The Most Walkable Neighborhood In Phoenix

Get outside in Phoenix, Arizona. Surrounded by the McDowell Mountains, Phoenix is a desert gem in the heart of The Grand Canyon State. Known for its desolate mountain landscape and popular golf clubs and resorts, locals and visitors may bask in the capital city's near-infinite sunshine all year round, per Move. With sublime weather and vast scenery, the Phoenix area features copious amounts of hiking trails and outdoor recreation within proximity, including Tonto National Forest and the 16,000-acre South Mountain Park, but where's the best walkable neighborhood in the Valley of the Sun?

Noted as one of the top five largest cities in the United States, Phoenix is pretty spread out, as it's generally a car-driven college town. With over a million residents, including a bustling Arizona State University campus, several local hubs boast numerous opportunities to stroll around and explore on foot. Each area offers something different, from historic districts like Evans Churchill and Garfield to quieter residential neighborhoods like Coronado and Willo. You may come across numerous eateries, craft breweries, live music, shopping, street art, and sports events at your leisure while feeling comfortable. Keep reading to discover more about the top community to pace yourself in.

Filled with eclectic architecture and charm, the historic district of Coronado may be crowned the most walkable neighborhood in Phoenix. While the downtown area has received an impressive walkability score (85/100), the quaint historical niche of Coronado may offer better space and overall comfort, per Redfin. Located several blocks northeast, Coronado is made for budding, middle-class families by the convenient access to the light-rail system, which was initially established as a streetcar suburb in the early 20^th century. Today, Coronado is a rising community that's preserved its architectural roots. There are countless umbrella-lined streets to experience, including coffee shops, deli-style eateries, live music events, independent shops, and parks, all within walking distance, especially to the light-rail line.

With three main areas to choose from, Brentwood, Coronado, and Country Club Park, residents may continue to flock to the area for its distinctive character and neighborly atmosphere. Many existing homes feature inviting bungalows with spacious backyards, including magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival structures. Homes to own may average around $500,000, with minimum prices starting at $300,000 and escalating to $1 million, via RE/MAX.

Coronado has something for everyone on foot, as there are multitudes of restaurants, cafés, and art attractions spanning nearly every end of the square district. Immerse yourself in the local art scene with the colorful Oak Street Murals, which also hosts an annual festival for local artists to implement new creations to the diverse collection, via Atlas Obscura. A few blocks down and over, you might stop by the Window Coffee Bar on North 16^th Street for a caffeine pick-me-up. On the West End, visit the captivating Heard Museum, established by Dwight and Maie Heard in 1929, which showcases a spectrum of Native American art and artifacts, including a picturesque courtyard.

Going east, 7th Street hosts a variety of eateries and bakeries like Giving Tree Café and Urban Cookies Bakeshop, with Monterey Park located across the way. Coronado Park is also a main center within the neighborhood (on 12^th Street and Palm Lane). It offers various amenities like a community swimming pool, playground, and sports facilities for tennis, basketball, and softball. You might meander up to 12^th Street to The Coronado PHX, the chic yet casual vegetarian-vegan restaurant with an all-day café. Amidst its diverse history and culture, Coronado offers boundless reasons to stroll, including through The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix and the Phoenix Art Museum, which can be found within its neighboring areas.