10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is the centre of the city’s art, sport, and nightlife scene. It’s also home to the Arizona State University campus, which is surrounded by cocktail bars, brewpubs, and restaurants. One of the most popular landmarks is the Arizona Science Center, where you can check out over 350 permanent exhibits, a planetarium, and a film theatre.

Learn about the city’s heritage and culture by visiting the Arizona Capitol Museum. If you’re looking for bargain bites from local producers, head to the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market over the weekend.

North Tempe is home to colourful, centuries-old homes, mountain views and the Tempe Town Lake, making it an ideal neighbourhood for both history buffs and nature lovers. It’s around a 15-minute drive east of Downtown Arizona.

One of its most popular attractions is Tempe Beach Park, where you can play in a splash playground and go boating. The park also hosts outdoor festivals throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events. For a cultural experience, head to the Tempe Centre to watch a live comedy or dance performance.

Downtown Scottsdale attracts young professionals with its thriving art scene and diverse shopping venues. In the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of trendy bars, luxury shopping centres and museums, including the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The Scottsdale Waterfront is a modern development, where you’ll see everything from high-end apartments to restaurants and retail outlets.

Throughout the day, you can relax in quirky coffee shops and take in the local art scene and culture. At night, Downtown Scottsdale transforms into a bustling nightlife area. You can find the city’s highest concentration of bars and restaurants in the Entertainment District.

North Scottsdale is an ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle. This quiet, largely residential neighbourhood is known for its wine bars, spas and high-end stores. If you prefer to unwind in nature, you can go hiking, horseback riding, cycling and camping at the nearby McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

If you’re an architecture fan, join a guided tour of Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home. You’ll see many examples of 1920s architecture in the Old Town area. Some of North Scottsdale’s top-rated dining and shopping outlets include Market Street, Scottsdale Quarter, and Kierland Commons.

Paradise Valley is one of the most upscale neighbourhoods of Pheonix. It has 3 golf courses, multi-million-dollar homes, spas and resorts. If you want to save money, there’s plenty going on outdoors. The neighbourhood is surrounded by the Camelback Mountains, Mummy Mountains and Piestewa Peak.

You'll find most of Paradise Valley's top-rated restaurants and shops along North Scottsdale Road. You might have to splash out a little, but you’ll have one of the best dining experiences in Phoenix – great for a romantic occasion or special celebration.

The Roosevelt Row Arts District is famous for its numerous art galleries and boutique shops. You’ll see lots of street art dotted around the neighbourhood, making it one of the best areas in Phoenix to soak up the local culture.

As a thriving area close to Downtown Phoenix, it’s also home to many patio bars, trendy eateries, and live music venues. You'll find lots of quirky, locally-owned restaurants and shops in Roosevelt Row, which you can explore on foot in its entirety in a day. It’s also classified as a historical designation, so keep your eyes peeled for architectural gems.

Camelback East is popular with nature lovers, thanks to its scenic hiking trails, mountain views and diverse green spaces. You can see regional flora and fauna at Desert Botanical Garden or exotic animals at Phoenix Zoo.

Camelback East is also home to upscale restaurants and shopping outlets. A must-visit is Biltmore Fashion Park, where you can purchase clothes from some of the world’s biggest luxury brands. For a more budget-friendly day of shopping, we recommend heading to the Town and Country Shopping Center.

Glendale is one of Phoenix’s sporting centres and shopping meccas. To the west, you can find restaurants, shops and bars at the Westgate City Center. For a more historic shopping experience, head to Catlin Court, where old homes have been transformed into speciality cafes, shops and antique stores.

If you fancy catching a game while visiting Glendale, you can buy tickets to watch the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals at the State Farm Stadium or the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes at the Gila River Arena. Both venues frequently host events ranging from concerts to skateboarding competitions.

Gainey Ranch is a residential enclave in Scottsdale, about 20 miles northeast of Phoenix. Its central landmark is the Gainey Ranch Golf Club, which is home to 3 courses with sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains.

Its upscale shopping scene attracts those looking for jewellery, fashion and bridalwear. If you'd prefer a relaxing spa experience, Gainey Village has excellent spas, cafes, and beauty salons. There are lots of high-end places to eat in Gainey Ranch, though we recommend dining in one of its famous French, Italian or New American restaurants. Most eateries are just south of the Gainey Ranch Golf Club.

Sunnyslope retains a distinct cultural identity and small-town atmosphere, despite its location within the borders of Phoenix. It’s home to many landmarks of historical significance, including homes dating back to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Sunnyslope today has a fast-emerging music scene and lots of affordable restaurants. For a different experience, visit the Sunnyslope Rock Garden. This roadside attraction has hundreds of quirky rock carvings, statues, and busts. Don’t leave without snapping a photo of Sunnyslope Mountain, which has a massive ‘S’ painted on its southern slope.