Best Places to Build a Cabin in Arizona

We're excited to publish our picks of the best places in Arizona to build your log home. We believe we've found some of the most desirable locales in the state, each with something special to offer. Whether you're an outdoorsman looking for a paradise, an artisan looking for a retreat, or just someone who wants to find the perfect place to live, we know you'll find what you're looking for on our list. One last note: We thought about ranking these places, but it's nearly impossible to choose just one as the best. They're all great in their own ways. So, here are the 5 best places to build a log home from A to Z, or at least A to P.

Cabins are a unique breed of home
It's important to work with a builder who specializes in or has extensive experience with cabin construction. The site of your cabin is hugely important and can drastically affect the design and layout, more so than if you were building a primary home in an urban setting. For example, does your lot slope? If so, how will this affect the placement of a walkout basement? Are there any setback restrictions? Will you need a well and/or septic system? You have to work with the site as it is.

As for style, vacation homes tend to be smaller and more open than primary residences, with lots of glass to let in natural light and provide beautiful views. Transition spaces - like decks, screen porches, patios, and mudrooms - make a small cabin feel large. If you'll only be using the cabin on weekends or during vacations, it's important to make it as low-maintenance as possible.

A Nature lovers dream come true
No matter your outdoor sport of choice, this famous Arizona region has something for you. Hiking, nature watching, sledding, hunting, fishing, or cocktail-sipping on a scenic patio—you'll find what you're looking for here. With numerous hiking and fishing spots just minutes away, adventure is always on the agenda.

The Heart of Arizona
Payson is a town located in Gila County, Arizona. It is known as "The Heart of Arizona" due to its central location in the state. The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

Charming small town vibes with big city amenities
Flagstaff is one of those rare places that offers both incredible natural beauty and a thriving, creative community. The stunning campus in town is surrounded by forest land, and the atmosphere is college-town friendly. Whether you're looking for a place to escape or a close-knit community, Flagstaff has something for you.

Snowy mountain paradise
Flagstaff is a city located in Arizona that's surrounded by beautiful mountains, the desert, and lush forests of ponderosa pines. It's a great place to visit if you're looking to get away from it all and enjoy nature's beauty. Nearby, you can find Wupatki National Monument which has some amazing ancient Native American pueblo sites, or Walnut Canyon National Monument which is home to cliff dwellings that are well worth exploring.

Always in Season
This mountain town is always beautiful, no matter the season. Just take a look at the map—it's perched right on the edge of Sitgreaves National Forest, with plenty of camping, hiking, and skiing options for outdoor enthusiasts. Or if you need a break from all that nature, head into town for a bite to eat at one of the bars or saloons.

Small town where everyone knows everyone
Heber-Overgaard is a beautiful, rural community situated atop the Mogollon Rim in Navajo County, Arizona. At an elevation of 6,627 feet, it's one of the highest places in the state. The scenery here is stunning, with rugged mountains and pristine forests dotting the landscape. If you're looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, Heber-Overgaard is definitely worthy of building your next cabin.

Crystal clear mountain lakes and streams
Nestled in the heart of Arizona's White Mountains Region, Pinetop-Lakeside is all about nature at its finest. With more than 50 lakes, hundreds of miles of streams and rolling hills, it's a log cabin dreamland.

Clean crisp air and towering Pine trees
Pinetop–Lakeside is an idyllic town in Navajo County, Arizona that was founded in 1984 after the neighboring towns of Pinetop and Lakeside merged. This charming town is a popular summer resort and second-home area for Arizona desert residents. This makes it a very popular spot to build a cabin.

Remote yet absolultely remarkable
This small town boasts some of the most scenic territory in the state. With no nearby metro areas, this remote mountain outpost is the perfect place for log home country. Be warned. Greer has virtually no amenties and is truly one of the most remote areas you can build a cabin.

Starry night skies and endless outdoor activities
A secret hideaway in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona, where you can experience nature's beauty and wonder. Here, you will find clean mountain air and endless blue skies. The peace and quiet of a small town living like you will find no where else.

The mountain lakes and swift running streams are scattered throughout the countryside. The ponderosa pine, aspen, and fir trees dominate the landscape.

The mild climate, fresh mountain air, fertile soil, and towering pine trees all make this a great place to build a cabin.

At 6,400 feet elevation, Show Low is the perfect Gateway to Arizona's White Mountains which makes it one of the most sought after areas for building a cabin.