If you’re a young professional who’s new to metro Phoenix or is considering a move to town, you’re likely looking to meet and mingle with other young people.

We’ve rounded up five areas in metro Phoenix where that’s most likely to happen. All of these spots have either plenty of bars and restaurants that attract young people or are home to a variety of businesses, or a mixture of both.

An aerial view of the Scottsdale Civic Center and “The Yearlings” sculpture by artist George-Ann Tognoni. (Sean O’Brien/Experience Scottsdale)

Old Town Scottsdale

If you like nightlife and drinking, Old Town Scottsdale might be an ideal neighborhood for you. Old Town is very well known for its bar and club scene. If you’re looking to meet other young professionals, Old Town would be a great place to live. On any given weekend, there’s always lots of events taking place and fun places to hang. For example, The Coach House is a dive bar with quite the storied past. Founded in 1959 and still owned by the founding family, it gets  bedazzled over the holidays and decked out in lights. You can enjoy cheap drinks here, which can be a rarity today. I always love driving by this spot over the holidays because it’s always buzzing and bright. Looking for a higher end offering? Then try Maya Day + Night club. This nightclub even has its very own pool, which becomes a lively spot over those hot summer months. The hip W Hotel is another perennially trendy spot whose  pool becomes especially lively in the summer.

New businesses are always popping up in Old Town, so its residents always have plenty to look forward to. One of the newest restaurants is Estelle,a two-story dining destination that serves Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. This restaurant is from the company Jocque Concepts, which also owns popular spots The Montauk and Diego Pops. Expect to find plates like shrimp aguachile and ahi tostadas. At night, Estelle’s rooftop transforms into a destination and stays open until 2 a.m. on the weekends. Old Town is such a fun place to go out at night. The people watching is always great. Expect to see bachelorette parties, ladies in cowgirl hats, and guys in suits and shorts. Scottsdale can be too scene-y for some, but it can be fun if you enjoy that.

North Phoenix

Desert Ridge Marketplace. (Courtesy Tacc Photography)

One of Phoenix’s biggest and fastest growing industries? Semiconductors or microchips. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has a massive campus in North Phoenix that employs thousands. Chips are used in electronic devices like computers and cellphones. The industry shows no signs of slowing down and should bolster the local economy for years to come. If you’re in that field, residing somewhere in North Phoenix or close to the massive plant could put you in close proximity to your colleagues. 

North Phoenix is also home to Desert Ridge, which is one of the area’s premier shopping centers. I love seeing movies at the massive AMC, where I watched “Oppenheimer” on IMAX when it came out. Each theater has plush reclining seats, so you feel like you’re relaxing in your living room. Desert Ridge also has a great Barnes & Noble. 

For the culinary arts, Marino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar is a fantastic Italian restaurant. The pasta here is so decadent and indulgent. North Phoenix is also nearby North Scottsdale, which is home to Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons. Located right across from each other, these shopping centers boast plenty of shops and restaurants. Kierland is home to one of my favorite restaurants in the entire Valley, Zinc Bistro, which serves high-end French food in a bistro-like setting. The decadent French Onion soup is too-die-for good. I just love dipping my spoon into its thick, melty Gruyere cheese. Another great restaurant, Tommy Bahama, offers impossibly fresh food and strong drinks. It is a great spot to sit outside on the patio when the weather’s good. The Pina Colada Cake—a delightful vanilla cake made with Myers dark rum and topped with diced pineapple, white chocolate mousse, and toasted coconut—is both light and decadent at once.

Mark-Taylor, one of the Valley’s largest multifamily residences, is also building a new townhome community to accommodate the area’s growing population. Located just off the I-17 in North Phoenix, Banyan at 17 North will feature two and three bedroom townhomes that include open floor plans, high ceilings and smart home technology. 

Tempe

Tempe is notable as the home of Arizona State University (ASU)—which gives the city a younger vibe than other parts of town. The median age is 28.1 years old, according to the city of Tempe. If you’re a young person looking to live near other young people, Tempe might be perfect for you. As an added bonus, about 48% of its residents have a bachelor’s degree, making it a very well educated city too. Tempe has plenty of events throughout the year. The Innings Festival is a massive music festival that takes place at Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park. This year, expect Luke Bryan, hometown country star Dierks Bentley, and Kane Brown take the stage.

One of my favorite newer events is Tempe Blooms, where 20 florists from all over Arizona will put up elaborate floral displays all over downtown. The event also includes live music and painting.

Biltmore Fashion Park is another one of the Valley’s best shopping areas. Images courtesy of Red Development.

Central Phoenix

Central Phoenix is home to plenty of businesses and residential areas. You’re close to downtown without being in the hustle and bustle of everything. Old Town Scottsdale is also just a short drive away if you want to enjoy the nightlife scene without having to deal with it day in and day out. Plenty of businesses call the Arcadia and Biltmore neighborhoods home. The Esplanade, for example, is a sprawling mixed use office and commercial complex in Central Phoenix. Architecture firm Gensler also has an office there. I personally enjoy going to see films at the AMC at the Esplanade and have had many great meals at Flint by Baltaire. Pro tip: Try the outstanding whipped feta.

Biltmore Fashion Park is another one of the Valley’s best shopping areas where you can find plenty of restaurants and shops. Luxury fitness center Lifetime has a sprawling campus there that even has a full-size basketball court in addition to an impressive array of fitness equipment and a rooftop pool. The Biltmore is also home to J. Crew, lululemon, and Alo. Pomo is a dynamic Italian restaurant that has great outdoor seating along with a sleek indoor lounge. All of its Neapolitan pizzas are excellent. I’m a fan of the Bufala Verace, which is topped with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, parmigiano cheese, and fresh basil. The Biltmore Center is another sprawling office complex in the Biltmore. Fennemore is a massive law firm that calls that center home. I’ve taken yoga classes in the courtyard out front. I also love working at the massive outpost of Press Coffee located on the ground floor here. They even have festive red coffee cups during the holidays that always make me smile.

The Crescent Ballroom. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Phoenix)

Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is home to multiple businesses, as well as some of the Valley’s best entertainment options. If you love to work and play in the same area, downtown might be a great place to live. The Square One Renaissance Tower offers office and coworking spaces. The Department is another coworking space downtown. If you’re searching for a coworking spot, you’ll have plenty of options if you live downtown. A quick Google search shows at least 10 coworking spots on the map. When you’re not working, you’ll have plenty to do in downtown Phoenix, which is home to great venues including the Mortgage Matchup Center, Chase Field, Crescent Ballroom, the Van Buren, and the Arizona Financial Theatre. I’ve seen fantastic shows at each  of those venues, including Kenny Chesney, Stevie Nicks, Sting, and country star Ashley McBryde. 

Celebrated chef Ivan Jacobo’s restaurant Flour & Thyme is a fine dining hot spot where I once had a truly epic meal. The pastas were all outstanding, and I just loved the lasagna. Barcoa is a tequila bar that’s dedicated to all things agave. Try it straight or order one of the fantastic margaritas here. Cocktail bar Carry On is another cool spot, and the décor is modeled after a glamorous 1970s jet. Look forward to snacks like popcorn and specialty cocktails in a truly hip setting.