Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix

Living in Phoenix allows you to enjoy the sun throughout the year, soak in the beauty of desert landscapes, and enjoy exciting nightlife and delectable cuisine. 

Arizona's bustling capital is home to about 1.6 million people and promises affordability for homebuyers, especially those shopping in the new home market. The Phoenix housing market has a median property value of $340,200 and offers a decent possibility of finding an ideal home in your budget.  

However, it might be challenging to zero in on the best neighborhoods in Phoenix, as every area has its character and appeal. Luckily, whether you want a place close to urban comforts, packed with luxuries, surrounded by nature’s bounty, or teeming with culture, the best neighborhoods in Phoenix cater to every need and taste. 

This guide explores the best places to live in Phoenix to help you make an informed choice. 

Best Places to Live in Phoenix, AZ

• Downtown Phoenix

Suppose you’re wondering where to live in Phoenix, head downtown to strike the perfect balance between your professional life and weekend excitement. 

Besides boasting one of Arizona State University’s campuses, Downtown Phoenix is home to many startups and promises a heady concoction of youthful energy, innovative ideas, and everything trendy. 

Housing options include new construction homes, single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and more. 

Median Listing Home Price: A median listing home price of $599,000 makes this one of the best neighborhoods to live in Phoenix, AZ. Homeowners enjoy proximity to art galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and hip stores. 

Transportation: The Valley Metro Rail is perfect for getting around the area, whether you are up for a cultural trip or want to enjoy the nightlife. Rail stations include locations at the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Convention Center, Footprint Center, Heard Museum, CityScape, and Chase Field. You can also bike along Bicycle Boulevard to reduce your carbon footprint.  

Best Places to Eat in Phoenix: Head to Ahipoki Bowl for delectable Hawaiian poke bowls handcrafted with fresh seafood or Bad Jimmy’s for yummy cheeseburgers with local beef. The Farish House serves French and Mediterranean dishes and elegant wines in an upscale setting.   

• Old Town Scottsdale 

Living in Phoenix can be luxurious if you settle in Old Town Scottsdale. Close to the greater Phoenix region, Scottsdale is where you can soak up the sunshine, blue skies, positive energy, and the perks of a bustling economy. If you are looking for fun things to do in Phoenix, this neighborhood has a plethora of shopping malls, spas, resorts, restaurants, and even golf courses. 

Median Sale Price: The median sale price of houses here is around $560,000, reflecting the recent rising demand. Proximity to highly-rated schools and a convenient commercial sector also justify the price. You will find multi-family homes, townhouses, and condos aplenty here. 

Transportation: Getting around Old Town Scottsdale is a breeze, thanks to the Scottsdale Trolley, which offers three fixed routes and connects to nine bus routes. Paratransit services include Ride Choice, CAB Connection, and Valley Metro. 

Best Food Places in Old Town Scottsdale: This neighborhood is home to popular eateries like Bourbon & Bones for juicy steaks and top-notch spirits, America’s Taco Shop for authentic Mexican cuisine, and Joe’s NY Pizza, which also dishes out calzones, pasta, gyros, and desserts. 

• North Mountain Village

Home to North Mountain Park, which offers mesmerizing city views and scenic hiking trails, North Mountain Village is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Phoenix. Peaceful yet welcoming, the village is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with children and pets. 

Castles N’ Coaster is the go-to amusement park here if you need an adrenaline rush, while Rose Mofford Sports Complex is ideal for basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball games. You can also walk or jog around the place. Cave Creek Golf Course promises good times for golf enthusiasts, too. 

Median Listing Home Price: The housing market in North Mountain Village might surprise you, as the median sale price is relatively low at  $400,000. Condos, apartments, and houses are available to suit different budgets and tastes, and the prices are well worth the many conveniences, including walkability, ample parking, and more.

Transportation: Though having a car can simplify your life here, the Valley Metro transportation system is highly reliable. You can use city buses or the Light Rail to get around quickly. 

Best Food Places in North Mountain Village: Dig into a fresh lobster or something as exquisite as frog legs at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Or relax with a specialty brew at North Mountain Brewing Company. Different Pointe of View, perched 1800 feet above the city and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, is perfect for upscale dinners. Try the Broccoli Rabe Pesto and Lobster Bisque.  

Paradise Valley Village

Are you passionate about golfing, hiking, biking, or horse riding? If so, Paradise Valley Village is the best place to live in Phoenix, AZ for you. 

Orange Tee Golf Resort and Stone Creek Golf Club are popular destinations. This area is home to many public schools, making it suitable for families with children. Camelback Mountain, Mummy Mountain, and Piestewa Peak make for a picturesque setting and provide ample opportunities for open-air entertainment. 

Median Listing Home Price: The median sold price in Paradise Valley Village is 605K. 

Best Food Places in Paradise Valley Village: Resorts boasting stylish pools, high-end nightclubs, and some of the best places to eat in Phoenix add to the neighborhood’s appeal. Relish a fine selection of wine and authentic Italian delicacies in a rustic setting at The Sicilian Butcher, or gorge on modern American dishes while admiring panoramic views at Elements. Rusconi’s American Kitchen is a contemporary place to try wood-fired preparations. 

Transportation: Public buses and the Light Rail are available in Paradise Valley Village. 

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• Arcadia 

Are you wondering where to live in Phoenix for a perfect mix of convenience and excitement? Arcadia, close to Downtown Phoenix, can tick every box. Whether you want to hike up Camelback Mountain or walk, run, or cycle along the Arizona Canal Trail, Arcadia is the place to be. 

After a hard day’s work, unwind at one of the contemporary pubs, lounges, or cocktail bars around Gaslight Square, or indulge in some shopping at Camelback Village Center’s premium boutiques. You can also enjoy a relaxed yet fun nightlife in this safe neighborhood. 

Median Listing Home Price: The median listing home price is around $1.8M. 

Transportation: You can easily walk around Arcadia or bike to your destination. Public buses and Light Rail are also available, though having a car is useful.

Best Food Places in Arcadia: For American meals in a cozy setting, head to The Henry. Postino Arcadia serves a variety of wines and bruschetta and features outdoor seating. You can also visit The Vig for live music, tasty pub food, and cocktails.

Biltmore

One of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix, Biltmore is an upscale residential area north of Camelback Road. Peppered with classy houses, manicured lawns, lofty palms, and fragrant rose gardens, this neighborhood exudes southwestern charm. You can cherish suburban tranquility without compromising on urban amenities. 

The Arizona Biltmore Resort promises a luxurious desert getaway with two golf courses, a 65-foot water slide, and seven pools. You can shop for designer apparel at Biltmore Fashion Park or chill at one of the coffee joints here. 

Thanks to the Arizona Canal Trail and Salt River, Biltmore offers many fun things to do in Phoenix if you are into outdoor adventures. Take your family to the Phoenix Zoo or Phoenix Botanical Garden on weekends.  

Median Listing Home Price: Given that Biltmore scores impressively on luxury, convenience, safety, and scenic beauty, the median listing home price is relatively fair at $949K. Options range from one-bedroom condos to sprawling mansions for big families. Many properties are within gated communities, adding extra safety and security. 

Transportation: Getting around Biltmore is easy with the Light Rail and public buses. 

Best Food Places in Biltmore: The Capital Grille is ideal for upscale dining in a club-like atmosphere as you dig into delicious steaks and burgers. The Gladly is more budget-friendly and serves over 200 whiskeys, or sample international wines and seasonal American fare at Seasons 52. 

• Encanto Village & Midtown 

Close to downtown yet serene and quaint, Encanto Village & Midtown is the best place to live in Phoenix, AZ if you are keen on an affordable yet fun lifestyle. 

The historic area offers access to professional opportunities and entertainment options. Encanto Park sprawled across 222 acres with an amusement park, golf course, lagoon (try fishing), and picnic areas, is a key attraction here. 

You can also head to the Phoenix Theatre for a show or admire interesting exhibits at the Phoenix Art Museum. Park Central Mall is the go-to place for shopping. Pretty tree-lined streets and a welcoming community add to the appeal of Encanto Village. 

Median Sale Price: The median home sale price is around $465,000. The area has many restored and renovated properties boasting various architectural styles, including Tudor, French Cottage, Mediterranean, Pueblo, Eclectic, Ranch, and Colonial.  

Transportation: The public transport system is well-established, too, as Valley Metro Rail is easily accessible and has four strategic stops. Reaching the airport from Encanto Village is also no-fuss. 

Best Food Places in Encanto Village & Midtown: Seeking culinary delights? Oven+Vine offers a relaxed evening with a garden patio to enjoy craft beer and gourmet flatbreads. Ocotillo boasts an industrial vibe and serves seasonal American delicacies. Or you can enjoy pizza in a homely setting at Forno 301. 

• Alhambra, AZ 

Affordable yet teeming with friendly vibes and modern comforts, Alhambra is among the best neighborhoods in Phoenix for young professionals and families. 

This diverse neighborhood has plenty of green spaces to have fun with your family or dogs and you can visit the Phoenix Tennis Center. The lively Uptown Farmers Market, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, allows you to shop for artisanal items from local vendors. 

The presence of big shopping malls, cinemas, coffee shops, and Grand Canyon University makes Alhambra a youthful and energetic place where you can live comfortably.

Median Listing Home Price: The median listing home price is roughly $378,000. 

Transportation: Thanks to the Light Rail and I-17, you can reach any hotspot in Phoenix within roughly half an hour from this neighborhood. This makes daily commuting a breeze. There are plenty of highly-regarded public and private schools in Alhambra, AZ.

Best Food Places in Alhambra, AZ: Some of the best places to eat in Phoenix are also in this neighborhood. If you are ready to gorge on a 6-pound burger, head to Bowlero Christown. Or enjoy burritos and fish tacos at The Beach House without breaking the bank. Postino Central, with fire pits and a front patio, is known for its light Italian dishes and wine in a cozy setting. 

Experience Living in Phoenix

Whether you prefer the affordability and youthful vibes of Alhambra, AZ, the lavish lifestyle and outdoors adventures of Biltmore, or the vibrant art, culture, and foodie scene of Downtown Phoenix, finding the best place to live in Phoenix, AZ for you requires time and research. 

While Phoenix is a fantastic blend of urban conveniences, natural beauty, history, culture, and culinary joys, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living for each area and ensure that it aligns with your budget, needs, and career goals. 

FAQs

What is the best neighborhood for young professionals in Phoenix, AZ?

Encanto Village and Alhambra are affordable neighborhoods close to all the hotspots in Phoenix and have reliable public transport. There are also many indoor and outdoor entertainment options. If you work primarily from home, consider North Mountain Village. 

What are the best places to eat in Phoenix for an upscale experience?

These are some of the top places where you can enjoy an upscale meal in Phoenix: 

• The Farish House (Downtown Phoenix): Enjoy Mediterranean and French delicacies and premium wines in an elegant setting. 
• Different Pointe of View (North Mountain Village): Situated at a height of 1800 feet and famed for floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible city views. 
• The Capital Grille (Biltmore): Boasts a club-like ambiance and serves delectable burgers and steaks.
• Elements (Paradise Valley Village): Offers gorgeous panoramic views and serves contemporary American fare.  

What are some fun things to do in Phoenix?

Catch a baseball game at Chase Field, hike up Camelback Mountain, jog along Arizona Canal Trail, or enjoy a relaxing weekend at Arizona Biltmore Resort. 

Is living in Phoenix a good idea with small children?

Most of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix have good schools and ample green spaces, which make them ideal for families with small children. There is plenty of room to play, run, or enjoy outdoor activities like cycling.