Thinking about moving to Phoenix? One of the best big cities to live in the U.S., the Valley of the Sun is made of up 15 urban villages consisting of different neighborhoods, subdivisions, and historic districts. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to look for Phoenix real estate. Here are the five best places to buy a home in Phoenix!
Camelback East
- Home Price: $326,034 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Often referred to as East Phoenix or East Side, Camelback East gives residents an urban-suburban atmosphere located between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. Built on former citrus groves, two popular districts are located in Camelback East: Biltmore and Arcadia. Both areas have luxury shopping, family-friendly activities, and numerous elegant dining options. Biltmore is named after the Arizona Biltmore luxury resort and has sleek condominiums and townhomes available for Phoenix homebuyers. Arcadia offers more single-family, 1920s ranch-style Revivals and Pueblos, many of which have been recently updated. Both districts make the Camelback East area one of the most popular neighborhoods in the valley!
Things to Do in Camelback East
Climb a 1,200-foot elevation gain to Piestewa Peak while hiking the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Challenge yourself with one of the two difficult trails to the summit of Camelback Mountain. Shop stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren at Biltmore Fashion Park. See African lions, orangutans, and Asian elephants at the Phoenix Zoo—or sign your kids up for a winter or summer camp. Check out desert cacti, succulent galleries, wildflowers, butterflies, and more at Desert Botanical Garden. Fill up on a Wild Jumbo Shrimp Taco Platter, Filet Mignon, or Green Chile Burger at the industrial-chic Chelsea’s Kitchen. Experience fine dining and an ever-changing menu—featuring dishes like the Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn Sauce or Maine Lobster with House Made Basil Pasta—at Vincent on Camelback. Enjoy comfort favorites like Baby Back Danish Pork Ribs or the Smoked Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin at Phoenix City Grille.
Chandler
- Home Price: $324,500 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Chandler is a bustling suburb and a great place for buying real estate in the Phoenix metro, offering ranches, condos, townhomes, and sprawling estates in gated communities. As a thriving tech hub with major employers like Intel, Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo, and Boeing, many singles and young professionals are attracted to this area. Families are also drawn to Chandler, thanks to its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods like Sun Lakes, Sun Groves, and Cooper Commons. Historic Downtown Chandler features Pueblo Revival architecture, interesting museums like the Arizona Railway Museum, and landmarks like the McCullough-Price House, built in 1938. On top of all that, the city hosts fun community events throughout the year—including the annual Ostrich Festival, which has rides, food, live music, and commemorates Chandler’s unique history of ostrich ranching!
Things to Do in Chandler
Play sand volleyball, tennis, or baseball at the sprawling Desert Breeze Park. Burn some energy at a group exercise class, hit up the indoor track, or let the kids attend a youth camp at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center. Shop retail stores like Aerie, Anthropologie, and Coach at the upscale Chandler Fashion Center. Get tickets to musical or dance shows like The Australian Pink Floyd Show or Ballet Under the Stars at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Grab the Seaweed Salad, Teriyaki Chicken, or Calamari at the contemporary HonMachi. Chow down on Cajun Drunken Shrimp, Lazy Lasagna, or Salmon Milan at Stone & Vine Urban Italian. Order Grilled Striped Bass, a Filet Mignon, or Seared Scallops for dinner at converted cottage The Hidden House. Or sample craft beers like a Juicy Jack, Hopshock IPA, or Devils Ale at Downtown Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Company.
North Mountain Village
- Home Price: $217,423 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 29% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Typically known as a quiet neighborhood, North Mountain Village is a densely suburban area in northern Phoenix. This safe, affordable Phoenix neighborhood features housing options like townhomes, ranches, and split-level homes with a range of sizes and price points. Home to the Arizona State University West Valley campus, North Mountain Village is the perfect neighborhood for students, faculty, and staff of the university! If you need to commute, you have quick access to the SR-51 freeway as well as several light rail stops. North Mountain Village also has a number of hiking opportunities for residents due to the presence of the Lookout Mountain Preserve and Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
Things to Do in North Mountain Village
Ride the Desert Storm roller coaster, race around on the Go Karts, or cool off on the Splashdown at 14-acre Castles N’ Coasters. Join a bowling league or have fun during a Rock N Cosmic Bowl night at Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment. Hike one of the trails located throughout the neighborhood, like 1.7-mile North Mountain National Trail or 4.5-mile Shaw Butte Loop. Check out concerts, seminars, workshops, and classes at the North Mountain Visitor Center. Grab a classic Pulled Pork Sandwich or try the Red Chile Burrito at Little Miss BBQ. Order Italian dishes like Manicotti, Tuscan Pasta, or Baked Rigatoni at Anzio’s Italian Restaurant. Savor authentic Japanese entrees like Hamachi Kama and delicious sushi rolls like the Spicy Rainbow roll at Akaihana Sushi & Grill. Or enjoy award-winning dishes like the Aged Prime New York Strip or Wilder Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass during an elegant evening at Different Pointe of View.
Paradise Valley Village
- Home Price: $317,249 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located in northern Phoenix, Paradise Valley Village is ideal for anyone who prefers an escape from the city! Though the contemporary homes are slightly more expensive, this Phoenix neighborhood is known for being a well-maintained area. Situated between North Scottsdale and Old Town, residents will find a dense suburban feel with quiet, quaint streets. As one of the best neighborhoods for families, there are always activities going on—especially at the Paradise Valley Community Center, which provides community events for all ages, from summer camps for kids to line dancing for seniors. Paradise Valley Village is also home to Paradise Valley Community College, so it’s a convenient location for those looking for higher education opportunities.
Things to Do in Paradise Valley Village
Play 18 holes on the USGA-rated golf course or listen to live music in the bar at Orange Tree Golf Resort. Participate in soccer, laser tag, dodgeball, or flag football at Casey’s SportsWorld. Stroll through informative exhibits like the Hall of Astronauts or Deep Space Gallery to learn more about space exploration at the Earth & Space Expedition Center. Find signed music memorabilia and celebrity fine art pieces at the Rock Star Gallery. Channel your inner Man v. Food at Paradise Valley Burger Company with the Paradise Burger, Chicken Club Sandwich, or Cinco Diablo Burger. Try out dishes like an Italian Saganaki, Margherita Pizza, or Eggplant Parmigiana at the craft meatball & charcuterie bar, The Sicilian Butcher. Savor traditional German dishes like Jager Schnitzel or Kasespatzle along with German beers at Edelweiss Biergarten. Or sip craft cocktails like the Catch Me If You Cran and The Coffee Nut at O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery.
Scottsdale
- Home Price: $493,200 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Arizona cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Scottsdale is another great place to buy a house in the Phoenix area! Known as “The World’s Finest Golf Destination,” Scottsdale is home to many luxury spa resorts and dozens of golf courses like TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk Golf Club. This desert city is located east of Phoenix and is perfect for residents seeking a vibrant downtown scene, a family-friendly community, or a luxurious escape. Homebuyers will find great housing options in Scottsdale, including single-family ranches, custom estates, townhomes, and condos overlooking the Sonoran Desert. Additionally, residents can find plenty of things to do, from high-end shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square to attending events like Scottsdale ArtWalk in the heart of Old Town.
Things to Do in Scottsdale
Book a tee time at the 18-hole Troon North Golf Club, which overlooks the desert and is one of the best golf courses in the state. Go rock climbing or hike to the top of Pinnacle Peak at Pinnacle Peak Park. Hit up the basketball court or host a picnic with friends at 34-acre George ‘Doc’ Cavalliere Park. Peruse exhibits like Acoustic America: Iconic Guitars, Mandolins, and Banjos, or take a special exhibition tour at the Musical Instrument Museum, located just outside of Scottsdale. Feast on Italian favorites like Eggplant Meatballs, Sausage Pasta Rigatoni, or Salmon Tortellini for lunch at Vic & Ola’s. Experience fine dining while trying Lamb Shish Kebab, a Chicken Filet, or Lentil Soup at Persian Room Fine Dining. Grab a seat on the patio and order Market Oysters, Tuna Tartare, or Diver Scallops at the French Zinc Bistro. Or enjoy specialty cocktails like a Cucumber Basil Martini, Sangria, or Cranberry Pomegranate Mule for happy hour at Sophia’s Kitchen.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
