There are many considerations to think about when moving to a new state, city, or neighborhood: your commute to your workplace, where the nearest hospital is, and above all, your personal safety. Whether you live alone or with your whole family, making sure you will all be safe in your own home is a priority. If you plan to move to the southwest, you’ll be happy to know that over half of Arizona residents feel they are safe living in the Grand Canyon State.
As a metropolitan area, Phoenix does experience higher crime rates compared to other Arizona cities. Also keep in mind that Phoenix is a large city and is almost as large as Los Angeles, with a population of 1.66 million people covering 517 square miles. However, this doesn’t mean it is a dangerous place to reside. In fact, there are several neighborhoods that locals feel very safe in.
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Deer Valley
Safety will be a relatively minor concern when you move to Deer Valley. Despite the growing population here, its crime rate remains low at 17 percent, lower compared to the rest of Phoenix. The neighborhood is also considered safer than 66 percent of Arizona cities, which is why many Arizonian families call it home. You can see numerous single-family ranches with Adobe or Territorial-style houses throughout the neighborhood. Many retirees also flock to this residential area, with one in five of its residents over the age of 55.
Aside from its safety, Deer Valley is attractive to many outdoor enthusiasts. It has a lot of activities that can keep you entertained and physically fit. You can take a trip to nearby Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and explore its rich desert history. You can also visit Cave Buttes Recreation Area and Deem Hills Recreation Area, where you can hike, bike, or enjoy the natural beauty of Arizona, without straying too far from home.
If you enjoy indoor entertainment, there’s also something for you in Deer Valley. You can go to Norterra Shopping Mall or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.
North Gateway
Many people looking to start a family settle in North Gateway. In terms of safety, it has a crime rate that is 65 percent lower than Phoenix and 42 percent lower than the national average.
When you choose to move into North Gateway, you can enjoy the carefully designed homes and the various amenities nearby. You can find everything your family will need from entertainment centers, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, to highly-rated schools, set against breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert. Living in a master-planned community can come with a hefty price tag, but many residents think it’s good value, considering you have private access to amenities like tennis courts and parks.
Desert View
One of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, many people consider Desert View as a great place to raise a family. The crime rate in Dessert View is lower than Phoenix as a whole by 69 percent and is 49 percent below the national average, and the majority of crimes are property-related rather than violent.
Most of its residents prefer to live in the urban area close to the Paradise Valley border so they can take advantage of the comforts of city living while soaking in the beautiful view of the Sonoran Desert. It also has a lot of parks and playgrounds kids will enjoy.
Paradise Valley
Dubbed the jewel of the desert, Paradise Valley is nestled between mountain ranges. Its tranquil environment is popular among retirees, and it is one of the safest areas to live in Phoenix. Paradise Valley has a crime rate that is 41 percent lower than Phoenix and below the national average.
Many residents are drawn to the neighborhood by the various amenities like golf courses, dining and shopping options, and eight full-service resorts. Aside from being a retiree haven, Paradise Valley has outdoor spaces for people who enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It is also a great place to stay when you are on the road to recovery or if you are attending a treatment facility like the drug rehab Phoenix residents go to.
Ahwatukee
Its charming Spanish architecture and Mediterranean-inspired family homes make Ahwatukee a pleasant neighborhood to live in. It is located outside of the South Mountain Park and Preserve, giving everyone the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities as well as relish the amazing views of nature. With a crime rate of 57 percent lower than Phoenix and 30 percent below the national average, many residents move to Ahwatukee to raise a family. It is also popular among retirees and pet owners with its master-planned communities and nearby lakes and golf courses.
Densely populated urban areas often have issues like crime that they need to deal with, and Phoenix is no exception to this fact. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from moving into the Valley of the Sun. From families to retirees, many choose to reside in Phoenix for its spectacular scenic views and safe and pleasant neighborhoods so when looking for your next home, make sure to put Phoenix neighborhoods on your list.