Living in and around Phoenix

As much as we’re fans of a good, urban downtown, it’s difficult to address in the context of downtown Phoenix. First of all, this is a city of extensive sprawl. Moreover, for a lot of folks, defining downtown Phoenix living is an amorphous proposition. Where IS downtown Phoenix, anyway? Plus, about half of the major pro sports is happening to the west in Glendale. But for sake of argument, let’s look at Central City, which is what might pass for downtown. While the amenities and the cost of living are terrific, we’re talking about questionable status for things like schools and crime. Granted, living in a $300,000, 2-bed/2-bath high-rise condo across the street from Chase Field might be just what the doctor ordered. And there are certainly those families that love Center City and have big houses and claim to have a great social life. For the most part, though, there are other communities that probably make more sense.

Way at the top end of the scale is Paradise Valley. Known for its luxury resorts and high-priced real estate, it comes with a median home price of almost $1.5 million. At the entry level, you’re still probably talking north of 600,000 unless you’re looking at the fringes of the community, where real estate might actually have a different town address. Often regarded as the best Phoenix suburb, it’s quiet and beautiful. Adjacent Scottsdale is much more approachable, with a median home price almost 70% lower at $400,000. A much bigger community, excellent amenities and good schools abound. There’s also plenty of culture here, including the Pueblo Grande Museum, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Heard Museum. Downtown Scottsdale offers plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife. 

Known mainly as the location of Arizona State University, Tempe is a lot more than just a college town—and a lot less expensive than Paradise Valley or Scottsdale. With decent schools and a median home price just north of $200,000, this is a densely populated community with lots of shopping and amenities. It’s often regarded as highly walkable (though a lot of Arizonans will probably consider walking anywhere to be folly). Bonus: Arizona’s only IKEA store. 

Considered an up and coming community is Chandler. It’s somewhat further out than the other towns mentioned, and fans of Chandler talk about how much they love both the cosmopolitan and family vibes in the community. Median home price is slightly higher than Tempe, but still below a quarter million. With an award-winning school district and blossoming downtown, Chandler gets ranked as one of Arizona’s best places to live. 

Reputedly a word from the Crow Indians meaning “House of Dreams,” Ahwatukee is a favorite spot. (But really, the Crow Indian word for House of Dreams is something else entirely—and it’s all part of the charm.) Most of what’s here didn’t exist 25 years ago. Fans of ‘tukee talk about how friendly the place is, with an actual downtown. Median home prices are just bumping 300K. With a small-town vibe, big city amenities are right nearby. 

Litchfield Park has topped some folks’ lists for great places to live in AZ. With a median home price approaching 300K, it has a fairly wide range of inventory, from a 175K 2-bed/2-bath townhome to a 5-bed/3-bath family home with a yard to sprawling million-dollar golf-course homes. Good schools, excellent amenities and a 15-minute drive to university of Phoenix Stadium. You could ask for more…but what?