Article takeaways
- Paradise Valley has 59% less crime than the Phoenix average.
- The violent crime rate in Ahwatukee Foothills is 44% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Phoenix.
- North Gateway has a low crime rate 42% lower than the national average, 65% less crime than the Phoenix crime map average.
- Deer Valley is among the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, with a crime rate that’s 17% lower than the Phoenix average.
- 9.7 crimes occur in South Mountain per 1,000 people.
- Desert View’s crime rate is 49% below the national average and 69% lower than the average crime rate in the rest of the Valley of the Sun.
- Phoenix crimes tend to be more concentrated in Central Phoenix, with most property crimes taking place around the Southern Foothills Golf Club.
Maybe you’re moving to the Phoenix area for the energy of urban life. Or perhaps it’s the calming effect of the scenic desert views that draws you to the city they call the Valley of the Sun.
Whether you’re looking for great schools, employment opportunities, community safety, or a quiet place to retire, Phoenix has something to offer.
But what you’re likely not looking for is motor vehicle theft, property crimes, or worse: violent crimes that cause personal injury.
Statistics from various law enforcement agencies show that the Phoenix metro area contained around 54,000 index crimes in 2023, which are primarily concentrated in. That said, crimes tend to be focused in Central Phoenix, with most property crimes taking place around the Southern Foothills Golf Club.
It’s with community safety in mind that we put together this guide to the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ. We’ll review crime statistics.
But we’ll also consider other aspects of community safety beyond crime rates and police presence. We’ll consider financial safety by examining the average monthly rent prices and home values in each neighborhood. And we’ll consider child safety by examining the local school district.
Finally, we’ll reveal how storage.com can help you move to your choice selection from our list of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix to live in.
1. Paradise Valley
At a glance
• Average monthly rent: $1,500
• Average home value: $490,600
• Great for: Schools, families, golfing, shopping, biking
• Crime rate: Paradise Valley has 59% less crime than the Phoenix average.
Paradise Valley gets its name from cattle ranchers who would herd their livestock through this lush valley back when it was sprawling farm land.
It’s since been developed into the Paradise Valley neighborhood, which many consider to be the Beverly Hills of the Arizona desert.
From golf courses to shopping districts, and from food and beverage accommodations to full-service resorts, Paradise Valley is certainly the ritziest part of town.
And while Paradise Valley is one of Arizona’s wealthiest urban areas, it’s also among the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix to live in.
Don’t take our word for it; the crime data gathered by the Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Analysis and Research Unit speaks for itself. In all of 2018, for example, only three violent crimes were reported in Paradise Valley.
This gives the neighborhood one of the lowest crime rate percentages in all of Arizona. The official Phoenix crime maps show Paradise Valley to be very low in regard to crime hotspots.
Popular with retirees, Paradise Valley is as quiet as it is upscale, so leave the partying for another part of town.
| If you’re looking for… | What Paradise Valley Offers |
|---|---|
| A relaxing place to retire | Paradise Valley is quiet and exclusive; no house parties here. |
| A low crime rate | The crime incidence rates in Paradise Valley are lower than the national average and 41% lower than the average for the Phoenix metro area. |
| Outdoor recreation | There are hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails and pathways throughout the neighborhood. Paradise Valley also backs up to the Camelback Mountain Preserve. |
| Upscale shopping | Paradise Valley Mall and Kierland Commons offer exclusive shopping opportunities. |
2. Ahwatukee Foothills
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, RV trip and camping enthusiasts, top-rated schools, safety, golf, and hiking
• Crime rate: Crime data shows the violent crime rate in Ahwatukee Foothills is 44% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Phoenix.
“Ahwatukee” was long believed to mean “house of my dreams” in the Crow Indian language. Though historians have since proven this to be inaccurate, you will likely find the house of your dreams in the safe urban village of Ahwatukee Foothills, just south of Phoenix.
This small, triangular neighborhood borders the South Mountain Park and Preserve 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. And Ahwatukee Foothills also boasts a low crime rate, offering a sea of suburban calm with a dash of big-city life to people of all ages.
| If you’re looking for… | What Ahwatukee Offers |
|---|---|
| Good education | This area is served by the 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 and Reserve— 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. |
3. North Gateway
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, and employment opportunities.
• Crime rate: North Gateway has a crime rate 42% lower than the national average, 65% less crime than the Phoenix crime map average.
Before you enter North Phoenix from the north, you pass by North Gateway, a neighborhood that is quickly becoming a hub for regional employment and residential growth.
North Phoenix is pretty safe all around, and North Gateway is no exception, both in terms of property crimes. It’s a well-connected neighborhood in the Phoenix metro 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, North Gateway is a prime spot.
| If you’re looking for… | What North Gateway Offers |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty and outdoor recreation | Here, you are surrounded by scenic washes, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and the open Sonoran Desert. A portion of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve tucks right into North Gateway, 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. |
| 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. |
4. Deer Valley
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, and diverse housing options.
• Crime rate: Deer Valley is one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix a crime rate that’s 17% lower than the Phoenix average.
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.
| If you’re looking for… | What Deer Valley Offers |
|---|---|
| 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. |
5. South Mountain Village
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, and golfers.
• Crime rate: 9.7 crimes occur in South Mountain per 1,000 people.
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.
| If you’re looking for… | What South Mountain Village Offers |
|---|---|
| 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. |
6. Desert View
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, and healthcare access.
• Crime rate: Desert View’s crime rate is 49% below the national average and 69% lower than the average crime rate in the rest of the Valley of the Sun, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Desert View is set against the scenic Sonoran Desert backdrop and just over 20 miles from Scottsdale and Central Phoenix. The Desert View Phoenix neighborhood has everything from a robust urban setting to peaceful equestrian properties.
Desert View is only 12 minutes from the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
| If you’re looking for… | What Desert View Offers |
|---|---|
| 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 | Desert View offers plenty of biking, walking, horseback riding, and multi-use trails 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. |
Moving to One of the Safest Neighborhoods In Phoenix? Storage.com Can Help
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 whether you’re moving to a safer neighborhood from elsewhere in Phoenix, moving to Phoenix from somewhere else in Arizona, or moving from out of state, there’s a lot to the moving process. And the costs add up quick.
For example, the truck and/or moving companies use a combination of per-day and per-mile fees to calculate the final cost, meaning that once you get to your new home, you’ll want to unload your stuff and return any rentals asap.
But don’t fret, Storage.com is here to help.
First, use our signature Storage Unit Locator Tool to find the most affordable storage units in the Phoenix area. Our site lets you pre-set parameters that will limit the search results to your specific needs.
Maybe you want to find places close to a particular safe neighborhood from our list. Perhaps you need a specific storage unit size. Or maybe you need a climate-controlled storage unit to safeguard your valuables against the harsh desert climate.
Either way, we suggest you book yourself a storage unit that meets your requirements before the big move. Once you get to town, you can unload the moving truck into your storage unit and return it.
Then, you can slowly bring your stuff into the house with your personal vehicle at your leisure. In most cases, you can rent a month of storage for a lower price than it costs to extend your rental truck by a single day.
And if you don’t have a neighborhood picked out yet, you can throw your stuff in storage while you explore the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix and find the perfect accommodation for your new urban desert lifestyle.
Since it’s hot-hot-hot in the Valley of the Sun, 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.
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