Central Phoenix
Homes For Sale
+ Neighborhood Guide
About Central Phoenix
Homes for sale in this area offer variety and Central Phoenix is the hub of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. All roads and transit lead here. Central Phoenix has been the long-time champion of where it’s at in Phoenix. This is where you will find the bulk of Phoenix’s “it” spots when it comes to dining, entertainment, and urban living.
If you are moving to Phoenix from an urban area, Central Phoenix is the place you want to call home. We will be delighted to show you any homes of interest that you find here in our guide. We welcome you to contact us to schedule a tour or consultation to discuss your new home purchase.
Do you want to live in a historic bungalow in a well-preserved historic district? You will find that here in one of Phoenix’s 36 historic districts. How about a mid-century, Palm Springs style, apartment building? Yes, that is here too. Eco-friendly constructed townhouses, lofts, you name it, we have it. From condos, to townhouses, to single family homes, there is something for every buyer in Central Phoenix. Homes for sale in this area will work with any budget, age group, style preference, etc.
How about the arts & culture scene? That’s covered in Central Phoenix. Homes for sale here are near The Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Opera, Phoenix Theatre Company are all located in Central Phoenix. You will find an array of art galleries and small theatre companies scattered around this area too.
Piestewa Peak offers hiking trails for all adventure types, including a 45-minute hike to the summit. The summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains and suburbs. Steele Park and Encanto Park are large public parks hosting annual festivals, 4th of July events, and more.
Our guide features 15 of our favorite restaurants, but there are so many more that you can explore. Central Phoenix has emerged as a culinary destination and there are new restaurants opening all the time. Be sure to check our favorites in the neighborhood directory below.
Location
Central Phoenix is not a neighborhood per say. It is more of an area with countless neighborhoods located within it. We consider Central Phoenix to be the area between McDowell Road and Glendale Avenue from south to north. From west to east, it is the area between I-17 to 16th St. Most of the commercial areas of interest follow the lengths of 7th Avenue, Central Avenue and 7th Street. This is where you will find most of the restaurants, nightlife, entertainment, and other areas of interest in our Central Phoenix Homes For Sale guide.
For adjacent neighborhoods, check out our guides for Downtown Phoenix, Arcadia, and Biltmore. If you are specifically interested in historic homes in Phoenix, see our Historic Homes For Sale guide. While they are included on this page, this detailed guide focuses only on historic homes for sale.
Schools
Central Phoenix is served by the Phoenix Union High School District and several elementary school districts. Central High School and North High School are the two public high schools zoned for the area. Brophy College Prep and Xavier College Prep are private schools located between Central Avenue and 7th Street south of Camelback Road. For children in lower grade levels, the Madison, Osborn, and Phoenix elementary districts serve the area. Phoenix College, a community college, is a large campus located near 19th Avenue & Thomas Road. Arizona State University’s main campus is located nearby in Tempe. Their second largest campus is in Downtown Phoenix.
The Best of Central Phoenix
Chef Silvana Salcido’s versions of regional Mexican favorites are recognized as some of the best Mexican cuisine in Phoenix, the region and nationally. Enjoy live music in dinning room each Thursday to Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Keeping it simple this place is called exactly after what it offers: cold beers and cheeseburgers, everything on the menu features only fresh ingredients with all items made in-house daily. A great place to catch all your favorite sporting events and enjoy great food.
One of the best patios in Phoenix, they serve crowds favorites like pretzel bites and provolone fondue, 36-hour pork ribs, and their famous fried chicken drizzled with honey and your option of ice-cold craft beer or killer house-made cocktails. There is usually live music and games that makes this a delicious and fun experience.
A midcentury-meets-modern restaurant specializing in wood fired pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and salads. We love the old school wine coolers and craft beers on tap and in take home growlers.
Green features all your favorite comfort foods made with 100% plant-based ingredients, vegan cheeses, and mock meats.
The vibe here draws you in and the food blows you away with its freshness and the sublimely delicious aguas frescas cocktails. Order a few tasty tacos, signal your server for another icy refreshment, lean back in your chair, and enjoy the ride.
Spicy Mexican dishes (and we mean spicy!) & margarita pitchers are served in this ornately decorated, fiesta-ready space.
Located in the Windsor Square neighborhood, this location and building was once home to Phoenix’s iconic Jewish Delicatessen, Katz Deli. They feature $5 glasses on wine every day until 6pm. Their wine selection rotates and is appropriate for both the most casual and sacred of gatherings. We strongly suggest the bruschetta here.
Hip spot for Vietnamese pho, banh mi & street food favorites, plus drinks & happy-hour specials.
Bi-level restaurant featuring seasonal New American fare & an open-air bar with inventive cocktails. Their menu rotates with the seasons and they serve a great brunch. Get here early or you will be waiting quite awhile for a table.
Honestly one of Phoenix’s best kept secrets and hands down the best Thai food, not just in Phoenix, but really anywhere outside of Thailand itself. It is a casual eatery offering a variety of Thai noodle, curry & other dishes amid comfortable surroundings. The owners are friendly and endearing, making this a staple of the city.
The Main Ingredient Ale House & Café
Stylish, cozy cafe in a converted bungalow serving beer, wine & a menu of soups, salads & sandwiches. Its a great place to hang out with friends, enjoying wine at their communal table on the patio.
Stylish neighborhood hangout providing drinks & modern takes on comfort food, plus bocce ball & DJs. They serve a great brunch and the weekend vibe is fun and chill.
Global comfort food & retro cocktails fill the menu at this snazzy restaurant with a backyard patio. Try the No. 88 on the cocktail menu, a hibiscus-infused gin, with lavender, rose, and lemon.
Park Central Mall was the first shopping mall in Phoenix, Arizona. It is located in Encanto Village on Central Avenue and Osborn Road. While retail stores here have been replaced by offices, there are still quick bite dining destinations here and a fun gay bar called Kobalt with karaoke and drag shows. Future developments here are underway and visions of a restored retail destination may come to fruition.
Historic plaza featuring familiar retailers, sweets shops & a variety of restaurants. This center was recently restored and high end stores like West Elm and AJ’s Fine Foods along with a Shake Shack were inserted into the mix. There is also a large yoga studio located here.
Christown Spectrum is the oldest operating mall in Phoenix, Arizona and was the third shopping mall built in the city. It underwent a massive renovation in the 2000s. During this time, a Target, a Costco and a Harkin’s movie theater were added.
Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.
Modern multiplex chain showing blockbusters & a few independent films. It features 14 screens and stadium style seating.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Enchanted Island Amusement Park is a 7.5-acre amusement park. It is in the center of Encanto Park, a 222-acre city park. It features nine rides and a variety of attractions. Not a thrill ride park but great for families with small children, and they offer excellent birthday party accomodations.
The largest art museum in the southwest United States with over 20,000 pieces in its collection of acclaimed art spanning from the Renaissance to the present. The museum features numerous rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
The Phoenix Theatre Company is a professional theatre company started in 1920 by a theatre troupe known as the Phoenix Players. The theatre is among the oldest continually operating theaters west of the Mississippi River. It offers more programs and experiences than any other, with nearly 500 performances on multiple stages and thriving education and outreach programs.
Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.
Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres, also offering dining, a gift shop & library. Visiting the garden in the winter months is refreshing and beautiful. During the holidays, the Luminaries and other special holiday events are spectacular and a must see for any visitor.
A large mountainous park with miles of trails & a scenic 2,608-foot summit which is a popular destination for hikers. While there are many trailheads that provide the scenic route around the base of the mountain, the most popular hike is the summit hike. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the top, but the views from there are well worth the effort you’ll exert to make it to the top.
This large city park is built on 72 acres around one of the city’s historic sites, guests will find access to a large dog park, playgrounds, a lake, jogging paths, picnic ramadas, art installations, basketball and volleyball courts, and other large areas for outdoor recreational activities. Steele Park is host to a number of festivals throughout the year, such as Phoenix Gay Pride, beer festivals, music festivals, and more.
The park is composed of 222 acres of land consisting of picnic areas, a lagoon, a boat house, swimming pool, nature trail, amusement park, fishing and two golf courses.
The club was founded in 1900 and was moved to its current location in 1921. Golf Connoisseur Magazine rated Phoenix Country Club among top 100 Most Prestigious Private Clubs in America. The 18-hole golf course was home to the Phoenix Open from 1932 to 1986. Other activities here include tennis, swimming, and fitness. There are also restaurants on-site for guests.
Historic 18-hole golf course featuring a driving range, a practice green & a shop.
A basic, no frills, low cost gym with flexible memberships.
A basic, no frills, low cost gym with flexible memberships. Some of their clubs feature add-on amenities like tanning, massage, and red light therapy.
A traditional gym with circuit weights, free weights, cardio equipment with group classes and individualized personal training. LA Fitness features locker rooms with towel service and shower, and some feature lap pools.
Independent small business gym equipped with weights & cardio equipment also offering tanning & massages. If you want a more personalized and private experience, this is the best gym for you.
Orangetheory is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out. Classes are small and pricey but the workout is intense and will leave you craving more.
Sleek rooms in a contemporary, mid-century style hotel. This is a great urban resort with an amazing pool vibe and chill rooftop lounge.
Trendy rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, vibrant feature wallpaper and vintage-style furnishings. Amenities include a rooftop bar, a coffee shop and an ice pop stand. There’s also an outdoor pool with a poolside snack bar and foosball tables.
Schools in Central Phoenix
Private Schools
Brophy College Preparatory (9-12, young men)
Xavier College Preparatory (9-12, young women)
Public Schools
Phoenix Union High School District serves high school students in the area. Elementary students are served by several elementary school districts noted below.
Central High School (9-12)
North High School (9-12)
Madison Elementary School District (K-8)
Osborn Elementary School District(K-8)
Phoenix Elementary School District (K-8)
College & University
Central Phoenix Sales Stats
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Current Central Phoenix Homes For Sale
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