Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, college grads emerge from their life of classes and parties to make a way for themselves in the real world. Might as well do it somewhere pretty with plenty of fun things to do, right? To make sure you don’t end up on snowbird circle, we’ve compiled the best places for you to live. Read on to see the best neighborhoods for recent grads to live in the Valley of the Sun.

Arcadia

Not sure if you want to live in the city or in the ‘burbs? Arcadia is the best of both worlds. Part of Phoenix and Scottsdale, this centrally located hood is close enough to Downtown to be near the action (or work), without all the hustle and bustle of the city. The area is picturesque, filled with citrus groves and beautiful vistas, but it’s also home to some of the best dining and shopping in the metro area.

This popular neighborhood is an ideal location for both work and fun, with its vibrant food and culture, walkability, and lush landscape–not to mention the unbeatable views of Camelback Mountain! Nearby Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area offers some of the best hiking in the city. No wonder we also named it one of the top 8 neighborhoods in the Phoenix area.

Central Phoenix (CenPho)

As the name implies, Central Phoenix, or CenPho as the hipsters call it, is the nexus of Phoenix, providing a great central access point to the city. The hip, urban area is a bit further out from the business world, yet in close proximity to popular restaurants, some of the city’s best shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.

It’s also home to many of the city’s parks and has a thriving arts and culture scene. The Phoenix Art Museum, The Phoenix Theatre Company, and Arizona Opera all call CenPho home. The revitalized Park Central Mall project is a mixed-use development that serves as a hub for arts and culture, too. Another bonus? Super easy access to the Light Rail.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town is one of the hottest spots for younger Scottsdalians. East of Arizona’s capital, Scottsdale is a bougie desert city, and Old Town is its historic downtown in the southern part of the city. The high density of bars, lounges, and clubs make it a great place for recent grads going out on a Friday night. The pulsing Entertainment District has bars, gig venues, and dance clubs, including The Mint Ultra Lounge; Wasted Grain, a hip live music spot and lounge with three bars; and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, a trendy tavern with self-serve beer. It’s also home to The Coach House, Scottsdale’s oldest Bar, which is one of the best dive bars in the area, opening at 6am daily.

There’s also plenty of outdoor fun to be had in and around Old Town, like hiking at Camelback Mountain and Papago Park, one of the top reasons to move to Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix

Located just east of Central Phoenix, Downtown is for those who want to be in the middle of the action. The city’s center of commerce, art, and culture is also home to Chase Field (where the Arizona Diamondbacks play) and one of Arizona State University’s campuses, for those who might go to grad school, or just want to take advantage of the nearby brewpubs, cocktail bars, cafes, pizzerias, and breakfast spots catering to students. One of the most recent developments is the CityScape complex, a mixed-use commercial building in the heart of downtown, providing plenty of shopping and dining.

The area is teeming with art galleries, neat boutiques, sporting events, concerts, indie coffee shops, and bars. Tour many of the city’s art galleries, venues, and studios for free on First Fridays, one of the country’s biggest self-guided art walks.

The Crescent Ballroom is a renovated garage-turned-music venue with free live music every night in the lounge, and nationally-touring acts playing in the ballroom, not to mention a killer patio. Cocina 10 (opened by Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco and Bar Bianco fame), is located in the Ballroom, as well. Located in the basement, Crescent Ballroom’s speakeasy sister club, Valley Bar has live entertainment in The Music Hall, a cocktail lounge, and an arcade. Big name bands play The Van Buren, and you can play vintage video games and pinball while sipping cocktails and craft beer at the hip Cobra Arcade Bar.

The area is highly walkable, especially for those who in the financial and business districts. Plus, the light rail makes it easy to get around without a vehicle. Downtown is also a great spot for networking.

Downtown Tempe

The city of Tempe is bordered by Mesa to the east, Scottsdale to the north, Phoenix and Guadalupe to the west, and Chandler to the south. Near Arizona State University (the largest public university in the U.S.), Tempe has the appeal of the college town, with a younger crowd and plenty to do on weekends.

Downtown’s Mill Avenue district is teeming with hot spots, with the highest concentration of dining establishments, cafes, microbreweries, sports bars, unique shopping, entertainment venues, and nightlife in the area.

There’s also lots to do in the great outdoors, with a picturesque waterfront along the sprawling park of Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Center for the Arts hosts various live entertainment on the water. You can hike at the nearby red-rock paradise, Papago Park. Tempe also has a number of great commuting options and is surrounded by five freeways, so you can still work in Phoenix.

Whether you want to be near peers, work, or just close enough to city-living amenities, the greater Phoenix metropolitan area has a fantastic neighborhood for you. Check out Zumper and find an apartment in your favorite Phoenix neighborhood.

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