There are few places that sound as inviting as the “Valley of the Sun” — year-round sunshine, mild winters and a breathtaking desert land scenery are hard to pass up. Those looking to relocate here have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding an apartment for rent in Phoenix, from lavish residences in upscale areas to budget-friendly rentals in more affordable neighborhoods.
With that in mind, below is a list of our five best picks for renters who want to find that perfect balance of urban comfort and outdoor charm, while still being mindful of their budget.
North Mountain Village
Good news for hiking and nature enthusiasts: One of the most affordable Phoenix neighborhoods also provides ample opportunities to stretch your limbs and indulge in plenty of beautiful (and Instagram-able!) sights. With access to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, as well as plenty of parks and hiking trails, North Mountain Village is a quiet community for those who want to enjoy both the beauty of nature, and the comfort of living in a big city. Plus, the neighborhood is also walkable and very bikeable!
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Camelback East
Situated between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, Camelback East’s appeal lies in its urban-suburban vibe as well as its scenic hiking trails. Popular with young professionals, this neighborhood provides residents with plenty of nature-focused activities, such as the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and the recently reopened Cholla Trail. Camelback East is also popular with renters: A little more than half of the residents there rent their homes.
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Deer Valley Village
Just to the north of North Mountain lies Deer Valley Village, an affordable, quiet and safe neighborhood that provides renters with plenty of employment opportunities, therefore making it popular for young professionals. It’s also close to Deem Hills and Cave Buttes — which are popular spots for hiking and mountain biking — as well as the home of Arizona’s largest theme park, Wet ’n’ Wild Phoenix. Deer Valley Village might also be familiar to fans of the TV show “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” as it’s filming site for one of its episodes.
Paradise Valley Village
Bordering Deer Valley Village, North Mountain and Camelback East, Paradise Valley Village is a great spot for golf enthusiasts to call home. This lively neighborhood is known for its golf courses, such as Stone Creek Golf Club and Orange Tree Golf Resort, as well as its high-quality schools. It also provides families with plenty of green spaces to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. And, if you’re a foodie, there’s more good news: the mix of Italian and Mexican cuisines here is sure to leave you impressed.
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Encanto Village
With a population of about 58,000 people (and sharing its name with one of the most popular animated movies), Encanto Village is one of the smaller neighborhoods on our list. It’s also where most of Phoenix’s historic districts are found. This neighborhood has several museums — such as the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum — along with several parks, a theatre and even an opera house! Encanto Village scores high in terms of access to transit, while also being very walkable. Plus, its mix of urban and suburban vibes make it quite appealing to families and young professionals alike.
