Moving to Phoenix? If you’re looking for a place to settle down that offers affordable housing, low crime rates, family-friendly communities, and great views, consider one of these safe, affordable Phoenix neighborhoods!
Ahwatukee Foothills
Photo via @tomkatstudio
- Home Price: $550,000 median purchase price; $1,697 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 73% of Phoenix neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Easily one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Phoenix, Ahwatukee Foothills has a distinctly Spanish feel with its Mediterranean Revival single-family homes and spacious Hacienda-style homes. The neighborhood also features tons of outdoor recreation and green space, thanks to its close proximity to South Mountain Park and Preserve, where residents can go hiking or make their way up to Dobbins Lookout.
Things to Do in Ahwatukee Foothills
Take advantage of excellent golfing at Foothills Golf Club and Ahwatukee Country Club. Get in some retail therapy at The Shoppes at Casa Paloma. Check out Mystery Castle to see an architectural oddity in the middle of manicured bliss. Settle in for brunch at local favorite Hillside Spot, where you can try the Farmers Omelette and BHTA Torta. Visit The Original Burrito Co for their Green Chile Burrito, Pollo Burrito, and Churros. Grab savory Kolaches like the Smokes Sausage & Cheese and BBQ Pulled Pork with Pickle or a sweet Kolache like the Blueberry & Cheesecake at The Kolache Cafe. Or enjoy some great pub grub while knocking back a few drinks during a night out at Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits.
Deer Valley
Photo via @topazhomes4sale
- Home Price: $435,000 median purchase price; $1,388 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Phoenix neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
An ever-growing residential area in Phoenix, Deer Valley has a lot to offer those seeking safety and affordability. Spacious single-family ranches are common here, and their affordability draws families to the area, as do quality schools like Las Brisas Elementary School and Sandra Day O’Conner High School. And while Deer Valley may be a bit removed from the city, it’s only about 25 minutes away from Downtown Phoenix!
Things to Do in Deer Valley
Take the kids to the sprawling Hurricane Harbor Phoenix water park. Hike the trails at Deem Hills Recreation Area. Venture over to the western part of the neighborhood, where you can find Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, a 47-acre archaeology museum with more than 1,500 ancient engravings and rock carvings. Stop by Toso’s Bar and Grill for delicious burgers, sandwiches, or wings. Enjoy delicious cafe items like a Taylor Ham & Swiss Sandwich, a Strawberry Spinach Salad, or Butternut Squash Ravioli at WildFlower. Grab sushi at Ah-So, and be sure to try the Soft Shell Crab Roll, Caterpillar Roll, and Yellow Tail Scallion Roll. Or sip on some brews in the beer garden or grab dinner on the patio of State 48 Rock House.
North Gateway
Photo via @tjz17
- Home Price: $605,000 median purchase price; $1,655 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Phoenix neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
North Gateway has seen a lot of growth in the last 15 years, and its desert scenery is carefully integrated with the sleek stucco home designs you’ll find throughout the area. North Gateway is easily one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, and it’s home to highly-rated schools like Ridgeline Academy and Sunset Ridge School, making it an ideal neighborhood for families.
Things to Do in North Gateway
Practice your clay or trap shooting at Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Explore 18,000 acres of unspoiled desert with the nearby Sonoran Preserve. Get your adrenaline pumping with an afternoon at Black Mountain BMX‘s off-road racetrack. Learn what life for the settlers was like in Phoenix at the Pioneer Living History Museum. Settle in for a Pulled Pork Sammy, Baby Back Ribs, or Pesto Chicken Pasta at Azool Grill. Enjoy some Hotbox Fries or the Bases Loaded Nachos while you unwind with a cold brew and the game of the night at Bambino’s. Enjoy Mexican cuisine like Shrimp Fajitas and Steak Picado in a beautiful, relaxed setting at Plaza Bonita. Or grab a scoop of your favorite flavor of ice cream at Desert Donuts & Ice Cream.
North Mountain Village
Photo via @azhomeforsale
- Home Price: $388,450 median purchase price; $1,330 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 20% of Phoenix neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
North Mountain Village combines city amenities and spacious Southwestern-style housing with the natural beauty of the outdoors. This neighborhood offers fantastic hiking with its local trails and green spaces, and its scenery is some of the best in the Phoenix metro! In addition, this Phoenix neighborhood is home to the Arizona State University West Campus, so it’s a great spot for students and university staff alike!
Things to Do in North Mountain Village
Start your day with a hike at North Mountain Park and Shaw Butte trails, where you’ll find panoramic views of the entire valley. Stop by the always-popular nightclub Stacy’s @ Melrose. Strap on your rollerblades and hit up indoor rollerskating rink Great Skate. Try some Crawfish Etouffee or the Atlantic Salmon Alexander at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Enjoy some real BBQ in Phoenix at Bobby-Q, and be sure to try their award-winning Fried Chicken, Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs, or Smoked Pulled Pork. Grab some subs like the Pastrami & Provolone or the Beef & Bird at Captain Bill’s Submarine. Or catch the big game while enjoying some pub grub at The 44 Sports Grill & Nightlife.
South Mountain Village
Photo via @dannybrownaz
- Home Price: $394,535 median purchase price; $1,662 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of Phoenix neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Known for its strong sense of community and its affordable housing options, South Mountain Village is a top Phoenix neighborhood! Great public and private schools like BASIS Phoenix South and Awakening Seed School are scattered throughout the neighborhood, and residents can find all kinds of recreation spots throughout the neighborhood, including Raven Golf Club and South Mountain Park and Preserve.
Things to Do in South Mountain Village
Check out Dobbins Lookout, which sits at 2,330 feet and provides incredible views of Phoenix. Spend your afternoons on the greens of Legacy Golf Resort. Take the kids to the on-site water park or settle in for a massage at Arizona Grand Resort and Spa. Sample a bottle of wine with your upscale farm-to-table Three Course, Four Course, or Five Course meal at Quiessence. Grab a steak dinner and take part in a Wild West quick-draw contest at T-Bone Steakhouse. Enjoy dinner right on the golf course with dishes like the Brisket & Sausages and All You Can Eat Beef Ribs at Rustler’s Rooste. Or order some tacos like the Tropical Fish, Beef Tenderloin Steak, and Oaxaca Shrimp Tacos at Cocina Madrigal tacos + tequila.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
