Downtown Phoenix
Neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona
Maricopa County 85003, 85004
Diverse housing options and crime challenges
Romero says people are surprised by the amount of green in downtown Phoenix, with palm trees springing from the most urban corridors. Residential options include high-rise condos, historic single-family homes and townhouses. Vintage homes are Craftsman style, but some are inspired by adobe architecture. Prices vary from the $600,000s to over $1 million for large homes, to the $200,000s to $500,000s for small homes. Condos typically range from the low $300,000s to the low $700,000s, with luxury penthouses surpassing $1 million. Townhouses range from around $250,000 to over $900,000. While condos are often midcentury and newer, some townhouses were also built as far back as the 1920s. Homeowners Association fees are common for condos and townhouses, covering amenities such as pools, rooftop lounges and fitness centers. "And many of them are along the light rail or within walking distance," Romero says.The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 10 out of 10. The national average is 4. The Phoenix Police Department's Community Engagement Bureau works to prevent crime, in part, by establishing community partnerships. Their youth programs, which help youngers understand the inner workings and value of the department, are a vital aspect of this work.
Modest parks and Margaret T. Hance Park, a 32-acre gem
Downtown Phoenix features a mix of modest urban green spaces, some more passive than others. One of them, Peace Park, offers a quiet place to walk and reflect outside St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica. The largest green space is Margaret T. Hance Park, spanning 32 acres and boasting an immersive playground with a rabbit and fox climber, rock wall, rope course, massive sandbox and a splash pad. There's also a dog park on the grounds with fenced-in sections for smaller and larger pups. Nearby, visitors can enjoy a meditative Japanese garden and the Burton Barr Library, which has over 1 million volumes. Cusick says extreme heat keeps people moving from one air-conditioned building to another during the summer.Educational opportunities through schools and universities
The Phoenix Union High School District serves Downtown Phoenix. Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, catering to kindergarten through eighth-grade students, earns a C rating on Niche, while Central High School earns a B-minus rating. In the past five years, 96 Central High students achieved National Merit Scholar recognition. Local higher education options include Arizona State University, the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Northern Arizona University Phoenix Bioscience Core. The city offers various educational enrichment through its museums, such as the Heard Museum, devoted to American Indian art.Big entertainment, annual celebration and everyday fun
Downtown offers a bustling entertainment scene. "We always have all kinds of stuff going on like any other big city," Romero says. "You name the parade, and they have it." Splashed in colorful murals, the 11-block Roosevelt Row Arts District hosts events such as the First Fridays Art Walk, a weekly Sidewalk Saturday artisan market and the annual Phoestivus holiday market. Several theaters accommodate concerts, symphonies and off-Broadway shows. On game days, sports lovers head to the Footprint Center to watch the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury play, and to Chase Field to cheer on the Arizona Diamondbacks.Robust commuter options keep residents connected
The light rail runs through the city center's heart, complemented by bus services. Interstate 10 is the primary highway connection, intersecting with Interstate 17 within around 3 miles. "You can [also] get from one end of the valley to another on a surface street," says Realtor Mario Romero of The Melcher Agency, with over 40 years of industry experience.Competitive dining, some retail and a year-round farmers market
"There are many up-and-coming chefs that have establishments here, and they are always trying to outdo [each other]," Cusick says. "Because of the competition, it just breeds a great food selection." At least a dozen new establishments opened in 2024. Carry On is one of the latest spots, serving vintage cocktails and "in-flight snacks" in a setting inspired by a 1970s jet cabin. Durant's has been a consistent fixture of Downtown Phoenix since 1950 but recently changed hands and is now partially owned by two James Beard-nominated chefs. Arizona Center, Collier Center and Cityscape are local mixed-use spaces that combine bars, restaurants and event spaces. The area's retail options are limited. "Scottsdale Fashion [Square] is where everyone goes [around 12 miles away]," Cusick says. Local grocers include Fry's Food Market and Safeway, while the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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Melissa Massey
Compass
(480) 868-2022
111 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Phoenix
$725,000 Price
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The Kopas Home Team
HomeSmart
(623) 432-7846
50 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Phoenix
$380K - $535K Price Range
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Alexander Prewitt
Real Broker
(520) 214-6602
486 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Phoenix
$354,000 Price
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AYANNA HAWKINS
At Home
(623) 321-2387
93 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Phoenix
$329,000 Price
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Mike Mendoza
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living
(623) 263-2686
203 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Phoenix
$365,000 Price
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Jalynn Manser
Responds QuicklyCall it Closed International
(623) 439-8539
159 Total Sales
3 in Downtown Phoenix
$355K - $500K Price Range
Schools
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Downtown Phoenix | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 7 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 10 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 10 | 4 |
Robbery | 10 | 4 |
Burglary | 10 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 4 |
Larceny | 10 | 4 |
Crime Score | 10 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Phoenix Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $535,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
Good Transit
Transit Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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