Living in South Phoenix, Arizona

A more suburban, self-contained part of the city built around South Mountain Park, offering more space and mountain views without leaving Phoenix.

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Where It Is
South of Downtown Phoenix, across the Salt River
Price Range
Mid-range, generally affordable relative to central Phoenix
Common Home Types
Single-family homes, newer development in Laveen
Vibe
Suburban, family-oriented, mountain-adjacent
To Downtown Phoenix
About 15-20 minutes
To Sky Harbor Airport
About 15-20 minutes
Known For
South Mountain Park, Ahwatukee, growing Laveen development
Nearby Destinations
Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Guadalupe
About South Phoenix

What It's Actually Like Living in South Phoenix, AZ

South Phoenix covers a lot of ground, from the established, self-contained community of Ahwatukee tucked against South Mountain, to Laveen, a rapidly growing area on the western side that's added significant new housing over the past two decades. What ties the area together is South Mountain Park itself, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, which borders much of the region.

Ahwatukee in particular functions almost like its own suburb, separated from the rest of Phoenix by the mountain and reachable mainly via Loop 202. It has its own shopping centers, schools, and a more suburban, cul-de-sac feel than central Phoenix. Laveen, by contrast, is newer and still actively developing, with master-planned communities filling in what used to be agricultural land.

Moving to South Phoenix generally means trading some of central Phoenix's walkability and historic character for more space, newer construction (especially in Laveen), and direct access to South Mountain's hiking and biking trails.

Featured Communities

Neighborhoods & Communities in South Phoenix

A few of the neighborhoods and communities people ask about most when they're looking at South Phoenix real estate.

Ahwatukee, South Phoenix AZ

Ahwatukee

EstablishedSuburbanMountain Views

A self-contained community tucked against South Mountain, with its own shopping, schools, and a suburban feel.

Laveen, South Phoenix AZ

Laveen

NewerMaster-PlannedGrowing

A rapidly growing area on the western side of South Phoenix, with ongoing new construction.

South Mountain Village, South Phoenix AZ

South Mountain Village

EstablishedCentralMixed

An established area closer to central Phoenix, with a mix of older and newer housing.

Things to do in South Phoenix Arizona
Things To Do

Life Outside the Front Door

South Mountain Park

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, with extensive hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center

A shopping and dining center serving the Ahwatukee community.

Alta Vista Trailhead

A popular hiking trailhead offering city views.

Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

A riverside park and wildlife area along the Salt River.

South Mountain Community College

Serving the local community with higher education options.

Local Golf Courses

Several courses throughout Ahwatukee and South Phoenix.

An Honest Look

Living in South Phoenix: What to Weigh

Worth Knowing

  • Direct access to South Mountain Park for hiking and outdoor recreation
  • Generally more affordable than central or north Phoenix
  • Ahwatukee offers a self-contained, suburban feel within city limits
  • Ongoing new construction in Laveen for buyers wanting newer homes
  • Reasonable commute to both downtown Phoenix and Tempe

Things to Consider

  • Ahwatukee's access is limited mainly to Loop 202, which can back up during peak times
  • Laveen is still developing, so retail and amenities are catching up to residential growth
  • Some older sections of South Phoenix have aging infrastructure
  • Less walkable and historically distinct than central Phoenix
  • Summer heat is a factor across the area as it is throughout the Valley
Real Estate in South Phoenix

What's Available

South Phoenix ranges from established Ahwatukee neighborhoods to newer, still-developing communities in Laveen.

Single-Family Homes

The dominant housing type throughout South Phoenix.

Master-Planned Communities

Common in Laveen, with ongoing new-home construction.

New Construction

Concentrated in Laveen, where multiple builders remain active.

Established Suburban Homes

The typical housing stock in Ahwatukee, mostly built from the 1970s through 1990s.

Golf Course Homes

Available in several Ahwatukee communities.

See Current Homes for Sale in South Phoenix
New Construction

Building in South Phoenix

New construction in South Phoenix is concentrated in Laveen, where a significant amount of former agricultural land has been developed into master-planned communities over the past two decades.

If you're considering a new-build home in South Phoenix, you're welcome to have your own real estate representation, even when buying directly from a builder. It's worth thinking about who represents your interests before you visit a model home or register with a builder's sales office.
Schools & Education

School Districts Serving South Phoenix

South Phoenix is served by a couple of public school districts depending on the specific address.

South Mountain Community College is located within the area.

We're not able to advise on which schools or districts are the "best" fit, since that depends entirely on your family's needs. We're happy to point you toward district boundary maps and third-party research tools like GreatSchools.org so you can look into specific schools yourself.
Location

Getting Around South Phoenix

South Phoenix sits south of Downtown Phoenix, across the Salt River, bordered by Tempe to the east and Laveen to the west.

  • Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) serves the area, particularly Ahwatukee and Laveen
  • I-10 provides access to central Phoenix and Tucson
  • About 15-20 minutes to Downtown Phoenix
  • About 15-20 minutes to Sky Harbor Airport
  • Bordered by South Mountain Park
Video

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Homes for Sale

Current Listings in South Phoenix, Arizona

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FAQ

Common Questions About South Phoenix

What is it like living in South Phoenix, Arizona?

South Phoenix is a more suburban part of the city built around South Mountain Park, ranging from established Ahwatukee to growing Laveen.

What types of homes are available in South Phoenix?

A mix of established suburban homes in Ahwatukee and newer construction in Laveen.

Does South Phoenix have new construction?

Yes, concentrated in Laveen, where development has been ongoing for the past two decades.

How far is South Phoenix from Downtown Phoenix?

About 15 to 20 minutes.

How far is South Phoenix from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?

About 15 to 20 minutes.

What are some popular neighborhoods in South Phoenix?

Ahwatukee and Laveen are the two most commonly searched areas.

What is there to do in South Phoenix?

South Mountain Park, Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center, and the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area.

What should I know before moving to South Phoenix?

Ahwatukee's access is largely limited to Loop 202, so it's worth checking commute times during peak hours before committing to the area.

Thinking About Moving to South Phoenix?

Whether you're relocating to Arizona or simply moving to another part of the Valley, we can help you explore the communities, homes, and areas that fit what you're looking for.

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