Are you moving to the Phoenix area for the energy of urban life or the mighty calm of the desert? Either way, a spot in and around it will feel just right for you, whether looking for great schools, employment opportunities or a quiet place to retire.
First of all, it’s only natural for safety to be on your mind when choosing a place to live, and the neighborhoods reviewed here are some of the safest you’ll find in Phoenix, AZ.
Now, let’s see where you’re going to live in Phoenix, based on your lifestyle, needs and budget.
1. Ahwatukee Foothills
“Ahwatukee” was long believed to mean “house of my dreams” in the Crow Indian language. Though this was shown to be inaccurate, you will likely find the house of your dreams in the safe urban village of Ahwatukee Foothills, just south of Phoenix.
South Mountain borders this small, triangular neighborhood to the north and the Gila River Indian Community to the west and south. Though small, it is fully equipped with all the amenities and entertainment options you need, thus offering a sea of suburban calm with a dash of big-city life to people of all ages.
Looking for:
- Good education? This area is served by Kyrene and Tempe Union High School districts, which have some top-performing schools that make this area very attractive to families.
- Scenery and outdoor recreation? The master-planned communities here have three golf courses and extensive desert landscaping, while South Mountain Park — a top recreation area and the largest municipal park in the U.S. — offers trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
- Convenient shopping, dining and entertainment? This Phoenix neighborhood has it all, including a farmer’s market, several retail outlets and a movie theater megaplex.
- Also, make sure not to miss the annual Ahwatukee Chili Cookoff, a community favorite event.
At a glance:
- Average monthly rent: $1,697
- Average home value: $552,340
- Walkability score: 32
- School quality: A
- Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, top-rated schools, safety, golf, hiking.
2. North Gateway
Entering Phoenix from the north, you are bound to pass by North Gateway, a neighborhood that is quickly becoming a hub for regional employment and residential growth.
It’s a safe and well-connected area that has developed thoughtfully, making full use of its natural beauty; for those wanting to enjoy a serene lifestyle yet balance it with proximity to modern amenities, this is a prime spot.
Interested in:
- Natural beauty and outdoor recreation? Here, you are surrounded by scenic washes, mountains and the open Sonoran Desert, and you can use a network of trails that connect various Phoenix neighborhoods. Thankfully, the design plan for the area prioritizes preserving these natural features and integrating them into new developments so residents can continue to enjoy the great outdoors responsibly.
- Employment opportunities? There are several new commercial projects underway, and the area additionally benefits from the expansion of the future Sonoran Oasis Technology Park and other developments spurred by the nearby TSMC chip plant.
- Want a brand new home? North Gateway is seeing the rise of master-planned communities with future residential projects from developers like Pulte Homes and Lennar Homes.
At a glance:
- Average monthly rent: $1,655
- Average home value: $648,518
- Walkability score: 10
- School quality: A
- Great for: Professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, sustainable living, safety, new developments, employment opportunities.
3. Deer Valley
What do you get when you combine safety, suburban comfort and easy access to major employment centers in Phoenix, AZ? Deer Valley — one of the fastest-growing areas in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
It’s less than 20 miles north of Downtown Phoenix, and with the I-17 and Loop 101 freeways, it enjoys good freeway connections, making commuting easy.
Interested in:
- Employment and business opportunities? Among the many commercial and industrial spots in and around this top Phoenix neighborhood, the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport stands out as one of the country’s busiest general aviation airports and a major driver for other employment opportunities here.
- Housing variety? Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly manufactured home or a sprawling horse property, Deer Valley has it all. The mix of houses in the neighborhood includes everything from 1960s houses with a more traditional architectural design to newer homes with a Southwest design. Many homes integrate desert landscaping, which complements the natural surroundings.
- Outdoor activities and natural beauty? Deer Valley residents enjoy hiking trails through the desert mountain landscape, and the area’s elevation offers a bit of relief from Phoenix’s summer heat.
- Don’t miss Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, a popular neighborhood spot operated by Arizona State University (ASU), bringing together a museum, a gallery and a self-guided nature trail among petroglyphs and native desert plants.
At a glance:
- Average monthly rent: $1,388
- Average home value: $441,411
- Walkability score: 47
- School quality: A-
- Great for: Commuters, families, safety, outdoor enthusiasts, business professionals, diverse housing options.
4. South Mountain Village
Rural charm? Checked. Urban convenience? Double-checked. A dash of luxury? Also available in or near South Mountain Village. The neighborhood’s mix of farm fields and historic homes reflects its agrarian roots, while modern developments like the luxury Sanctuary at South Mountain rental villas blend seamlessly with the area’s open spaces.
Looking for:
- Outdoor activities? With over 16,000 acres, the adjacent South Mountain Park offers more than 58 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The park also hosts “Silent Sundays,” where roadways are reserved for non-motorized activities. When going for a hike, don’t miss the breathtaking views from Dobbins Lookout.
- Proximity to amenities? Here, you can easily shop and dine at spots like Arizona Mills and indulge in recreational options like Raven Golf Club and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. The proposed South Central Avenue Light Rail extension expected in 2025 will further enhance connectivity, making commuting to downtown Phoenix and beyond easier.
At a glance:
- Average monthly rent: $1,662
- Average home value: $370,420
- Walkability score: 66
- School quality: C
- Great for: Outdoor enthusiasts, diverse communities, rural living with urban access, safety, retirees, hiking, golfers.
5. Desert View
Set against the scenic Sonoran Desert backdrop and just over 20 miles from Scottsdale and Central Phoenix, this Phoenix neighborhood has everything from a robust urban setting to peaceful equestrian properties.
Looking for:
- A mix of urban and rural living? You can choose between the high-density urban core near Desert Ridge and low-density horse properties further north. Here, you get a bit of everything, from luxury condominiums to large-lot single-family homes surrounded by open desert.
- Recreation and outdoor activities? Plenty of biking, walking, horseback riding and multi-use trails are available throughout the area. The Cave Buttes Recreation Area and Reach 11 Sports Complex are also popular spots for residents, while the northern part of the neighborhood offers dark sky areas just right for stargazing.
- Shopping, dining and entertainment? Give Desert Ridge Marketplace a try. This open-air shopping and entertainment destination houses hundreds of retail stores, restaurants and bars that will surely have something you like. High Street, nearby, offers a lively nightlife scene and a seasonal Farmer’s Market.
- Access to top-rated medical facilities? The Mayo Clinic’s expansive campus is located within Desert View, offering world-class medical care close to home.
At a glance:
- Average monthly rent: $1,876
- Average home value: $730,031
- Walkability score: 17
- School quality: A
- Great for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, equestrians, luxury shoppers, safety, healthcare access.
Benefits of Self-Storage in Phoenix
From the urban feel of Desert Ridge down to serene spaces like those in Ahwatukee Foothills, living in Phoenix, AZ, sure has its appeal. But as life gets busier, having a little extra space can make all the difference and that extra space is a self-storage solution.
Since it’s hot-hot-hot here, most storage facilities in Phoenix will offer climate control on their list of amenities. Don’t hesitate to snag one such unit to better protect your goods against extreme heat.
