5 Safest Neighborhoods in the Phoenix Metro Area

As the Phoenix Metro Area grows every year, people are moving here from all over the country to find a new home in the Valley of the Sun. With a growing population comes a common concern: crime rates. So we put together a list of some of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona to help ease that worry.

Whether you're coming for the excellent weather, affordable living, or great school systems, don't let the fear of crime keep you from this desert oasis. Like anywhere in the United States, there are less desirable areas, and also beautiful, safe parts of town. Doing a little research before you move can make all the difference. Let's check out five of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona.

A quick look at crime rate data can alarm newcomers, since some sources show Phoenix's overall crime rate running well above the national average. A few things are worth keeping in mind before that scares you off.

#1 First, Phoenix is a huge city, nearly as large as Los Angeles. With that many residents, crime totals naturally run higher than in a small town.

#2 Second, crime is highly concentrated. City-wide statistics get pulled up by a handful of denser, higher-crime pockets near the urban core, which isn't representative of most residential neighborhoods across the sprawling Phoenix metro area.

#3 Third, most published crime stats are sourced from sites like AreaVibes and update on their own schedules, so always check the date on any crime statistic and verify with current city or police department data before making a decision based on it.

The bottom line: it's worth knowing which areas of Phoenix tend to run safer, which is exactly what we're covering below.

Learn More: What Is the Cost of Living in Arizona vs. California?

1. Desert View
A lush part of town with beautiful, sprawling desert views, this Phoenix neighborhood combines nature and urban living. A great place to raise a family, Desert View has plenty of parks and playgrounds, with a population just above 50,000. Most residents live in the more populated area near the Paradise Valley border, with plenty also near the Scottsdale border, giving easy access to Scottsdale's entertainment and nightlife.

Desert View consistently reports crime well below both the Phoenix and national averages, with property crime making up the bulk of what does occur. Beyond the low crime rate, Desert View is known for its views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains.

Learn More: Pros & Cons of Living in Scottsdale, Arizona

2. North Gateway
Just west of Desert View is the equally beautiful and safe North Gateway. Like Desert View, this area has stunning desert views and lets residents live close to nature with excellent amenities nearby. North Gateway is made up primarily of master-planned communities, which tend to be pricier but come with built-in amenities like parks, healthcare, dining, and grocery options laid out from the start. Crime rates in master-planned communities like this one tend to run noticeably low, and the area is known for its safe, community feel.

3. Deer Valley
Located between Paradise Valley and Desert View, Deer Valley gives residents plenty of ways to stay busy. Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to Cave Buttes Recreation Area and the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, over 47 acres rich with desert history. For indoor entertainment, check out Norterra Shopping Mall or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Despite its growing size, Deer Valley's crime rate remains well below the Phoenix average. Along with families, it continues to be popular with retirees.

4. Paradise Valley
As Arizona's wealthiest municipality, it's no surprise Paradise Valley is one of the safest places to live in Phoenix. Golf courses, dining and shopping, and multiple full-service resorts give it a "Beverly Hills of the desert" feel. Paradise Valley consistently reports one of the lowest violent crime rates in the state. Originally farmland, the area still offers larger lots than you'll find further into the city, plus paths for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Popular with retirees, it's as quiet as it is upscale.

5. Ahwatukee Foothills
Bordering the southeastern end of the Phoenix area, Ahwatukee Foothills rounds out our list. Charming Spanish architecture makes it an especially desirable part of town. Developed in the 1970s and originally designed as a retirement community, it includes master-planned neighborhoods built around man-made lakes and golf courses. Ahwatukee Foothills sits just outside South Mountain Park and Preserve, offering great outdoor access along with a laid-back, family- and dog-friendly atmosphere. Crime rates here consistently run well below both the Phoenix and national averages.

Learn More: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Phoenix, Arizona

We've covered several of the safer parts of town, so you might be wondering about the flip side. The honest answer: no area of Phoenix should be crossed off your list entirely. Crime statistics tend to concentrate around the denser urban core, and those same areas are often hotbeds of culture, dining, and entertainment worth visiting or even living in in the right building or block.

If you're drawn to a more urban, walkable lifestyle, you absolutely can find it safely - it just calls for the same street-smart habits city dwellers everywhere rely on: locking up when you leave, keeping windows secured, closing curtains when you're away, and not leaving valuables visible in a parked car. Many residents also add a security camera for peace of mind.

The real answer isn't which neighborhoods to avoid across the board - it's which specific block, building, or street fits the lifestyle and safety level you're looking for, and that's exactly the kind of on-the-ground detail a local agent can help you sort through.

City living, suburban living, and more rural living all come with their own perks and drawbacks. Once you decide on the lifestyle that's right for you and your family, the rest falls into place - and if you want a second opinion on which of these neighborhoods (or others) fits your priorities best, reach out anytime.