Quantifying the characteristics of Phoenix’s urban neighborhoods

Get a feel for Phoenix through location data

At Local Logic, we make location easier to understand in order to create more livable, sustainable cities. We build 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 that feed into 18 proprietary Location Scores that provide both street and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so inhabitants can better understand and assess the area. 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

In this article, we’ve compiled the Location Scores for the five best neighborhoods in Phoenix for families as well as the city’s average. For each area, we analyzed the locations by the following family-friendly scores:

• Quiet: Level of noise nearby
• Pedestrian-friendly: Represents how many stores and institutions are nearby and how pleasant it is to walk to them
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Elementary Schools: Distance to closest elementary school
• High Schools: Distance to closest high school

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

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Phoenix for families

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Phoenix’s most family-friendly neighborhoods:

1. Downtown Phoenix

According to their website, Downtown Phoenix is “always vibing.” It’s a huge entertainment hub for folks of all ages. The neighborhood boasts 200+ restaurants, 40+ coffee shops, 10 live music venues, 100 murals, and 12,000+ theater seats. There are also a ton of classes that serve as a great way to meet others in the neighborhood, and every service under the sun from optometry and primary care to groceries and a farmer’s market — all within walking distance. If you want to raise your children in a neighborhood that values the arts and community, you should consider Downtown Phoenix.

2. North Mountain

North Mountain is considered to be one of the best places to live in Arizona. Residents of North Mountain are offered a real suburban feel, lots of coffee shops, and parks. If you’re a family that enjoys hiking, there are also tons of options including North Mountain Park and various trails in this Phoenix neighborhood. Not only are many public schools, such as Moon Valley High School, within walking distance of suburbs, but they’re also considered to be above average when it comes to the quality of education offered. Even though freeway access is easy and there are shops and services all around, noise levels stay pretty low, making it a great spot for those who enjoy the quietness.

3. Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley is considered to be a vibrant residential suburb. It’s known for its golf courses (like Stone Creek Golf Club) and indoor shopping plazas. Even though the neighborhood is primarily zoned for single-family residential, there are a lot of thriving businesses and all the services you need available. If you’re a family that’s into casual food options, Paradise Valley has a number of pizza, Southwestern eateries, and contemporary American restaurants for you to choose from. When you’re ready to get on your bicycle for a Sunday afternoon family ride, you can get on the Scottsdale Greenbelt Trail that runs through the neighborhood.

4. Ahwatukee Foothills

Ahwatukee Foothills is known for its calm and family-oriented atmosphere. Despite all of the quiet, the neighborhood still has a lot to offer for families looking to move there. It’s revered by locals for its family-friendliness, and has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to keep your fitness levels high with a hike at one of the Ahwatukee Foothills trails or at one of the many gyms, or have a family brunch at the kid-friendly local joint Brunch Snob, there is no shortage of options in this community.

5. Camelback East

Also known as East Phoenix or the East Side, Camelback East is just a stone’s throw from Scottsdale. It’s home to Camelback Mountain and its scenic hiking trails, the Desert Botanical Garden that houses regional plants, and the Phoenix Zoo — so plenty of options for your family outings! Although mostly residential, Camelback East also has shopping plazas and large, glass office buildings throughout. Whether you’re here for work or play, your family can find it all in Camelback East.

Finding the right neighborhood in Phoenix for your family

Are you all ready for your potential move to Phoenix after reading our list of the top five best neighborhoods in Phoenix to buy a home? No matter what your family unit looks like, there’s something for everyone in urban Phoenix.

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 and your family.