Thinking about moving to Phoenix, Arizona? You’re definitely not alone. Phoenix has over 1.6 million people and many of them have moved here from other places. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice for relocation — the city is hot in more ways than one and not just because of the weather.
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau data for 2019, Phoenix brought in more new residents than any other city in the U.S. — and it wasn’t just that year. 2019 was the fourth year in a row that Phoenix held that title. The city offers lots of job opportunities and the cost of living is more affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas (looking at you, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco).
Phoenix is known as the “Valley of the Sun” but if you’re thinking about making it your home, here are the best Phoenix neighborhoods to consider.
Downtown Phoenix
If you like being close to shops, nightlife, restaurants and entertainment — all within walking distance — Downtown Phoenix is the place for you. It has a modern vibe and is perfect if you’re not ready for quiet suburban living. From museums to live shows, there’s always something fun to do here, along with some great city views.
Downtown Phoenix has several mixed-use high-rises that combine luxury living with office and commercial spaces. Based on data from RENTCafé in May 2021, the average rent is about $1,750 a month, though many places cost more. Still, paying a bit extra might be worth it if you don’t have to worry about commuting or car expenses. And if you live and work in Downtown Phoenix, you’re in luck — Bicycle Boulevard is a 4.6-mile route with bike lanes, shared lanes and bike dots that cyclists use to travel safely around the area.
Even though Downtown Phoenix has a younger and more fast-paced vibe, it still offers great education options for families. Schools in this area include the Arizona School for the Arts and Bioscience High School.
Intown Neighborhoods
If you want a bit more space and quiet but still stay close to the city life, consider one of the intown neighborhoods. These areas have plenty of 1950s and 1960s charm — think of a classic Mad Men style — and are perfect for those who prefer something with character instead of a modern, master-planned community. So grab an Old Fashioned and take a look.
- Marlen Grove: If “Keep Marlen Grove Weird” isn’t already a saying, it definitely should be. This trendy spot attracts young professionals and creative people with its stylish homes and modern designs that line the old citrus grove streets.
- Windemere: Life feels easy in this relaxed neighborhood which was first built with three-bedroom homes around 1,500 square feet. Many homeowners have added more space by enclosing carports or redesigning the layout for a more open floor plan.
- Marion Estates: This higher-end neighborhood was established in 1952 and features split-level and minimalist-style homes surrounded by beautiful, hilly views. If you’re searching for your own little piece of desert right in the middle of the city, this is the perfect spot.
- Paradise Gardens: If you love 1960s-style concrete block homes, you’ll feel right at home in Paradise Gardens. These houses stand out beautifully with their bright colors set against the Arizona desert backdrop.
And if you want to live a bit farther from the city but still have good schools, plenty of activities, and different housing choices, there are many great suburbs around the Phoenix area.
Top Phoenix Suburbs
Forget the little boxes on the hillside made with ticky tacky — Phoenix goes beyond the usual cookie-cutter suburban life. With its year-round sunshine and high temperatures, it’s not only a retirement paradise but also an ideal place for nature lovers.
If built-in amenities are what you like, take a closer look at one of the master-planned communities spread across the valley which attract both families and retirees. These large neighborhoods include recreational and commercial features such as golf courses, parks, swimming pools, playgrounds, and even restaurants and shopping centers.
And whether you’re looking for classic charm or a modern touch, Phoenix has an area that’s just right for you.
Arcadia
A quick bit of history — Arcadia was known as the home of the Greek gods and a symbol of peaceful, natural beauty. The Phoenix neighborhood with the same name truly lives up to that reputation.
Located near Camelback Mountain and only about 10 miles from downtown, Arcadia is a beautiful area with some of the best dining and shopping spots in the city. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most desirable places to live in Phoenix — which is why it earns a place on our best Phoenix neighborhoods map. However, like most popular areas, living in Arcadia comes with a higher price tag.
According to realtor.com, the median home listing price in Arcadia was $1.2 million as of May 2021. While the area is known for its large, historic single-family homes, there are also some more affordable options and rental choices, such as the townhomes on Camelback Road. The classic Arcadia-style home is a post-war, one-story ranch on a large lot — some have been renovated, while others have been replaced with custom-built homes.
Another reason families are attracted to Arcadia is its excellent public school district. The area is part of the Scottsdale Unified School District which ranks among the best in the state. For those who prefer private education, there are several great options, most of them faith-based, such as Saint Theresa Catholic School and Christ Lutheran School.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is known for its luxury resorts and golf courses — and honestly, that’s not a bad reputation to have. But there’s more to it than just beautiful greens. With low crime rates and excellent schools, Scottsdale is a great place for families. It’s also recognized as one of the top ten places to retire.
It’s hard to describe Scottsdale in just one style or category but if you want a modern suburban feel, this is the place for you. Some neighborhoods have been around for decades, while others, like Gainey Ranch, are newer planned communities. There are many luxury homes worth millions, especially in North Scottsdale, but South Scottsdale also offers more affordable single-family houses.
If you’re interested in renting and want a busier, more urban atmosphere, take a look at Downtown Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Waterfront features mixed-use high-rises with luxury rentals, shops, restaurants and more all in one location. The city also has a lively arts scene — the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is located downtown and the Scottsdale Arts Festival is ranked among the best art fairs in the country. Residents can enjoy the local art every Thursday evening during the city’s ArtWalk.
Paradise Valley
This area, known as the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest,” has plenty of swimming pools and movie stars — and for good reason. It’s Arizona’s wealthiest municipality, filled with luxury golf courses, spas and dining.
The small but impressive Paradise Valley has a population of about 14,000 people, with a median age just over 53. According to Zillow, as of May 2021, the average home value is a little over $2.4 million — a 23.7% increase from the previous year. It really should be paradise, right?
Keeping up with its heavenly reputation, Paradise Valley also has an excellent school district. According to Niche, the Paradise Valley Unified School District ranks as the 16th best in the state and the eighth best in Arizona for athletes.
When they’re not out golfing, Paradise Valley residents enjoy visiting the fun and unique McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, viewing local Arizona art at Cosanti or eating at one of the area’s many great restaurants.
High Street
“All work and no play” doesn’t apply on High Street. Located in North Phoenix, this modern and stylish neighborhood is ideal for young professionals and anyone who enjoys being in a lively area surrounded by restaurants, shops and residential spaces.
High Street was built in 2008 and sits in the heart of Desert Ridge, the largest master-planned community in Arizona. It’s a great spot for renters who want to be right in the middle of the excitement while still enjoying the best that both Phoenix and Scottsdale have to offer.
Glendale
Sports fans, this one’s for you! If you’re searching for a suburb with major sports excitement, Glendale is the place to be. It’s home to State Farm Stadium, where the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals play and Gila River Arena, home of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. You can also watch the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers during their spring training games here.
And if you enjoy staying active, Glendale is a great fit. The city has more than 75 public parks with hiking trails, swimming pools, dog parks, playgrounds and sports fields. If you prefer movies or live music, you can head to the Westgate Entertainment District.
It’s easy to see why Glendale is the sixth most populated city in Arizona. Still, it offers more affordable housing than many nearby suburbs, with a median listing home price of about $360,000 as of May 2021, according to realtor.com. Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect and Arizona snowbird, greatly influenced the city’s home designs, and several of Glendale’s ranch-style houses reflect his signature style.
Tempe
If you enjoy the energy of a college town, Tempe might be the perfect place for you. It’s home to Arizona State University and was ranked by Niche as the 7th best suburb to live in within Arizona. With nearly 188,000 residents, Tempe is large enough to offer plenty to do while still keeping a cozy, suburban charm.
According to Zillow, home values in Tempe are more affordable than in other neighborhoods on this list but are still rising. With a 21.3% increase over the past year, the typical home value is nearly $388,000 as of May 2021. If you like the ranch-style homes mentioned earlier, you’ll find plenty of them in Tempe, along with some newer houses featuring a more modern design.
Like other areas on this list, Tempe offers several top-rated public schools, including Tempe Preparatory Academy, ASU Preparatory Academy, Pueblo Elementary School and the Center for Educational Excellence.
For summer fun, many Tempe residents head to Big Surf Waterpark, known for its 2.5-million-gallon Waikiki Beach Wave Pool. If you’d rather enjoy natural water, you can rent a boat and explore Tempe Town Lake. And when evening comes, the Mill Avenue District offers plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options.
Relocating to Phoenix
When it comes to moving to Phoenix, there’s no shortage of great neighborhoods to choose from. We hope this list helps you find one that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a young professional looking for easy access to entertainment or a retiree eager to enjoy more time outdoors, Phoenix truly offers something for everyone.
Now that you’ve chosen your ideal neighborhood, make sure you also pick the right moving partner. STI Moving and Storage provides reliable, professional service to ensure your move is smooth, efficient and stress-free.
Moving across the country? We’ll take care of getting your belongings there safely. Just moving a few cities away? We’ve got affordable options to help you every step of the way — not just on moving day.
Get ready, the Valley of the Sun is waiting for you!
