Out of all 50 states and 30 up-and-coming cities highlighted by HGTV, Arizona didn’t just make the list once or twice. It showed up four times.
According to HGTV, the up-and-coming cities in 2026 are identified through a mix of data and lifestyle appeal rather than hype alone.
The list draws on population and growth trends from the U.S. Census Bureau, alongside economic performance data from the Milken Institute. These sources evaluate factors such as job growth, wages, housing affordability and infrastructure, while also considering quality-of-life elements like outdoor recreation and community feel…