Make your home in the heart of Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix packs a growing skyline, a major-league sports lineup, and a compact street grid into the core of Arizona's largest city. CityScape anchors the district with shops, restaurants, and offices at its center. The Arizona Diamondbacks play home games at Chase Field, while the Phoenix Suns and Mercury take the court a few blocks away at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Valley Metro light rail runs straight through downtown along Central Avenue, connecting residents to Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) without a transfer.

Arts and culture run deep here, led by the murals, galleries, and monthly art walk of the Roosevelt Row Arts District just north of downtown's core. Dining ranges from stadium-adjacent restaurants near Chase Field to the independent spots scattered through Roosevelt Row. Outdoor recreation and events fill the Phoenix Convention Center calendar and the plazas surrounding CityScape throughout the year. Arizona State University's Downtown Phoenix campus adds educational and career opportunities to the district as well.

Transportation and accessibility

On the move

Public transportation

Valley Metro's light rail A Line and B Line run directly through Downtown Phoenix along Central Avenue, with stops including the Downtown Phoenix Hub and 3rd Street/Washington near CityScape and Chase Field. Local Valley Metro bus routes connect these rail stations to the surrounding blocks, and the rail line runs straight through to Tempe and Mesa without a transfer. Trains run daily with frequent service during peak commuting hours.

Airports

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) sits about three miles southeast of Downtown Phoenix, typically a 10 to 15 minute drive depending on traffic. Sky Harbor serves as a hub for American Airlines, with Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines also operating a large number of flights from the airport. The PHX Sky Train connects directly to Valley Metro light rail, giving downtown residents an alternative route to the terminals.

Cars and driving

Interstate 10 runs beneath Margaret T. Hance Park through the Deck Park Tunnel along downtown's northern edge, connecting Downtown Phoenix directly to the rest of the metro area. Interstate 17 and State Route 51 both extend north from the district, and Loop 202 forms a connection toward the greater East Valley area. Rush hour can slow travel along these corridors, and several downtown light rail stations offer park and ride options for residents looking to avoid it.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Downtown Phoenix's compact street grid keeps offices, restaurants, and CityScape's shops close by for those getting around without a vehicle. The Grand Canalscape trail connects to the district from the north for longer rides, and Margaret T. Hance Park adds a paved path above the freeway tunnel near downtown's edge. Bike lanes run along several downtown streets, including a growing network of protected lanes through the core.

Industry and job market

Your next job awaits

Downtown Phoenix anchors much of the state's job market with a mix of government, healthcare, and higher education employers concentrated in a few compact blocks. Arizona State University's Downtown Phoenix campus and nearby hospital campuses add education and healthcare employers to the district, while the Phoenix Convention Center and CityScape's office tower support hospitality, retail, and business services jobs throughout the core.

Healthcare

Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center operates one of Arizona's largest academic hospitals just north of downtown, creating openings in nursing, medical research, and healthcare administration within reach of the district.

Government

The Arizona State Capitol, City of Phoenix offices, and Maricopa County government buildings sit within or near Downtown Phoenix, supporting public sector careers in administration, public policy, and community services.

Educational services

Arizona State University's Downtown Phoenix campus and the Phoenix Elementary School District #1 both offer teaching, administrative, and research positions throughout the district.

Leisure and hospitality

Restaurants, hotels, and event staffing tied to Chase Field, Mortgage Matchup Center, and the Phoenix Convention Center create ongoing openings for guest services, culinary, and event operations staff throughout Downtown Phoenix.

Business services

Office tenants throughout CityScape and the surrounding downtown office towers support roles in consulting, legal, and financial services for job seekers throughout the district.

Education

Education for every age

Downtown Phoenix falls within Phoenix Elementary School District #1, Arizona's first free public school district, established in 1871, which serves the area's elementary and middle school students. The area is also served by Phoenix Union High School District. Arizona State University operates its Downtown Phoenix campus directly within the district, adding a higher education presence with programs in journalism, nursing, public service, and law within a few blocks of CityScape.

Things to do

Out and about

Downtown Phoenix packs museums, sports venues, and a growing arts district into a compact downtown core. There is no shortage of activities available in the area, between Phoenix baseball and basketball game days for the city's professional sports teams, First Friday art walk at Roosevelt Row's galleries, and plentiful options for shopping, restaurants, and a regular calendar of outdoor events.

Our top picks

Heard Museum

This museum focuses on American Indian art and history across 12 galleries, including more than 40,000 objects and a seasonal hoop dance championship. The Heard sits directly on the Valley Metro light rail line, with an on-site cafe and museum shop close to downtown.

Phoenix Art Museum

The largest art museum in the southwestern United States houses more than 18,000 works spanning American, Asian, European, and Latin American art alongside rotating international exhibitions. Extended evening hours run several days each week, with a restaurant overlooking the sculpture garden.

Roosevelt Row Arts District

This downtown arts district hosts a monthly First Friday art walk featuring galleries, murals, and independent restaurants across several blocks. Public art installations change regularly, and the district sits directly along the Valley Metro light rail line.

CityScape

This 1.2 million square foot mixed-use development sits at the core of Downtown Phoenix with retail, restaurants, an entertainment venue, and open-air plaza space. Regular outdoor events and a central office tower keep the block active throughout the day and into the evening.

Chase Field

Home to the Arizona Diamondbacks since 1998, this ballpark features a retractable roof and air conditioning that let fans enjoy baseball through the Phoenix summer heat. The stadium sits close to light rail and downtown hotels.

Mortgage Matchup Center

This downtown arena hosts the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury alongside concerts and community shows throughout the year. The venue sits a few blocks from CityScape and Chase Field in the heart of downtown.

Phoenix Convention Center

This downtown convention facility hosts trade shows, conferences, and community events throughout the year across its exhibit halls and meeting spaces. Its central location puts attendees close to downtown hotels, restaurants, and light rail access.

Arizona Science Center

This downtown science museum features hands-on exhibits across four levels, a giant-screen theater, and the Dorrance DOME planetarium with LED dome technology. The center sits near the 3rd Street/Washington light rail stop in the heart of downtown, close to restaurants and hotels.