Central Phoenix Neighborhoods

Searching for homes in Phoenix can be difficult because many of the areas don't have defined names by which to search and subdivisions are often quirky in name which does not come up in searches. This is especially true for places where the common name is different from the actual subdivision names. 

The 'location search' on the Phoenix homes listings search page allows you to put in the name of a community or subdivision, zip code or city an mls number and get matching results, but if you put in a name that is shared by other communities then…

When I look at the beautiful homes of La Hacienda historic district my heart begins to beat a little faster, my eyes open up and I feel a tingle in the brain.

La Hacienda is located just north of Thomas and west of 7th Street and is comprised of 2 streets from 3rd Street to 7th Street.

It's one of those communities without sidewalks and that's part of the charm and character which makes this little community so special. That and of course the amazing architecture.

The streets with no sidewalks, ironically, create a sense of exclusivity and a rural feel to what is an are in midtown urban Phoenix. The yards are lush with plants and mature trees creating striking contrasts of shade, dark bark and white stucco as in the photo below.

In the…

In the Windsor Square neighborhood since Jun 1st 2010, there has been one sale, a short sale. At time of writing, 2 homes are pending one of which is a short sale and 2 homes are AWC-under contract with contingency- both short sales.  

5 properties are active at an average of $202 per square foot, while those fortunate enough to have a contract were active at $174 per square foot.  So far in 2010 there have been 7 sales plus 2 additional non-MLS sales.  

Overall those home in the lower price ranges tend to sell best while several higher priced homes that were for sale have been cancelled.  The most expensive sale this year was a 1929 Spanish Revival home for $420,000

The data below shows sales since January 1st, 2010 from the MLS, there were…

Ah, Arcadia a lush pastoral, peaceful paradise.  A beautiful neighborhood of exceptional homes.

These are no tract homes here.  Each is a unique creation from the old ranch homes to the contemporary homes.

The most common architectural styles are:

• Ranch

• Mid-Century Modern

• Modern

• Post Modern

• Pueblo Revival

• Colonial Revival

• Georgian Revival

• French Influenced

• Prairie Influenced

• Contemporary

The diversity is extraordinary and a trip through Arcadia is treat for those who enjoy residential architecture, well and also landscape architecture.  There are even a few true gems.

It's all set with Camelback Mountain in the background and the history of…

Stately homes, lush tall trees and bushes obscuring yards, a bike route and a river all along the short but beautiful street in Arcadia in the East Camelback Village of Phoenix.

photos: Artur Ciesielski

Arcadia is one of the most unique of neighborhoods in Phoenix: it’s green, has historic interest, a diverse architectural base, superb location and a overall great feel.  

It gets even better when you delve into the details, get on a bike or walk the streets of Arcadia, like Lafayette Boulevard just north of Arizona Canal which is Arcadia’s original lifeline and remains an important icon in the life of Arcadians.  In fact, a smaller canal runs along Lafayette taking water to those who chose to leave their lots irrigated.

Lafayette…

The sheer red sandstone cliffs of Camelback Mountain are a magnet for hikers throughout the year.  The Echo Canyon Park is amongst the most visited in the valley drawing in people to the two major trails: the Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail each just over a mile but strenuous and exhausting, but with a worthwhile reward.

This beautiful and distinctive mountain is also a draw for home buyers who want to be next to this magical mountain that bursts in red color at sunset and cool blues in early dawn.  With views all around and a central location this has become a prime location for distinctive homes.

Except for the occasional home, most properties sit at the foothills of the 2,706 ft. elevated peak.  Even at the lower elevations the…