Scenic desert landscapes and stunning mountain views await renters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Nicknamed “the West’s most Western town,” Scottsdale values its local arts and rich history. Whether you’re looking for a new hiking spot or want to catch a sunset over the mountains, Scottsdale has that and more to offer you.
If you’re looking to live near Scottsdale on a budget, here are five neighborhoods that offer affordability and lifestyle:
Apache Junction
Average One Bedroom Rent in Scottsdale: $1,820
Average One Bedroom Rent in Apache Junction: $1,019
Located right beside the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction combines affordable living with scenic Arizonian views. Apache Junction is appropriately named after the Apache Trail, which was built in the 20th century, to serve as a supply road. With its proximity to both urban and rural areas, Apache Junction is the perfect place to call home in Scottsdale.
Things to Do in Apache Junction
Local and small businesses in the area can be found downtown along Apache Trail. Authentic Mexican restaurants, breakfast diners, and saloon-style bars are among the many dining options for residents to choose from. Apache Junction hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Lost Dutchman Day features a downtown parade, carnival, bull riding, and much more. The accompanying Lost Dutchman’s Marathon draws almost 3,000 participants yearly. Both events were created based on the fable of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine- supposedly, there is a lost mine of treasure in the Superstition Mountains.
Nearby parks offer something for everyone. If you like softball, soccer, pickleball, basketball, or volleyball, head over to Prospector Park. If golf is more your speed, Apache Creek Golf Club offers an 18-hole round on a desert-themed course. Green spaces can be found at 16-acre Painted Sky Park, while boating, fishing, and swimming fun awaits at Canyon Lake. There are even biking and equestrian trails weaving up and down the Superstition Mountains. There’s no shortage of places to explore in Apache Junction.
Transportation
Apache Junction is located roughly 30 miles from both Scottsdale and Phoenix. Easy access to Route 60 will take you into the heart of both cities. Residents of Apache Junction are car dependent based on the lack of public transit. Although no public transportation is offered in the area, residents have made it their mission to make Apache Junction the beautiful city that it is for tourists and renters alike.
Youngtown
Average One Bedroom Rent in Scottsdale: $1,820
Average One Bedroom Rent in Youngtown: $1,130
Residents of Youngtown experience a perfect balance of small-town community living with urban amenities and entertainment. The neighborhood is situated along the Agua Fria River and houses residents of all ages. This cozy community offers renters affordability and proximity bundled into one.
Things to Do in Youngtown
Although the community only spans two miles, seven parks can be found throughout the area. Youngtown Maricopa Lake Park is perfect for a scenic afternoon walk, Schliefer Park is where you can show off your skills in basketball and volleyball, and Citizens’ Dog Park is the perfect place to take your furry friend. Rio Vista Community Park, Gateway Park, and Sun City Country Club offer Youngtown residents endless afternoons of fun in the sun- or water!
Local favorites such as Father Sarducci’s Pizza, Pasta & More, as well as Adam’s Café, are where residents go to relax and dine casually. For elevated dining, head five miles toward Park West where you’ll find another local favorite, The Speakeasy Bar. Westgate Entertainment District is located seven miles away from the community and offers an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If going out is not your vibe, The Clubhouse, located in the Youngtown community, is where the town-led clubs and events are hosted.
Transportation
With only around 40 minutes separating you from Scottsdale and only 20 miles from Phoenix, living in Youngtown provides the best of both worlds. Public transit through bus stops can be found throughout the area, along with easy access to North 11th Avenue and U.S. Route 60. If neither of these forms of transportation interest you, sidewalk-lined streets offer residents an easy place to walk, bike, or even use a locationally popular golf cart to explore the city.
Casa Grande
Average One Bedroom Rent in Scottsdale: $1,820
Average One Bedroom Rent in Casa Grande: $1,315
Small-town charm coupled with a growing community is the perfect way to describe Casa Grande. Located in the Sonoran Desert and named after the nearby Casa Grande Ruins, this quaint city was founded in 1879, utilized as a stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad. Although it may seem small on the outside, residents of Casa Grande have big plans for the community.
Things to Do in Casa Grande
The Promenade at Casa Grande is an outdoor mall that serves as a one-stop shop for all things shopping and dining. Local restaurants can be found downtown on Florence Boulevard, with a number of these places focusing on American and Mexican cuisine. Airport Tavern is a favorite local bar that features live music on the weekends. The entertainment and shopping sectors of this community are still up-and-coming, offering renters the chance to lay down roots in this hidden gem of Arizona early!
Casa Grande is a golf lovers’ dream. The Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort feature an 18-hole course; not to overshadow the other 18-hole golf course in Dave White Regional Park. This park also includes playing fields and a fishing lake. Hikers also find fun in Casa Grande, with 17 miles of desert hiking trails waiting to be explored. Families frequent the Palm Island Family Aquatic Park- a swimming pool and the 150-foot-tall waterslide are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Art lovers also find their footing in this small town. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated with live performances, art workshops, and Mexican bark paintings. The Electric Light Parade is a tree lighting in December that hosts a large portion of the community, along with food trucks and candy. The Paramount Theatre downtown dates back to 1929 and still regularly hosts live concerts and theatrical performances.
Transportation
Interstates 10 and 8 are both located in the city and grant easy access to Scottsdale and the Phoenix area. For local travel, the streets are suitable for walking and biking with sidewalks offering room for both parties. Public transportation is offered through the Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART) from Casa Grande to nearby towns.
El Mirage
Average One Bedroom Rent in Scottsdale: $1,820
Average One Bedroom Rent in El Mirage: $1,682
Affordability meets modern convenience in El Mirage. Located around 40 minutes outside of the Scottsdale and Phoenix area, residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle, while still having the option to venture into the city if they choose. If you’re looking for a community, look no further than El Mirage.
Things to Do in El Mirage
El Mirage is spread out over 50 acres of land, offering residents plenty of opportunity for activity. Taking up 13 of those 50 acres is Gateway Park, which includes playgrounds, fields, a skate park, and a dog park. Pueblo El Mirage Golf Course is where golfers can try their hand at the semi-private 18-hole course. Estrella Mountain Regional Park, where residents can hike, bike, or ride horses over the 30 miles of trails with mountain views, lies around 20 miles away. If you’d rather stay closer to home, the El Mirage Community Garden is where residents grow their own vegetables and flowers- they are always looking for more seeds to add to their garden!
Although El Mirage does not have a specified downtown area, the north end of the city and Thunderbird Road are where you’ll find big-box stores and local eateries. Mexican restaurants are not hard to come by in this area, with each authentic restaurant offering its own signature dish. La Bamba Mexican Grill is known for its homemade tortillas and street tacos, Humberto’s is famous for their rolled tacos, and Mariscos El Sinaloco specializes in authentic Sinaloa-style seafood.
Community events are usually held at Bill Gentry Park. The monthly Music in the Park concert series is a local favorite and features local artists and a wide range of genres. The Children’s Entrepreneur Market gives kids a chance to show off their talents and sell their homemade items like food and toys. Other seasonal events are held in September, October, and December and draw many residents every year.
Transportation
Highway 60 is located on the edge of the neighborhood and offers residents easy access to Scottsdale, Glendale, and Phoenix. If you’re looking to stay in the area, the sidewalks offer enough room to bike and walk to wherever you want to go. The Valley Metro bus system provides stops throughout the neighborhood for residents who want to take public transit. The buses travel into the major surrounding cities, allowing easy access to Arizona’s major landmarks.
Buckeye
Average One Bedroom Rent in Scottsdale: $1,820
Average One Bedroom Rent in Buckeye: $1,742
Buckeye was founded in the early 19th century and began as a small desert town. Now, the community has a population of around 110,000 and is one of the top up-and-coming suburbs in Arizona. Buckeye’s community leaders plan to make this neighborhood one where families, renters, and residents alike can eat, shop, play, and work all in one area.
Things to Do in Buckeye
Natural scenery and outdoor activities are major draws for Buckeye. Skyline Regional Park is an 8,700-acre trail system that winds through the White Tank Mountains. Camping and horseback riding, in addition to hiking, are activities locals take part in throughout the year. Sundance Park is a new addition to the area and offers residents 40 acres of space including a splash pad, basketball courts, and a lake to go fishing.
Local and small businesses are located in Old Town. The cafes, boutiques, and restaurants in the area are styled like saloons and take inspiration from traditional Pueblos. There are a couple of bars sprinkled throughout Buckeye, but most people seeking nightlife travel into Scottsdale or Phoenix. A recent city improvement plan has been proposed called The Imagine Buckeye 2040 General Plan. This plan seeks to improve and renovate Old Town and turn the area into a vibrant downtown by adding more entertainment and community spaces.
Buckeye places importance on local arts and culture. The community recently launched an initiative to bring more local art into public spaces for residents to enjoy. Community events such as concerts and movies in the park are held at different times throughout the year. The annual Buckeye Days in January is a hit and celebrates the city with food, live music, and a cattle parade, based on its history.
Transportation
Interstate 10 access is available in the city for residents to hop on and easily make the drive to Scottsdale. Streets in the city have sidewalks that are usually packed with people walking or biking around the community. Stops for the Valley Metro bus are located throughout the area and will take residents into surrounding cities.
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