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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best places to live in Phoenix for you, so you don’t have to. If you’re extending your search a bit, you can also check out our guide to the best places to live in Arizona.. You’ve no doubt seen our Phoenix City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Phoenix’s most popular neighborhoods (oh, and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Phoenix movers and movers throughout the country).
This list and our “Best Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Phoenix,” “Best Suburbs of Phoenix,” and our “Best Neighborhoods for Families in Phoenix” lists are more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent.
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A Little About Phoenix and its Neighborhoods
Phoenix draws new residents from across the country with its beautiful sunny weather, affordable housing, fantastic local grub, tasty craft brews, and outdoor activities that will lure anyone out of their slippers and into their Skechers.
But if you’re new to the area, you might not know where to start. Here’s a basic overview:
You might already know that Phoenix is Arizona’s capital and that it’s famous for its year-round warm and sunny climate and desert landscapes. The city acts as the central anchor of a sprawling multicity metropolitan area aptly named the Valley of the Sun.
With over 1.6 million people, Phoenix is the fifth most populous city nationwide and the largest city in the state. And though it picks up on the arid climate passed on by the neighboring Sonoran Desert, Phoenix became popular as an agricultural community in 1867, dependant upon and thriving because of the area’s canal system. These irrigation canals were crafted by the Hohokam people who lived in the area for over 2,000 years.
Other than the mountains in and around the city, Phoenix is generally flat, allowing the city’s main streets to run on a precise grid with wide, open-spaced roadways. The area is split generally between its south, central, and northern parts, with locals referring to these areas as simply “South Phoenix” for example. Neighboring towns like Scottsdale and Mesa to the east and Glendale directly to the west of the city often get lumped into the area.
So now that you have an overview, check out our list below. We’ve narrowed down the best places to live in Phoenix. Check it out.
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is located just north of Scottsdale. The area is known for its luxury homes, golf courses, and resorts, and it offers a vibrant shopping and restaurant scene. As one of the wealthiest and safest areas in the Valley and surrounded by gorgeous rocky scenery, Paradise Valley feels like a little piece of heaven in the midst of Arizona.
What’s Happening in Paradise Valley
While many locals enjoy swinging clubs in the neighborhood golf courses, Paradise Valley offers a number of recreational activities, museums, restaurants, and bars. Treck out to Camelback Mountain and visit its iconic peak. Take the family to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park with its train rides, model trains, and playgrounds. Or visit the grassy, cactus-speckled Barry Goldwater Memorial Park.
Paradise Valley residents and visitors have most likely spent an evening perusing the Cosanti Originals outdoor art studio and gallery of wind-chime designer and sculptor Paolo Soleri. As you know, of course, nothing works up an appetite like wind chimes. Good thing Paradise Valley has its fair share of wonderful dining experiences. El Chorro is an exceptionally beautiful spot and a local favorite. Also check out element’s, Lon’s, and Prado.
Schools in Paradise Valley
Schools in the area include Cherokee Elementary School, Christ Church School, and Kiva Elementary School among others.
Homes in Paradise Valley
While some homes’ prices soar too high to see, Paradise Valley actually offers plenty of homes for far below $300K. And a decent percentage rent in the area. Check out the current houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
Arcadia
One of the most well-known areas of the city, and located 10 miles northeast of downtown, Arcadia is a charming and vibrant area. The district is full of energy and new shopping and dining experiences, which make it a popular destination for people living in the area. The neighborhood beautifully blends the rocky desert outskirts of Phoenix with its well-irrigated agriculture history, and many homes are dotted with orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees.
What’s Happening in Arcadia
With plenty of unique shops like locally-owned boutiques, brewpubs and cocktail bars, restaurants, clubs, and lounges, Arcadia if full of happy residents and visitors. And the area claims some of the best dining and shopping options in the whole Valley.
Settled close to the notable Camelback Mountain and the Arizona Canal Trail, this area offers some of the best hiking and unbeatable views in the city. This outdoorsy perk draws walkers, runners, bikers, and explorers looking for a home in the area.
For a taste of Arcadia’s best grub, check out Chelsea’s Kitchen. This local favorite serves farm-fresh American comfort food. Also, don’t miss Beckett’s Table, The Stand, and Postino.
Schools in Arcadia
Schools in the area include Hopi Elementary School, Arcadia High School, and The Hills School among others.
Homes in Arcadia
Arcadia features cleanly kept homes on large lots. The area has slightly higher property values, but prices vary drastically. Check out some of the current options for buying and renting in the area.
Downtown Phoenix
Another highly sought-after lively hub is downtown itself. At the center of all the hustle, this neighborhood offers a constant stream of local events and entertainment, as well as a thriving restaurant and bar scene. Downtown has hundreds of beautiful apartments, awesome arts and culture functions, very walkable streets, prominent theaters, and popular lounges and clubs. If you’re interested in being right where its happening, then downtown is for you.
What’s Happening in Downtown Phoenix
This central business and entertainment district has peak shops, brewpubs, cocktail bars, cafes, pizzerias, and brunch spots. The area’s vibrant art and culture scene clusters around the Arizona State University campus. Families live in and visit the area, loving the Arizona Science Center and Children’s Museum of Phoenix with its hands-on exhibits. And the Chase Field baseball stadium offers regular sporting events, being home to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Strap on your desert sandals and hit the streets for Artlink’s First Friday Art Walk featuring over 70 galleries and venues. Or check out the Phoenix Public Market and buy from local farmers. The yearly Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival brings Phoenicians from afar eager to sip on local brews. And the Crescent Ballroom venue hosts local and nationally-known bands.
Check out these amazing, close-by restaurants: Barrio Cafe Gran Reserva, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, The Dressing Room, and The Breadfruit & Rum Bar.
Schools in Downtown Phoenix
The schools in downtown Phoenix include Kenilworth Elementary School, Arizona School for the Arts, and Bioscience High School among others.
Homes in Downtown Phoenix
With plenty of various housing options, this downtown area draws a diverse crowd and has something to offer them all. Check out some of what’s currently available for buying and renting in the area.
Scottsdale
As mentioned earlier, Scottsdale is right outside of Phoenix and a highly popular mini-city of its own. The well-laid streets allow for many of its residents to ditch the car and travel via bike or on foot. And with much more affordable houses than one might expect, seeing that Scottsdale is full of popular, local hubs, this area is quite a popular spot.
What’s Happening in Scottsdale
With hundreds of independently owned restaurants and shops, miles of walkable sidewalks, and parks, bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of most homes, Scottsdale has become one of the top places to live in the area.
Some residents know the area for its higher-end spa resorts and golf courses, but most residents hit the trails of McDowell Sonoran Preserve if they’re looking for closeby outdoor activities. And tourists and new locals are bound to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home and studio, Taliesin West.
There are so many great restaurants in Scottsdale to chose from. But to get a taste of some local favorites, check out Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, Citizen Public House, Sel, Virtu Honest Craft, and FnB.
Schools in Scottsdale
The schools in this area include North Ranch, Anasazi Elementary School, and Laguna Elementary School among others.
Homes in Scottsdale
Houses weave between historic 1920s buildings and ancient olive trees. These pretty homes range drastically in style, size, and price across this larger neighborhood-city. Check out what’s currently available for buying and renting in the area.
There you have it: the best places to live in Phoenix!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long distance moving services in Phoenix and we would love to help.
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