Central Phoenix, AZ Real Estate

 

Central Phoenix is a distinctive area of the nation’s fifth largest city, comprised of thirty-six historic neighborhoods. Many of these neighborhoods first sprang up along the route of the fledgling cities streetcar line, which quickly transitioned from a horse drawn to electric streetcar line. It is a lively and engaged community, that appreciates the unique and artsy attributes of their historic neighborhoods, whose architecture represents the finest styles popular in the early twenties and thirties. Neighborhood names such as Cheery Lynn, Earll Place, Willo, and Roosevelt are representative of the community’s early influences.

The Willo Historical District was once a Phoenix suburb, lying on the outskirts of the young capital city, whose first subdivision offered Bungalow homes on long narrow lots. During this period of the early twenties, this developer set the standard for “exhibition homes”, which we now refer to as model homes. In the following years, many new subdivisions sprang up in what is now Central Phoenix, but was then suburbia. This area was very progressive especially when contrasted against the other parts of what now comprises the Phoenix metropolitan area which was very rural in nature.

These new subdivisions featured Spanish Colonial Revival Homes, Tudor Revival Homes, Prairie Homes, English Cottage Revival Homes, Pueblo Homes, California and Craftsman Bungalows. The Roosevelt Historic District was a perfect example of a streetcar suburb, which offered its early affluent residents all of the day’s modern conveniences, stylish period revival homes on beautifully landscaped lots, with easy access to the new electric streetcar line. The Trinity Cathedral, also located in the neighborhood, was a very prominent place of worship in the early part of the twentieth century, as well as a base for western Episcopal Missions.

Today it is still a place of worship for the neighborhood. It is also the home of the Cathedral Center for the Arts that coordinate Trinity Cathedral concerts. The Only Room in the Cathedral is a gallery that showcases rotating arts exhibits monthly, and a favorite community attraction. The Westward Ho a luxury hotel built in 1929 and operated until 1979, national fame when Jack Benny lived there and did his radio shows there during World War Two. Another Hollywood heavy hitter, Elizabeth Taylor, also had a suite there. Interestingly, 1981 the hotel was converted to a senior living facility. Many of the residents living there remembered the hotel’s glory days, which made it such an apt transition for an historic treasure.

Central Phoenix with its rich historic neighborhoods is one of the most varied and beautiful areas of the valley. The colorful and interesting architectural styles of the homes set on manicured yards with mature lush landscaping and neat well kept streets all contribute to the areas popularity and vibrancy. Homes in Central Phoenix are as varied in price as in style with many starting in low 100’s to upwards of a million dollars. It is community you really have to see for yourself to fully appreciate. If you are looking for an active community and want a truly unique home, with a location that is central to everything in the greater Phoenix metro area, you will find it in Central Phoenix.