If you’re a Millennial (usually seen as being anyone born between 1982 and 2004) who’s moving to Phoenix, you’re probably wondering what neighborhood would be best for you. Well, we’ve got a few picks. These spots are areas packed with top cafes, hip restaurants, and great nightlife. Check out the top neighborhoods for young people in the Valley of the Sun (locals call it “the Valley”).
Downtown
The top ‘hood for Millennials in the Valley? Downtown. Downtown Phoenix is an up-and-coming area that’s teeming with art galleries, hip shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue are the top art districts du jour—brimming with art galleries. Thriving food hall DeSoto Central Market is packed with a coffee shop like Teaspressa and Southern hot spot The Larder + The Delta. Forno 301 is known as being one of the city’s top Italian spots. And no one can forget the world-famous Pizzeria Bianco, where noted Chef Chris Bianco slings his award-winning pies. Underground Valley Bar, Phoenix’s top venue Crescent Ballroom, and classic arcade hub Cobra Arcade all call downtown home and meaning Millennials who call downtown home will have plenty of chances to hit the town.
Tempe
Tempe is perhaps best known as the home of Arizona State University, the largest public university in the United States. But it’s way more than a college town. Tempe residents can enjoy time in the great outdoors at sprawling park Tempe Town Lake and hike at red-rock paradise Papago Park. The downtown Mill Avenue district is teeming with hot spots. City residents know to head to Casey Moore’s Oyster House for late-night drinks and raw bivalves, stop by Postino’s for that mid-afternoon glass of wine and bruschetta board on the weekends, and load up on the sweet stuff at ice cream sandwich shop The Baked Bear. Tempe is also home to Tempe Center for the Arts and Gammage Auditorium —two of the top performance arts venues in the Valley.
Gilbert
Gilbert is one of the Valley’s newest hot spots. Mostly because so many new, acclaimed restaurants have popped up in Gilbert’s historic Heritage District. Noted local Chef Gio Osso’s second venture, Italian restaurant Nico opened in May of 2016. Asian-fusion hot spot The Clever Koi (the second one) opened in November of 2016. When Gilbert residents aren’t busy trying all of the restaurants downtown, they can enjoy noted 17-acre Cosmo Dog Park with their dogs or spend all day soaking up the outdoors at 65-acres Freestone Park. Nighttime activities include stargazing at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory.
[tweetthis]Thinking of relocating to #Phoenix for school or work? Check out these top neighborhoods for Millennials.[/tweetthis]
Old Town Scottsdale
Just like Phoenix, Scottsdale is a big place. And for young people who love nightlife, Old Town Scottsdale in the southern part of the city is the place to be. This historic part of Scottsdale is filled with packed clubs, high-end restaurants, and plenty to do. Old Town residents can enjoy food from nationally renowned Italian restaurant Virtu, modern American fare at Citizen Public House, and Latin-fare at The Mission —all three spots are helmed by noted local chefs. As far as nightlife goes, party people have plenty of options depending on what they’re searching for. Nightlife lovers can enjoy an old-school country western bar (complete with live country music and a wooden bar) at the Rusty Spur Saloon, a dark, romantic vibe at Kazimierz World Wine Bar, and a classy atmosphere at the cocktail lounge The Beverly.
For more things to do in the Phoenix metro area, check out this list of great hiking trails in the Valley.