A Home With History: Four Fantastic Historic Phoenix Neighborhoods

Searching for something different, other then stucco tract homes, in Phoenix housing usually brings people to the Phoenix historic neighborhoods mostly in Central Phoenix, straddling downtown and midtown Phoenix.

If you want a sense of community that comes from established neighborhood that are walking friendly with bicycle routes, coffee places, local restaurants, parks and galleries then these are the places to be.
History, in this case is a selling point, an attribute, when combined with the many other unique characteristics of Phoenix historic homes and location create properties in great demand.

Let’s take a look at four Phoenix historic neighborhoods in more detail. These four neighborhoods are designated historic by the Phoenix Historic Preservation office and are on the National Historic Register.

1. East Evergreen is located near McDowell Rd and I-10 and was originally developed from 1909 to 1920.  This is amongst the oldest of the city’s neighborhood with its roots dating back to 1887 when it was part of the greater Central Place track.  The homes, mostly one and a half stories, comes in styles such as Victorian to Transitional Ranch.

Some have deep yards and porches and overlook Townsend Park.  Over the years most of the homes were preserved, but there are a few contemporary condos and town-home complexes and a few businesses such a art galleries. This area is home to many local artists. A small foot-print, quirky old fashioned lamp posts and small streets make this a very charming district: it’s a true urban and eclectic neighborhood near downtown Phoenix.

2. Los Olivos was and is a neighborhood of reserved prestige, just as the original developer envisioned it. Located between 3rd and 7th Streets on Monte Vista road this exclusive neighborhood is home to 14 magnificent  custom build homes ranging in architectural style from Craftsman, Spanish Revival and Colonial Revival. It’s a real eye pleaser yet not as popular as other historic districts, primarily because of its hidden location and small size.

3. Yaple Park has had its share of ups and down. Right now it’s up. The urban location can’t be beat by many other neighborhoods. It’s centrally located near several Phoenix light rail stations providing access to all 21 light rail stops in 3 cities, including the air port with no need for a car. When it was first developed it was far outside of the city in the rural north.The homes are modest: mostly one and two bedroom ranch homes.  

What the homes lack in modern conveniences the charm and location of the neighborhood makes up for it. The light rail, local coffee shops, Melrose on 7th Avenue shopping, the Grand Canal and lots of places to walk under matured citrus, pecan, olive and fig trees. It’s an eclectic friendly neighborhood with homes of great value and a very bright future ahead of it.

4. Brentwood is located on McDowell and 16th Street and is a bit further away from Downtown and Midtown Phoenix. Homes in this neighborhood range from the mid 1920’s to many built after WW II. The neighborhood has wide streets. This low profile Phoenix historic district has found it admirers though.

These are just 4 of the 35 Phoenix historic neighborhoods. Each is unique with it’s own architectural styles, history and local culture. Even if you don’t intend to live in a historic district just a drive through one is full of pleasant surprises and a real artistic teat which will give you tons of ideas for your own home.