2021 Best Places to Raise a Family in the Phoenix Area

Ahwatukee Foothills

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.46 out of 5  68 reviews

Current Resident: My husband and I absolutely LOVE Ahwatukee! We moved here from Orange County, CA, and will not be moving back to CA anytime soon. We have everything we need within 5 minutes driving. Plus, we are just 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. There are tons of restaurants, bars, stores and services around here. The area is clean and safe, and everyone is super nice! If you are considering moving to the Phoenix Area, we highly recommend Ahwatukee.
Read 68 Reviews

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• 82,824 Population

Gilbert

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.2 out of 5  1,147 reviews

Current Resident: Due to the rising crime in neighboring Chandler, Arizona, we decided to move to Gilbert and we are so glad we did. We should have moved here sooner. No more homeless people sleeping in your backyard, weird people threating you on walks through your neighborhood, finding used needles everywhere. Our life has taken a complete 180. I'm surprised Gilbert isn't the #1 ranked suburb in Arizona. This website must be getting kickbacks from Chandler city officials because there is no way Gilbert isn't a vast improvement. To anyone who is considering moving here, move here now! It's a fantastic place for all kinds of people and welcoming towards anyone.
Read 1,147 Reviews

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• 243,254 Population

Chandler

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 3.91 out of 5  933 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in chandler almost 14 years and I love it! Chandler is such a caring community and truly does for the people. The lifestyle, environment, and citizens in Chandler really build onto the strong city in our community. Not only are a schools A+ and #1 for Football (Go Wolves 4-Peat), but so much support and love from the community truly makes it happen. I honestly am going to live in Arizona my whole life and I wouldn't want to live in any other city than Chandler. Uptown and Downtown Chandler have some of the best hot-spots like restaurants, bars, and awesome hangout places. Chandler is such a pretty city that I love living in!
Read 933 Reviews

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• 252,692 Population

Desert View

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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• 71,936 Population

Paradise Valley

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: My husband and I love where we live in Paradise Valley. Great schools , community, very family friendly. If you are looking for more of a party scene you should look else where. Uber rides can be taken central location not much to walk to aside from restaurants around PV Mall.
Read 7 Reviews

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• 14,362 Population

Litchfield Park

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.35 out of 5  72 reviews

Current Resident: Litchfield Park has been my home since the age of 4. In my time here I have noticed that most neighborhoods are close to one another and there are several grocery stores and fast food restaurants nearby- which makes everything you could ever want very easy to access. In general, the civilians here are kind and helpful and the city overall is an easygoing place to be. I recommend people to move here because of the positive atmosphere with lots of parks for family friendly fun!
Read 72 Reviews

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• 6,073 Population

Scottsdale

• City in Arizona
• Rating 4.47 out of 5  340 reviews

Current Resident: Scottsdale has been a great place to live overall. It is well maintained and has great shopping and dining choices offering a range of cuisine. It also is pretty low on crime and feels safe wherever you go. There are also lots of opportunities to be outside with parks and green belts and lots of community members made good use of them. It is nice to see so many people out walking, running, biking, etc. and does being in a sense of community which can be harder to find nowadays. Traveling through the city is also fairly convenience as the city runs more North to South which allows people to make use of the 101 freeway fairly easily. Main arteries also run along the city to make side streets a viable option when commuting. Although they can get busy during high commute times and street lights do add delay. There are some challenges though. Compared to other areas in the greater Phoenix area, Scottsdale has expensive real estate. More diversity is also needed!
Read 340 Reviews

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• 250,602 Population

Queen Creek

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  221 reviews

Current Resident: Queen Creek has sprouted from a small-scale farm town to a large, bustling city. The schools have adjusted to provide care for all of its students and the shopping centers are adequate for leisure or grocery needs. The neighborhoods create inclusive communities that families feel safe living with their kids in. The local parks draw kids and their relatives in to connect and promote healthy lifestyles. Queen Creek brings part of the Kentucky culture in, as many of its citizens refer to it as "Queentucky." Overall, Queen Creek is an astounding community for families of all ages and sizes to feel safe and welcome.
Read 221 Reviews

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• 43,129 Population

Paradise Valley Village

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Paradise Valley is located in the perfect location, in between North Scottsdale and Old Town. It is a beautiful area with well cared for homes. Although in a major city, it has a small town feel with our own police and fire departments. The best part is its quiet and safe! I wouldn't change a thing.
Read 12 Reviews

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• 187,832 Population

North Gateway

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

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• 27,297 Population

Anthem

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 3.91 out of 5  95 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Anthem for almost 10 years now and from what I’ve seen this close-knit community is a great place to live. In comparison to other cities around, Anthem is by far the best. It is filled with a variety of grocery stores such as Fry’s, Walmart and Safeway for maximum consumer benefit. This community also has many schools at different levels such as; Preparatory schools, Public school, a charter school, and even different preschools and daycares to choose from. Each school has its own unique and secure campuses and because of the size of this community the fire department can arrive in record time as it was strategically placed in the center of town. Not only is the town as a whole a great place but there are also seasonal events! Such as, the fall and spring carnival, farmers markets, annual Independence Day celebrations with free fireworks and much more!
Read 95 Reviews

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• 22,468 Population

Deer Valley

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: A wonderful Community! Very Friendly and inviting. Many hiking trails and parks. Schools are great and plenty of shopping nearby.
Read 14 Reviews

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• 193,204 Population

Peoria

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.01 out of 5  616 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Peoria in early 2020 and I find that people here are very pet-friendly and calm. There are many places to hike and see beautiful parks and views. My neighbours are also wonderful people. Due to covid, finding outdoor activities, such as playing sports, in nature has been the most important and useful for both me and my family's mental health. The traffic here is usually light compare to Los Angeles where I used to live. Peoria has a family-oriented and relaxing environment. In terms of public transportation, Peoria does not have the greatest options. I have only seen a couple of metro stops and buses here as compared to LA. The weather here is quite hot and humid, especially during summer times, but what I do like about the seasons here is that you do have the option to go see some beautiful and the most perfect snow only 2 hours away in Flagstaff. It also hails sometimes here during the winter season. Overall, I would recommend anyone to visit this city if possible!
Read 616 Reviews

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• 168,196 Population

Fountain Hills

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: Fountain Hills is an absolutely splendid place to live! With soft rolling hills, stunning sunsets, and a centerpiece to behold.

Located just east of Scottsdale Arizona, fountain hills is a smaller relaxed town with 15,000 inhabitants. Not only is fountain hills is a relaxing and sleepy town, but it also has stunning features such as the fountain hills park. Here you’ll find a massive fountain that rockets water more than 560 feet into the air! Surrounding the 100 million gallon lake that the fountain sits in is a lively park full of greenery. Just outside of that on Fountain Hills Boulevard you’ll find a variety of small shops, restaurants and condominiums with stunning views. At night, the park lights up and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch the stunning sunset with the soft and smooth mixing of orange, purple and red hues in the sky.

Fountain Hills is perfect for anyone who wants a sleepy, relaxing and overall fun and stunning place to live.
Read 50 Reviews

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• 24,729 Population

North Mountain

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: The location is perfect! Easy access to all major freeways, shops all around but isn't too noisy. Safe people and a great area for children!
Read 7 Reviews

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• 190,686 Population

Goodyear

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.03 out of 5  308 reviews

Current Resident: I would say that neighborhood is important to me since I will be living in the area. I live in a wonderful neighborhood. All the neighbors are peaceful, friendly, and lively. With the many parks nearby they attract friendly people all the time and they make a great place to gather around and enjoy the air. A benefit in the Goodyear area would be the local grocery stores and supermarkets. They are nearby and it is easy for residents to stop by. The neighbors are incredibly friendly and always helping each other out. You will see kids and family outside having a great time. I can’t forget to mention how clean it is! It is very clean with beautiful sceneries. Waking up everyday to a peaceful morning and fresh air. I have never once experienced a bad situation. I enjoy living here in Goodyear rather than where I used to live. It wasn’t safe or friendly at all. The streets were always dirty and had people with bad intentions. Overall, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love where I am now!
Read 308 Reviews

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• 80,371 Population

Tempe

• City in Arizona
• Rating 3.92 out of 5  872 reviews

Current Resident: Tempe is a beautiful, diverse city. The city boasts excellent parks, fun trails, and the amazing Tempe Town Lake. The parks, for the most part, are very safe. In North Tempe, you will find urban campers using the park ramadas or benches. Kiwanis Park seems endless when you are walking the trails next to huge ponds. Tempe Town Lake is right on the north side of campus and has paddleboard, kayak, boat, the new swans, and paddleboat rentals for the water. They also have multi-seater bikes for rent too. Arizona State University adds so much character and fun to the city. The students make anyone feel young, especially those living close to the university! Tempe has awesome, locally owned restaurants. You can find anything to eat from ethnic food, bakeries, great breakfast spots, and fun nightlife that are all locally owned. I've lived here for 20 years, and I would not live anywhere else!
Read 872 Reviews

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• 187,454 Population

Mesa

• City in Arizona
• Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,531 reviews

Current Resident: Mesa, Arizona is an amazing city. It is the third largest city in the state. and is filled with museums, art work, hiking opportunities, and delicious food and drink. You may be in the middle of the desert, but Mesa even has two rivers!
Mesa has many attractions and provides many place's to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and places to visit for culture.

I have been impressed by the new light rail that has provided easier travel for commuters as well as boosting the local business profits. It is considered to be a positive addition to the city of Mesa.
Welcomed By Sculpture On The Streets, You might just see Humpty Dumpty or a mama bear waiting on a Mesa street corner. But don’t worry that you’re starting to hallucinate from the sweltering Arizona heat—they’re part of the 38 sculptures in the city’s Growing Permanent Sculpture Collection. Bring a map and find all of them.

Mesa has been amazing by pulling together thru this pandemic.
Read 1,531 Reviews

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• 499,720 Population

Phoenix

• City in Arizona
• Rating 4.12 out of 5  1,712 reviews

Current Resident: Phoenix is a wonderful city! Until the past few decades, the Valley of the Sun was a city of transplants and imported cultures. Over the years Phoenix has developed its own unique "Phoenix" culture. This is apparent when you attend First Fridays, try a local business, or go to school. The city is blessed with a diverse group of people with lofty dreams, and the passion to fulfill them. The future is bright for Phoenix, and this is thanks to our hungry spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity, and inclusivity. Opportunities in business, education, and a safe and welcoming environment for families to draw more people to move here than almost any other city in the country.
Read 1,712 Reviews

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• 1,633,017 Population

Camelback East

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Camelback East! We are close to restaurants, grocery stores, and the Dreamy Draw recreation area. Camelback East is a quieter, older Phoenix neighborhood that is close enough to downtown to have easy access to Phoenix's finest restaurants, sporting arenas, and entertainment.
Read 6 Reviews

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• 158,557 Population

Rio Vista

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ

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• 8,777 Population

Laveen

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 3.9 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: This small town has the perfect atmosphere for raising children, furthering your self, and thriving as a person. It is a very welcoming and diverse place that has much to offer the residents and we have everything from cow farms to salsa dancing socials. The freeway does put a damper on things, because it takes away from the hometown feel, but it does make travel faster.
Read 81 Reviews

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• 76,867 Population

Encanto

• Neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Interesting, bustling, safe area. Lots of homeless people. I have 2 grocery stores within walking distance. Wish there were more places open past 9pm-11pm. 20 minutes to ASU.

I immediately liked this area when I first saw it. This is one of the few areas in Phoenix where all the buildings are NOT a different shade of brown. We have pink buildings, purple buildings, blue buildings, green buildings, murals, palm trees, and even an artificial forest. Can see the mountains from any street in any direction. Bike friendly. Young professionals.
Read 3 Reviews

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• 63,823 Population

Glendale

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 3.76 out of 5  802 reviews

Current Resident: I love that Glendale is a good location in between vibrant cities like Phoenix and Peoria. I love the beautiful mountainous views that can be seen from all different angles! I would like to see Glendale host more activities for the communities. Some activities could include sports challenges, picnics, and hiking. I love how the state fair brings people all over the state together and I would love for small events to be held in Glendale as well! Glendale should also promote recycling, as the world needs to become more eco-friendly!
Read 802 Reviews

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• 247,813 Population

Citrus Park

• Suburb of Phoenix, AZ
• Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in nearby Litchfield Park in the 80's/90's and had a few friends from the Clearwater Farms neighborhood in Citrus Park. I absolutely fell in love with the area and the rural lifestyle so when it came time to buy a place of my own and raise a family this is where we laid our roots. The homes are all unique and the streets are pedestrian and horse friendly. Our neighbors are true friends, supportive and vigilant. It's more than community it's a bond, like family we really watch out for each other out here. It has been amazing to raise children and teach them to grown their own food and raise their own livestock. The irrigation makes for big trees and green grass so it just has a different feel out here. The area around us is starting to grow rapidly. Developers have bought out the farm lands and are building high density tracts that are in stark contrast to the existing area, the orchards are all but disappeared but overall my experience here has been excellent.
Read 7 Reviews

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• 5,376 Population