With a year-round pool season, lots of sunny days and breathtaking desert landscapes, Phoenix, AZ is one of the most attractive cities to live in. New residents are drawn in by the favorable climate, affordable cost of living and job opportunities. If you’re looking to set roots here, you’ll be happy to know that real estate is generally cheaper than in other urban hotspots. Based on the listing price, buying a home here will cost you, on average, $395K, lower than Gilbert, AZ and Miami, FL. However, if money is no object, there are quite a few neighborhoods that will give you access to exclusive communities and features.
Another good thing about Phoenix is that it can satisfy all tastes and budgets. Want to enjoy a good location without spending a fortune on housing? You might have to compromise on space as homes in Phoenix have been shrinking, but there are several locations around town to help you have the best of both worlds. Moreover, the self storage sector has been growing in Phoenix, and the need for extra space can easily be satisfied by renting a storage unit close to your home.
Ultimately, it all depends on your needs, budget and priorities. Here are a few neighborhood and community suggestions that will give you a good starting point in your hunt for the perfect home.
- Affordable neighborhoods
- Moderately-priced neighborhoods
- Most expensive neighborhoods
1. Affordable neighborhoods
- Glendale – $369K
Located in northwestern Phoenix, Glendale has turned into an up-and-coming place to live thanks to its thriving economy. As the city is mostly residential, you’ll find more houses than rentals. And that’s good news if you’re looking to buy, especially if you’re interested in a ranch-style home as most of them embrace this type of architecture. In addition, a lot of homes are in the affordable range if you prefer to buy closer to Phoenix.
Plan your move ahead of time and, in addition to finding the right home, factor in self storage to help you get a handle on your belongings. You can rent a self storage unit in Glendale starting at $26/month for a small unit, while larger ones can climb up to $400/month. If you’re not sure which unit size you need, you can consult this storage unit size guide to help you make a decision.
Glendale boasts services and amenities that appeal to anyone moving here. It’s home to professional sports teams, two sports stadiums and historic downtown. You can also find a botanical garden and, if you fancy a bit of shopping, there’s Caitlin Court Shopping District where you can find all types of stores, restaurants and cafés.
- Mesa – $375K
Just east of Phoenix, Mesa attracts with its small-town feel and community. As a residential city, you are sure to find your next home if you’re interested in setting roots here. Whenever moving, always consider self storage to help you start your new life clutter-free. Furniture, clothing and seasonal items can find a temporary home in a storage unit until you need them again. Rates for a self storage unit in Mesa start at $34/month for a small unit, while for a large unit, you’ll pay up to $600/month.
The downtown area comes alive with restaurants, assorted stores and weekend street markets that are sure to keep you and your family busy.
Mesa is a great place for earth-conscious food enthusiasts. You can stop at the several farms that adorn the city, from Fresh Foodie Trail or Queen Creek Olive Mill, if you wish to sample their produce or inquire about how local restaurants get their ingredients.
- Surprise – $380K
This sprawling city is just 45 minutes away from downtown Phoenix and the Sky Harbor International Airport. You can mostly find one-level homes here, but if you’re looking for a larger home with an extra floor, Mesa doesn’t disappoint. While you get settled into your new home, you can rent a self storage unit in Surprise to help you get organized or even to use to keep seasonal and bulky items away from your new home.
Community events abound, which means there’s something here for everyone. Art galleries, community celebrations and regional festivals make living here worth your while. Sports enthusiasts can also find something to their liking in Surprise. From a large tennis and racquet complex to beautiful golf courses, fishing lake and aquatic centers, there’s much to choose from.
2. Moderately-priced neighborhoods
- Garfield – $399K
Garfield is a Phoenix neighborhood that comprises two historic districts, namely Garfield and North Garfield. Besides student housing, there are a lot of affordable historic homes here that might require some restoration and remodeling, but they retain that old-time charm, and they’re not far from downtown Phoenix. You can find more modest 800 square feet bungalows or revival homes of about 1,800 square feet.
The neighborhood prides itself on its walkability, as you can practically take a stroll to Chase Field, the science and children’s museum or even to downtown. Perhaps you’d like to walk to one of Garfield’s dining options, from restaurants to pizza joints.
- Tempe – $430K
Tempe is one of the best places to live around Phoenix. The area is known for its association with Arizona State University and campus sports, but there’s so much more to it. Moving here affords you the opportunity to find a great variety of homes, from condos to larger homes, fit for every budget.
Living in Tempe means you can always grab your swimsuit or go out kayaking and paddle boarding at Tempe Beach Park. Hiking is also popular with Arizonans and Tempe is no exception. Head out to Hayden Butte Preserve Park or the South Mountain National Trail, ideal for mountain biking and hiking year-round.
When you’re taking a break from outdoor activities, you can place your sports gear in storage. For a minimum of $27/month, you can rent a small storage unit in Tempe. Large ones can go up to $600/month.
- Downtown Phoenix – $470K
As the heart of Phoenix, the downtown area is the city’s bustling central business district. The neighborhood experienced a revival thanks to mixed-used commercial buildings that energized the dining and shopping opportunities. As part of the urban landscape of many big cities, downtown Phoenix boasts several skyscrapers that line up around the corner of Washington St. and Central Ave. High rises and apartment buildings abound here – especially if you work in the downtown area and you wish to cut down on your commute. Downtown is also home to both large and small companies, offering great employment opportunities. Even though downtown is a mostly renter-dominated neighborhood, homes are also available in this desirable area.
Performing arts, museums and sports are some of the offerings that make downtown an attractive area. You can also find the Arizona State University’s downtown campus and also Chase Field, the home turf of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns’ Talking Stick Resort Area. It’s easy to get here, too, as a light rail system serving downtown has been added. Downtown is also walker- and pedal-friendly.
3.Most expensive neighborhoods
- Arcadia – $1.1M
Taking its name from Virgil’s Arcadia, a bucolic area of ancient Greece, Phoenix’s Arcadia is shaping up to be one of the most desirable areas to live in. Upscale homes with a rural family feel line up the streets of Arcadia, so finding a home to your taste isn’t difficult here, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood. Stores and restaurants cluster around the intersection of Camelback and 44th Street, stretching east close to Scottsdale.
The neighborhood is famous for its citrus groves and leafy streets that amp up Arcadia’s charm. Besides the gorgeous scenery, Arcadia also offers ample entertainment opportunities as the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area is nearby – a perfect place for families, retirees and the younger generations to relax or go hiking. Named for its resemblance to a kneeling camel, Camelback Mountain has been dubbed the soul of Phoenix.
When you’re not hiking, you can put your sporting equipment or other items in self storage to avoid cluttering your home. Renting a self storage unit in Arcadia, Phoenix starts at around $50/month for small units and goes up to $500/month if you need a large unit.
- Biltmore – $895K
Located northeast of the city center, Biltmore is a residential neighborhood known for upscale living. It plays home to the Biltmore Fashion Park and the Arizona Biltmore Hotel and two golf courses. Besides a few rentals, Biltmore is mostly a single-family home neighborhood, with spacious and high-end ranch-style homes.
The neighborhood prides itself on the many shopping opportunities, dining and entertainment. Shoppers would enjoy going to Fashion Park, Camelback East Village Shops or Town and Country Shopping. The airport is also very close to Biltmore, so flying is quite accessible for Biltmorers.
You could enjoy breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain or even go on an outdoor adventure if you decided to call Biltmore your home. It’s no wonder Biltmore is the no. 1 Phoenix destination for tourists, as there’s a lot to do and see here.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also put their sporting gear or other household items in storage to save space at home. You can rent a self storage unit in Biltmore, Phoenix, Phoenix for about $57/month. Larger units, such as those that can fit a car, might cost over $400/month. This option might come in handy if you prefer to keep your car in a climate controlled environment to protect it from the extreme heat while you’re away on vacation or you have a second vehicle you don’t use as often.
- Willo Historic District – $635K
Another top-rated neighborhood, Willo Historic District, offers a combination of newer apartment buildings and homes from the first half of the 20th century. The neighborhood is part of the Central Phoenix area and has a strong urban feel.
There’s no shortage of cultural and entertainment venues here. The Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Symphony Hall and Ballet Arizona are in close proximity to the district, so planning an educational or relaxing day is within reach.
Thanks to the local climate, palm trees adorn most streets in the neighborhood as locals and visitors head over to various popular venues—5th Avenue Coffee and Oven & Vine are just some of the neighborhood’s local favorites.
Did we help you find the next neighborhood to make the move to Phoenix? Let us know in the comments section below.
