Phoenix Neighborhoods and Areas

The city of Phoenix is made up of several different neighborhoods each with their own distinction. The surrounding areas of Phoenix that make up the Phoenix Metropolitan Area are also great places to live as well. Listed below are some of the neighborhoods and areas in and around Phoenix:

 

·        Downtown: Also known as the Copper Square area, downtown Phoenix has grown into a popular place for locals and visitors. There are shops, restaurants, hotels, and much more located in downtown Phoenix. Right now the downtown area is getting several new additions to its skyline. There are currently 2 high rise residential buildings under construction with 2 more about to begin construction as well as a 39 story W hotel that is set to break ground soon. A light rail system is also currently under construction in downtown Phoenix. The project which costs $1.2 billion will be completed in 2008. Arizona State University is also opening a downtown Phoenix campus this year.

·        Maryvale: This area of Phoenix is one of the most diverse in Phoenix. The lower housing costs have attracted many immigrants to the area. Maryvale offers several restaurants, the Desert Sky Mall, and Cricket Pavilion an open air amphitheatre.

·        Glendale: The city of Glendale is home to the Phoenix Coyote’s (NHL) and the Arizona Cardinal’s. The 2008 Super Bowl XLII is scheduled to be played in Glendale.

·        Laveen: Laveen is mostly made up of residential homes and farms. There are several dairy farms in the area as well as cotton and corn fields.

·        Ahwatukee: Ahwatukee is really separated from the rest of Phoenix by South Mountain. The area is mainly populated by middle aged adults and young professionals. There are several upscale apartment complexes in Ahwatukee. Middle class and upscale homes are also in the area. Over the last two years housing prices have risen 40% making the homes in Ahwatukee some of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the Phoenix area.

·        Tempe: Tempe has a population of 160,676 and is the where the headquarters for US Airways as well as the Arizona State University are located. Tempe is largely made up of single family residences.

·        Paradise Valley: Paradise Valley is home to Arizona’s most expensive real estate. A large portion of the residences in Paradise Valley are single family homes on acre lots. The average price tag for a home in Paradise Valley is $1.39 million. This area also has the highest per capita income in the state.

·        Scottsdale: Scottsdale has become a posh vacation destination and was dubbed one of the most luxurious places in the nation by The Travel Channel. The New York Times also referred to Scottsdale as The Beverly Hills of the Desert. In 2005 Scottsdale ranked in the top 10 for luxury homes sales in the United States. The city is known for its premiere shopping, golf courses, and homes. The majority of the housing in Scottsdale is considered upscale with the average price of a home being $570,000.

·        Mesa: Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona behind Phoenix and Tucson. With a population over 451,860 Mesa is larger than St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City and is the second largest suburban city in the United States. Mesa has several affordable family neighborhoods.

·        Chandler: The city of Chandler has seen a lot of growth over the past 10 years. In 2000 the Census reported that there were 176,582 people living in Chandler and in 2004 the population had grown 25% to 220,705. Chandler’s population mainly consists of younger families and middle class professionals. There are several family neighborhoods in the area.

·        Gilbert: Gilbert is another area on the fast track. Still small enough to be considered a town Gilbert’s population grew 46% from the years of 2000 to 2004 from 109,697 to just above 150,000.

·        Peoria: Named after Peoria, IL this Phoenix suburb has roughly 123,239. Peoria is also home to spring training for the San Diego Padres.