Valley Neighborhood Rankings: The Top Ten in Phoenix

What makes a neighborhood awesome? It’s more than home values. It’s also cultural density – nearby restaurants, theaters and museums. And safety. And schools. And, since we’re talking about the Valley of the Sun, hiking and golf. And so much more. We crunched the data to offer you this: our semi-scientific ranking of the Valley’s most desirable ’hoods. See all 25 here.

By Colton Cagle | Original Photography by David Blakeman, Camerawerks, Brian Mecinas, Mirelle Inglefield, Madison Rutherford

1. Arcadia/East Phoenix
Score: 84.3
Arcadia is where old-money Phoenix character meets new-money glamour. At the foot of Camelback Mountain, this lush, generously plotted former citrus plantation boasts expansive estates, manicured groves and some of the city’s most valuable real estate. But unlike the Silverleafs of the world, it’s also central: Historic ranch homes nestle beside gleaming new buildings, with people ordering craft cocktails in local bars such as The Henry. “Arcadia offers a variety of views and homes. It’s a hidden gem in Phoenix,” says Valley real estate expert Frank De Venuto. “I used to take my kids up 56th Street to watch the city lights. It was always such a great view.” In recent years, trendy farmhouse-style builds have surged in popularity, threatening to erase the classic ranch homes that once defined Arcadia’s easygoing elegance.

The No. 2 overall scoring neighborhood in the Valley!

2. Central Corridor/North Central
Score: 81.8
Encompassing a family of micro-hoods north of Missouri Avenue along the city’s Central Avenue spine, including Murphy Trails and Beverly Palms, the Corridor blends old and new to create one of the Valley’s most enduringly desirable neighborhoods. A mix of older ranch homes, Tudors, Cape Cods and Georgian Revivals recall the neighborhood’s past, as does its signature bridle trail, always packed with runners, walkers and bikers. To its credit, the neighborhood has managed to stave off the Fixer Upper McFarmhouse trend that has overtaken some historical neighborhoods in Phoenix, and longtime residents hold a genuine affinity for old Phoenix. “The culture is community,” says resident Megan Mitchell. “Half of our neighborhood has been here since the ’70s, and the other half are new families.” Residents enjoy walkable access to Uptown Plaza and the Seventh Street dining drag while enjoying a high rate of medical services and close proximity to Phoenix Mountains Preserve. One minus: iffy public schooling.

High marks for Housing, Entertainment/Culture and Nature/Fitness.

3. Rancho Alta Vida/Shea Corridor
Score: 81.6
Sometimes described as “PV Lite,” Rancho Alta Vida proves you can have desert tranquility and the amenities of city living in one place. Located south of Shea Boulevard just east of SR-51, it offers a mix of tract homes and sprawling, xeriscaped lots that bump up against Phoenix Mountains Preserve, making summer strolls especially enjoyable. Residents enjoy easy access to Fire at Will, Rusconi’s American Kitchen and other gems of the reenergized Shea Corridor dining scene, plus some of the Valley’s finest golfing and hiking. With the refurbished PV (formerly Paradise Valley Mall) complex a few minutes away, Rancho Alta Vida is also part of the highly regarded Paradise Valley Unified School District, adding to its family appeal.

Ranks among the top 15% of highest-income ‘hoods in the U.S.

Spotlight on a Resident

J.J. Smith-Moore, David B. Moore & Rory the Pit Bull
“We’ve lived in [the neighborhood] for 25 years, and what attracted us… was the diversity of our neighbors,” David, a commercial photographer, says about the Shea Corridor. “Many young families, but also original owners.”

4. Biltmore Highlands
Score: 78.7
Splayed on the southwestern slopes of Piestewa Peak, Biltmore Highlands homes offer some of the best views in Phoenix. Known for its striking mix of midcentury modern and contemporary homes, this hilly neighborhood seamlessly blends architectural elegance with desert beauty. Residents can almost fall out of bed onto Piestewa Peak’s popular Summit Trail, as well as the upscale shopping and dining at Biltmore Fashion Park. Nearby, the Arizona Biltmore resort, a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced landmark, adds a touch of historic grandeur. Insulated from through-traffic, the moderately priced neighborhood (some current listings are less than $900,000) also boasts one of North-Central Phoenix’s lowest crime rates. It’s also sneakily diverse, with a high population of Russian-Bukharan Jews.

Za zdorovye! 5.4% of residents here have Russian ancestry.

5. Alvarado Historic District/Midtown
Score: 77.2
Steps from Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum and the Phoenix Ballet, the Alvarado Historic District is a peaceful Midtown neighborhood where Phoenix’s original grace still stands tall. Mature tree canopies handsomely frame elegant Mediterranean Revival and Colonial Revival estates, each reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage. While just minutes from Downtown’s hustle and bustle, Alvarado, formerly the stomping grounds of seminal city bigwig and Arizona Republic publisher Dwight B. Heard, is worlds away in its quiet, residential nature and diligent preservation efforts. Resident Leslie Balderas stays because “it has everything that I need and more.” With easy access to top restaurants, happy hours and coffee shops, the neighborhood offers convenience without sacrificing character. As Phoenix grows, Alvarado remains a timeless pocket of the city, proving that some things only improve with age.

LGBTQ+ population among highest on list (>5%).

Spotlight on a Resident

Joel Contreras
“I’ve lived in the Third Street home for two years, and I love the proximity to Downtown Phoenix and the lot sizes,” says the interior designer. “I also love the [neighbors] and all the palm trees.”

6. Royal Palms/Sunnyslope
Score: 72.95
Located on the informal southern boundary of Sunnyslope just north of Christown, Royal Palms is a midcentury oasis in North-Central, with mountain views, well-maintained homes and a tight-knit culture of families and retirees. Built in the 1950s, the neighborhood surrounds a spacious central park, where local kids ride their bikes and homeowners host the annual Royal Palms Block Party. Its pairing of large ranch homes and meandering streets give it a retro-chic, Leave It to Beaver energy, and close proximity to North Mountain trails satisfies outdoor enthusiasts. More to love: Residents can send their kids to highly rated Sunnyslope High School and are a quick drive from Little Miss BBQ, O.H.S.O. and other ’Slope-adjacent dining gems.

Highest reported ancestry: Mexican (18.4%) and German (17.7%).

7. Roosevelt Historic District/Downtown
Score: 71.8
The Roosevelt Historic District is where historical Phoenix and modern Phoenix harmonize. In the mid-1990s, a new wave of urban creatives started snapping up and restoring its signature 1920s bungalows. Now, the once-blighted neighborhood has some of Central Phoenix’s highest home values. Tree-lined streets and public art add character, while small, independent cafés, art galleries and local shops keep the streets alive with artistic energy. It’s also one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, where residents can stroll to beloved spots like cozy restaurant First & Last or participate in the city’s vibrant First Friday art walk. Homeowner Angel Jannasch-Pennell describes it as “a vibrant blend of historic charm and modern creativity,” where “the arts scene, with murals and galleries and outstanding music festivals, brings incredible energy to the area.” Community events in and around Margaret T. Hance Park foster connection, and despite its rapid gentrification, Roosevelt maintains a deep appreciation for its past. “It has continued to evolve while maintaining its charm,” Jannasch-Pennell says.

Maxes out our survey in Entertainment/ Culture: 10/10.

Spotlight on Business Owners

Ashley & Robb Hammond
The restaurateurs opened celebrated Modern American eatery First & Last in Roosevelt Row in 2022. “We love Roosevelt because it’s filled with people who care,” Ashley says. “About food, about history, about each other.” Adds Robb: “And because they’ll eat chicken cutlet sandwiches for lunch and porchetta-style stuffed rabbit for dinner, no questions asked. Roosevelt has embraced every version of us.”

8. Desert Ridge/North Phoenix
Score: 71.15
If North Phoenix had a heartbeat, it would originate in Desert Ridge. Encompassing the Desert View and Desert Ridge East micro-’hoods, the community serves up live music at CB Live, craft beer at The Whining Pig and patio brunch at Tryst Café. And how bad can things be when Tía Carmen and Kembara, the twin flagships at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, are your neighborhood eateries? Residents also enjoy highly ranked schools, big parks and convenient proximity to major interstates. Golfers can perfect their swing at Wildfire Golf Club, while Reach 11 Recreation Area allows nature enthusiasts to navigate 18 miles of stunning trails. Housing options range from upscale condos and townhomes to spacious single-family residences, with the average home value sitting around $770,000. With its seamless blend of convenience and community, Desert Ridge makes living, working and playing an easy affair without ever needing to leave the community.

More than 11% of residents trace their lineage to Italy.

9. North Gateway/Anthem
Score: 70.8
Encompassing developments such as Sonoran Foothills and Carefree Crossing in far North Phoenix, North Gateway is a peaceful neighborhood with mountain-view homes, stargazing on clear nights, and sufficient distance from the city to qualify as a retreat. Nature lovers can enjoy the trails at Sonoran Preserve or parks within the neighborhood. Though shopping, restaurants and entertainment are scant compared to Central Phoenix, nearby Anthem helps residents get by, and medical services are abundant. The centrality between urban and rural is novel, as well: Closely positioned to the I-17, residents can head up to the high country or motor Downtown with equal facility. North Gateway also benefits from being part of the highly regarded Deer Valley Unified School District, making it even more attractive for families seeking strong schools and a high quality of life.

Maxes out in Safety (10/10) and Health (10/10).

10. Ahwatukee Foothills Village
Score: 62
Nestled into the flank of South Mountain, Ahwatukee Foothills presents a serene desert haven. Miles of bike and hiking trails bisect the landscape and offer front-row views of Arizona’s untamed beauty and give AF a perfect 10/10 score in Nature/Fitness. Both professionals and families are drawn to the area’s excellent schools, plentiful parks and close-knit community. It’s also diverse. Longtime homeowner Penny Dardaris says a quick stroll through the neighborhood can reveal the community’s “many multicultural people with different talents,” evidenced by the varied aromas of backyard barbecues, smokers and ovens, from carne asada to brisket to tandoori chicken. While its restaurant and cultural scene is more subdued than several other high-scoring Valley neighborhoods, Ahwatukee Foothills has gems like Jasmine Jo Coffee & Flowers, a cozy café and flower shop that hosts community events throughout the year. Located a short drive down the I-10 from both the trails of South Mountain Park/Preserve and the labor engine of Downtown Phoenix, it’s also one of the Valley’s safest communities, offering both peace and ease of access.

77% of adult residents have a four-year college degree.

How We Ranked Them

The fastest growing U.S. metro from 1970 to 2000, Greater Phoenix continues to draw residents at an astounding clip, adding 85,000 people in 2024 alone. But the pace of physical expansion has slowed, creating infill pressure that has forced neighborhoods to coalesce around entertainment districts, tech hubs and other hallmarks of a thriving urban community. Whether you wish for the highest rated schools, proximity to outdoor activities or a lively arts scene, this semi-scientific guide attempts to quantify it all. Focusing on seven key criteria drawn from various public data sources, our researchers aggregated the scores and found the highest performing housing regions in each of the Valley’s four distinct quadrants: Phoenix, East Valley, West Valley and Scottsdale, selecting the neighborhoods that scored highest and capping the list at 25. Ultimately, it’s just about discovering that perfect spot where convenience and lifestyle intersect – and why can’t you get a little enjoyment out of it, too?

• Key: Housing (18%): Average real estate value and homeownership rate.
• Community & Education (12%): Number of schools per 1,000 children; public library access within 5 miles; and inclusion in one of the seven top school districts in the Phoenix metro area.
• Health (12%): Proximity to trauma centers, emergency rooms and urgent cares.
• Employment & Income (12%): Unemployment rate and average household income levels.
• Entertainment & Culture (17%): Number of 4-or-more-star Yelp restaurants, live music venues, museums, theaters and major sports facilities within a 5-mile radius.
• Safety (17%): Crime index score based on overall crime rates.
• Nature/Fitness (12%): Number of hiking trails, state/regional parks and public golf courses within 5 miles.
• Rule of 100: All scores represent a weighted aggregate of our seven criteria, with 100 representing a perfect score.