Famous for its sunny climate, lively nightlife, and beautiful mountain trails, Phoenix, Arizona is fast becoming one of the most popular US cities for young professionals. Whether you are fleeing the east coast winters or relocating for work, Phoenix has something for everyone (including several great neighborhoods!) Read on to discover which Phoenix neighborhood is right for you.
Camelback East
Camelback East is popular among young professionals given its close proximity to Downtown at an affordable price. A short fifteen-minute drive, you are never far from the city’s hustle and bustle. However, residents can also enjoy a more slow-paced environment here making it the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. Many young professionals are entering the workforce for the first time. This means that affordability is often at the top of their list. Thankfully, there are copious affordable apartments and condos to choose from. A 2022 SpaceWise report estimates that the median monthly rent in Camelback East is approximately $900. However, if your budget allows, there are also several luxury apartments boasting pools, gyms, and communal office areas available. A quick Zillow search on the term Camelback East apartments returns over 200 results starting at a manageable $1,000 price point.
While residents are an approximate 40 minute commute to Downtown Phoenix, there are no shortage of amenities, eateries, and shops right on your doorstep to keep you entertained. Given its year-round sunshine, locals can take advantage of several golf courses in Camelback East including Arizona Biltmore and Papago golf clubs. If your idea of unwinding from the 9-5 grind involves the great outdoors, we’ve got good news! The Phoenix Mountains Preserve ‘offers hiking, biking and views from prominent summits such as Camelback Mountain.’ Plan your trip between 5am and 7pm when all gated trailheads and parking areas are open. And of course, there are endless options for the foodies. Head to VIG for an extensive cocktail menu and outdoor seating, Fuego Bistro for tasty Latin-Southwestern flavors, and Christopher’s Crush for upscale dining and the BEST truffle fries (trust us!).
Encanto
Encanto borders Downtown Phoenix and is an ideal location for those commuting to and from the city center. A quick fifteen-minute commute to downtown means you’ll have those coveted extra minutes in the morning to hit the snooze button or fit in another mile. Encanto itself boasts a strong economy and jobs market, with hospitality, healthcare, and finance being the leading industries in the area. It is worth noting that while an Encanto address may come cheaper than a Downtown zip code, Niche.com gives it a C for housing and C+ for cost of living. The same report estimates that the median monthly rent in Encanto is $1,041, just under the national average of $1,096.
Encanto also has an abundance of recreational activities and outdoor space. Stop and smell the roses in the Encanto Rose Garden on 15th Avenue or practice your swing at the Encanto 18 golf club. Finish your Saturday afternoon on the green with a bite to eat at the nearby Encanto Tavern. The popular Encanto park is a public park with pretty picnic areas, fishing, walking and running trails, a lagoon, a boathouse, and an amusement park. We recommend stopping at Luana’s Coffee Shop to pick up some refreshments before making your way to one of Encanto park’s many beautiful picnic areas.
Central City
Central City is a bustling Phoenix neighborhood located in Maricopa County with a population of about 60,000. Downtown Phoenix is just a twenty-minute bus ride so Central City residents can enjoy all of the big city amenities while avoiding the expensive rent rates. A 2022 Zumper report estimates that the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Central City is $1,095 as of October 2022. This is compared to $1,974 for a 1-bedroom in Downtown Phoenix which is a staggering 42% higher than the city median. For those looking to invest in property, the median home value is $192,263 which sits below the national average of $299,800. Central City continuously ranks among the top Phoenix neighborhoods for singles and young professionals, with Niche.com giving the area an A for nightlife, A for commute, and B+ for outdoor activities. It also ranks as the eighth most diverse neighborhood in Phoenix.
There is no shortage of fun things to do for Central City locals. You can head to Chase Field to watch Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks compete. Stadium attendees enjoy tasty food from a variety of vendors including A-Zona Street Tacos, Big Dawgs, Chick-fil-A, Cold Stone Creamery, and Wetzel’s Pretzels. The ballpark has some unique features from the dirt strip at home plate to the private swimming pool and hot tub in the right field. You are also a short distance from the CityScape shopping complex and the Roosevelt Row arts district. CityScape’s comedy club, Stand Up Live, features alums from the likes of SNL and MTV, Copper Blues is the go-to spot for a rock gig, and 810 Billiards and Bowling is perfect for a fun night of bar games. Meanwhile, Roosevelt Row is a popular, walkable arts district featuring galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. The area also hosts fun events including the monthly First Fridays Art Walk, and annual festivities such as the M3F Music Festival.
Paradise Valley Village
If you’re looking for a laid back lifestyle then Paradise Valley Village may be the right choice for you. Reported to be safer than 67% of Phoenix neighborhoods, residents have access to great hiking trails, cozy coffee shops, and plenty of housing options for singles and young professionals. Zumper reports that the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Paradise Valley, AZ is currently $1,900, as of October 2022. This is a 31% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile the median home value sits at $341,576 which is above the national average of $229,800.
Despite the quiet and peaceful feel of the neighborhood, Paradise Valley has copious fun bars and restaurants for residents to unwind on Saturday night. The O.H.S.O. Brewery serves a wide variety of craft brews and tasty American bites, and dog parents will love the pet-friendly patio. If you are in the mood for a wholesome Sunday afternoon after your evening of O.H.S.O. brews then head down to the Roadrunner Park Farmers Market. Market vendors sell everything from freshly baked goods and local produce, to hand-crafted items and art. Outdoor activities include a round of golf at Stone Creek Golf Club, cycling the Scottsdale Greenbelt trail, or hiking along the Mummy Mountain Loop. There’s a reason why Niche.com ranks Paradise Valley as the fourth best Phoenix neighborhood for young professionals!
North Mountain
North Mountain is an ideal option for the nature loving young professional. The area is home to the North Mountain Park with access to several hiking trails and the Lookout Mountain Preserve. Despite the countryside feel, locals are just two miles away from great shopping, eateries, and entertainment. The Castles N’ Coasters amusement park is a fun date spot which features several rides, miniature golf courses, go-karts, and an indoor video arcade game. Meanwhile Saturday night can be spent at the North Mountain Brewing Co. listening to live music and munching on artisan pizzas.
With a Niche.com rating of B+ for nightlife and commute, North Mountain offers its residents big city amenities at an affordable price tag. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200, while the median home value is $230,401. This is on par with the national average. If you do get the urge to spend a Saturday in the heart of Downtown fear not. North Mountain locals have easy access to all major freeways (just be prepared to search for a parking spot once you reach the city center!)
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