Phoenix neighborhoods are some of the most desirable areas in Arizona to call home. Desert landscapes, year-round pool season, affordable cost of living, and 300 days of sunshine make Phoenix a great choice for those considering a move. If you’re looking for the best place in Phoenix to plant your roots, it’s helpful to understand the many areas that make up this sprawling city. After all, you don’t want to end up on a snowbird circle if you just graduated college. Look no further than our comprehensive guide to the best neighborhoods in Phoenix.
The 8 best neighborhoods in Phoenix
We know choosing a neighborhood can be tough. Here are the areas we love the most, in no particular order:
- Downtown Scottsdale
- North Scottsdale
- Downtown Phoenix
- Roosevelt Row Arts District
- Paradise Valley
- Arcadia
- Tempe
- Glendale
For more details about each area, read below.
1. Downtown Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a great place to consider if you love shopping, spring training, and lots of yoga studios and coffee shops. Join swaths of young professionals in one of the luxury apartment complexes or lofts in the redeveloped downtown area. The Scottsdale Waterfront is a mixed-use, 1.1 million square foot project that boasts everything from retail and commercial offices to restaurants and high-rise residential buildings, making it a destination for people all over the Phoenix area.
Old Town is the heart of downtown Scottsdale and contains the highest population of millennials. This lively area has a bustling art scene (i.e. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art), nightlife, and plenty of drinking and dining establishments—like the local dive, Coach House, Scottsdale’s oldest bar and one of the best bars in the Phoenix area.
Did we mention shopping? Fashion Square is a behemoth shopping center with luxury high-end stores and offers some of the best people-watching in the city. With everything Downtown Scottsdale has going for it, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Looking for an apartment in Scottsdale? Consider one of these top-rated buildings:
2. North Scottsdale
Is a residential neighborhood more your speed? Head up to the ‘burbs of North Scottsdale. The more laid-back feel is popular with a slightly older, more grown-up crowd. Scottsdale Airpark, a large employment center with over 55,000 employees, spurred residential and commercial growth in the area, making it possible to live, work, and play in North Scottsdale.
The neighborhood is known for its upscale boutique shops, wine bars, and luxury spas. McDowell Mountain Regional Park is nearby, offering residents hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails year-round. Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home, the famous Taliesin West, is located in North Scottsdale, too. The home now operates as an architectural school and tours of the expansive property are available.
3. Downtown Phoenix
Need to be in the nexus of commerce, art, and culture? Phoenix’s downtown scene is the place for you! Several new, mixed-use commercial buildings have revitalized shopping and dining downtown, and it’s where Phoenix’s sporting events, concerts, and nightlife happens.
Get your culture on at the Phoenix Art Museum, one of Phoenix’s hidden gems, or take in a show at Comerica Theater. Tour art galleries throughout the city on First Friday, one of the country’s biggest self-guided art walks. The light rail makes it easy to get around without a vehicle, but the downtown area is extremely walkable, too.
4. Roosevelt Row Arts District
Speaking of downtown, the creativity-fueled Roosevelt Row Arts District, or RoRo for short, links downtown to several residential Phoenix neighborhoods. Houses have been converted into chic bars and live music venues; patios are plentiful, and there are lots of funky boutiques. Starving artists won’t go hungry with RoRo’s collection of hip and trendy eateries, either.
Have brunch on the massive, outdoor patio at Vig Fillmore or head to Taco Chelo for carnitas tacos and tequila flights inside their hip bar and restaurants. Bottom line: Roosevelt Row is one of the best neighborhoods in Arizona if you’re into indie films, craft cocktails, art murals, and galleries.
5. Paradise Valley
Sometimes referred to as the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest,” this once-rural area now boasts multi-million dollar houses on its cliff sides. It also boasts 3 golf courses and 10 resorts and spas. Most of the area is filled with large, single-family homes, and almost all of the area’s restaurants and shops can be found along N Scottsdale Rd. Suffice to say, Paradise Valley is a bit bougie, but it’s worth the price tag.
6. Arcadia
Part of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arcadia was built upon former citrus groves and was occupied by citrus farmers during the first part of the 20th century. Now, its leafy streets are home to some of the best dining and shopping in the Valley of the Sun.
Arcadia is one of Phoenix’s most picturesque and popular neighborhoods—an ideal location for both work and fun, with its vibrant food and culture, walkability, and plush landscape. Speaking of, nearby Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area offers some of the best hiking in (and views of) the city. Arcadia is a well-rounded hood with plenty to offer newcomers and longtime residents alike, making it a shoo-in for one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix.
7. Tempe
The city of Tempe is bordered by Mesa to the east, Scottsdale to the north, Phoenix and Guadalupe to the west, and Chandler to the south. It’s home to Arizona State University, which means there’s always something going on here, including watching ASU’s 24 collegiate sports teams, catching a theater performance at the Tempe Center for the Arts, or hanging out at the local drinking establishment, Four Peaks Brewery.
You can also check out the historic Maple-Ash neighborhood — a funky area varied with older architecture ranging from farm cottages to ranch houses. Salt River runs through the northernmost point of the town, giving residents the perfect place to kayak, sail, standup paddleboard, or simply enjoy a view of the water.
8. Glendale
The fourth-largest city in Arizona, Glendale is nestled in the northwestern quadrant of the Phoenix Metro area. This once-anonymous suburb of Phoenix has turned into its own thriving mini-metropolis, complete with shopping and sports, easily claiming the title as one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix!
Glendale’s charming downtown features a small shopping district, Catlin Court, where historic homes have been converted into specialty shops, cafes, restaurants, and antique stores. On the western edge of Glendale, the Westgate City Center is a thriving mixed-use urban development featuring numerous shops, clubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as the State Farm Stadium (NFL’s Arizona Cardinals), and Gila River Arena (NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes).
Looking for an apartment in Glendale? Consider one of these top-rated buildings:
Final thoughts
No matter which Phoenix neighborhood you decide to call home, you’ll be welcomed with warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and endless opportunities to enjoy the food and culture of Arizona.
Frequently asked questions about living in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has a relatively low cost of living, especially when compared to other major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Housing is a major factor when calculating the cost of living. On our list of the top 100 cities ranked by median rent prices, Phoenix is in position 42, making this a more affordable option for renters.
Phoenix is most well known for its weather. Residents of Phoenix enjoy year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, contributing to its nickname of “Valley of the Sun”. Phoenix is also known for being the capital city of Arizona.
As of 2020, the median income in Phoenix was $60,914. You should expect to live comfortably in Phoenix by spending no more than 30% of your income on rent. If you rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Phoenix for $1,390, you will need a salary of approximately $56,000 annually to live comfortably.
There are many benefits to living in Phoenix, but some of the top pros include affordable housing, enjoyable weather, and a growing economy.
Glendale is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix, with plenty of amenities and outdoor recreational activities to enjoy.
Phoenix is a great place to live for a variety of reasons. The city boasts a warm and sunny climate, a low cost of living, and a wide variety of employment opportunities in industries like healthcare, technology, and finance.
Downtown Phoenix and Tempe both have vibrant nightlife scenes with numerous bars and restaurants to choose from.
North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are both known for their luxury homes and high-end shopping and dining options.
Chandler and Ahwatukee are both great options for families, with excellent schools and plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
Some highly regarded suburbs around Phoenix include Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Chandler. These areas are known for their upscale amenities, good school districts, and attractive communities. Keep in mind that preferences vary, so it’s essential to consider factors like lifestyle, budget, and specific amenities that matter most to you when choosing a suburb.
Roosevelt Row, often referred to as RoRo, is considered one of the hippest neighborhoods in Phoenix. Located in downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row is known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, galleries, and a growing number of trendy restaurants and bars. It has been a focal point for the city’s cultural and creative community, making it a popular destination for those seeking a lively and artistic vibe.
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