The 5 Best Phoenix Neighborhoods For Young Professionals

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

It is always challenging to move to a new city. It is not easy to find a place to live, and that is a significant problem. Choosing the right place to fit your needs can be overwhelming. You also want to pay attention to neighborhood safety, school quality, and convenience-and; it all depends on your personal preferences. This is especially true if you’re a young professional. So, what neighborhoods would be best?

The best neighborhoods in the Phoenix area for young professionals are as follows:

  • Roosevelt Row
  • Garfield
  • Tempe
  • Chandler
  • Mesa

Let’s take a closer look at these neighborhoods and what they have to offer. That way, you can choose the one that’s best for you and your career. After all, it is vital to move to any area where you’re going to thrive, not fail to thrive.

Related Guide: The Safest Neighborhoods in Phoenix

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The Neighborhoods Of Phoenix

The city of Phoenix draws residents from across the U.S. with its beautiful weather, affordable housing, tasty local food, craft beer, and outdoor activities that will entice anyone out of their slippers and into their Skechers. But you may be unsure of where to start if you’re new around here. The following is a basic overview:

In addition to Phoenix being Arizona’s capital, you probably already know that the area is known for its year-round warm climate and desert scenery. In the Valley of the Sun, the area acts as the central anchor for a sprawling metropolitan area made up of many cities.

What Is Phoenix Like?

Approximately 1.6 million people live in Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the United States and the largest in Arizona. In 1867, Phoenix was popular as an agricultural community because of the canal system in the area, despite arid conditions brought to it by the neighboring Sonoran Desert. These irrigation canals were built by the Hohokam people who lived in the area for more than 2,000 years.

The terrain in and around Phoenix, outside of the nearby mountains, is generally flat, which allows the city’s main streets to be laid out in an orderly pattern with wide, open-spaced roadways.

In general, the area is divided into its northern, central, and southern parts, with the locals often referring to these regions as simply “South Phoenix.” Many people lump Arizona’s eastern and western neighbors, including Scottsdale and Mesa, into the metro area.

Top 5 Best Phoenix Neighborhoods For Young Professionals

Suppose you’re a young professional looking to relocate to the Phoenix area. In that case, it’s essential to do your research and find out what the best neighborhood is for your career and personal preferences. Therefore, here are five districts to choose from:

1. Best For Professional Artists: Roosevelt Row

  • Walk Score: 82
  • Crime Rating: A+
  • Transit Score: 60
  • Median Rent: $780

Local shops and restaurants in this quirky, small-town are packed full of one-of-a-kind items, and underground events highlight the distinctive arts and culture of local residents. Roosevelt Row, or RoRo, is on track to become one of the best neighborhoods in the region, with over 100,000 new visitors each year and more locals starting to take notice of what it has to offer.

The arts are RoRo’s primary focus (the neighborhood is technically an Artists’ District), and it is committed to supporting artists right from the backyard. There are many self-guided art walks where these local artists are featured, such as First Friday Art Walk and Third Friday Art Walk. Moreover, there are a number of art galleries and venues lined up along RoRo’s mural-adorned streets.

This district, located just off-center of downtown Phoenix, offers all the great eats and drinks that you’d expect from the city center. The following restaurants are close by if you would like to sample some of the most incredible food in the area: Barrio Cafe Gran Reserva, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, The Dressing Room, and The Breadfruit & Rum Bar.

2. Best For Entrepreneurs: Garfield

  • Walk Score: 77
  • Crime Rating: F
  • Transit Score: 56
  • Median Rent: $679

East of downtown, Garfield is an area undergoing development. With its historic agricultural heritage, the community is highly walkable, and a myriad of restaurants and city destinations can be reached in just a few minutes. It is no wonder that the in-between residential area is becoming more provoking by the moment. These houses are only a few steps away from bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.

There are many resources available for startups in Phoenix, like many coworking spaces, and the city has recently gained more attention from local entrepreneurs. Garfield boasts a number of business resources, including the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation – an incubator that develops small businesses and jobs.

This little residential neighborhood comes with its own set of advantages, as well. You should also check out the local favorites: the Welcome Diner, Gallo Blanco, Mariscos Playa Hermosa, be Coffee + Food + Stuff, and (our all-time favorite), Mother Bunch Brewing.

3. Best For Professionals In Entertainment: Tempe

  • Walk Score: 53
  • Crime Rating: F
  • Transit Score: 47
  • Median Rent: $985

There is also another popular hub nearby, Tempe, which is just outside of Phoenix. This city offers a variety of outdoor activities, sports, and family events, as well as arts and culture. Downtown Phoenix is only 10 miles away, so even if this does not fit your schedule, there are other options.

Regular concerts, dance shows, and comedy shows are presented at Tempe Center for the Arts. Paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are frequently seen at the nearby Tempe Town Lake. Another outdoor wonder is Hayden Butte, a mountain covered in ancient rock art.

Tempe Beach Park is home to outdoor festivals that bring residents and visitors together. Wells Fargo Arena hosts a variety of sporting events and concerts that locals enjoy.

There are a number of great restaurants and bars near Fort Worth, including House of Tricks, Four Peaks Brewery, Casey Moore’s Oyster House, and Chompie’s.

4. Best For Professionals In Technology: Chandler

  • Walk Score: 35
  • Crime Rating: B
  • Transit Score: 24
  • Median Rent: $1,162

In the southeast of Phoenix, you will find this popular suburb city. Due to its lower crime rates, its abundance of parks, its family-friendly events and destinations, and its excellent schools are gaining more attention. Although it is small already (fourth in size in the state), it is growing quickly. Due to its location in one of the nation’s fastest-growing innovation and technology centers, this area was experiencing an unprecedented growth spurt.

There are many parks in Chandler that are worth visiting, including Veterans Oasis Park, Tumbleweed Park, and Desert Breeze Park that offers vintage train rides. Chandler also has several delicious eating establishments to choose from. Come check out the homemade, Mexican-style ice pops from Paletas Betty. In addition to Pokitrition and SanTan Brewing Company, Roy’s and other eateries are nearby.

With carnival rides, concert events, craft booths, and the infamous ostrich races, the Ostrich Festival lights up the town every March. Additionally, many events are held throughout the city to celebrate the diversity of the area’s cultures, such as the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Celebration of Unity.

5. Best For Professionals With Families: Mesa

  • Walk Score: 37
  • Crime Rating: C
  • Transit Score: 27
  • Median Rent: $907

Phoenix is located at the eastern end of Mesa. Because of the area’s small-town feel, lower crime rates, good schools, affordable real estate, and easy access to the city, this is a wonderful place to live, work, and relax. There is a growing awareness of this. You should consider Mesa if you are looking for a quieter space to raise a family or settle down for the long run.

Phoenix residents not only have access to the many activities downtown, but they can also participate in a variety of arts and culture events, festivals, and community activities throughout their own neighborhood. Mesa’s downtown is filled with boutiques, locally-owned shops, art studios, restaurants, and bars.

There are a number of old and new restaurants in Mesa catering to both locals and visitors alike. There are numerous places we enjoy, including Casa Romos II, Red White & Brew, Aloha Kitchen, and Beaver Choice. Go tubing on the Tonto National Forest’s river if you’re looking for something to do in the Mesa area.

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Related Questions

Are there hipsters in Phoenix?

Phoenix has many bars for a wide range of demographics, but there are also esoteric bars that cater to hipsters. Before they were famous, this list of 10 hipster haunts in Phoenix includes dive bars as well as more modern tastemakers. There are even some places where you can get carryout!


Is downtown Phoenix walkable?

In addition, it is one of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in the city. With a Walk Score of 84, this neighborhood is ideally located for residents to run most of their errands on foot since the homes and amenities are within walking distance of one another.


Where do the rich live in Arizona?

As of 2014, Paradise Valley had the highest median household income in the Phoenix metropolitan area. According to Esri, the zip code 85253 has the highest median household income in the area. The sale of homes in Mummy Mountain Estates and Tilyou Ranchitos has reached record levels.

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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