I lived in Az. for over 20 yrs. 70's and 80's. All in Maricopa county, it's the one place to stay away from, people were already out of Phx. in those days HIGH crime rate home invasions,etc.
My preferance would be Prescott Az. but it's at 5,000 ft so there's a little bit of winter there, but beautiful in the summer and not too hot. The other choices at a little lower elevation woud be New River, and Camp verty at about 2,000/3,000 ft. all very dry Low crime rate, and last would be Wickenburg, west of Phx. also low crime rate.
JMO
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