Where new apartments are opening in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix added more than 35,000 apartments in the past decade, spreading new rental housing across 25 neighborhoods throughout the metro area. For apartment hunters, understanding where new developments are concentrated can help pinpoint neighborhoods offering modern buildings, updated amenities, and proximity to major employment centers.

Which Phoenix neighborhoods saw the most new apartment construction?

Drawn by housing costs that still undercut major West Coast metros, Phoenix continues to appeal to renters even as the region grows rapidly. Living expenses in Phoenix are about 1% below the Arizona state average and roughly 7% above the national average, positioning the metro as a relatively affordable option for a large, fast-growing Sun Belt city.

To help renters navigate this expanding market, we’ve identified the areas where new apartment development is most concentrated:

5,628 new apartments put zip code 85004 at the top of Phoenix’s construction list

Covering Downtown Phoenix, zip code 85004 added 5,628 apartments across 22 properties in the past decade, making it the city’s most active area for new rental development.

The area is Phoenix’s most transit-accessible neighborhood, served by Valley Metro Light Rail, which connects downtown to Tempe, Mesa, and south Phoenix. Major employers here include Arizona State University, City and State of Arizona government offices, law firms, financial services companies, and event venues such as the Phoenix Convention Center. On top of this, Sky Harbor International Airport is roughly 10 minutes away.

3,071 new apartments expand housing options in zip code 85085

Zip code 85085 delivered 3,071 new apartments, reflecting suburban growth in the far north Valley. This includes the Norterra master-planned community and surrounding residential areas near Interstate 17, characterized by newer construction and resort-style apartment communities.

The area is largely car-dependent, with I-17 and Loop 101 providing access to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Anthem. Employment centers nearby include TSMC’s semiconductor manufacturing campus, aerospace and defense firms along the I-17 corridor, and corporate offices in north Phoenix. The commute downtown typically ranges from 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

2,750 new apartments added to zip code 85054’s inventory

Developers added 2,750 new apartments to zip code 85054, bringing modern rental housing. The area sits along Loop 101 near Tatum Boulevard, bordering Scottsdale and including Desert Ridge and surrounding mixed-use developments.

Residents rely on Loop 101 and Highway 51 for commuting, with drive times of 20 to 30 minutes to downtown Phoenix and quicker access to Scottsdale. Major employment centers include HonorHealth medical facilities, technology firms in the Scottsdale and Tempe corridors, and corporate offices near Desert Ridge, while Sky Harbor Airport is about a 25-minute drive south.

2,554 new apartments delivered in zip code 85016

With 2,554 new apartments built, zip code 85016 spans Arcadia, the Biltmore area, and portions of Camelback Road between downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The neighborhood is primarily car-oriented, though Highway 51 provides fast north-south access, and nearby Midtown light rail stations are within a short drive. Employment centers nearby include Biltmore-area corporate offices, healthcare facilities, downtown Phoenix employers, and Scottsdale business districts, with most commutes falling within 10 to 25 minutes.

2,430 new apartments grow zip code 85012’s inventory

Welcoming 2,430 apartments, zip code 85012 adds to the dense, centrally located rental market. This area includes neighborhoods along Central Avenue, stretching between downtown Phoenix and uptown districts.

Midtown is directly served by the Valley Metro Light Rail, offering quick connections to downtown, Arizona State University’s Tempe and downtown campuses, and Mesa. Major employers include Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, nearby healthcare campuses, and downtown office districts, all within a short rail ride or drive.

Top 5 zip codes for new apartments in Phoenix, AZ

* Total new apartments completed between 2015 and 2025.

Source:
RentCafe.com analysis of Yardi data as of July 2025

 Phoenix’s rental market remains strong as population growth continues to drive housing demand across the Valley. Development has centered on areas with good job access, transit options, and amenities, attracting renters from California and other high-cost regions.

Although higher costs and interest rates have slowed new construction, job growth in manufacturing, healthcare, and education continues to support demand. Rent growth has cooled from pandemic peaks, but steady migration keeps Phoenix one of the Southwest’s most competitive rental markets.

Methodology

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.

This study uses data from 2015–2025, with the ‘past decade’ referring to this period.