Phoenix is one of the most exciting places to live in America.  The city’s billion dollar light rail, beautiful desert landscape and Arizona State University draw a steady stream of new residents every year. If you’re considering moving to Phoenix, here are the Top 10 Popular Phoenix Neighborhoods.

Arcadia

Arcadia is the most sought after area of Phoenix.  Offering urban dwellings with a family rural feel, Arcadia is located less than 15 minutes from the airport and downtown Scottsdale. With bushy citrus grove lined streets and some of the best dining and shopping in the Valley,  Arcadia is one of Phoenix’s most picturesque and popular neighborhoods. The mature green landscapes of the irrigated Arcadia parcels paired with wide streets are not found many places in Phoenix.  Located minutes from some of the best shopping and dining with schools in the exceptional Scottsdale school district, Arcadia is perfect for families.

Agritopia

Agritopia perches on the city’s southeast corner in the town of Gilbert. Lush tree-lined streets with homes of timeless style surround this historic farm. Modeled after homes built in Phoenix in the 30’s and 40’s, new residents can choose from many home styles.  True to the name there’s an emphasis here on Arizona’s agriculture heritage in an urban setting that is not only purposeful but also beautiful.

Anthem

This Del Webb master planned community spans a large picturesque parcel of land nestled next to New River, Arizona. Recently, Anthem was named one of Parenting magazine’s “Best Places to Raise a Family”.  Within this suburb, new construction homes in a variety of architectural styles and modern condos are available with plenty of green space. Anthem residents have their own water park with recreation center as well as numerous bike and walking trails.

Chandler

Chandler is a community on the rise. It’s the perfect blend of family-friendly and multicultural thanks to its award-winning school district and thriving downtown area. Situated around a central plaza known as Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the downtown area today retains much of its historic character despite being in one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Growth has been exponential but the city has reached its boundaries.  As a result,  new construction (and thus population growth) will taper off considerably. Residents come together throughout the year for a variety of unique and unforgettable events such as, the Ostrich Festival, the Indian Market, the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races.

Glendale

Known as “Arizona’s Antique Capital”,  Glendale is now the fourth largest city in Arizona.   Nestled in northwestern Phoenix, Glendale has transitioned into a thriving regional economic force.  Home to professional sports teams and one of the city’s best antique-shopping districts, Glendale prides itself on services and amenities that surpass those offered by other Valley cities.

With two major sports stadiums, a historic downtown, botanical garden and 1000 acres of desert preserves it’s easy to see why. Old Town Glendale is home to the Caitlin Court Shopping District, featuring dozens of specialty shops cafes restaurants and antique stores.  Glendale is also known for its affordable housing and offers diverse living options for all.

North Tempe

Maple-Ash is a historic Tempe neighborhood located next to Arizona State University.   This funky and fun community has older homes on large irrigated lots.  In fact, Maple-Ash has the most varied architecture in the area.  Homes were built between 1900 and 1950 and range from farm cottages to ranch homes. Equally notable is University Park where newer homes are built on large lots.

Additionally, new condominium and luxury lofts have gone up on Mill Avenue.  While Arizona State University is by far its largest employer, companies like Go Daddy, Motorola, Insight and Google all call Tempe home.

North Central Phoenix

Located on on a stretch of Central Avenue from Camelback Road past Glendale Avenue is North Central Phoenix.   Known for its ranch homes, historic charm and family friendly neighborhoods. The city’s highly regarded Catholic high schools, Brophy and Xavier are located here.  Furthermore, the public schools in North Phoenix are highly regarded within the Phoenix Public School system.  Windsor Square and “The Sevens” have always been in high demand with working professionals due to the ten minute commute to downtown.

Murphy’s Bridal path is an historic pathway once used for those with horses in the late 1800’s. Now referred to as “The Bridal Path” it is used for recreation and exercise.  It is the best kept secret north central Phoenix.

Verrado

Verrado is a family friendly master planned community with porch homes in a variety of architectural styles.  While beautifully tucked into the White Tank Mountains, residents have access to 66 parks and over 21 miles of walking, hiking and biking paths and trails.  In addition to the retail and dining options, residents experience a great urban lifestyle that helped coin the local phrase “meet you on Main.”

Paradise Valley

Surrounded by the natural beauty or the Mummy Mountains, Camelback Mountains and Piestewa Peak, Paradise Valley the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.  Residents can choose from southwest style single-family homes or modern condos.   Notably, Paradise Valley has a unique structure of volunteers that lead a responsive government.  The Mayor, Council, Municipal Court Judges and other appointed members receive no compensation for their service.

Robson Historic District in Mesa – National Register of Historical Places

The Robson Historic District is know for developing a neighborhood of middle and upper class families prior to 1950.  Homes in Mesa were built in the late 1920s and early 1930s during the peak of the popular bungalow. Robson offers homes that are often more affordable than those in Downtown Phoenix’s historic districts. Residents that cherish its historic charm enjoy the convenience of its location with modern amenities