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Arizona is promising for young professionals to thrive, with plenty of colleges and universities, job diversity, and popular cities. However, some cities and neighborhoods are better for younger adults than others in terms of walkability, affordability, and access to amenities. When choosing the right area to move to in Arizona, you must select the ideal city and a decent neighborhood. Knowing your needs and wants in a neighborhood can help you narrow down the best home choices. The neighborhoods listed in this guide provide great amenities and benefits for young adults looking to start or continue a career without paying top dollar.
The Ideal Neighborhood
For young adults, the ideal neighborhood should be relatively close to potential jobs or schools, accessible via a short walk, drive, or even transit. The best type of neighborhood for younger adults includes relatively easy access to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife if desired. The area should be relatively affordable compared to other parts of the city without being unsafe or undesirable. Most young adults aren’t as high on the career ladder yet, so they will require lower-amount home loans in Arizona. Home prices in Arizona range from $350,000-$600,000 on average, with prices rising closer to cities.
1. Central City, Phoenix
Central City is an urban neighborhood in downtown Phoenix, as the name implies. There are numerous residential areas for young professionals and access to plenty of nightlife, bars, and restaurants. Residents are near Phoenix’s airport, making travel a breeze. Access to amenities is incredibly high in this neighborhood, but it’s still relatively affordable compared to other areas in Phoenix, with an average home price of around $400,000.
2. Encanto Village, Phoenix
Slightly more expensive than Central City, with an average home price of around $500,000, Encanto Village may only be desirable for some younger adults. However, there are many golf courses, museums, and even an amusement park to satisfy all tastes. This neighborhood also has many restaurants and cafes for a quick bite.
3. Old Town, Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a popular area for young adults who wish to be close to Phoenix without some of the higher price tags. Old Town is a trendy area with plenty of restaurants, shopping, bars, and nightclubs for younger crowds to enjoy. Scottsdale is known for its unique artsy and upscale charm while maintaining affordability in some areas, with a median home price of $500,000.
4. Cyprus Southwest, Tempe
Tempe is another city close to Phoenix that younger professionals are flocking to, located just east of the big city. It hosts plenty of concerts and comedy shows for young adults to enjoy. Its featured Tempe Town Lake draws in water enthusiasts of all types. Cyprus Southwest has an affordable $400,000 median home price in some areas, but other regions are high-end to accommodate all tastes. There are also gardens and museums nearby for entertainment in this neighborhood.
5. Daley Park, Tempe
Daley Park is a friendly and inviting neighborhood in Tempe where young professionals can live peacefully. While Daley Park is more expensive than Cyprus Southwest, with home prices between $400,000-$600,000 on average, this neighborhood is situated around a beautiful walkable park for all ages. It may be ideal for the fitness-enthusiastic crowd, as the area is pretty walkable and bikeable. Transit is also suitable in this location, which is helpful for those without a personal vehicle.
6. Armory Park, Tucson
Tucson is a major city in Arizona with rich diversity, culture, and job opportunities, which makes it a perfect place for younger professionals to settle down. Armory Park is a laid-back neighborhood that is safe and great for new families. The neighborhood hosts plenty of shopping, including indie boutiques and trendy restaurants like sushi bars. Due to its popularity, it’s slightly pricier at a median home price of $500,000-$600,000, but the amenities are worth it.
7. Catalina Hills, Tucson
Catalina Hills is a high-end neighborhood with many shopping options, amenities, and rich nightlife. Golf courses, art galleries, and plenty of restaurants are popular here. These perks come with a price, with median home costs around $600,000. However, with Tucson’s promising job market, young professionals may find this more affordable than they realize.
Conclusion
There are many promising neighborhoods and suburbs within Arizona’s popular cities where young professionals can thrive without spending millions. Tucson, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix all have promising job markets with plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. It’s wise to evaluate your needs and wants in a neighborhood to determine which choices are best for you. The average ideal neighborhood for a young professional features shopping, walkability, nightlife, restaurants, and job opportunities.