We get it. First times can be scary. And when you're buying your first home, nothing spells panic attack like shaving off most of your savings for a down payment. But thanks to the many affordable up-and-coming neighborhoods in Phoenix, easing into domestic life doesn't have to be so daunting. Here are our top five picks for beginning buyers.
See also: 5 Up-and-Coming Phoenix Neighborhoods
Fairview Place Between 15th and 17th avenues, McDowell Road and Encanto Boulevard Prices of homes for sale range from $199,000 to $319,000
We can think of several reasons to throw down the welcome mat at Fairview Place. The downtown-adjacent neighborhood is in a prime location for both young families and young adults with close proximity to the Arizona State Fairgrounds, Encanto Park, and the Grand Avenue arts district. Did we mention it's also a historic neighborhood? Talk about a good investment. For those who envy neighborhoods like Palmcroft and F.Q Story but can't quite afford the price tag that come with them, Fairview Place is a great compromise.
Coronado Between Seventh and 16th streets, McDowell and Thomas roads Prices of homes for sale range from $145,000 and $439,000
Coronado hardly needs an introduction, but here it goes. One of the larger historic neighborhoods around town, Coronado offers a central location with popular hangouts like The Main Ingredient, Sutra Midtown, Tuck Shop, and MacAlpine's Soda Fountain in walking or biking distance. Of course, with all its expanse, Coronado does come with a few patchy areas here and there. But since the neighborhood is very much reaping the benefits of the downtown renaissance, you can just look at these less refined properties and your cheap ticket into a covetable community.
Norton Hatcher Park Area Between 12th and 16th streets, Mission and Mountain View roads Prices of homes for sale range from $119,000 to $295,000
Although the north Phoenix neighborhood is not quite where we'd like it to be, we have faith that in a few years time, Sunnyslope will be soaking up some much deserved attention. Which is why we've been eyeballing neighborhoods like High Point Park and areas surrounding North Hatcher Park. Many of these east Sunnyslope properties are fixer-uppers but come with a great mountainside location as well as close proximity to Sunnyslope staples like Let it Roll Bowl and El Rinconcito del D.F. With great views, central location, and cheap prices, it's easy to see why Sunnyslope is a part of the starter home scene.
Loma Linda Between 24th Street and 51 Freeway, Thomas and Indian School roads Prices of homes for sale range from $90,000 to $485,000
If you can't afford Arcadia, don't want to live downtown, but want to have easy access to both, we highly recommend a drive through the expansive Loma Linda neighborhood. The 51-adjacent 'hood has a good blend of homes that are either renovated or ready for some TLC with a close proximity to the essentials: Sprouts, Shady's, and Town & Country. Although Loma Linda doesn't have registered historic status, the neighborhood association takes care of its own. Community and a killer location? We'll bite.
The Surrounding Orangewood Area Between 15th and 19th avenues, Glendale and Northern roads Prices of homes for sale range from $184,900 to $495,000
As the Light Rail expands north up 19th Avenue, so do Phoenix residents. Endearing older neighborhoods like the one that surrounds Orangewood Elementary are ripe for picking when it comes to young families and first-time home buyers thanks to its clean curb appeal, promising public transportationm and close proximity to Interstate 17, Christown Spectrum Mall, and Washington Park.
