We asked local real estate expert Michael Velasco to share five great neighborhoods to buy a home in the Phoenix area. He recommended these 5 neighborhoods for quality of life and popularity with buyers. They range from very affordable to upscale, each with unique qualities that make them desirable.
Arcadia, Phoenix
One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arcadia sits up against Camelback mountain between 44th and 68th. Arcadia is desirable Phoenix urban living, with terrific access to all the city has to offer. The neighborhood is known for mature landscaping, as it was built on former citrus groves. Expect to find spacious ranch-style homes here are on large lots. This upscale neighborhood is known for higher property values, with listings reaching into the millions. Median sold price: $551,000
Ahwatukee, Phoenix
Ahwatukee is a great place for adventurers, with access to hiking and biking trails and South Mountain. It's a suburban lifestyle neighborhood with the bonus of being close to the city's amenities. Kyrene is one of the top school districts in the valley. Thanks to the South Mountain and South Mountain Park sitting between Ahwatukee and the city, residents enjoy the separation from the rest Phoenix. Median sold price: $232,000
A three-bedroom home in Ahwatukee with a pool that backs to open space.
Power Ranch, Gilbert
Power Ranch is a master planned community built on land settled by the Power family nearly 100 years ago. It's consistently ranked one of the best master planned communities in the nation. Sitting about 40 minutes southeast of Phoenix, buyers flock to this neighborhood for its built-in comfort, amenities and homeowner activities. Despite its size, there's still a strong sense of community in this desirable Phoenix outlier. Median sold price: $255,000
Arrowhead Ranch, Glendale
Arrowhead Ranch enjoys proximity to the 1,185-acre Thunderbird Conservation Park, offering residents many options for outdoor activities. Many homes back to green spaces, including the Legends at Arrowheads golf course; most of the homes in Arrowhead Lakes have access to the water. Just 30 minutes northwest of Phoenix, Arrowhead Ranch has 21 communities that are perfect for commuters. Sports fans enjoy the NHL Phoenix Coyotes and NFL Arizona Cardinals that call Glendale home. Median sold price: $305,000
DC Ranch, Scottsdale AZ
Set against the hills of the Sonoran Desert in the far northeast corner of Scottsdale, DC Ranch is an upscale gated golf community close to Talking Stick Resort. A master planned community, it enjoys all the amenities you would expect, plus access to trails and other outdoor activites. Here you'll find larger, more expensive homes (with multiple community assessments). Median sold price: $691,000 Explore these and more desirable Phoenix neighborhoods with an agent that knows your area. Homes are available and, with the right expert, you can find what you're looking for.
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Michael Velasco is the General Manager of Redefy Phoenix. Median closing prices are from Realtor.com
This story first appeared in The Home Front.