There are many things to consider before choosing the perfect neighborhood and home. Although price and location are certainly among the most important, there’s one prerequisite that many homebuyers look for when determining where to buy their home, and that’s the neighborhood vibe. According to Ally Financial, 88 percent of Americans surveyed said that a neighborhood’s vibe plays an important role in deciding where they want to live, with four out of five deeming it a necessity that a neighborhood fit their personality. The survey also stated that the neighborhood vibe is so important that a majority of homebuyers would sacrifice square footage and even pay a little extra in order to live in their ideal community. 

From family-centric to modern millennial, there are definitely a variety of distinct neighborhoods throughout Phoenix, and the following neighborhoods offer the most desirable vibes in the city.

Roosevelt Row - Cultural Commune

First Friday in Roosevelt Row

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Since the 1970s, art lovers and artists have molded a hub for art culture in the Arts District known as Roosevelt Row. When abandoned bungalows became the perfect setting for studios and art galleries, the neighborhood amassed a following that has consequently birthed a supportive cultural commune. Roosevelt Row, which has also been named one of the hottest neighborhoods in America, is one of the best places to see street murals, experience a variety of art galleries, and get involved in community events.

Roosevelt Row continues to attract those looking to become a part of something bigger in their community, and the homes don’t disappoint either. Many of the homes in the neighborhood have been restored and include beautiful single-family homes, sleek apartments, and stylish condos. Some of the architectural styles include California and American Craftsmen, Tudor, Spanish Colonial, and a smattering of 1930s and 1940s ranch-style homes as well as newer condo buildings offering a full slate of amenities. Homes within this neighborhood are priced between the mid $100s to just over $1 million and can range in size from 369 to over 5,000 square feet. If street musicians, poetry slams,art gallery hopping, and weekly festivals speak to you, then this may be the perfect neighborhood for you.

Downtown - Modern Millennial

Downtown Phoenix Public Market

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Downtown has always been the heart of the city, but even Phoenix has seen a shift of priorities in the last few years. With a variety of new buildings changing the city’s skyline and multiple new businesses and high-density condos attracting the younger millennial crowd, Downtown is on its way to becoming a world-class city. This is the neighborhood where modern millennials congregate; where they can live, work, and play, all within walking or biking distance. Also, the ability to hop on the light rail right outside their front door is also a convenient option for residents living in Downtown. New and trendy restaurants constantly compete to keep up with the ever changing demands of those who know exactly what they want, while entertainment can be found in museums, bars, and cultural events throughout the neighborhood.

Expect to find a variety of homes that offer 700 to over 2,00 square feet and are priced starting in the high $100s to just over $1 million. There also new developments sprouting in the neighborhood, especially condos and lofts. If you want to enjoy the city life and have easy access to amenities and entertainment, this neighborhood is for you.

Warehouse District - Urban Chic

Interior of building in Warehouse District photo courtesy of Nick Bastian

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South of Jefferson Street, between 7th Street and 7th Avenue and incorporating parts of Central City and Downtown, the Warehouse District exudes urban chic thanks to the city’s recent rejuvenation efforts. The Warehouse District’s old warehouses have been renovated into condos featuring exposed brick walls that provide an industrial charm.

These new high-rise condos and lofts feature desirable amenities like custom floors and lighting, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and luxurious fixtures. Condos range in size from 791 to 1,990 square feet and are priced from the high $100s to high $700s. Multiple businesses have taken advantage of the neighborhood’s buzz, leading to an influx of tech startups, which have quadrupled since 2012. Combining a vibrant nightlife, a melting pot of cultures, and a mixture of old and modern, the area is trending as a hotspot neighborhood in Phoenix.

Arcadia - Family-Friendly

Segway tours in Downtown Scottsdale

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Arcadia is a quiet suburb with single-family homes situated on large lots, which appeals to homebuyers looking for a family-friendly vibe. The neighborhood is also popular for its top-rated schools and numerous kid-friendly activities and entertainment. The land was originally used for citrus farming and still boasts orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees, giving the neighborhood a lush vibe with plenty of open spaces.

The neighborhood is also home to plenty of parks that offer enough space for outdoor recreation and activities. Some of the local parks include Kachina Park, Arcadia Park, and GR Herberger Park. These parks are popular on the weekends and in the evenings where you’ll see families taking advantage of the greenspace and playgrounds.

With close proximity to Downtown Scottsdale, residents will have even more options for shopping, dining, and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. If you want a quiet neighborhood that’s bursting with kid-friendly activities and plenty of outdoor space, Arcadia is the place to be.

Willo - Quiet and Quaint

Willo Historic District photo courtesy of Nick Bastian

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Located west of Central Avenue between Thomas and McDowell roads, Willo is one of the most quaint and quiet historic neighborhoods in the heart of the city. Willo is situated within Phoenix’s central hub of businesses, arts, and entertainment venues, making this neighborhood ideal for people who want easy access to all that the city has to offer.

Willo consists of homes built in the 1920s to the 1940s and range in size from about 500 to just over 11,000 square feet, with prices from the mid $100s to $5 million. Some of the homestyles in the area include Tudors, Bungalows, Spanish Colonials, and updated ranch-style residences with charming front porches located on tree-lined streets. This tight-knit community is very walkable, making it easy for residents to enjoy a leisurely stroll or run errands. They can also jump on the local light rail system to access the city’s numerous amenities, but you wouldn’t know it from the tranquil vibe in this neighborhood. Taking a stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll find bicyclists, pedestrians, and residents gardening. If you’re interested in a neighborhood where peaceful Sundays carry over into the rest of the week, then this neighborhood is perfect for you.