Central Heights-Midland City is an affordable option in Gila County
Filled with striking views of the Pinal Mountains, Central Heights-Midland City is a small community just outside the Phoenix metro whose established homes come with relatively low price tags. “There’s nothing between Globe and Miami that’s more than 10 minutes away from each other,” says Realtor Jessy Perkins of Stallings & Long Realty Services, who has been in the industry for over 10 years. The location can give buyers bang for their buck, placing them close to outdoor recreation and the commercial amenities within the surrounding communities of Globe, Claypool and Miami.
The region is flush with recreational trails
Central Heights-Midland City is 2 miles from the 195-acre Old Dominion Historic Mine Park. In an area that still counts mining as an important industry, the historic park is situated on a defunct copper mine site and features trails, a playground and a nine-hole disc golf course. Round Mountain Park, 5 miles away, has several more trails that total about 7 miles and provide sweeping sights of the mountains. Trails within the nearby Pinal Mountains are popular among thrill seekers. “People ride bikes and side-by-sides, and they take them up there a lot,” Perkins says.
Midcentury houses make up much of the inventory
Central Heights-Midland City’s labyrinth of wide, unmarked residential streets is lined with a mix of mostly bungalow-style homes built across the mid-20th century. “Most of the houses are older,” Perkins says. “We don’t have very many that are what you would consider a newer build. We don’t have any new builds or new subdivisions.” Houses here are on older, cesspool-style septic systems rather than a city sewer service, which contributes to their lower prices, Perkins says. Options sell for $170,000 to $270,000.
Globe is home to a variety of community events
Locals looking for things to do outside of outdoor recreation can make the short trip to downtown Globe. That’s where there’s a farmers market on Saturdays from June to September and a monthly First Fridays celebration with food trucks and live music. There’s also a community block party for Halloween and an annual visit from Santa on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Globe’s historic 1916 train depot, and both attract a lot of people, Perkins says.
Highway 60 is a hub for dining and retail
Central Heights-Midland City is located just off U.S. Highway 60, a thoroughfare with a variety of businesses. It’s where people can grab groceries at Fry’s or go shoe shopping at Hibbett Sports. The stretch is also home to restaurants like The Copper Bistro, where the ribeye steaks are a signature item. “A lot of people do go there,” Perkins says. More amenities, including a Safeway supermarket, the Hollis Cinema 4 movie theater and several local restaurants, are available 3 miles away in downtown Globe. A Walmart Supercenter is 2 miles west in the community of Claypool.
Miami Unified schools celebrate arts and music
Miami Area Unified School District No. 40 serves Central Heights-Midland City and carries a C-plus grade on Niche. Charles A. Bejarano Elementary, also C-plus-rated, includes prekindergarten through second grade and hosts an Arts & Music Festival in the spring. The C-rated Lee Kornegay Intermediate features grades 3 through 5 and has a springtime Arts & Music Fest of its own. Miami Junior-Senior High School maintains a B-minus grade. Its extracurricular opportunities include a state-championship girls basketball team.
Highway 60 is a key asset for transportation
All Central Heights-Midland City residents are within 4 miles of Highway 60, a direct route east or west out of the community, through Miami, Claypool and Globe. Highway 60 and Arizona State Route 202 are ways to the Mesa Gateway Airport, which is 65 miles away and offers nonstop flights to more than 40 destinations through Allegiant Air. The Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center is about a mile outside Central Heights-Midland City, off Besich Boulevard and Hospital Drive.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
