona in terms of housing market, according to BestPlaces.net.
Job Market
The job market in Casa Grande offers a range of employment opportunities in various industries. Located in the heart of the Arizona Innovation and Technology Corridor, Casa Grande serves as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and commercial industries. The city has attracted companies like Lucid Motors and Kohler Co., which have brought significant investments and job opportunities.
Some of the current in-demand jobs in Casa Grande include dental front office positions, manufacturing operators, farm positions, eligibility interviewers, dental office managers, production leads, inventory & purchasing clerks, and physicians. The highest-paying job in Casa Grande is a cardiologist, with a median salary of $253,588.
Top employers in the city include Sun Life Health, Pinal Gila Community Child Services, Big Valley Packaging, Franklin Foods, and First American Credit Union. The job market in Casa Grande is thriving, offering promising prospects for individuals seeking employment.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options in Casa Grande include Greyhound Bus Lines, Statewide Express Transportation, Casa Grande LINK Transit, and Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART).
You can use Greyhound Bus Lines or Statewide Express Transportation for intercity bus transportation.
Casa Grande LINK Transit provides one-on-one Travel Training for individuals who need assistance.
Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART) is a regional bus system that connects Florence, Coolidge, Central Arizona College, and Casa Grande.
If you prefer shuttle services, you can use Four Winds Transportation or Wheelz Transportation.
Additionally, public transportation services like METRO light rail, Old West Shuttle, Greyhound Bus Lines Fare & Schedule Information, Orbit Bus System, Valley Metro, Scottsdale Resort Trolley, Scottsdale Neighborhood Trolley, and Sun Tran are available.
The nearest airport to Casa Grande is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is about 44 miles away.
Tax Rates
The sales tax rate in Casa Grande, AZ is 8.7%, consisting of 5.6% Arizona state sales tax, 1.1% Pinal County sales tax, and 2% Casa Grande tax. This means that when you make a purchase in Casa Grande, you will need to factor in the sales tax rate. To help you understand the breakdown of the tax rates, here is a table:
| Tax Type | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Arizona state sales | 5.6% |
| Pinal County sales | 1.1% |
| Casa Grande tax | 2% |
By looking at this table, you can see that the majority of the sales tax comes from the Arizona state sales tax, followed by the Pinal County sales tax, and finally the Casa Grande tax. It is important to consider these tax rates when budgeting for your expenses in Casa Grande.
Weather and Climate
With its hot desert climate, Casa Grande, AZ experiences long, scorching summers and mild winters. The city falls under the Köppen climate classification BWh, typical for the Sonoran Desert.
During the summer months, Casa Grande sees average high temperatures around 102°F, rarely falling below 91°F or exceeding 111°F. June is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 101.8°F.
In contrast, winters in Casa Grande are brief and consist of mild afternoons and chilly evenings. The average high temperature drops to a warm 91°F in November, with an average low temperature of 47.7°F.
While Casa Grande does not experience snow, the city’s climate is characterized by extreme heat during the summer and pleasant temperatures during the winter months.
Pros and Cons
Despite its extreme desert climate, Casa Grande offers a variety of pros and cons for residents to consider. On the positive side, Casa Grande boasts an affordable cost of living, with housing prices 25% lower than the national average. The city also enjoys over 300 days of sunshine, perfect for those who want to avoid seasonal blues. Additionally, Casa Grande has a vibrant job market, with high-paying opportunities in industries such as information technology, construction, healthcare, and aerospace. The average salary in the area is $58,862. On the downside, Casa Grande residents should be aware of the high chances of getting Valley Fever, a treatable condition caused by the desert conditions. The city also experiences regular dust storms, which can be problematic for those with allergies. Furthermore, a car is necessary in Casa Grande, as the city is not pedestrian or bike-friendly. Despite these drawbacks, Casa Grande offers a range of opportunities and a lower crime rate than the national average.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable cost of living | High chances of getting Valley Fever |
| Over 300 days of sunshine | Regular dust storms |
| Vibrant job market | A car is necessary |
| Young demographic | Unpredictable desert conditions |
Bars and Restaurants
For those looking to explore the local dining scene and enjoy a night out, Casa Grande offers a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. Here are four options worth checking out:
1) Thirsty Donkey Tap House and Sports Grill: Located at 1601 E Florence Blvd, this bar and grill offers a wide selection of drinks and American cuisine. However, some customers have mentioned long waiting times for both drinks and orders.
2) Airport Tavern: Situated at 1801 N Pinal Ave, this bar stands out for its unique atmosphere and spacious outdoor patio. Many patrons have praised the quality of steaks cooked on the outdoor grill.
3) Jewels Desert Sands Inc: Although it is a small place with a 50 cent pool, not much information is available about this bar located at 1515 N Pinal Ave.
4) Old Town Club: Found at 412 N Florence St, this bar occasionally hosts a DJ on Sundays. Visitors are encouraged to check out the DJ’s performance.
Things to Do
Explore the variety of activities and attractions available in Casa Grande and make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture by visiting the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Take a leisurely stroll through Casa Grande Main Street, where you can discover unique shops and dine at charming local restaurants.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Palm Island Family Aquatics Park offers a fun-filled day of water activities, while Picacho Peak State Park and Casa Grande Mountain Park provide opportunities for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
After a day of exploration, relax and unwind at the Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort or indulge in some retail therapy at the Promenade at Casa Grande.
With so much to offer, Casa Grande is the perfect destination for an exciting and memorable experience.
Conclusion
So, if you’re thinking about moving to Casa Grande, AZ, you’re in for an adventure! While the city may have its challenges, like limited dining options and a challenging educational system, it also offers plenty of benefits.
With a low cost of living and a growing economy, Casa Grande provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. And despite its high crime rates, the city prioritizes safety, ranking 19th on the list of safest cities in Arizona.
It’s like a diamond in the rough, shining brightly amidst the challenges. So, pack your bags and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Casa Grande!