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Gorgeous and shady southwestern style home in Phoenix, Arizona with a lot of trees in the front.

Best Places to Buy a Home in Phoenix

Thinking of buying a home in Phoenix? Recognized as one of the best big cities to live in, the Valley of the Sun is made of up 15 urban villages that consist 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 house in Phoenix!

Ahwatukee Foothills

  • Home Price: $298,053 median purchase price
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

If you’re looking to buy a home in Phoenix in a quiet, upscale, dense suburban area, look no further than Ahwatukee Foothills! Located in the southernmost part of Phoenix, this neighborhood features high-end shopping centers, quick access to challenging hiking trails, beautiful golf courses, and award-winning public schools. Ahwatukee, which means “house of dreams,” was developed in the 1970s and quickly became one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix. Its recent development means there are tons of new residential construction mainly inspired by Spanish-style architecture. Ahwatukee Foothills is bordered by I-10, South Mountain, and the Gila River Indian Community, which makes the neighborhood feel secluded and safe. The neighborhood also offers quick access to the 202, 101, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport!

Things to Do in Ahwatukee Foothills

Hike the moderate 2.2-mile Telegraph Pass Trail to see beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking views of Phoenix. Play nine holes on the lush, rolling hills of Foothills Golf Club. Explore 16,000 acres of South Mountain Park & Preserve with over 50 miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails. Head over to the Ahwatukee Farmers Market for local seasonal produce and flowers, meat, seafood, and baked goods. Start the day with Biscuits & Gravy, Fresh Blueberry Pancakes, and other breakfast items at Biscuits Foothills. Go to CK’s Tavern & Grill for classic pub fare like a Basket of Beer Fries, CK PBJ Burger, or The Ruben. Grab specialty pizzas like the Chicken Presto Pesto or Spicy Italian at Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. Or enjoy Hawaiian-style dishes like a Poke Bowl, Katsu Chicken, or Mochiko Wings at Moku Hawaiian Grill.

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Camelback East

Nice suburban home with a shady tree in the front yard and a two car garage in Phoenix.Photo by Instagram user @marissa_kline.

Photo via @marissa_kline

  • Home Price: $247,059 median purchase price
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Often referred to as East Phoenix or East Side, Camelback East offers 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 boast 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 home buyers. Arcadia offers more single-family, ranch-style 1920s 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

Hike the Phoenix Mountains Preserve by climbing a rocky 1,200-foot elevation gain to Piestewa Peak. Challenge yourself with one of the two difficult trails to the summit of Camelback Mountain. Shop around Biltmore Fashion Park, where you’ll find stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren. See African lions, orangutans, Asian elephants, and more at Phoenix Zoo. Plan your visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, where can check out cactus and succulent galleries, wildflowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, and more! Swing by Chelsea’s Kitchen for a Grilled Swordfish Taco Platter, Grilled Glory Bay Salmon, or a Green Chile Burger. Experience fine dining at Vincent on Camelback, where you can get a Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn Sauce or Maine Lobster with House Made Basil Pasta. Make reservations at Phoenix City Grille to enjoy comfort favorites like Baby Back Pork Ribs or Smoked Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Sink your teeth into a Meatloaf Sandwich or Bangers & Mash at Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Encanto

Spanish style home in the Encanto neighborhood of phoenix with a white exterior, stone chimney, and navy trim. Photo by instagram user @desertstyleaz

Photo via @desertstyleaz

  • Home Price: $186,183 median purchase price
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 13% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Encanto is a Central Phoenix neighborhood with historic charm and a thriving community! The eight-square-mile neighborhood is one of the densest villages in the city and contains 21 of 36 historic Phoenix neighborhoods. Residents will find a variety of homes like Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean style ranches, Mid-Century ranches, Pueblo Revivals, and Art Moderne homes. Encanto also includes Woodlea Melrose that has streets lined with vibrant cottages and is known for its LGBTQ community with inclusive shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries! Encanto is home to Phoenix College, WCUI School of Medical Imaging & Nursing, and the Midtown and Uptown business districts, so it’s one of the best PHX neighborhoods for students, singles, and young professionals as well. Plus, the four Valley Metro Rail stops located within the village make it easy for residents to get around the city!

Things to Do in Encanto

Spend a day with the family at Enchanted Island Amusement Park, where you can pedal a boat through the scenic waterways or soar into the sky on the Parachute Tower. Check out the latest exhibitions like Fashion’s Subversives or the infinity mirror room, Fireflies, at the Phoenix Art Museum. Visit the Heard Museum to learn about Native American art with exhibits like All at Once: The Gift of Navajo Weaving. Shop for vintage-themed home decor at Sweet Salvage, or look for off-beat antique furniture at Retro Ranch. Visit the Arizona State Fairgrounds at Park Central for the Arizona State Fair held every October. Grab locally sourced dishes like Wild Mushroom Quiche or Beef Rib Breakfast for brunch at Ocotillo. Chow down on classic homemade Greek recipes like a Gyro, Chicken Shawarma, or Lamb Souvlaki at Nino’s Greek Cafe. Feast on Asian-inspired comfort food like Pork Belly Steamed Buns, Spicy Kimchi Ramen, or Pig Face Dumplings at Clever Koi.

North Mountain Village

Mid-century modern ranch home in the desert with a rocky front yard and single car garage with a mountain in the background.Photo by instagram user @fifilynn

Photo via @fifilynn

  • Home Price: $138,865 median purchase price
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 20% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Typically known as a quiet neighborhood, North Mountain Village is a densely suburban area located in northern Phoenix and is recognized for its diversity. This safe, affordable Phoenix neighborhood features affordable housing options like townhomes, ranches, or split-level homes with a range of lot sizes and price points. Residents needing to commute have quick access to the SR-51 and I-17 freeways, as well as light rail stops. North Mountain Village has a number of hiking opportunities for residents due to the presence of the Lookout Mountain Preserve and Phoenix Mountain Preserve. North Mountain Village is also home to the Arizona State University West Campus, making it a perfect neighborhood for students, faculty, and staff of the university!

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 Castles N’ Coasters. Join a bowling league, or simply enjoy a Rock N Cosmic Bowl night at Let It Roll Bowl. Hike one of the local trails located throughout the neighborhood like Peter Pan’s Peak, North Mountain Trail 44, Wind Rock Trail, or the 4.5 mile Shaw Butte Loop. Check out the North Mountain Visitor Center for concerts, seminars, workshops, and classes. Shop for imported Italian groceries at Romanelli’s Italian Deli & Grocery. Grab a classic Pulled Pork Sandwich, or venture out with the Smoked BBQ Green Chile & Cheese 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 Blue Flame roll at Akai Hana. Plan an elegant evening at Different Pointe of View to enjoy award-winning dishes like the Chef’s Risotto or Truffle Grilled Filet Mignon.

Paradise Valley

  • Home Price: $252,702 median purchase price
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Located in northern Phoenix, Paradise Valley is ideal for anyone that prefers a suburban escape from the city! Though the contemporary homes tend to be slightly more expensive, this Phoenix neighborhood is known for being a well-maintained, residential 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 like line dancing for seniors or summer camps for kids. Paradise Valley is also home to Paradise Valley Community College and Rio Salado College, so it’s a convenient location for those looking for higher education opportunities.

Things to Do in Paradise Valley

Run, bike, walk, or rollerblade along the 11.8 miles of trails along the Indian Bend Wash Path. Join the Paradise Valley Country Club, and play 18 holes of golf nestled between the Phoenix mountains. Check out the Cosanti Originals art gallery to see imaginative architectural pieces created by Paolo Soleri. Channel your inner Man v. Food at Paradise Valley Burger Co with the Relleno Burger, Brulee Burger, or Cinco Diablo. Try out craft meatball & charcuterie bar The Sicilian Butcher, where you can order dishes like a Mozzarella Tasting Board, Meatball Muffuletta, or Bucket of Balls. Savor traditional German dishes like Jägerschnitzel or Käsespätzle at Edelweiss Biergarten. Get your Mexican food fix with the authentic chimichangas and tamales from Carolina’s Mexican Food. Grab craft cocktails like the Mountainside Mojito or Dirty Chai Martini at O.H.S.O Brewery & Distillery. Or end your night with a plate of Ice Cream Nachos or a Scream Sundae at The Screamery.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

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