Arcadia

Arcadia is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Phoenix, especially for young professionals. It was built on land that used to be citrus groves, and as a result, you’ll find big, picturesque streets. Additionally, you’ll see oversized lots which are surrounded by beautiful landscaping, and the area offers stunning views of Camelback Mountain. 

This area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, where residents are able to enjoy both urban and rural living, providing a charming and quaint setting. It’s also a bike-friendly community that has a balance of indoor and outdoor living and hosts some of the state’s best K-12 schools found inside the Scottsdale Unified School District. The neighborhood of Arcadia is home to a mix of newcomers and locals and is broken up into three further areas: Proper, Lite, and Lower. 

Arcadia Proper contains the largest, upscale homes and is the wealthiest part of Arcadia, while Arcadia Lite is the go-to area for younger families and millennials and is one of the best places to live in Phoenix for young professionals. Lower Arcadia contains one of the oldest areas in Phoenix and is a charming neighborhood full of one-story single-family homes. There are plenty of shops, parks, and restaurants here for all to enjoy. 

• Average home price: $1,448,251
• Average price per square foot: $441.97
• Average days on market: 35

Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley offers views that are sure to take your breath away. Inside this neighborhood, you’ll find luxurious, resort-style homes that sit along secluded cliff sides, boutique shops, beautiful golf courses, and stunning resorts. As a result, the wealthy choose this area as their getaway all year. Known simply as “PV” to the locals, eight resorts surround this paradise, some of which are the area’s best employers. 

Many of these resorts provide residences such as Azure, the Ritz Carlton, Ascent, and Mountain Shadows at the Phoenician. Those who wish to raise a family here will get access to more than 10 private and public schools in the area. Parents will also be happy to learn that the public schools in PV are ranked highly. 

Paradise Valley offers residents a concentrated suburban feel — even so, most residents own their homes here. Inside Paradise Valley, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Because of its great features and amenities, a lot of young professionals find their way to PV, where residents tend to be conservative. 

• Average home price: $3,548,395
• Average price per square foot: $599.43
• Average days on market: 66

Desert Ridge

Just 30 minutes away from downtown Phoenix, you’ll find the masterfully planned neighborhood of Desert Ridge located in the Northeast Valley. This quiet area features luxurious upscale homes with amazing resort-style amenities. There are also plenty of single-family townhouses and homes here for young professionals, all of which are nestled near the most exciting parts of the city. 

At Desert Ridge, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, shop, and play. Furthermore, the marketplace is the premier destination for shopping, offering modern restaurants, steakhouses, and chic boutiques. Some of the biggest employers here are the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (crowned by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 75 resorts in the country), along with Mayo Clinic. 

• Average home price: $639,213
• Average price per square foot: $270.34
• Average days on market: 25

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is located East of Phoenix and is a tourist destination with several golf courses (which includes TPC Scottsdale), and spa resorts scattered throughout this upscale city. From the beauty of their luxury resorts to the exciting attractions and activities this city has to offer, you’ll be sure to enjoy life here. Visitors to the area will find out that this neighborhood is further broken up into North, Central, and South. 

North Scottsdale contains world-class golf clubs, along with stunning residential estates. This area is also full of homes with various architectural styles such as Southwest, Mediterranean Revival, and Spanish Mission. A prominent tourist attraction here is Taliesin West, the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Central Scottsdale is host to a mix of both new and historic homes, where locals are in proximity of various activities such as nightlife, outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping. Because there are lots of condos rising here, it is a popular area among empty nesters and Millennials and is one of the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale for young professionals. South Scottsdale is the cultural center of the area, where galleries spark inspiration everywhere. 

• Average home price: $1,211,409
• Average price per square foot: $376.57
• Average days on market: 35

North Central Phoenix

Another one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, North Central Phoenix is only a 10-minute ride from downtown which is perfect for young professionals. Here, olive trees are lined along the north and south stretch of Central Avenue, which is one of the area’s most famous roads. This whole neighborhood is rich in history, where you’ll find vintage homes and traces of its equestrian beginnings.  

While many of their ranch-style homes may be renovated, they still pay homage to the character and charm of their classic roots. You’ll also see the historic landmark of the Murphy Bridle Path here, which cuts through the neighborhood. Originally carved in the 1800s as a horse trail, it now serves as a shaded dirt path that stretches for five miles, giving walkers, runners, and bikers a place for exercise. 

• Average home price: $1,092,833
• Average price per square foot: $367.22
• Average days on market: 30