Phoenix has some of the best golf courses, water parks and weather in the country.
The appropriately named Valley of the Sun offers about 210 sunny days a year, giving residents plenty of chances to swim and enjoy the outdoors. Large companies like Intel, the American Express Company and Wells Fargo & Company also call Phoenix home due to the strong local economy.
Whether you are interested in moving to Phoenix for the nice weather, a business opportunity or to retire, we’re here to help you find your perfect neighborhood to call home.
We combed through Google data using generic keyword searches and combined those results with the most searched Phoenix neighborhoods on ApartmentGuide.com to determine the five most popular Phoenix neighborhoods with renters.
Most Popular Phoenix Neighborhoods
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Our research pointed us toward neighborhoods ranging from city life to small-town feel, but all within a short distance of great food, entertainment and plenty of things to do. The Phoenix valley is the perfect place for young college students, those looking to retire and everyone in between.
Check out this list of the top five Phoenix neighborhoods and a few of their nearby perks.
1. Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Phoenix area with great views of Camelback Mountain. You can spend your days hiking or enjoy a picnic in Echo Canyon Recreation Area. Follow it up with an evening of shopping at the Biltmore Fashion Park and dinner at Chelsea’s Kitchen or another local restaurant.
You’ll find reasonable pricing on studio apartments, but one and two bedrooms jump above the average rental prices in the area.
| Property Size | Arcadia Average | Phoenix Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $671 | $836 |
| 1 BR | $1,315 | $977 |
| 2 BR | $1,467 | $1,193 |
2. Downtown
Downtown Phoenix offers easy access to Sky Harbor International Airport, the Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Art Museum. Home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns, Downtown is the ideal place to catch a game and escape the summer heat.
Whether you are interested in museums, bars, art or the theater, this area has something for everyone, especially those looking to leave the car behind. With its rising popularity, you will find Downtown apartment prices on the high end of this list of rental locations.
| Property Size | Downtown Average | Phoenix Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,199 | $836 |
| 1 BR | $1,584 | $977 |
| 2 BR | $3,344 | $1,193 |
3. Deer Valley
Deer Valley is close to multiple outdoor experiences for those ready for an adventure. Residents can enjoy the local hiking trails or take a short 30-minute drive up to Lake Pleasant for a day on the water. This area entices young families and is known for the thrill rides, water slides and a lazy river at Wet ‘n’ Wild waterpark.
You’re looking at more affordable prices in this neighborhood to go along with the vast array of sports bars and Mexican restaurants.
| Property Size | Deer Valley Average | Phoenix Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $833 | $836 |
| 1 BR | $910 | $977 |
| 2 BR | $1,067 | $1,193 |
4. Paradise Valley
Along the Phoenix/Scottsdale border is Paradise Valley with its beautiful golf courses, high-end restaurants and shopping malls. The nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square has luxury brand stores and local entertainment. If you love animals, you can spend a day at the OdySea Aquarium, walking around the Butterfly Wonderland habitat or go swimming with dolphins at Dolphinaris.
For being known as a higher-end part of town, this area is surprisingly below the overall Phoenix rent average.
| Property Size | Paradise Valley Average | Phoenix Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $838 | $836 |
| 1 BR | $907 | $977 |
| 2 BR | $1,069 | $1,193 |
5. Desert Ridge
Smack in the middle of this local neighborhood is the Desert Ridge Marketplace, which boasts bocce ball courts, an assortment of popular shops and great family-friendly entertainment options. Another unique spot in this area is the Musical Instrument Museum, where you can view more than 6,800 different instruments and even try a few.
Although it is a smaller area, the nearby amenities mean you can expect higher rent prices.
| Property Size | Desert Ridge Average | Phoenix Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,149 | $836 |
| 1 BR | $1,442 | $977 |
| 2 BR | $2,175 | $1,193 |
The rent information included in this article is based on current multifamily rental property inventory on ApartmentGuide.com and is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.