Quantifying the characteristics of the best places to live in Phoenix for young professionals

Pinpointing places in Phoenix through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street- and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Phoenix’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best Phoenix neighborhoods for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Phoenix for young professionals

Here’s our data-informed list of Phoenix’s top neighborhoods for young professionals:

1. Encanto

The neighborhood of Encanto, also known as Encanto Village, is a combination of several districts in Phoenix. Although it offers some nightlife, it’s definitely a more lowkey neighborhood with its own namesake golf course, casual cafés and restaurants like Durant’s, and the Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Some other spots in the neighborhood include Oven+Vine pizzeria and wine bar, and Bar1 and Stacy’s, two of the gay bars in the neighborhood. For those seeking art-focused activities, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum are available.

2. Camelback East

The Camelback East neighborhood starts from the Salt River and stretches up to the Phoenix Mountains. The neighborhood is surrounded by Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, both of which boast a number of scenic hiking trails. If you want to see plants in a curated space, stop by the Desert Botanical Garden.

Needless to say, If you’re a young professional who loves the great outdoors, this is the top neighborhood in Phoenix to consider. For those who want a change from outdoor activities, there are a few shopping plazas to pop by after you leave work at one of the glass office towers scattered throughout the neighborhood.

3. Central City

The Central City neighborhood is widespread, containing zones for both businesses and residences. It’s also home to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which makes those work trips easier to coordinate. In the Roosevelt Row arts district, you’ll find unique dining options and all sorts of art galleries.

If you feel like playing tourist, the Arizona Science Center and the Arizona Capitol Museum should be on your must-visit list. If you’re a sports fan or trying to get your co-workers together for an outing, go see the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

4. North Mountain

North Mountain, also known as North Mountain Village, is another quieter neighborhood in Phoenix. It’s known for its abundance of outdoor activity offerings like hiking in North Mountain Park, Lookout Mountain Preserve and its namesake golf club, and Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Around the area, you’ll find pubs, sports bars, and comfort food-focused restaurants. If you want to see where the beer comes from, pop into North Mountain Brewing Company after work.

5. Paradise Valley Village

Paradise Valley Village is probably the most suburban option on our list. It’s known for having numerous golf clubs, including Stone Creek Golf Club and Orange Tree Golf Resort, and indoor shopping options. The restaurant options are similar to North Mountain and include mainly sports bars and pubs with the occasional pizza spot mixed in. If you like to ride your bike after work or on the weekends, you have easy access to the Scottsdale Greenbelt trail from the area.

Finding the right neighborhood in Phoenix for your career

Our best neighborhoods in Phoenix for young professionals all offer the chance to take part in outdoor activities and lead a more relaxed lifestyle as a young professional. If you want to have the option to participate in nightlife, they are all great choices, but each neighborhood seems more focused on outdoor activities and the ability to wind down after a day at work. If that’s what you’re seeking in the next phase of your career, one of these neighborhoods could be the place for you.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Phoenix. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you.