One of the best things about living in the Valley of the Sun is the variety. Within a short drive you can find walkable downtown condos, quiet golf communities, family-friendly suburbs, and active-adult neighborhoods. Here is a quick guide to some of the Phoenix-area communities we know best, grouped by lifestyle, to help you narrow your search.
Walkable and Central: Old Town and Central Scottsdale
- Old Town Scottsdale: the historic heart of Scottsdale, with galleries, restaurants, nightlife, and Scottsdale Fashion Square nearby. Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes make it popular with young professionals and downsizers.
- McCormick Ranch: a central Scottsdale community with a mix of condos, townhouses, and single-family homes.
- Scottsdale Ranch: resort-style living around Lake Serena, with golf courses and parks.
- Gainey Ranch: an upscale community close to golf, shopping, and dining.
- Kierland: known for its shopping, dining, and resort golf.
Luxury and Golf: North Scottsdale
- DC Ranch and Silverleaf: luxury golf communities near the McDowell Mountains.
- Grayhawk: championship golf and top dining nearby.
- Estancia: a golf community near Pinnacle Peak and Troon.
- Ancala: a gated golf community near the McDowell Mountains and Mayo Clinic.
- Eagle Mountain: a guard-gated community with mountain, golf, and city views.
- Stonegate: a gated community with mountain views and golf.
- Legend Trail: a golf community near Cave Creek with desert trails.
Outdoor Living: Near the McDowell Mountains
- McDowell Mountain Ranch: close to golf, hiking trails, and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
- Ironwood Village: estate-style homes near hiking, golf, and shopping.
Luxury Close to Phoenix: Paradise Valley and Desert Ridge
- Paradise Valley: luxury estates near Camelback Mountain, resorts, and spas.
- Desert Ridge: an upscale north Phoenix community with shopping, dining, and golf.
Family-Friendly Suburbs: The East Valley and North Valley
- Gilbert: known for parks, golf courses, and family-friendly living.
- Chandler: a growing community with parks, golf, hiking trails, and family amenities.
- Mesa: a large, diverse city with parks, golf, and a wide range of home prices.
- Anthem: a master-planned community north of Phoenix along I-17, with parks, trails, and outlet shopping.
More Space for the Money: The West Valley
- Avondale and Garden Lakes: a growing West Valley city along I-10 with quick freeway access. Garden Lakes is built around lakes, walking paths, and parks.
- Sun City: one of the best-known active-adult communities in the country, with golf courses, recreation centers, and mostly single-story homes. Most of the community is age-restricted to residents 55 and older.
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood
- Test your commute at rush hour before you buy.
- Ask about HOA dues and rules, which vary widely from one community to the next.
- Research schools directly with the school district if they matter to you.
- Visit at different times of day to get a real feel for the area.
Find Your Place in the Valley
Urban House Realty helps buyers, sellers, and renters across the Phoenix metro area. Browse our current listings, check out our first-time home buyer guide, or call Elsa at 602-586-8447 to talk about which neighborhood fits you best.
