Top 20 Phoenix neighborhoods. The emoji-friendly guide ☀️🌵

April 17, 2023 Β· 13 min read

In this guide we list the 20 best neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona, covering several aspects of each neighborhood such as why to live there, the type of people that live there, attractions, famous aspects, businesses, median house pricing, and average rent for studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom apartments. It also mentions if the neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, if public transportation is available, and if it is pet-friendly. An emoji has been added for each neighborhood. The neighborhoods range from historic and charming to upscale and modern, with a diverse mix of people and plenty of amenities to offer.


 

  1. Arcadia 🌳
  • Why live there: Arcadia is known for its beautiful homes, great schools, and scenic views of Camelback Mountain. It's a peaceful and upscale neighborhood that's perfect for families.
  • People: Arcadia has a diverse population, but is mostly made up of upper-middle-class families.
  • Attractions: Arcadia is home to several parks and hiking trails, as well as the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.
  • Famous for: Beautiful homes and views of Camelback Mountain.
  • Businesses: Arcadia has plenty of restaurants, shops, and other businesses, with a focus on upscale and trendy establishments.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $1.2 million.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,200, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,400, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,800.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Biltmore 🏒
  • Why live there: Biltmore is known for its luxurious homes, high-end shopping, and upscale dining options. It's a great neighborhood for those who want a taste of the high life.
  • People: Biltmore is mostly inhabited by upper-class professionals and retirees.
  • Attractions: Biltmore is home to the Biltmore Fashion Park, the Wrigley Mansion, and several golf courses.
  • Famous for: High-end shopping and dining.
  • Businesses: Biltmore has plenty of luxury retailers, high-end restaurants, and upscale businesses.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $1.5 million.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,300, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,500, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,900.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Central Phoenix πŸŒ‡
  • Why live there: Central Phoenix is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood with plenty of cultural attractions, great food, and a lively nightlife.
  • People: Central Phoenix is a diverse neighborhood with residents from all walks of life.
  • Attractions: Central Phoenix is home to the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and several theaters and music venues.
  • Famous for: Cultural attractions and great food.
  • Businesses: Central Phoenix has plenty of independent shops, restaurants, and businesses, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $300,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $900, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,100, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,400.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Coronado 🌈
  • Why live there: Coronado is a charming and historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets, vintage homes, and a close-knit community feel.
  • People: Coronado is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Attractions: Coronado is home to several parks and community gardens, as well as the Coronado Historic District.
  • Famous for: Historic homes and a strong sense of community.
  • Businesses: Coronado has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $400,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $900, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,100, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,400.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Desert Ridge 🌡🏒
  • Why live there: Desert Ridge is a newer, master-planned community that offers a suburban lifestyle with plenty of amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • People: Desert Ridge is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families and young professionals.
  • Attractions: Desert Ridge is home to the Desert Ridge Marketplace, a large outdoor shopping and entertainment center, as well as several parks and golf courses.
  • Famous for: Master-planned community with modern amenities.
  • Businesses: Desert Ridge has plenty of chain stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $500,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,200, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,400, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,800.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Downtown Phoenix πŸŒ†
  • Why live there: Downtown Phoenix is the heart of the city, with a lively arts and culture scene, great food, and plenty of entertainment options.
  • People: Downtown Phoenix is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of young professionals, artists, and students.
  • Attractions: Downtown Phoenix is home to several museums and theaters, as well as sports venues like Chase Field and Talking Stick Resort Arena.
  • Famous for: Arts and culture scene and sports venues.
  • Businesses: Downtown Phoenix has plenty of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores and office buildings.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $350,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,200, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,500, 2-bedroom average rent is around $2,000.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Encanto πŸƒ
  • Why live there: Encanto is a historic neighborhood with large, well-maintained homes and plenty of green spaces.
  • People: Encanto is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Attractions: Encanto is home to Encanto Park, one of the city's largest parks, as well as several golf courses.
  • Famous for: Historic homes and large green spaces.
  • Businesses: Encanto has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $400,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $900, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,100, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,400.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Garfield 🎨
  • Why live there: Garfield is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a growing arts and culture scene, as well as affordable housing options.
  • People: Garfield is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of artists, young professionals, and families.
  • Attractions: Garfield is home to several art galleries and studios, as well as the Phoenix Children's Museum.
  • Famous for: Growing arts and culture scene.
  • Businesses: Garfield has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $250,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $700, 1-bedroom average rent is around $900, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,200.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Kierland πŸ›οΈ
  • Why live there: Kierland is an upscale neighborhood with plenty of high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • People: Kierland is mostly inhabited by upper-class professionals and retirees.
  • Attractions: Kierland is home to the Kierland Commons, an upscale outdoor shopping and dining center, as well as several golf courses.
  • Famous for: High-end shopping and dining.
  • Businesses: Kierland has plenty of luxury retailers, high-end restaurants, and upscale businesses.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $800,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,500, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,800, 2-bedroom average rent is around $2,400.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Maryvale 🌳
  • Why live there: Maryvale is a diverse neighborhood with a strong sense of community and plenty of green spaces.
  • People: Maryvale is mostly inhabited by working-class families and retirees, with a large Hispanic population.
  • Attractions: Maryvale is home to several parks and community centers, as well as the Maryvale Baseball Park.
  • Famous for: Strong sense of community and large Hispanic population.
  • Businesses: Maryvale has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $200,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $700, 1-bedroom average rent is around $900, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,200.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Moon Valley πŸŒ™
  • Why live there: Moon Valley is a peaceful and upscale neighborhood with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • People: Moon Valley is mostly inhabited by upper-middle-class families.
  • Attractions: Moon Valley is home to several golf courses and parks, as well as the North Mountain Preserve.
  • Famous for: Stunning mountain views and upscale homes.
  • Businesses: Moon Valley has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $600,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,100, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,300, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,700.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. North Phoenix 🏑
  • Why live there: North Phoenix is a sprawling suburban area with plenty of housing options, as well as shopping and dining options.
  • People: North Phoenix is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Attractions: North Phoenix is home to several parks and golf courses, as well as the Cave Creek Recreation Area.
  • Famous for: Sprawling suburban area with plenty of housing options.
  • Businesses: North Phoenix has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $400,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,000, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,200, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,500.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Paradise Valley πŸŒ„
  • Why live there: Paradise Valley is a beautiful and upscale neighborhood with stunning views of Camelback Mountain.
  • People: Paradise Valley is mostly inhabited by upper-class professionals and retirees.
  • Attractions: Paradise Valley is home to several luxury resorts and spas, as well as several golf courses.
  • Famous for: Upscale homes and stunning views of Camelback Mountain.
  • Businesses: Paradise Valley has plenty of luxury retailers, high-end restaurants, and upscale businesses.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $2.5 million.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,500, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,800, 2-bedroom average rent is around $2,400.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Roosevelt Row 🎨
  • Why live there: Roosevelt Row is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood with a thriving arts and culture scene.
  • People: Roosevelt Row is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of artists, young professionals, and families.
  • Attractions: Roosevelt Row is home to several art galleries, street murals, and music venues, as well as the Arizona Science Center.
  • Famous for: Thriving arts and culture scene.
  • Businesses: Roosevelt Row has plenty of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $400,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,100, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,400, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,800.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Scottsdale 🏜️
  • Why live there: Scottsdale is a beautiful and upscale suburb with plenty of amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • People: Scottsdale is mostly inhabited by upper-class professionals and retirees.
  • Attractions: Scottsdale is home to several luxury resorts and spas, as well as several golf courses and the Scottsdale Fashion Square.
  • Famous for: Upscale amenities and beautiful desert scenery.
  • Businesses: Scottsdale has plenty of luxury retailers, high-end restaurants, and upscale businesses.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $700,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,500, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,800, 2-bedroom average rent is around $2,400.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. South Mountain πŸŒ„
  • Why live there: South Mountain is a scenic and diverse neighborhood with plenty of outdoor recreation options.
  • People: South Mountain is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Attractions: South Mountain is home to the South Mountain Park and Preserve, as well as several golf courses.
  • Famous for: Beautiful desert scenery and outdoor recreation options.
  • Businesses: South Mountain has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $300,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $800, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,000, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,300.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Sunnyslope 🌞
  • Why live there: Sunnyslope is an affordable neighborhood with a strong sense of community and plenty of outdoor recreation options.
  • People: Sunnyslope is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of working-class families and retirees.
  • Attractions: Sunnyslope is home to several parks and community centers, as well as the North Mountain Preserve.
  • Famous for: Affordable housing and strong sense of community.
  • Businesses: Sunnyslope has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $200,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $700, 1-bedroom average rent is around $900, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,200.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Uptown Phoenix πŸŒ‡
  • Why live there: Uptown Phoenix is a central and convenient neighborhood with plenty of amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • People: Uptown Phoenix is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Attractions: Uptown Phoenix is home to several parks and community centers, as well as the Biltmore Fashion Park.
  • Famous for: Central location and convenient amenities.
  • Businesses: Uptown Phoenix has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores and office buildings.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $450,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,100, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,300, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,700.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Somewhat. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Willo 🌸
  • Why live there: Willo is a charming and historic neighborhood with well-maintained homes and a strong sense of community.
  • People: Willo is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Attractions: Willo is home to several parks and community centers, as well as the Heard Museum.
  • Famous for: Historic homes and strong sense of community.
  • Businesses: Willo has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $550,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,100, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,400, 2-bedroom average rent is around $1,800.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.
  1. Windsor Square πŸƒ
  • Why live there: Windsor Square is a charming and upscale neighborhood with well-maintained homes and plenty of green spaces.
  • People: Windsor Square is mostly inhabited by upper-class professionals and retirees.
  • Attractions: Windsor Square is home to several parks and community centers, as well as the Phoenix Art Museum.
  • Famous for: Upscale homes and plenty of green spaces.
  • Businesses: Windsor Square has a mix of independent shops and restaurants, as well as some larger chain stores.
  • Housing: Median house price is around $700,000.
  • Rent: Studio average rent is around $1,200, 1-bedroom average rent is around $1,500, 2-bedroom average rent is around $2,000.
  • Pedestrian-friendly? Yes. Public transportation available? Yes. Pet friendly? Yes.

 

The final notes

If you are looking to relocate to Phoenix, this guide can help you explore and compare some of the best neighborhoods in the area.

πŸ‘₯ Demographics: Consider the type of people that live in each neighborhood, such as families, young professionals, or retirees.

🏞️ Amenities: Look for neighborhoods with plenty of amenities, such as parks, museums, and shopping centers.

πŸ’° Housing prices: Consider the median house prices and average rent for studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in each neighborhood.

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Walkability: Consider the walkability of each neighborhood and the availability of public transportation, especially if you prefer to walk or use public transit instead of driving.

🐾 Pet-friendliness: Look for neighborhoods that are pet-friendly and have dog parks or nearby walking trails if you have pets.

πŸ’Ό Businesses: Consider the type of businesses in each neighborhood, including restaurants, shops, and services.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety: Look at crime rates and safety statistics for each neighborhood to ensure a safe living environment.

🏫 Education: Look into the quality of schools in the area, especially if you have children.

πŸš— Commute time: Consider the commute time to work or other important locations from each neighborhood.

🏑 Overall vibe: Keep an open mind and explore different neighborhoods to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Overall, Phoenix has a diverse range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique charm and appeal.

by Eugene Smirnov

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