Phoenix Neighborhood Guide: Arcadia

Located about 10 miles east of downtown Phoenix, Arcadia is a charming, vibrant city that has established itself as one of the city’s best neighborhoods. Its quiet streets are dotted with buildings featuring a wide range of architectural styles, including Revival, Ranch, and Pueblo. Residents of Arcadia are just a short distance away from shopping districts all with a wide range of upscale boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, grills, and cocktail bars. With its strategic location, small-town feel, vibrant culture, and abundance of amenities, Arcadia is one of the best places to live in the Phoenix area.

Commuting in Arcadia

The most affordable form of public transportation in Arcadia is the Valley Metro bus service. This service operates two bus routes that serve the city: 41 and 50. The 41 bus route runs between the intersection of Indian School Road and Granite Reef Road in Scottsdale and the intersection of Indian School Road and 107th Avenue in Avondale. It makes a total of 84 stops along the way. The 50 runs along Camelback Road between 107th Avenue and Scottsdale Road.

Driving is the preferred method of transportation. If you plan to drive, you’ll have easy access to many amenities and attractions. The city is within a 10-minute drive of Biltmore Fashion Park, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and Old Town Scottsdale. Downtown Phoenix is just 16 minutes away. A trip to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport takes about 10 minutes.

Where to dine out while living in Arcadia

Although it’s a relatively small neighborhood, Arcadia offers many dining options. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger or sushi, you can rest assured you’ll find a restaurant that perfectly suits your mood. Make a reservation at one of the following popular restaurants in Arcadia:

Although it’s a relatively small neighborhood, Arcadia offers an extensive variety of dining options. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger or sushi, you can rest assured you’ll find a restaurant that perfectly suits your mood. Below are a few popular restaurants in Arcadia you should check out.

• The Henry: The Henry features an eclectic menu that includes items such as smashed avocado toast, Mediterranean branzino, New York prime steak, burgers, and creative cocktails. This upscale eatery is also a great place for weekend brunch.
• Z’s Greek: This simple Greek restaurant is a preferred destination for locals who want to grab a quick bite to eat. It serves familiar Greek fare such as gyros, pitas, souvlakis, and falafel, as well as hot dogs and chicken fingers for picky eaters.
• O.H.S.O Brewery + Distillery: If you feel hungry after a few drinks with your friends, head down to O.H.S.O Brewery for some delectable American comfort food. This joint is open until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, making it one of the best restaurants in Arcadia for a late-night meal.
• Luci’s at The Orchard: Housed in a historic ranch home, Luci’s at The Orchards is known for its delicious all-day breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and homemade gelato. Its warm, relaxing atmosphere makes it a great place to chat with your friends. Don’t skip out on their rotating milkshakes!

Where to go out for drinks while living in Phoenix

If you’re looking for a place in Arcadia, Phoenix to unwind after work, hang out with your friends, or have a great time with your date, you’ll have plenty of options. The following is a list of the best bars and pubs in Arcadia.

• The Little Woody: The Little Woody is a bustling hangout that features an extensive drinks menu, including draft and canned beers, cocktails, and wines, as well as sandwiches, flatbreads, and snacks. It’s one of the best bars in Arcadia to mingle with the locals, thanks to its laid back, neighborly atmosphere.
• Mix Up: This chic, cozy lounge inside The Royal Palms Resort and Spa offers local brews, signature cocktails, and a seasonal American food menu. It also has outdoor seating so you can get some fresh air while enjoying your drinks.
• Scapegoat Beer and Wine: This bar offers a rotating craft beer menu, distinctive wine list, and tasty snacks. Its intimate atmosphere, rustic decor, and dim lighting make it the ideal place to enjoy a couple of drinks with your date.

Things to do in Arcadia and Phoenix

Whether an outdoor enthusiast or an art lover, you’ll have plenty to do in Arcadia during your free time. Explore the following list of popular places among locals:

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an art lover, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Arcadia during your free time. Here’s a list of popular places among locals.

Boutiques

• Lelli Shop: A modern lifestyle boutique with a unique selection of women’s clothing, accessories, wellness essentials, and gifts.
• urbAna: Curated boutique featuring a huge selection of chic gifts and home products.
• In the Pink: Boutique offering a wide array of clothing, accessories, jewelry, decorative items, and bath products.

Theaters

• Harkins Camelview at Fashion Square: Modern multiplex showing blockbusters and independent films.
• AMC DINE-IN Esplanade 14: A movie theater and restaurant that allows you to watch movies while enjoying handcrafted drinks and food.
• Roadhouse Cinemas Scottsdale: Movie theater that features state-of-the-art movie projectors and sound systems, comfortable recliners, an extensive food menu, and a full bar.

Farmers’ Markets

• Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market: A market with numerous vendors offering an extensive selection of fresh produce, spices, and baked goods.
• Uptown Farmers’ Market: A semi-weekly market with more than 100 regional vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, grass-fed meats, and baked goods.

Parks

• Arcadia Park: An open space that features a grassy area, sizable playground, volleyball court, and picnic tables. Arcadia Park is also located within walking distance to Arizona Falls, a popular tourist destination.
• G. R. Herberger Park: Clean park with a grassy area, walking path, picnic pavilion, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and volleyball courts.
• Kachina Park: Neighborhood park with a well-maintained open space, playground, and tables.

Attractions

• Shemer Art Center: An art gallery that showcases the works of contemporary local artists and offers workshops and classes.
• Desert Botanical Garden: A Phoenix hidden gem, this 140-acre botanical garden features more than 50,000 plants belonging to 4,379 species, including 379 rare native species, threatened, or endangered.
• Camelback Mountain: Resembling a camel’s hump, this famous peak offers hiking and climbing opportunities and panoramic city views.

Renting in Arcadia

Living in Phoenix puts you close to various parks, shops, restaurants, and bars. Learn what you can expect to pay for rent in the Phoenix and Arcadia area:

• Average cost of a studio rental: $1,199 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom rental: $1,399 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom rental: $1,699 per month

How much you pay for a rental in Arcadia and Phoenix depends on the number of bedrooms and amenities included. Arcadia also offers a good mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes, which can influence the cost. Some home rentals even have an on-site pool, perfect for the Arizona heat.

Short-term rentals in Arcadia may also be an option. You may prefer a short-term rental if you’re not yet sure where you want to call home in Arizona. Students or those looking to buy a home in the future may also benefit from a short-term rental. Shorter rental leases also allow you to explore which amenities you want when committing to something for the longer term.

Ready to call Arcadia home? Search thousands of Phoenix homes, condos, and apartments for rent and find your new place.