People are flocking to this desert city for the warm weather, great jobs and low cost of living. The city is also known for its many outdoor recreation opportunities and a wide array of entertainment options. Both food and healthcare cost less in Phoenix than the national average.
The Valley of the Sun has many neighborhoods, from trendy Downtown and hip Roosevelt to quiet Estrella. There’s definitely one or more to fit your taste if you’re moving to Phoenix.
Here are 15 of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix for 2022.
1. Downtown
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,167
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,799
- Walk Score: 83/100
If you’re looking for the center of everything, Downtown is the place to live. Not only is it close to many of the largest employers in Phoenix, but it has just about everything you could want to do, from watching the Arizona Diamondback play to nightclubbing. The neighborhood is walkable and has many transit options, as well.
Kids will enjoy both the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Arizona Science Center. Adults can choose from an eclectic mix of art galleries, restaurants and shops. It has something for everyone and this makes it the most popular neighborhood in the city.
2. Deer Valley
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,468
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,740
- Walk Score: 44/100
Deer Valley is a large Phoenix neighborhood with a suburban look and feel. The top-rated public schools and large amounts of outdoor space make the neighborhood attractive to young families. Many professionals come to the area, as well, due to its short commute to downtown.
There are plenty of things to do without ever leaving the neighborhood. Wet’n’Wild Phoenix is here, as is the Petroglyph Preserve and the Turf Paradise racetrack. Other unique attractions include the Adobe Dam Regional Park and the Deer Park Airport. The latter is on the list of busiest general aviation airports in the U.S.
3. Arcadia
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,389
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,800
- Walk Score: 59/100
Arcadia is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Phoenix, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix. It’s bordered by Camelback Mountain and has plenty of outdoor recreation options for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. Echo Canyon Recreation Center and the Desert Botanical Garden are two of the top draws. Interesting fact: The first citrus grove in Phoenix was planted here.
If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, you can hit up the many trendy shops, antique stores and restaurants. AZ Ice Arcadia will provide you with a way to cool down in the hot desert summers.
Pet lovers and parents alike come to this neighborhood for the parks. The schools are also top-rated.
4. Roosevelt
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,950
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,077
- Walk Score: 82/100
This trendy neighborhood is within shouting distance of Downtown and is attractive to many professionals. It provides stiff competition to Downton for the title of the most popular neighborhood. Most residents are between 20 and 44, with a handful of older professionals and retirees making up the remainder.
Roosevelt is the art district of Phoenix. Roosevelt Row is the place to check out tons of galleries and artists’ exhibits. The Japanese Friendship Garden is the primary outdoor draw. Small boutiques, an eclectic mix of eateries and diverse architecture round out this neighborhood.
5. North Mountain
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,108
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,310
- Walk Score: 52/100
While some people like downtown for its busy lifestyle, others like North Mountain for its quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. Not that this neighborhood is boring or lacks entertainment options — quite the contrary. It’s a far more casual space than downtown.
Parks and outdoor recreation options abound in this family-friendly neighborhood. Hiking opportunities are everywhere. Families love the Castles ‘N Coasters amusement park. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities to choose from, as well.
6. Camelback East
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,262
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,522
- Walk Score: 58/100
Another popular neighborhood, Camelback East is within easy reach of downtown, the airport, most of the city’s major parks and all of the best healthcare facilities in Phoenix. It’s a walkable neighborhood that draws people of all ages while still being affordable.
It’s a scenic place with a mix of urban and suburban amenities. The Phoenix Zoo is here, as is the Pueblo Grande Museum. The nightlife is a top draw for many people. Others like the fact that it’s pet-friendly. Parents will love the top-rated public schools.
7. South Mountain
- Median 1-BR rent: $855
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,200
- Walk Score: 37/100
This suburban neighborhood on the south end of the city is attractive to many for its affordability, but it’s also home to the airport, so be prepared to deal with the noise from that. Both families and professionals like this area. It’s just a quick commute to anywhere in the city.
Plazas border the entire neighborhood, making shopping easy. The Mystery Castle is a unique attraction. South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country (No. 4, in fact) and offers many opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities. Finally, the San Francisco Xavier Mission rounds out the unique features of South Mountain.
8. Garfield
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,100
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,095
- Walk Score: 82/100
Garfield is a small neighborhood a short distance from downtown and both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. Subsequently, a lot of college students call it home. Its biggest draw is its walkability.
This neighborhood boasts not one but two historic districts and has a mixture of architectural styles from several periods. There aren’t a lot of nightlife options, nor many parks and shopping options. Right now, it has one of the highest crime rates in the city but it’s also on the list of up-and-coming neighborhoods and is the most affordable way to get close to downtown.
9. Paradise Valley
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,800
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,397
- Walk Score: 48/100
Paradise Valley is an affluent neighborhood that runs along the border with Scottsdale and is home to many golf courses, multiple resorts and several high-end shopping centers. The good schools are attractive to families and the quiet lifestyle pulls in older professionals and retirees. The OdySea Aquarium is one of the most unique features of the neighborhood.
Outdoor lovers will love to live in Paradise Valley. The Scottsdale Greenbelt, the Cholla Trailhead and Mummy Mountain are just a few of the options for hiking and getting exercise. Art lovers will find many galleries to choose from.
10. Desert View
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,034
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,592
- Walk Score: 22/100
Desert View is the second-best neighborhood to live in Phoenix. It has a rural feel while still being within the city limits. Horse lovers will like the ranches and equestrian centers located here, and bikers will appreciate the bike lanes. Other outdoor activities include hiking in The Sonoran Preserve, a 10,000-acre nature preserve.
There’s not much nightlife in Desert View, but there are multiple high-end shopping centers and plenty of restaurants to choose from. The schools are highly rated and the Tonto National Forest is a short drive away.
11. Desert Ridge
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,904
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,494
- Walk Score: 29/100
This neighborhood on the northeastern side of Phoenix is one of the most affluent in the city. It’s well known for luxury living and upscale boutiques and stores. The Desert Ridge Marketplace and High Street attract shoppers from all over the city.
The Musical Instrument Museum is one of the most unique features of Desert Ridge. The Mayo Clinic has a campus here, as well. Top-notch public schools draw a lot of families to the neighborhood. It’s a quiet neighborhood that gets you away from the bustle of the city while not going out to the countryside.
12. Alhambra
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,024
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,262
- Walk Score: 57/100
Best known for Grand Canyon University, Alhambra is a mixture of suburban and rural. College students flock to the school while families come for the schools and family-friendly activities. This neighborhood is also known for its dog parks and pet-friendly amenities.
The Uptown Farmers Market and Washington Park are both popular with residents. It has the highest-rated in the city. The neighborhood also has a good mix of eateries, coffee shops and art galleries.
13. Maryvale
- Median 1-BR rent: $914
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,116
- Walk Score: 45/100
Maryvale is an older, inner-ring suburban neighborhood that’s started to undergo revitalization in recent years but is still one of the most affordable places to live in Phoenix. It’s just a short commute from downtown. The most unique feature of this neighborhood is that it has two baseball fields: American Family Fields of Phoenix, where the Milwaukee Brewers hold spring training, and Camelback Ranch, which is similarly used by the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
As the neighborhood changes, property values are going up and crime rates are coming down. More eateries and shops are opening up in the neighborhood. Ratings for the local public schools are also increasing making this one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix.
14. Estrella
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,275
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,352
- Walk Score: 23/100
The Sierra Estrella Mountains make this neighborhood one of the most scenic in all of Phoenix. Estrella Mountain Regional Park is open to the public and is popular for fishing, horseback riding and camping, among other outdoor activities. The Salt River flows along the southern end of the neighborhood.
Estrella is a suburban neighborhood closer to Goodyear than downtown Phoenix. It’s a master-planned community and draws many families and young professionals. Star Tower and the Estrella Museum are two unique features. Elliot Market and the Mountain Ranch Marketplace will appeal to shoppers.
15. Biltmore
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,500
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,495
- Walk Score: 54/100
One of the most affluent areas in Phoenix, Biltmore is home to luxurious hotels like the Arizona Biltmore and upscale shopping centers, such as Biltmore Fashion. Despite the luxurious nature of the neighborhood, it doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife, arts or theater. You’ll need to head to other parts of the city for those.
The Wrigley Mansion is a unique attraction that’s open to the public for tours and dining. It has some of the best views in the city. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the amenities provided by the Arizona Canal Trail. It’s a pet- and family-friendly neighborhood, but the schools receive mixed ratings.
Find the best Phoenix neighborhood for you
Are you moving to Phoenix? Do you want to find the best neighborhood and apartment for you before you arrive? You can browse apartments for rent in Phoenix to your heart’s content and even apply online before setting foot in The Valley. Have a good move!
