Want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix? These top Phoenix neighborhoods are chosen for their affordability, low crime rates, overall cost of living, and available amenities! The Valley of the Sun provides neighborhoods in family-friendly communities with beautiful views, fun things to do, and delicious restaurants. Check out these affordable, safe Phoenix neighborhoods!
Living in Phoenix is safe if you choose the right areas, and many residents feel secure living in the capital of Arizona. Though the city still faces some challenges, the year-over-year crime rates in Phoenix have decreased by 12%. Most large cities like Phoenix experience more crime than smaller ones, but that doesn’t mean they’re not wonderful places to live. The following areas are considered some of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix.
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.
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.
Q: Is Phoenix expensive to live in?
A: While the overall cost of living in Phoenix is 5% higher than the Arizona average, that’s much less than other nearby cities, like Mesa, where the cost of living is 15% higher. You’ll also save money on expenses such as goods and services and transportation in Phoenix, compared to the state average. Many residents say that Phoenix’s cost of living is reasonable.
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!
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.
Q: What are the safest areas in Phoenix?
A: Northern Phoenix is the safest area of the city, with less crime and a more peaceful atmosphere. Neighborhoods in Northern Phoenix include Deer Valley, North Gateway, North Mountain Village, and Paradise Valley.
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.
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.
Q: Is Phoenix safer than Tucson?
A: Phoenix tends to have slightly lower crime rates than Tucson, but this can vary greatly depending on the specific neighborhood in each city. Phoenix generally sees fewer property and violent crimes per capita than Tucson, but both cities have safe, family-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. If safety is a top priority, it’s important to research neighborhoods individually when deciding where to live in either metro area.
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!
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.
Q: Is Phoenix a nice place to live?
A: Yes! The climate in Phoenix is warm and sunny year-round, which gives you plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. With the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, accessible public transportation options, and all kinds of festivals throughout the year, Phoenix is a great place to live in Arizona! Not to mention the city’s flourishing job market and wide range of colleges for all types of students.
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.
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.
Q: What are the best neighborhoods in Phoenix?
A: There are many great neighborhoods in Phoenix, and the best neighborhood to live in will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Young Professionals may enjoy more lively neighborhoods like Encanto or North Gateway, while families and retirees might enjoy nearby Phoenix suburbs like Fountain Hills or Queen Creek.
***
Moving to Phoenix soon? Extra Space Storage has convenient storage facilities throughout the Phoenix metro that can make your transition easier. Find cheap storage near you!
The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Redfin, and RentCafe
If you're living in a 2-bedroom apartment and need self storage, carefully consider your options.…
Renting storage for a 1-bedroom apartment can be helpful if you're in between leases, moving…
Thinking about moving to the Southeast? Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC are two vibrant cities…
Trying to decide between moving to Los Angeles or San Francisco? Both of these coastal…
Trying to decide between moving to Los Angeles or San Diego? These two Southern California…
Choosing between living in Dallas or Austin? These large Texas cities are two of the…
This website uses cookies.
