Phoenix is feeling a shift as the hottest areas are centralizing toward the center of town. Driven by high-density residential projects, relatively affordable historic properties, and access to dining, entertainment, and shopping, once unassuming areas of Phoenix are emerging as hidden gems.

Neighborhoods.com dug around to find out why five emerging neighborhoods, in particular, are standing out.

Floralcroft — Glendale

Aerial of Glendale

With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, Floralcroft in Glendale rivals the region’s more well-known tony enclaves (Willo, Encanto, and F.Q. Story). However, this neighborhood, full of late 19th- and 20th-century revival homes, gets its due thanks to the number of affordable options priced between $115,000 and $180,000. Thanks to a recent grant to create period-inspired black street lamps, the area remains committed to preservation and maintaining that old-world charm.

Eastlake — Downtown Phoenix

Aerial of Downtown Phoenix

Eastlake in Downtown Phoenix has a deep connection with the Civil Rights movement between the 1940s and 1960s. Though the streets were filled with impassioned protests, the housing of the area suffered from lack of progress, new builds, or investment. In 2013, a $4 million facelift and opened the doors for rejuvenation. With the addition of Eastlake Park, the neighborhood began to thrive as the “soul of the city.” Today the neighborhood is more than just a historic and culturally significant place, it’s also a thriving community. Most homes in this neighborhood are priced between $139,900 to $369,000.

Squaw Peak Groves — Camelback East Village

Camelback Mountain photo courtesy of 2candle

A former citrus grove turned established ranch-home haven, Squaw Peak Groves in Camelback East Village features mid-size homes that are typically competitively priced. And though there aren’t many homes currently for sale, and rarely stay on the market for long, the neighborhood is becoming a hotspot thanks to the wide variety of shopping and dining options along East Glendale Avenue between 16th Street and North 7th Street, a quick walk from Squaw Peaks for those who need walkability to be a prerequisite.

Garfield — Downtown Phoenix

Photo courtesy of Garfield Historic District

One of the oldest neighborhoods, Garfield in Downtown Phoenix was established with approximately 500 homes to keep up with demand in the 1910s and 1920s. The area is rich with bungalow, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Tudor home styles. A unique feature of the neighborhood is the alleys, which now serve as home offices or rentals, due to the lack of garages in the area. Current prices here are between $194,900 to $354,900. 

Located near Roosevelt Row, it has attracted a variety of artistic folks to the neighborhood, which has helped increase its popularity in the last five years. A community garden, walking distance to downtown, and opportunities for sweat investment in early-20th-century cottages are several reasons to keep this neighborhood on your radar. 

Brentwood — Coronado

Thanks to an influx of new restaurants and shops, Brentwood in Coronado is seeing a huge renaissance. Homes typically range between $140,000 to $320,000, opening the door for a variety of buyers looking for a deal. While most homes have been modernized, you can still see remnants of the old carriage houses from when this was farmland. Bungalows, Tudors, period revivals, and Spanish-style homes line the streets. Even though the neighborhood is bordered by commercial growth, current residents are working hard to keep their neighborhood’s charm intact.