What Are The 15 Safest Neighborhoods In Phoenix?

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

Phoenix is quickly becoming a major hotspot for both homeowners and tourists. The beautiful desert surroundings, warm weather, and friendly art scene have turned it into a place to adore. But, it’s not always the perfect idyllic place that you want it to be. You need to make sure that you’re in a safe neighborhood here.

Based on statistics, Desert View, North Gateway, Ahwatukee Foothills, Florence, and Paradise Valley are the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona. These neighborhoods rank highest when it comes to safety and livability, with between 81-94% higher safety ratings than all of Phoenix. Phoenix’s other safe areas include Gilbert, Buckeye, North Phoenix, Estrella, Maryvale, and Laveen.

This is a beautiful city, but it still has a crime problem. People who want to stay safe and max out their investment need to know the lay of the land.

What Are The Safest Neighborhoods In Phoenix?

Neighborhoods in Phoenix can vary greatly on safety. Unfortunately, the details on the crimes here are spotty at best. We are going to try to find as much information as possible, but it’s important to remember that results may be mixed. Either way, here’s what our picks are.

1. Desert View

  • Home Price: $358,674 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,457 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 64% of areas

If you are a fan of both nightlife and breathtaking views, you’re going to want to live in Desert View. Often cited as the safest part of the city, this neighborhood is safer than 69 percent of cities in Arizona. This is usually the place where people who want to enjoy a luxury lifestyle live.

Desert View exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 64 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 94 percent safer than others in Phoenix. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $358,674, and the average rent is $1,457.

Of course, living in the safest part of any city is not going to come cheap. The median home price here is almost at the $450,000 mark. So, expect to spend a fortune here. Even though it’s pricey, everyone agrees that the houses here are worth every penny.

2. North Gateway

  • Home Price: $260,769 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,087 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 86% of areas

North Gateway is a bit unusual when it comes to the neighborhoods in Phoenix. While it is a suburban area and remains nestled inside the city’s limits, you’d never guess it. This area has a particularly sparse layout that ensures that you have enough “breathing room” to tolerate city life.

People here get to enjoy excellent school systems with a highly supportive teacher network. Maybe that’s why this area is safer than 65 percent of other neighborhoods in Phoenix?

North Gateway has a 86 percent livability advantage over other Phoenix neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 93 percent safer than similar areas in Phoenix. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the community is $260,769, with an average rent of $1,087.

3. Ahwatukee Foothills

  • Home Price: $298,053 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,175 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 77% of areas

Are you a fan of Mediterranean Revival homes? Spanish architecture, maybe? Then you’re going to be able to understand the innate appeal of the terra cotta rooftops found in Ahwatukee Foothills. This popular neighborhood is famous throughout Phoenix for its gorgeous architectural style.

According to the most recent statistics, this neighborhood is safer than 89 percent of Arizona’s cities. That makes it the clear winner when it comes to safety.

It’s one of the few neighborhoods where it’s not unusual for people to leave the door unlocked so that neighborhood kids can visit easily. No wonder people request this neighborhood by name!

Ahwatukee Foothills ranks 77% better in livability than other areas in Phoenix. This neighborhood is also 89% safer than other Phoenix neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $298,053, with the average rent being $1,175.

4. Florence

  • Home Price: $112,100 median purchase price
  • Rent: $782 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 65% of areas

Florence’s historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to 140 historic structures dating from the nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries.

Off-road enthusiasts, hikers, and those interested in the area’s rich botanical, wildlife, and cultural resources flock to public lands outside of Florence.

Florence outperforms other Phoenix neighborhoods in terms of livability by 65 percent. In comparison to other Phoenix neighborhoods, this one is 86 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $112,100, and the average rent is $782.

5. Paradise Valley

  • Home Price: $252,702 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,127 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 82% of areas

Doesn’t the name alone make you feel safe? It should. Paradise Valley has a stellar reputation among people who are focused on safety. Picturesque homes are here to let you soak up all the sunny glory of desert life. Young professionals love the restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues here.

If you’re willing to plunk down a median price of $337,000 for a home, do it. This place is notoriously quiet. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find much about the distinct crime rates for it, but the reputation for its safety stands. It’s mentioned relatively frequently as a good place to live.

Paradise Valley has an 82% livability advantage over other Phoenix neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 81 percent safer than similar areas in Phoenix. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the district is $252,702, with an average rent of $1,127.

6. North Phoenix

  • Home Price: $391,462 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,232 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 59% of areas

The area is known for its peace and quiet, and it is primarily populated by families with children, retirees, and various professionals. North Phoenix is well-known for its sprawl of affordable, high-square-footage suburban houses, making it an ideal location for new families looking for a long-term home.

North Phoenix exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 59 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 81 percent safer than others in Phoenix. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $391,462, and the average rent is $1,232.

7. Gilbert

  • Home Price: $264,700 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,315 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 97% of areas

Gilbert was once dubbed the “second saintliest city in the country” due to its low theft rate, and it doesn’t get much safer than that. Aside from crime statistics, the city of Gilbert has been working hard to improve its education.

Because of this focus, they have a 92 percent graduation rate. Their town’s emphasis on education is accompanied by a focus on community. This has resulted in several immaculately maintained parks that host various community events on a regular basis.

Gilbert exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 97 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 70 percent safer than others in Phoenix. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $264,700, and the average rent is $1,315.

8. Deer Valley

  • Home Price: $167,384 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,042 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 80% of areas

Deer Valley is fairly popular with people who want to have a closer path to the many natural attractions in and around Phoenix. A dense suburban area, Deer Valley has a certain level of exclusivity that people tend to like. A median home price of $264,000 makes it kind of pricey for Phoenix, but it’s good to know you’ll get impeccable schools here.

This is considered to be one of the best places to live in Phoenix. Crime rates, though, have been hard to pin down. Some say it’s 17 percent safer than Phoenix’s average, while others put the number far higher.

In terms of livability, Deer Valley exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 80 percent. This neighborhood is 70% safer than other Phoenix neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $167,384, and the average rent is $1,042.

9. Buckeye

  • Home Price: $166,900 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,143 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 87% of areas

Buckeye is the most western suburb in the Phoenix area, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. It has increased from 6,000 to 56,683 in the last decade. This expansion is continuing as the Phoenix real estate market recovers.

Some families will be drawn to this peaceful area because there is plenty of space between you and your neighbors. Wide-open acres are still available throughout Buckeye County for a fraction of the price of properties closer to the metro area.

Buckeye exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 87 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 56 percent safer than others in Phoenix. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $166,900, and the average rent is $1,143.

10. Laveen

  • Home Price: $178,000 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,190 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 54% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 24% of areas

Though it is not as well-known as communities like North Gateway and Desert View, the small neighborhood of Laven definitely earned its place as a safe neighborhood. Laveen’s sparse urban surroundings allow you to have space of your own while you still get the same amenities you’d expect in the heart of the city.

Laveen exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 24 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 54 percent safer than others in Phoenix. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $178,000, and the average rent is $1,190.

It’s not unusual for people to kick off their shoes and practice yoga in the parks nearby here. Oh, and the schools are good too. Parents need not worry about their kids’ futures in this part of town!

11. Scottsdale

  • Home Price: $405,500 median purchase price
  • Rent: $1,184 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 55% of areas

Scottsdale demonstrates that even larger neighborhoods can be safe. Scottsdale attracts families for various reasons, including its distinctive architecture and museums. It also hosts the Scottsdale Arts Festival, one of the country’s largest art festivals.

Scottsdale has a 55 percent livability advantage over other Phoenix neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 48 percent safer than similar areas in Phoenix. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the community is $405,500, with an average rent of $1,184.

12. Estrella

  • Home Price: $85,516 median purchase price
  • Rent: $905 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 18% of areas

What a pretty name, right? Estrella means “star” in Spanish, and it’s easy to feel like a star in this neighborhood. Fans of diversity love this hyper-affordable location near the heart of the city. Decent schools that have a community focused on safety also make it a fairly good place to raise kids.

Statistics show that Estrella is safer than 44 percent of cities in Arizona. With a median rent of approximately $1100, it’s safe to say that working-class folks will enjoy this venue. I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a place that’s as beautiful as Estrella?

Estrella outperforms other Phoenix neighborhoods in terms of livability by 18 percent. In comparison to other Phoenix neighborhoods, this one is 45 percent safer. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $85,516, and the average rent is $905.

13. Maryvale

  • Home Price: $84,540 median purchase price
  • Rent: $969 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 28% of areas

Maryvale is everything most people want in a neighborhood, all wrapped up in one convenient package. This neighborhood is noted for having surprisingly affordable housing in a dense suburban environment. While the school systems in the area are not the best, this area is popular with retirees because it’s relatively quiet.

Good price tags make for an intelligent retirement area. Ample parks and a crime rate that makes it safer than 42 percent of communities in Arizona turn it into an excellent place to live.

Maryvale exceeds other Phoenix neighborhoods by 28 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 42 percent safer than others in Phoenix. According to data, the median purchase price of a home in the area is $84,540, and the average rent is $969.

14. South Mountain Village

  • Home Price: $107,310 median purchase price
  • Rent: $839 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 32% of areas

While Phoenix itself tends to have a higher crime rate than most other cities, South Mountain Village is a sweet, homey respite from the craziness that comes with living here. South Mountain Village is affordable, with good schools. More importantly, the area is noted for being filled with helpful people.

According to the stats that we’ve found in this area, South Mountain Village is safer than 39 percent of all cities in the state. That’s not too bad.

South Mountain Village is 32 percent more livable than nearby Phoenix neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 39% safer than the rest of Phoenix. According to figures, the median purchase price of a property in the area is $107,310, with an average rent of $839.

15. North Mountain Village

  • Home Price: $138,865 median purchase price
  • Rent: $875 median monthly rate
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 37% of Arizona cities
  • Livability Ranking: Ranks better than 66% of areas

If you want to make sure that you get a reasonable price on a home, then take a look at North Mountain. Phoenix’s favorite highly diverse neighborhood offers up a decent take on nightlife, good schools, as well as a wealth of new amenities. It’s definitely a place on the up and up.

North Mountain Village ranks 66% better in livability than other areas in Phoenix. This neighborhood is also 37% safer than other Phoenix neighborhoods. According to statistics, the median purchase price of homes in the area is $138,865, with the average rent being $875 per month.

People determined to make a good life for themselves might want to snap up a home before prices increase. Studies show it’s safer than 37 percent of all Phoenix cities. When you’re driving through here, expect to see tons of breathtaking Spanish-style architecture.

Is Phoenix A Safe Place to Live?

The city’s safety highly depends on the neighborhood in which you are moving. Make sure you choose a safe area to move to. That way, you won’t need to worry so much about the higher crime rates of the city.

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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