Optimized routing in localized dense networks is provided. A packet is received at a first network device in a network. An optimal route for the packet to a neighbor network device in the network is determined using a Source Routing Table (SRT), wherein the SRT includes an optimized routing table and a standard routing table, and wherein the optimized routing table comprises a list of neighbor network devices that the first network device can route to directly and wherein the standard routing table comprises a ZigBee source routing table. The packet is routed using the optimal route.