Which of These Safest Neighborhoods in Phoenix Stand Out to You?

If you’ve decided to ditch the cold weather for good and move to sunny Phoenix, AZ, you’re not alone. Lots of folks have packed up their belongings and headed out west in search of some of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, where they can bask in the more than 300 days of sunshine that you’ll find in the city aptly known as the Valley of the Sun. But it’s not just the weather that’s beautiful in Phoenix. The surrounding Sonoran Desert and Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which offer all kinds of opportunities to get outside and explore nature, are also stunning. And the city itself is full of fantastic dining options, family-friendly activities, and lots of ways to immerse yourself in southwest culture, as well.

With all there is to do in Phoenix, it’s no wonder people continue to move there every year. Approximately 200 people move to the city each day, which explains why it took 7th place on PODS list of U.S. cities with the most move-ins in 2024.

But while there are lots of great places to live in Phoenix, it’s important to know the reality of its crime and safety statistics, as well as how the city stacks up against other large cities. According to NeighborhoodScout, Phoenix’s overall crime ranking is a 6 (with 100 being the safest). Unfortunately, your chances of being a victim of either a violent crime or property crime is 1 in 27. Phoenix is above the national median when it comes to both types of crime; however, it’s actually considered safer than other comparably sized cities like Philadelphia and San Antonio.

• Crime rating for Philadelphia: 2
• Crime rating for San Antonio: 1
• Crime rating for Phoenix: 6

When you’re trying to narrow down where to live in Phoenix, whether you have a family, are a young professional, or are a retiree, you’re going to want to settle down somewhere safe — understandably so. And the good news? There are lots of safe places to live in Phoenix! But what are the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix? Here are seven areas we think you should definitely consider.

Safe Places To Live in Phoenix — FAQs

Q: What is the safest part of Phoenix to live in?
A: Ahwatukee Foothills is considered one of the safest places to live in Phoenix, AZ.

Q: What city in Arizona has the lowest crime rate?
A: San Luis, AZ — a little more than three hours away from Phoenix — has been recognized by SafeWise as one of the safest cities in Arizona since 2016, due to its low crime rate.

Q: Does Phoenix have a low crime rate?
A: Is Phoenix safe? According to U.S. News and World Report, Phoenix has a higher-than-average crime rate.

Q: What is the nicest part of Phoenix to live in?
A: Ahwatukee Foothills ranks #1 among the best areas to live in Phoenix, according to Niche rankings — not to mention being one of the safest areas in Phoenix.

Q: Is downtown Phoenix safe?
A: The crime rate in Central City, or downtown Phoenix, is 296 percent higher than the national average. That said, there are plenty of safe places to live in Phoenix that are still centrally located — check out Desert View or Laveen, for instance. 

Safest Neighborhoods in Phoenix

What are the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix? With an emphasis on aspects such as top-notch education, proximity to necessary amenities, and — of course — overall safety, here are seven can’t-miss areas of Phoenix, if you’re thinking about making the move. 

Ahwatukee Foothills is one of the safest areas in Phoenix to raise a family.
(Source: Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center via Facebook)

1. Ahwatukee Foothills

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $544,100
• Great for: Families, schools, affordable housing
• Crime rate: 57% less crime than Phoenix overall

One of the safest areas in Phoenix to raise a family is Ahwatukee Foothills. Not only does it offer great schools, like BASIS Ahwatukee and Arizona Cultural Academy, but it’s also ranked as the #1 best neighborhood to live in Phoenix, according to Niche — not to mention the crime rate is more than 55 percent lower here than other areas in Phoenix. The neighbors are also very welcoming, and lots of folks with young families choose to stay here until their children are grown, which says a lot about the community!

You can easily take the kids outside for a day at Vista Canyon Park or Sunray Park, or grab your bikes and hit the Mountain Park Ranch Hiking Trail. Looking for a place to cool off on a hot Phoenix day? Just head over to the community pool.

And when you’re ready for a bite to eat, Florencia Pizza Bistro is always a good option, whether you have the kids or not!

2. Desert View

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
• Average home value: $708,100
• Great for: Retirees, families, schools, outdoor enthusiasts
• Crime rate: 69% less crime than Phoenix overall

Another one of the best areas to live in Phoenix is the aptly named Desert View. Here, you’ll find all kinds of opportunities to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether you choose to live in an apartment, condo, townhome, or house, you’ll always have easy access to the Apache Wash Trailhead, North Mountain Park, and Dixie Mountain — all right in your backyard! And this community is great for all walks of life, from young families to retirees. Young professionals will especially enjoy the easy commute on Route 51 right into downtown Phoenix!

You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the renowned Mayo Clinic Hospital is in the area, as are a variety of pharmacies. And if you’re looking for fun things to do, consider checking out the Reach 11 Sports Complex, the Penske Racing Museum, or the Tatum Ranch Golf Club.

Deer Valley isn’t just one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix; it also happens to be one of the best places to buy a house.
(Source: Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve via Facebook)

3. Deer Valley

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $432,000
• Great for: Outdoor activities, retirees, families, housing options
• Crime rate: 17% less crime than Phoenix overall

Deer Valley isn’t just one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix; it also happens to be one of the best places to buy a house, according to Niche. Situated right at the intersection of Route 101 and Interstate 17, you’ll find the area very walkable, with lots of places to explore, such as:

• The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
• The Cave Buttes Recreation Area
• Deer Valley Park
• Adobe Dam

Retirees will especially love all the golf available, including the 500 Golf Club at Adobe Dam, and all the shopping options at The Shops at Norterra. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, consider taking the kids to nearby Six Flags. And in Deer Valley, you’ll never be at a loss when it’s time to eat. Local favorites include Alexi’s Grill and Roliberto’s Mexican Food.  

4. Laveen

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
• Average home value: $425,400
• Great for: Affordable housing, families diversity, outdoor activities
• Crime rate: 10% less crime than Phoenix overall

Looking for a neighborhood that’s close to downtown Phoenix but still offers easy access to sites like San Juan Lookout, T-Bone Trail, and Bursera Peak? Then you should consider putting down roots in the lovely community of Laveen, one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix. Featuring several planned areas like Laveen Ranch, Laveen Meadows, and Trailside Point, you’re sure to find a home to call your own. Residents love that they’re close to the best of both worlds — all the amenities of the big city are nearby, but so are beautiful natural places like Estrella Mountain Regional Park and Tres Rios Wetlands.

This community also boasts well-rated schools, like Brophy College Prep, which is great news if you’re planning on joining the other families that call the area home. Have furry kids instead? You’ll love spending time in the popular Cesar Chavez Dog Park or walking the trails around Alvord Lake Park. When you’re done, head over to Black Rock Coffee Bar for a cup of joe or delicious pappardelle pasta at Mimi Forno Italiano.

Residents of North Gateway enjoy easy access to the beautiful Pleasant Harbor Marina.
(Source: Pleasant Harbor Marina via Facebook)

5. North Gateway

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $640,700
• Great for: Families, retirees, scenic views, planned community
• Crime rate: 65% less crime than Phoenix overall

If you’re looking to increase the time you spend outdoors but still want to have all kinds of amenities right at your fingertips, then you can’t go wrong moving to North Gateway, another one of the safest areas to live in Phoenix. Located just to the west of Desert View, North Gateway is also steps away from the beautiful Sonoran Desert. That means when you live here, you’ll easily be able to take advantage of exploring the Sonoran Preserve Desert Vista Trailhead, where you can take your time and admire the local flora and fauna, as well as some spectacular sunsets. 

When you need a break from the desert, head over to the nearby Pleasant Harbor Marina and get out on the water! Lake Pleasant offers ample opportunities to boat, fish, swim, or even water ski, if you’re feeling adventurous. Into archery or shooting instead? You can easily learn to do both in North Gateway at the Ben Avery Range.

6. Rio Vista

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $684,100
• Great for: Schools, families, diversity, healthy lifestyle
• Crime rate: 50% less crime than Phoenix overall

The Rio Vista neighborhood is considered to be one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, and if you’ve always wanted to be near a lake (while living in the desert), this is the spot for you. This community is close to the popular Lake Pleasant, which offers multiple marinas to dock your boat, points of interest like Rahula Cove, and lots of space for campgrounds (Roadrunner and Desert Tortoise, for example) to spend some time outdoors. 

The schools (like BASIS Peoria and Great Hearts Academy) are highly rated, but you’ll definitely find a mix of both families and retirees in this community. 

Hit up the Ironwood Country Club for a challenging course and the Outlets North Phoenix when you need some retail therapy. And when you’ve inevitably worked up an appetite, be sure to grab a bite at Ruby’s Express or Fresca’s Mexican Grill.

Stonecreek Golf Club is a popular spot for residents of Paradise Valley Village to hit the links.
(Source: Stonecreek Golf Club via Facebook)

7. Paradise Valley Village

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $490,600
• Great for: Schools, families, golfing, biking
• Crime rate: 59% less crime than Phoenix overall

If you want to be right in the heart of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, consider looking for a home in the Paradise Valley Village neighborhood. Here, you’ll be up close and personal with all the fun outdoor recreational activities Phoenix is famous for! Just head over to the 40th St. Trailhead, for example, and you can visit Heart Felt Rocks, Maria’s Peak, or Valley Throne. When you want a change of scenery, just head west to Lookout Mountain Preserve, or visit the popular Venturoso Park. 

The schools in Paradise Valley Village are all top notch, too, so if you’re wondering about bringing your family to this community, there’s no need to worry. Schools like BASIS Phoenix and Archway Classical Academy all receive high accolades from community residents.

Prefer to spend some time on the links? Then you’ll need to check out Orange Tree Golf Club or Stonecreek Golf Club. Paradise Valley Village is also very walkable, and current residents love to simply go for walks and admire the beautiful homes and well-manicured landscaping. 

And the center of the community has lots of amenities you’ll need for everyday life, such as your new favorite coffee spot, Black Rock Coffee Bar, a neighborhood medical facility like Banner Urgent Care, and locally run restaurants like Eden’s Grill and Nee House Chinese Restaurant.  

Safest Suburbs To Live Near Phoenix

What are the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix — or rather near Phoenix? If you’re looking to live a little further from the hustle and bustle of the capital city, try perusing homes in one of these suburbs with so much to offer on their own. Though a reasonable driving distance from downtown, these burbs are some of the safest parts of Phoenix. 

Gilbert is brimming with culture — from art galleries and performing arts theaters to festivals and murals. 
(Source: Gilbert Town Hall via Facebook)

1. Gilbert, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $577,700
• Great for: Schools, families, diversity, healthy lifestyle
• Crime rate: 70% less crime than Phoenix overall

Just a 30-minute drive (or about 25 miles) east of downtown Phoenix, Gilbert is a town home to around 267,300 people. It also happens to be the #1 best suburb to live in, according to Niche rankings. Its public schools earn an A rating, and locals commend how safe, secure, and family-oriented the community feels. 

Looking for a primer on Gilbert? Head to the Gilbert Historical Museum, where you can see equipment dating back to its early days as a farm town, relics from some of Gilbert’s earliest inhabitants, and a model train celebrating the town’s railroad history, among other exhibits. 

It’s not just about history in this town, though — it’s brimming with current culture, too, from art galleries and performing arts theaters to festivals and murals. 

2. Peoria, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $492,400
• Great for: Schools, families, diversity, healthy lifestyle
• Crime rate: 58% less crime than Phoenix overall

If you're looking for one of the safest areas to live in Phoenix but don’t necessarily want to pay the prices of living right in the city, the Peoria housing market has slightly more affordable options. Three-quarters of residents own their homes here, and the average home value sits around $492,400, which is a good $150,000 to $200,000 below the average home value in North Gateway or Desert View. 

And the public schools in Peoria are highly rated, so it’s no surprise Niche ranks it one of the top suburbs to raise a family in the Phoenix area. Though the suburb is home to nearly 191,300 people, residents say they value the small-town feel mixed with close-to-the-city amenities. 

Looking to spend some time in nature? Check out Lake Pleasant, where you can fish, kayak, paddle board, and even scuba dive. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, go grab a bite and a beer at Peoria Artisan Brewery or indulge in some charcuterie and chardonnay at Turquoise Wine Bar. 

Goodyear is a well-maintained community filled with friendly residents and a suburban vibe — and lower housing prices than many of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix.
(Source: City of Goodyear, AZ USA via Facebook)

3. Goodyear, AZ

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $478,300
• Great for: Schools, families, diversity, healthy lifestyle
• Crime rate: 46% less crime than Phoenix overall

Less than 20 miles west of downtown Phoenix, Goodyear is a suburban town home to under 100,000 people. It ranks among the top 10 most diverse suburbs in Arizona, which is excellent for families looking to live in a mixed community. On top of that, it’s rated the 10th best place to raise a family in the Phoenix area, per Niche. 

But what’s living there look like? Locals note it as a well-maintained community filled with friendly residents and a suburban vibe — and lower housing prices than many of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix. 

But it’s also one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, with a population that’s ballooned 15 percent in the past few years, so those reasonable home prices and quiet atmosphere may be subject to change. At the moment, though, housing values are pretty steady. Though they’ve been generally on the rise over the past several years, the current average home value actually took a 0.1 percent drop since last year. 

When living in Goodyear, don’t miss out on exploring all of the great outdoor spaces, from Estrella Mountain Regional Park to Goodyear Community Park. 

Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Phoenix

When you’re ready to make the move to Phoenix, chances are, you’re going to need some help getting there. PODS portable moving and storage containers are a convenient way to pack up your belongings on your schedule. Just give the PODS pros a call, and they’ll deliver a container right to your driveway. When you’re done loading it, they’ll pick it up and deliver it to your new address in one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix. Need more time? No worries! Simply store your container at a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need to. 

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Crime rate percentages were obtained from AreaVibes.