Phoenix is one of the most comfortable and amazing cities to live in the US. With a grand population of 1.51 million, making it the 6th largest city in the country, and sunny weather on average 296 days a year, you will see why it attracts people from all over the country and world to live in Phoenix. With great events happening on a regular due to our amazing weather, breathtaking hiking trails, and neighborhoods where amazing dining and attractions are usually just a bike ride away, who wouldn’t want to call one of these amazing neighborhoods home? We have checked out our database and did our internet research to let you know where and what are the Top 10 Neighborhoods that you will want to call home.
Number 10 - North Central Phoenix
Anything along the old bridle path that runs up Central Avenue north from about Camelback Road past Glendale Avenue is considered prime real estate. John McCain’s former mansion is here. There are several older, nice subdivisions, and good schools. The city’s highly regarded Catholic high schools, Brophy and Xavier, are here, and the public schools are in the strongly ranked Phoenix school district. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon lives in Windsor Square, a historic neighborhood that winds around the northeast corner of Camelback and Central. The first homes were adobe territorial style, built in the 1930s; building continued until the 1950s. Neighbors take great pride in this ‘hood, and the annual home tour is a popular event.
Number 9 - North Tempe
If a subdivision where all the houses look the same doesn’t appeal to you, check out north Tempe, near Arizona State University. Maple-Ash, a historic Tempe neighborhood just southwest of Mill Avenue and University, is a funky, fun area with older houses on large, irrigated lots. There’s also a great local bar, Casey Moore’s. Maple-Ash has the most varied architecture in the area; homes were built between 1900 and 1950 and range from farm cottages to ranch houses. More manageable is University Park, east of Mill, where the homes are a little newer and the lots are larger. Several new condominium complexes have sprouted near ASU, including The Vale, an ultra-modern loft complex designed by celebrated local architect Will Bruder, and Orchidhouse, luxury lofts right on Mill Avenue, ASU’s main commercial thoroughfare. The area is served by the Tempe public school district.
Number 8 - Agritopia
Agritopia perches on the city’s southeast corner in the town of Gilbert. Future residents can choose a home style — Craftsman, Spanish Revival, Arizona Ranch, or Northern European Revival — modeled on homes built in the Phoenix area in the 1930s and ’40s. All houses are available with basements. True to the development’s name, there’s an emphasis here on agriculture. An urban farm sells locally grown produce and a farm grill serves food made with ingredients grown right there. The community is in the Higley School District.
Number 7 - Alahambra
Alahambra is located just a few miles from downtown Phoenix and has a Walk Score of 54. Alahambra has a number of conveniences that make for a comfortable lifestyle such as Uncle Tony’s NY Pizza, Solano Park which is the ideal spot for recreation activities, Federal Pizza, Washington Park, Palo Verde Golf Course, Washington Activity Center, and the Torch Theatre. Residents also enjoy the convenience of Costco.
Number 6 - Central City
Central City Village comprises the Phoenix’s downtown area. Central City has a population of 56,660 and a Walk Score of 63. The area features both single-family homes, as well as, lofts, apartments, and condos, and has a number of nearby places that are enjoyed on a daily basis. Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub and the Turf Irish Pub are ideal spots for Irish cuisine and a brew. Other eating establishments include the Tacos De Juarez, Guys Burgers and Fries, and Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop.
Number 5 - Verrado
If you’re looking for a master-planned community, and you don’t mind being on the far, far, far west end of town, Verrado’s a good option. A few years ago this spot just off the I-10 near the White Tank Mountains in Buckeye was an empty desert. DMB, a Scottsdale developer, created Verrado, an instant town in the New Urbanism mold. The homes come in a variety of architectural styles and all feature porches and proximity to parks. There’s also a Main Street with a retail district that includes a good pizzeria, coffee, live jazz performances, and other homey touches.
Number 4 - Encanto
The Encanto Village is one of the 15 villages throughout Phoenix. The neighborhood houses a population of 53,862 and has a Walk Score of 60. Encanto features a number of establishments that include Bashas’ grocery store, Pink Spot Coffee and Ice Cream, 5th Avenue Café, Zuppa’s Bistro, Jonnies Chicago Red Hot, Sacks Art of Sandwicherie, and Honey Bear’s BBQ.
Number 3 - Camelback East
The Camelback East Village is adjacent to the suburbs of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale and has a Walk Score of 59. The neighborhood has a number of amenities that offer conveniences, such as Zipps Sports Grill. Safeway grocery store serves local residents with groceries, as well as Pei Wei Asian Market. Other highlights of Camelback East include Muse Apparel and Papago Park, which is a wonderful place to hike.
Number 2 - North Mountain
North Mountain is the 5th most walkable neighborhood in Phoenix with a Walk Score of 52. Residents enjoy community amenities that include the Wahsun Chinese Restaurant, Lady Diana’s Cakes and Catering, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Gyro’s House, Golden Valley Family Restaurant, Alicia Park, Pointe in Tyme, Barro’s Pizza, Dunken Donuts, Royal Palm Park, Norton Park, Palma Park, and the Sunnyslope Center.
Number 1 - Arcadia
This east Phoenix neighborhood tops the list for a simple reason: LOCATION. Arcadia offers urban dwellings with a rural feel, and it’s 15 minutes or less from the airport and downtown Scottsdale. Bordered by 44th and 68th streets to the west and east, respectively, Camelback Road to the north, and the Arizona Crosscut Canal to the south, Arcadia was once home to orange and grapefruit groves. Lots are relatively large and irrigated, dotted with some of those original citrus trees. Many of Arcadia’s original 1950s homes have been flattened to make way for McMansions, but some of those low-slung old ranch houses still stand. They’re a good deal if you’re looking to live in this pricey area and can’t afford a big mortgage. Arcadia’s streets are wide and the schools in this part of the Scottsdale School District are exceptionally good.
