The 100 best places to work and live in Arizona for 2026

In March, DM Cantor was named Small-and-Medium Law Firm of the Year at Az Business magazine’s Excellence in Law Awards. Firm leadership made sure every member of the DM Cantor team was able to attend the event, a testament to its status as one of the 100 Best Places to Work and Live in Arizona for 2026.

“The ‘secret sauce’ of DM Cantor’s culture lies in our unwavering commitment to intentional presence and accelerated growth,” says David M. Cantor, founding partner of DM Cantor. “While the modern trend leans toward casual flexibility and remote detachment, we have found that true excellence is forged through high-level, in-person mentorship. Our workplace is designed as a collaborative hub where seasoned expertise meets ambitious talent, ensuring that the nuances of high-stakes trial practice are passed down through direct, daily interaction.”

Cantor says that by prioritizing a structured, supportive environment, the leadership team provides staff with the tools to excel rapidly in both their professional and personal lives.

“This focus on ‘in-the-trenches’ mentorship allows our employees to achieve their dreams at a pace rarely seen in the legal industry,” he says. “At DM Cantor, our competitive advantage isn’t just the work we do, but the community we build — fostering a culture where high expectations are matched by the collective support needed to exceed them. We believe that by being present for one another, we are better equipped to be present for our clients, resulting in better outcomes.”

Az Business magazine’s 100 Best Places to Work and Live in Arizona for 2026 is determined by the people who matter most — the voting public. The list is determined strictly through Ranking Arizona voting for the best places to live and work in the state. The top 100 vote-getters earn the right to call themselves the 100 Best Places to Work and Live in Arizona for 2026.

“We take pride in creating an environment where people are easy to work with — no ego, no unnecessary friction and no politics,” says Brian Colling, CEO of Colling Media, also one of the 100 Best Places to Work and Live in Arizona for 2026. “Communication is direct, feedback is constructive, and teammates step in to help each other win.”

The most unique part of the culture at Concord General Contracting is the combination of being a 100% employee-owned company and a team that genuinely cares about one another, its work and the people it serves.

“At Concord, employee ownership creates a level of accountability and pride that cannot be manufactured,” says Grenee Martach, CEO of Concord General Contracting. “Every employee-owner has a stake in the outcome, which drives a deeper level of commitment. What truly sets us apart is how that ownership shows up through collaboration, trust and a team-first mentality. We do not operate in silos; we lean on each other, challenge each other and support each other to do our best work.”

Here are the 100 Best Places to Work and Live in Arizona for 2026

ABI Multifamily: A commercial real estate brokerage focused on multifamily property sales and apartment investment transactions.

ATI Restoration: A restoration company specializing in disaster recovery, environmental remediation and reconstruction services.

Aker Ink PR & Marketing: A public relations and marketing agency that helps brands build visibility and tell their stories.

Alerus: A financial services company offering banking, wealth management, retirement and mortgage solutions.

Arizona Biltmore: A luxury resort and hotel offering upscale accommodations, dining, spa services and event space.

Arizona Central Credit Union: A member-owned financial institution providing personal and business banking services.

Arizona Financial Credit Union: A credit union offering banking, lending and financial wellness services to members.

Arizona Public Service (APS): Arizona’s largest electric utility, providing power to homes and businesses across the state.

Arizona State University: A major public research university offering higher education, research and innovation programs.

Aurora Behavioral Health System: A healthcare provider specializing in mental health and behavioral health treatment services.

azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson Real Estate: A real estate firm specializing in architecturally significant homes and distinctive properties.

BMO: A financial institution offering banking, lending, wealth management and commercial finance services.

BOK Financial: A regional financial services company providing banking, wealth, treasury and investment solutions.

Bashas’ Family of Stores: A grocery store company operating supermarket brands throughout Arizona.

Bel-Aire Mechanical: A contractor providing HVAC and mechanical construction services.

Bennett and Porter Insurance Services: An insurance agency offering personal, commercial and specialty coverage solutions.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona: A health insurance company providing medical, dental and related coverage plans.

Blue Signal Search: A recruiting and executive search firm connecting employers with professional talent.

Burch & Cracchiolo: A law firm providing legal services across business, litigation, real estate and other practice areas.

CORE Construction: A construction company specializing in building projects for education, civic and commercial clients.

Cachet Homes: A homebuilder developing luxury and semi-custom residential communities.

Caliente Construction

Background: Caliente Construction is a woman-owned and award-winning commercial general contractor headquartered in Arizona, delivering high-quality construction services across a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects. Built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and collaboration, Caliente partners closely with clients to bring their vision to life with efficiency and precision. Over the past several years, the company has experienced significant growth, expanding its annual revenue while continuing to invest in its people and community.

Differentiator: “Caliente Construction’s ‘secret sauce’ is the balance we’ve created between living our core values and making work genuinely enjoyable. Our values — Committed, Accountable, Reliable, Experts and Spirited — spell CARES and they guide how we show up for one another every day. Just as importantly, we believe a strong culture includes connection, energy and a sense of fun … At Caliente, culture is not forced or one-dimensional. It is a balance of doing great work, supporting one another and creating an environment where people are proud to be part of the team and genuinely enjoy showing up each day.” 

Learn more: calienteconstruction.com

Camelot Homes: A luxury homebuilder known for upscale residential communities and custom-style homes.

Canyon State Electric: An electrical contractor providing construction, service and maintenance solutions.

Capital Asset Management: A financial advisory firm focused on investment and wealth management services.

Cawley Architects: An architecture firm designing commercial, industrial and other built environments.

City of Chandler: A municipal government providing public services, infrastructure and community development for Chandler residents.

City of Goodyear: A city government serving residents through public safety, planning, parks and municipal services.

City of Mesa: A municipal government delivering city services, economic development and community programs.

City of Peoria: A local government providing civic services, development planning and public amenities.

City of Phoenix: The municipal government for Phoenix, delivering public services, infrastructure and community programs.

City of Scottsdale: A city government providing municipal services, tourism support and economic development.

City of Tempe: A municipal government serving residents through public services, planning and community programs.

Colling Media

Background: Colling Media is a Phoenix-based, data-driven marketing agency focused on delivering measurable growth for its clients. Specializing in industries such as education, recruiting, retail and service-based businesses, the agency combines advanced media strategies with real-time analytics, AI-driven optimization and transparent reporting.

Secret sauce: “Our ‘secret sauce’ is built around a shared language: GOHARD. It’s not just a set of values, it’s how we operate every day. GOHARD stands for: Go the extra mile, Over-communicate, Humbly confident, Always improving, Results driven, and Do what you say. What makes this unique is how deeply it’s embedded in our culture. These aren’t aspirational statements, they’re actively used to guide decisions, give feedback, and recognize performance. We evaluate, reward and hold each other accountable to GOHARD, which creates clarity and consistency across the entire organization.”

Defining movie: “Moneyball reflects how we think and operate at Colling Media. It’s not about doing things the way they’ve always been done, it’s about using data, challenging assumptions and finding smarter ways to win.”

Learn more: collingmedia.com

Concord General Contracting

Background: Concord stands out as one of the best places to work in 2026 by intentionally investing in its people and creating opportunities to grow, lead and make an impact. As a 100% employee-owned company, team members take pride in shaping the firm’s future while collaborating in a culture built on trust, accountability and shared success. Through mentorship, professional development and hands-on project experience, every voice is valued from field to office. Concord celebrates achievements, fosters genuine connection and supports its people at every step. The result is a workplace where employees feel empowered, appreciated and inspired to build lasting, meaningful careers.

Best company song: “‘Good Life’ by OneRepublic best represents the spirit of our company because it reflects our belief in working hard while also enjoying the journey together. At Concord, we take pride in what we build, but we equally value the relationships and experiences along the way. As employee-owners, we share in the successes, support one another through challenges, and celebrate both the big wins and the everyday moments that make our work meaningful. It’s a culture rooted in ownership, connection, and a genuine appreciation for the work we do and the people we do it with.”

Learn more: concordinc.com

Corgan: An architecture and design firm serving aviation, commercial, education and other sectors.

Cox Media Phoenix: A media company providing advertising, marketing and broadcasting services.

DAS Technology: A technology company offering communication and customer engagement tools, especially for automotive clients.

Delta Dental of Arizona: A dental benefits company providing dental and vision coverage plans.

Desert Financial Credit Union: A credit union offering banking, lending and financial services to consumers and businesses.

DM Cantor

Background: Since its founding in 1996, DM Cantor has established itself as a cornerstone of the Phoenix legal community. The firm’s success is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: by fostering an internal culture of mentorship, integrity, and collaboration, they empower their team to deliver gold-standard results for their clients. Specializing in criminal defense, family law and estate and probate, DM Cantor features a deep bench of expertise, including eight Board-Certified Legal Specialists. This high level of technical proficiency is supported by a workplace environment that prioritizes professional growth and office-based collaboration. Because the firm invests in its people and maintains a supportive, high-energy atmosphere, its attorneys are uniquely equipped to provide the high-level representation that clients across Arizona and the nation depend on. Celebrating its recognition as a top place to work, DM Cantor remains dedicated to the people who make its premier legal services possible.

Differentiator: “At DM Cantor, our recognition as one of Arizona’s best places to work in 2026 is rooted in a culture of constant betterment. We believe that by investing deeply in our team, we empower them to provide the premier representation our clients deserve. This commitment to growth is realized through intensive mentorship and year-round internal and external training programs designed to help every employee achieve their highest professional and personal goals. Our team is unified by a singular, profound purpose: helping people navigate the most difficult times of their lives. This shared mission creates a cohesive and active workplace where every contributor is valued and supported. To honor this dedication, we provide compensation in the top 5% of the industry for all positions and prioritize firm-wide connection through events like family picnics, regular meals together, and holiday celebrations. A true testament to our ‘all-in’ culture, we recently brought our entire team of over 60 people to the Excellence in Law Awards, where we were honored as Law Firm of the Year for the small-to-medium law firm category. At DM Cantor, we don’t just practice law; we build a community that thrives on excellence and celebrates success together.”

Learn more: dmcantor.com

Enterprise Bank & Trust: A financial institution focused on banking, lending and wealth services for businesses and individuals.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: A luxury resort offering accommodations, dining, spa, golf and event experiences.

Forward Tilt: A business advisory and accounting-related firm helping clients with financial and strategic needs.

Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold: A law firm serving clients in business, litigation, real estate and other legal matters.

Fry’s Food Stores: A supermarket chain providing groceries, pharmacy services and household essentials.

Gammage & Burnham: A law firm focused on business, real estate, litigation and transactional legal services.

Geneva Financial: A mortgage company offering home loan and residential financing solutions.

Gila River Hotels & Casinos: A hospitality and gaming enterprise operating casino resorts, dining and entertainment destinations.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino: A casino and resort offering gaming, dining, entertainment and hotel accommodations.

HomeSmart: A real estate brokerage company supporting residential agents and homebuyers and sellers.

HonorHealth: A healthcare system providing hospitals, medical services, specialty care and wellness programs.

I Need An Angel: A nonprofit organization that supports children and families facing serious medical challenges.

IMPACT Technology Recruiting: A recruiting firm specializing in technology and professional placement.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.: A global financial services company providing consumer banking, commercial banking and investment services.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa: A resort destination offering luxury lodging, dining, spa, golf and family amenities.

Kidder Mathews: A commercial real estate firm providing brokerage, valuation, property management and advisory services.

Kiterocket: A public relations and marketing agency serving technology, real estate and professional services clients.

LAVIDGE: A full-service advertising, branding and marketing agency.

LGE Design Build: A design-build firm providing integrated architecture and construction services.

Land Advisors Organization: A real estate brokerage specializing in land sales, site selection and advisory services.

Landings Credit Union: A member-owned credit union offering banking and lending services.

Lerner and Rowe Law Group: A law firm providing personal injury and related legal representation.

Lihn Law Group: A law firm offering legal services, including business and litigation-related counsel.

Liv Communities: A multifamily housing company that develops and manages apartment communities.

Mark-Taylor Residential: A property management company operating luxury apartment communities.

Mason Pro Services: A home and commercial services company focused on plumbing, HVAC, electrical or related maintenance solutions.

Midstate Mechanical: A contractor providing HVAC and mechanical construction services.

MT Builders

Background: MT Builders’ primary focus of work is in the multifamily sector and building wood frame structures, where MT Builders has worked with a diverse group of clients on multiple projects. MT Builders’ other successful projects include senior living, assisted living, memory care, schools, churches and retail projects. MT Builders is based in Scottsdale and while most of its work has occurred in the Phoenix metro area, MT Builders has completed projects throughout the State of Arizona, as well as a few neighboring states.

Strength of staff: “Our team here is a tight group of individuals with a high level of experience in the multifamily construction. Everyone is empowered to always do the right thing and focus on the needs of our clients. Our group understands we are all a team and extend that team mentality to our clients and trade partners, knowing that we will all succeed together or fail together based on how we value each other as we work toward a common goal.”

Learn more: mtbuilders.com

NAI Horizon: A commercial real estate company offering brokerage, property management and advisory services.

National Bank of Arizona: A regional bank providing personal, business and commercial banking services.

NexMetro Communities: A developer of build-to-rent residential communities.

ORION Investment Real Estate: A commercial real estate brokerage focused on investment sales and leasing.

OneAZ Credit Union: A credit union offering banking, loans and financial services to Arizona members.

P.B. Bell: A multifamily housing company focused on apartment development, management and investment.

Plexus Worldwide: A health and wellness company selling nutritional supplements and lifestyle products.

PPS

Background: PPS (Professional Piping Systems) is a Phoenix-based specialty mechanical contractor focused on process piping, plumbing, and HVAC systems for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients across Arizona. Founded on a commitment to quality craftsmanship and technical precision, PPS has built a reputation as a trusted partner on projects that demand zero margin for error. From water treatment facilities to healthcare campuses to energy infrastructure, the PPS team brings hands-on expertise and a built-to-perform standard to every job. With a skilled workforce of pipefitters, plumbers, and project professionals, PPS operates at the intersection of field-proven trades knowledge and forward-thinking project management, delivering systems that perform reliably from day one and for years to come.

Differentiator: “At PPS, we believe the best work comes from people who feel valued, challenged, and supported. That starts with how we treat our craft professionals in the field. As a specialty contractor, our pipefitters and plumbers are not just labor on a schedule; they are the reason our projects get built right. We invest in their training, their safety, and their growth because we know the trade skills they carry cannot be replaced. Over two years without a lost-time incident speaks to the culture we have built, one where looking out for the person next to you is expected and enforced. Safety at PPS is not a compliance checkbox; it is how we operate every single day. Beyond safety, PPS offers a stable pipeline of meaningful work, opportunities to advance from the tools to the office, and a leadership team that is accessible and direct. We are a company where your work actually matters. Projects are real, accountability is real, and so is the recognition when a crew delivers. For people who take pride in building something that will outlast them, PPS is where they want to be.”

Song that captures the company spirit: “‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ by Snoop Dogg. When things heat up on a job site, that is exactly what PPS does. We drop in, get to work, and handle it. High-pressure systems, tight schedules, complex specialty installations; we do not flinch. The track has a cool confidence to it, and that is the PPS mentality. No panic, no excuses, just a crew that knows what they are doing and gets it done without breaking a sweat.”

Learn more: ppsphx.com

Precision Air & Plumbing: A home services company providing HVAC, plumbing and related repair services.

Rafi Law Group: A personal injury law firm representing accident and injury victims.

ReThinc Advertising: An advertising and marketing agency focused on creative strategy and brand growth.

Realty Executives Arizona Territory: A residential real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers and agents across Arizona.

Realty One Group: A real estate brokerage franchise supporting residential agents and home transactions.

SDB Contracting Services

Background: Founded in 1980 by Dominic Spagnuolo, SDB Contracting Services is a certified woman-owned, full-service commercial construction and general contracting firm headquartered in Tempe, with additional offices in Texas, Oregon and Idaho. 

Key to culture: “At SDB, we believe the people who build Arizona’s most critical facilities deserve a workplace built with the same care. What makes us one of the best places to work starts with genuine investment in our team, comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities so every team member grows alongside the company. Beyond the job site, our team takes pride in giving back … Service and philanthropy is woven into who we are.”

Secret sauce: “What makes SDB unique is the family-like environment throughout the company. When an employee faces a crisis, the team rallies. When someone has a big idea, leadership listens. When a milestone is hit, the celebration is collective. Our team members are not treated as numbers, they are people whose lives and goals matter.”

Learn more: sdb.com

SPS+ Architects: An architecture firm designing education, civic, healthcare and commercial spaces.

SRS: A national commercial real estate firm specializing in tenant representation, investment sales, property leasing and advisory services.

Shea Homes: A homebuilder developing residential communities and new homes.

Snell & Wilmer: A full-service business law firm serving clients across many industries.

Suntec Concrete: A contractor specializing in concrete construction for large-scale building projects.

Taylor Morrison: A national homebuilder developing new residential communities and homes.

The CORE Institute: A healthcare organization specializing in orthopedic, spine and musculoskeletal care.

The James Agency: A marketing, branding and public relations agency.

Town of Cave Creek: A municipal government providing civic services and local administration for Cave Creek.

Town of Gilbert: A town government serving residents through public safety, planning and community services.

Town of Queen Creek: A municipal government delivering local services, development planning and community programs.

triARC architecture & design: An architecture and interior design firm creating commercial and community spaces.

Tri-City Cardiology: A medical practice specializing in cardiovascular care and heart health services.

University of Arizona: A public research university providing higher education, research and healthcare-related programs.

ViaWest Group: A real estate investment, development and property management firm.

Wallace, Plese + Dreher: An architecture firm focused on design for education, civic and commercial projects.

Wells Fargo & Company: A financial services company offering banking, lending, investing and wealth management.

Wood, Patel & Associates: A civil engineering and consulting firm providing design, surveying and infrastructure services.