Arizona's Fastest-Growing City In 2026 Is Home To A Historic National Monument

According to recent data released by World Population Review, people are flocking to Coolidge, Arizona. It's the fastest-growing city in the state, and the population will increase from 13,433 people in 2020 to 22,794 people in 2026. That's an increase of 7.35% annually! Part of the reason it's becoming so popular might be due to its prime location. It's about an hour north of the city of Tucson and the iconic Saguaro National Park, which has epic views of the largest cacti in America. The bustling city of Phoenix is also about an hour north. Coolidge has more going for it than fun neighbors, though. Although it's categorized as a city, it has all the charm of a small town. It's also home to an important piece of historical architecture: the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

The city of Coolidge is within Arizona's "Sun Corridor," a megapolitan area that spans multiple counties and is where the majority of people in Arizona live. People love living there, and travelers love visiting due to the warm weather and ample sunshine. The cost of living is relatively low, and the region is one of the best places for budget travelers in America.

On a visit to Coolidge, travelers can enjoy plenty of Southwestern vibes and ancient Indigenous history, especially at its fascinating ruins national monument. Plus, it's a great home base if you plan to visit both Phoenix and Tucson since it is approximately halfway between the two cities.

Most tourists who visit Coolidge are there to see the fascinating Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Indigenous people lived and thrived in the area that is now Arizona for thousands of years before European settlers arrived, and the Casa Grande Ruins represent the farming community and irrigation canals of the ancestral Sonoran Desert people. 

The crown jewel of the Casa Grande Ruins is the Great House ("casa grande"), a four-story structure made out of adobe that was constructed in the 1300s. It is one of the largest ancient buildings in the United States. Strangely, evidence suggests that the entire settlement was abandoned by around 1450, and experts still aren't sure exactly what the Great House was used for. Now, however, it is the only National Park unit that allows us to study and interpret life in ancient times for the Sonoran Desert people.

To protect and maintain it, President Benjamin Harrison established the site in 1892 as the first prehistoric and cultural reserve in the United States. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a national monument and placed it under the protection of the National Park Service. The monument is open seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no fee to visit. There is a museum and a bookstore onsite, and guided tours are offered daily from November until March. There is educational signage around the site for tourists who prefer a self-guided tour.

There are three major airports within about an hour of Coolidge, Arizona. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the largest and has direct flights to destinations all over the United States and the world. It's often referred to as the friendliest airport in America, and it is just under an hour from Coolidge. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is smaller, but equally close and convenient. Tucson International Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes from Coolidge. Renting a car is the best option for getting around once you land in Arizona. Rental cars usually cost around $40 per day, but it is possible to find better rates if you plan ahead.

There are plenty of affordable hotels, motels, and inns located around the town of Coolidge with prices starting around $80 per night, but most of them are about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. If you want to stay super close to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument you might want to opt for a private vacation rental. At the time of writing, Vrbo had a few options within 2 miles of the historic site. A three-bedroom house with enough room for eight people to sleep was available for around $150 per night.

If you want to immerse yourself in Wild West vibes, head to Gallopin' Goose for dinner. The bar and restaurant has been around since 1935. Dine on some comfort food and sip on a cold beer or cocktail. You can often catch live music at the saloon on weekend nights.