Best Places to Rent a Home in Phoenix

Looking to rent a home in Phoenix? The Valley of the Sun is a great place to live, with breathtaking mountain views, an abundance of fun things to do—and affordable rental rates. Check out the five top places to rent a home in Phoenix!

Alhambra

  • Home Price: $798 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 7% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 57%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families

Located less than 15 minutes away from Downtown Phoenix, Alhambra offers residents an escape from busy city life. In this historic neighborhood, you’ll find a variety of ranch-style homes, townhomes, and apartments for rent that are all within walking distance of high-quality amenities. Families appreciate the access to great public schools in Phoenix like Alhambra High School, Granada West Elementary School, and Valencia Newcomer School—while older students can stay close to home and earn a college degree at Grand Canyon University. Alhambra residents often take advantage of the warm weather to spend time at outdoor spaces like Washington Park or Cielito Park, which features a pool to cool off from the desert heat. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors by grabbing fresh produce at the Uptown Farmer’s Market or by attending community events put on by the Alhambra Neighborhood Association like Music in the Park, blood drives, and more.

Things to Do in Alhambra

Shop until you drop at stores like American Furniture Warehouse, Bath & Body Works, and Blush at the Christown Spectrum. Stock up on fresh fruit, bread, and other goods from local vendors at the Alhambra Farmers Market. Play a game of basketball, enroll your kids in a summer camp, and take a dip in the pool at the Washington Activity Center. Hike, run, or ride a horse along the 5.3-mile Murphy’s Bridle Path. Experience one of the best breakfast spots in Phoenix with the Breakfast Wrap, Fame Omelet, and Pancakes from Fame Caffe. Try out the Corn Dog Poppers or Backyard Burger, and sip cocktails like Old Fashioned Fun at Windsor. Feast on the Buttermilk Fried Tenders, Federal Chop Salad, and Sweet Potato Pizza at Federal Pizza. Or cool off from the hot Phoenix weather with rotating ice cream flavors like Peanut Butter, Cookies & Mint, and Butter Pecan at Churn.

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Camelback East

  • Home Price: $1,162 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 57%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Looking for the best area in Phoenix to rent a home? Consider Camelback East! Nestled between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, Camelback East offers stunning views and convenient access to outdoor activities. This energy-filled community is one of the best Phoenix neighborhoods for singles and young professionals because of its diverse mix of housing options—which range from modern apartments to charming Mid-Century Modern and Ranch homes. Cozy coffee shops, trendy bars, and beautiful outdoor spaces like Granada Park combined with Camelback East’s slower-paced feel—in comparison to nearby Downtown Phoenix—all help to create an appealing place to live for all ages.

Things to Do in Camelback East

Get an up-close look at exotic animals like the African lion, Bornean orangutan, and emus, or go on a Family Nature Walk at the Phoenix Zoo. Hike the challenging Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain for some of the best views in Phoenix. Take your kids to programs like the Cactus Clubhouse, explore the indoor Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion, and check out local desert plant life at the Desert Botanical Garden, one of the best things to do in Phoenix with kids. Book a tee time at the Estates Course or Links Course while you’re at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. Fill up on breakfast comfort foods like the Pork Chops & Eggs, Strawberry Pancakes, and Big Juan Burrito at the Ranch House Grille. Eat the Wood Oven Roasted Beets, Bacon Cheddar Biscuits, Spice Cake, and more at Beckett’s Table. Devour the Kale Salad, Ultimate Grilled Cheese, and Chestnut Baked Oatmeal at Chestnut. Or chow down American fare like the Camby Cheeseburger, Taste of Arizona Flatbread, and Short Rib from Artizen.

Deer Valley

  • Home Price: $1,386 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 32%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Deer Valley is one of the best places to look for apartments and houses for rent in Phoenix! With a variety of living options like Contemporary, Spanish Revival, and Mediterranean single-family homes for rent, as well as condos, apartments, and townhomes, residents can find a home that fits in their budget. Deer Valley’s access to fun, outdoor things to do in Phoenix—like several community parks and the almost 1,000-acre Deem Hills Recreation Area, in addition to the fun programming and amenities like the pool at the Deer Valley Community Center—makes it a family-oriented Phoenix neighborhood. Though, families also flock to the area because of great schools like Stetson Hills Elementary School, Deer Valley Middle School, and other nearby schools that are a part of the Deer Valley Unified School District.

Things to Do in Deer Valley

Cheer on from the stands during live horse racing in Phoenix at Turf Paradise. Embark on a self-guided hike on a quarter-mile trail that features local desert plants, petroglyphs, and wildlife at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. Get some fresh air, play a game of disc golf, and let your kids explore the playground at Conocido Park. Swim laps, bring your dog to the park, and get a fitness membership at the Deer Valley Community Center. Devour a Chicken Fried Steak, Hand-Trimmed Sirloin Steak, Mel’s Omelet, and more at Fast Eddie’s Diner. Eat authentic Mexican food in Phoenix like Loaded Nachos, a Veggie Burrito, and a Spicy Chicken Bowl from Habanero Fresh Mexican Grill. Snack on the Drunken Fries, Smokey Porkey sliders, and Mini French Dips at The Tav. Or satisfy your hunger with the California Roll, Spicy Miso, Lemongrass Chicken, and more at Da Valley Grill.

Paradise Valley

  • Home Price: $1,528 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 34%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

If you’re looking to rent a home in a Phoenix suburb, check out Paradise Valley! This desert oasis is adjacent to Scottsdale and offers a mixture of amenities like a vibrant nightlife, high-end shopping, and opportunities to stay active. Its unique location is convenient for commuters, as employment options in Scottsdale or Phoenix are up for grabs—but you’ll also be minutes away from the major Scottsdale art scene and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, a serene collection of parks, lakes, and trails that cover around 11 miles in the Scottsdale area. As for amenities closer to home, Paradise Valley is abundant with great Phoenix parks like Mummy Mountain and the Short Course at Mountain Shadows and places to shop in Phoenix like Paradise Valley Marketplace, Paradise Village Gateway, and even the Scottsdale Centre. To top it off, renters can still connect with their neighbors through community events like the signature Veterans Day Car Show, which shows off classic and special interest vehicles.

Things to Do in Paradise Valley

Shop to your heart’s content at stores like Bryan Walker, Rolfs, and Carine at The Shops Gainey Village. Let your kids play on the playground, check out Phoenix model trains, and ride on a steam locomotive at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park nearby. Take a guided tour of famed artist Paolo Soleri’s design studio, check out handcrafted works, and create your own ceramic tiles at Cosanti Originals. Head out for a day trip to participate in underwater helmet diving, look at otters, and have a personal encounter with a sloth at the Odysea Aquarium. Wake up with Huevos Rancheros, Avocado Toast, and Breakfast Hash at El Chorro. Eat the Summer Strawberry Salad, Half Rack of Ribs, Go Green Pizza, and more at PV Pie & Wine. Dig in to unique American dishes like White Truffle Scented Mac-N-Cheese, Roasted Chicken Salad, and Grilled Sustainable Salmon from Rusconi’s American Kitchen. Or treat yourself to the Lobster Soft Scramble, Oyster Trio, Impossible Burger, and more at Elements.

South Mountain

  • Home Price: $1,134 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of Phoenix neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Home: 39%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

If you’re looking at homes for rent in Phoenix, AZ, you should consider South Mountain. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of South Mountain Park, South Mountain is a great place to live in Phoenix that isn’t too far from the excitement of downtown. This thriving neighborhood offers an ideal mixture of affordable rentals in Phoenix, AZ including modern apartments, charming townhomes, and Mediterranean, ranch, and Modern-style homes. You can spend your days hiking South Mountain trails, playing with your kids at Highline Park (formerly known as Circle K Park), getting in a round of golf at the Raven Golf Course, or staying fit at the South Mountain Community Center. South Mountain has something for everyone!

Things to Do in South Mountain

Perfect your golf swing or play a full game of 18 holes with a beautiful mountain backdrop at the Raven Golf Club. Get some fresh air amongst three mountain ranges and several South Mountain hiking trails, or go mountain-biking at the 16,000-acre South Mountain Park Preserve. Take karate classes, work out in the fitness center, and dive in the Roosevelt Pool at the South Mountain Community Center. Rock out to live music, grab a bite to eat, and drink a glass of wine at The Silver Pony. Enjoy the Smoked Pork Omelette, Belgium Style Waffle, and Farm Breakfast Burrito at Morning Glory Cafe. Eat the Fried Onion Rings, Rotisserie Chicken, Grilled Asparagus, and more at Rustler’s Rooste. Head out for Phoenix fine dining of Wood Fired Grilled Oysters, “Soil & Seed” Beet Soup, and House Made Potato Gnocchi at Quiessence. Or dig in to the 8 oz Pan-Fried Trout, Smoked Half Chicken, Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes, and more at T-Bone Steak House.

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Relocating to Phoenix? Extra Space Storage has self storage units located throughout the Phoenix metro to help make the moving process easier. Find affordable Phoenix self storage!

Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.

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