Greater Phoenix, AZ relocation guide
Moving to Maricopa, AZ
About Maricopa
Maricopa is a city in the Gila River Valley of Pinal County, incorporated October 15, 2003, becoming Arizona's 88th municipality. It grew from 1,040 residents in 2000 to 58,125 in 2020 (about 76,654 estimated in 2024), making it the second-largest incorporated municipality in Pinal County and, in 2022, the 12th fastest-growing municipality in the United States. The settlement began in the 1800s as Maricopa Wells, a relay station on the San Antonio–San Diego Mail Line and Butterfield Overland Mail Route, and later grew around the railroad junction where east–west travelers transferred to the Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad. Part of the city lies within the Ak-Chin Indian Community, whose Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and resort is a major Pinal County employer.
Home prices in Maricopa
The county median in Maricopa is $364,990.
Top places in Maricopa
- Copper Sky Recreation Complex — the city's flagship park with lake, splash pad, sports fields, and trails.
- Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino — gaming, dining, and entertainment on the Ak-Chin.
- Maricopa Amtrak station — Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle stop, with a California Zephyr railcar on display (shown in the Commons photo below).
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club — Troon-managed championship course.
- Sonoran Desert National Monument — desert wilderness just southwest of the city.
- Historic Maricopa Wells site — the original 19th-century Butterfield Overland Mail relay station.
Commuting from Maricopa
- Arizona State Route 347 (John Wayne Parkway) north to I-10 (~14 miles), then I-10 into Phoenix; SR-238/Mobile Road west to Gila Bend.
- Approximate drive to downtown Phoenix: ~40–55 minutes (approximately 35–40 miles; approximate).
- Maricopa station is the closest Amtrak stop to Phoenix, served by the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle; Amtrak Thruway connects Maricopa with Phoenix.
Maricopa FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Maricopa, AZ?
The county median in Maricopa is $364,990. County-level median listing price · Sep 2026 - How is the commute from Maricopa, AZ?
Arizona State Route 347 (John Wayne Parkway) north to I-10 (~14 miles), then I-10 into Phoenix; SR-238/Mobile Road west to Gila Bend.
Town links
Schools
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.