Looking for the best places to live in Phoenix to match your lifestyle or investment goals? From the family-friendly streets of North Phoenix to the vibrant, career-driven hubs of Downtown Scottsdale, this article sorts through the city’s diverse locales.
Learn the pros, cons, home value, and amenities of each Phoenix neighborhood and use this information to make an informed decision about the ideal neighborhood for your relocation.
Exploring Phoenix’s Top Neighborhoods: Overall Picks
Phoenix is featured as one of the most neighborly cities in America, highlighting its community-oriented spirit. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a vibrant city life or a family in search of top-notch schools, Phoenix has a neighborhood that’s just right for you.
The Best Nightlife: Downtown Scottsdale
Image courtesy of Visit Phoenix
Location: Downtown Scottsdale, located northeast of downtown Phoenix and Arizona Science Center, is known for its vibrant art scene (Altamira Fine Art Scottsdale), upscale shopping (Alixandra Blue), and lively nightlife (B&B Cocktail Lounge).
Amenities: Offers luxury apartments, retail outlets, high-rise residential buildings, and art galleries like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. It also offers diverse dining options, such as Alo Cafe and proximity to Fashion Square for upscale shopping.
Average Rent Price: Around $2,045 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Approximately $670,000 for single-family homes.
Pros: Vibrant art scene, bustling nightlife, upscale shopping, and proximity to various entertainment options like Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts and Greasepaint Theater.
Cons: Higher living costs, especially regarding housing, and the area can be crowded during peak seasons.
Ideal For: Young professionals and individuals seeking a lively urban lifestyle with access to upscale amenities.
The Most Relaxation-Friendly Neighborhood: Scottsdale
Image courtesy of Stay with Style Scottsdale
Location: Located in the suburbs of North Scottsdale, offering a more relaxed living atmosphere.
Amenities: Upscale boutique shops (Diva Divine Boutique), luxury spas (Agave, The Arizona Spa), proximity to McDowell Mountain Regional Park for outdoor activities, and the famous Taliesin West.
Average Rent Price: Approximately $2,300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Around $1 million for single-family homes.
Pros: Relaxed lifestyle, a quieter atmosphere compared to downtown, and convenient access to outdoor activities
Cons: Higher living costs, especially regarding housing
Ideal For: Residents seeking a quieter, upscale suburban lifestyle.
The Best Food Scene: Arcadia
Image courtesy of Resident
Location: Nestled between Phoenix and Scottsdale, known for its lush greenery and vibrant food scene.
Amenities: Trendy restaurants (The Spot at Arcadia), boutiques (Poor Little Rich Girl), walkable streets, and proximity to Camelback Mountain for outdoor activities.
Average Rent Price: Around $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Approximately $1.5M for single-family homes.
Pros: Lush landscapes, excellent dining options like The Bread and Honey House Arcadia, a strong sense of community, and proximity to outdoor activities, such as hiking on Camelback Mountain’s trails.
Cons: Higher living costs, especially for housing. The area is also prone to traffic congestion.
Ideal For: Individuals looking for a blend of a vibrant food scene, green spaces, and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
The Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Phoenix
With its rapidly growing population, Phoenix also offers affordable neighborhoods that provide a mix of comfort and cost-effectiveness. Two noteworthy areas exemplifying this balance are Tempe and the vibrant Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Tempe
Image courtesy of Tempe.gov
Location: Tempe is bordered by Mesa to the east, Scottsdale to the north, Phoenix and Guadalupe to the west, and Chandler to the south.
Amenities: Diverse entertainment options, including collegiate sports events of Arizona State University, theater performances at Tempe Center for the Arts, and an eclectic mix of drinking spots and restaurants, such as Monkey Pants Bar & Grill and Culinary Dropout. These amenities make it truly the best place to live in Phoenix.
Average Rent Price: Around $1,912 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Roughly $470,011 for single-family homes, varying based on proximity to Arizona State University and other amenities.
Pros: Vibrant cultural scene due to students of the international student ASU program and easy access to Salt River for recreational activities.
Cons: Can get crowded during school events, particularly around the university area, leading to increased noise and traffic.
Ideal For: Young professionals, students, and those who appreciate a lively atmosphere and diverse cultures. The area also appeals to individuals seeking unique architectural styles in a neighborhood.
Roosevelt Row Arts District
Image courtesy of the American Planning Association
Location: It is linked to downtown Phoenix city center and is known for its creativity and art culture that consists of Indie Film Fest and The Roosevelt Row’s Evolve Gallery.
Amenities: Chic bars (Greenwood Brewing), art galleries (Bentley Gallery), trendy eateries (First & Last), and a vibrant street art scene from local artists like La Morena and Ashley Macias.
Average Rent Price: Around $1,467 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Approximately $527,500 for single-family homes.
Pros: Unique artsy vibe, walkable area with diverse dining options, and cultural events, such as The First Friday Art Walk and M3F Music Festival.
Cons: Limited parking space and some areas are still under development.
Ideal For: Art enthusiasts and young creatives looking for a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood.
Best Phoenix Neighborhoods for Outdoorsy Residents
Phoenix offers an abundance of outdoor activities like sunrise hot air balloon rides and excursions down ATV trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here is a list of some of the best outdoorsy neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Chandler
Image courtesy of Visit Arizona
Location: Situated southeast of Phoenix, Chandler is one of the more established suburbs known for its family-friendly environment.
Amenities: Boasts a vibrant downtown area with local boutiques (Alexander Jane Boutique), restaurants (The Hidden House), and the Chandler Center for the Arts. Offers several parks, including Tumbleweed Park that are ideal for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Average Rent Price: Approximately $1,780 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Home prices range around $540K, varying based on the size, location, and amenities.
Pros: Excellent school districts like Chandler Unified School District and low crime rates as it is safer than 24% of neighborhoods in the US. It also has diverse dining options and well-maintained parks.
Cons: Commuting into central Phoenix can take a long time due to its southeast location, and some areas might have higher housing costs.
Ideal For: Families, professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with a strong community feel, and those valuing good schools and recreational activities, such as Adult Sports Leagues, camping, and painting classes.
Ahwatukee Foothills
Image courtesy of Trulia
Location: Nestled in the southern part of Phoenix, Ahwatukee Foothills provides a secluded suburban feel while being part of the city.
Amenities: Offers proximity to South Mountain Park, providing excellent outdoor activities such as hiking and biking on Desert Foothills Trailhead. The area features several golf courses, restaurants, and shopping centers, such as Ahwatukee Country Club, Caffe Boa, and Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center.
Average Rent Price: Around $1,718 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Average Home Sale Price: Homes typically range between $300,000 to $500,000, depending on size, style, and location within the neighborhood.
Pros: Beautiful views of the desert and mountains, a strong sense of community, access to outdoor recreation, and crime rates 32% lower than the average national crime rate.
Cons: Some parts of Ahwatukee Foothills will face longer commute times to central Phoenix during rush hours.
Ideal For: Nature lovers and families seeking a quieter suburban life close to nature.
Summary
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly neighborhood, a vibrant city life, affordable housing options, outdoor adventures, easy public transit, or job opportunities, Phoenix has it all. So, make a relocation checklist, pack your boxes, and get ready to move to the best neighborhood in Phoenix.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Nicest Part of Phoenix to Live In?
Arcadia is the most famous part of Phoenix due to its luxury homes and spacious estates. However, the nicest part of Phoenix can vary based on your lifestyle requirements and your personal preferences.
Which Part of Phoenix Is the Safest?
Ahwatukee Foothills stands out as the safest enclave in Phoenix, boasting crime rates 33% lower for violent incidents and 31% lower for property crimes compared to the national average.
What Is the Wealthiest Neighborhood in the Phoenix Area?
Paradise Valley is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the Phoenix area. It is known for its luxury real estate, large estates, and upscale living.
What Is the Trendiest Neighborhood in Phoenix?
Arcadia is regarded as one of the hippest neighborhoods in the Phoenix area due to its close proximity to popular hiking trails, innovative contemporary eateries, and upscale shopping centers such as the Biltmore and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
How Much Does It Cost to Live Comfortably in Phoenix?
A Phoenix resident must make a minimum of $32,835 to comfortably afford the lifestyle of Phoenix and its neighborhoods.
