$563,117Average Value$430Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes For Sale
Downtown Phoenix is a newer city center that’s still evolving
Unlike many cities that developed around an urban core, Phoenix primarily attracted homebuyers to its suburban fringes well into the 1980s. The downtown area, as we know it today, only began taking shape as a dense, walkable place following the introduction of the light rail and Arizona State University in the early 2000s. Now, Downtown Phoenix flaunts all the trappings of a thriving city center, including an eclectic dining scene with over 200 restaurants, sports arenas, music venues, rooftop lounges, museums, theaters and art galleries. "And it's all [fresh] because it's been [revitalized]," says Tim Cusick, an associate broker with Homelogic Real Estate, who has sold homes for more than 20 years.
Valley Metro light rail runs along Central Avenue through the Downtown Phoenix area.
A vibrant mural burst with color in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, where modern skyscrapers rise behind historic buildings and light rail lines weave through the energetic city core.
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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 restaurateurs. 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.
The Arrogant Butcher is a lively urban bistro with sidewalk dining, upscale American comfort food, and a popular happy hour scene near the Footprint Center and Symphony Hall.
Located near the light rail, Fry's Food and Drug in Downtown Phoenix provides residents and professionals with convenient access to groceries, pharmacy services, and fresh meal options.
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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.
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.
Stroll through creativity every Saturday at vibrant artisan markets in Downtown Phoenix.
Treat yourself with decadent delights found during Downtown Phoenix’s First Friday Art Walk.
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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.
Margaret T. Hance Park offers a scenic green space in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, with play areas, cultural events, and views of nearby historic neighborhoods.
Visitors enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil oasis featuring koi ponds, tea ceremonies, and carefully curated landscapes that reflect traditional Japanese design.
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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 young people understand the inner workings and value of the department, are a vital aspect of this work.
Whimsical Tudor-style cottages like this one add a storybook charm to pockets of Downtown Phoenix, standing out with steeply pitched roofs, stonework, and lush garden paths.
Ranch-style homes fit right in with the style of Downtown Phoenix homes.
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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.
Central High School serves students from across Downtown Phoenix and is known for its diverse student body, competitive academic programs, and central locations within Phoenix's urban core.
ASU hosts classes in Downtown Phoenix, including the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Phoenix neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Phoenix
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
10
4
Assault with Weapon
10
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Phoenix Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $522,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prime Downtown Phoenix Living with Private Garage! Live in the center of it all! This 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo at St. Croix Villas offers the ultimate urban lifestyle in the heart of 85004. Located just steps from Central Ave, you are walking distance to the ASU Downtown campus, the Light Rail, and the vibrant dining and nightlife of Roosevelt Row. Unlike many downtown units, this property
Embrace elevated downtown living in this refined 5th-floor residence at Portland on the Park. This two bedroom condo showcases custom finishes, Bosch appliances, and automatic blinds, all framed by sweeping city views. Enjoy resort-inspired amenities including a sparkling pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and rooftop terrace with breathtaking park and mountain views. HOA covers internet,
This Landmark Estate formally named the ''Harry J. Felch House'' is a rare example of Dutch Colonial architecture in Phoenix.It retains an unheard of number of meticulously maintained original features from the front door with sidelights entering the formal foyer with custom faux finished etched plaster and ''dutch windmill'' light pendant that continue as you find yourself transported to a
This 1926 Craftsman Bungalow offers the perfect blend of character and comfort, nestled in the coveted Roosevelt Historic District. Original wood floors, crown molding, and a welcoming front porch showcase the home's vintage charm, while thoughtful updates- like a tastefully remodeled kitchen and modern systems-make daily living easy. The layout features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a generous bonus
Elevated outlook from this exceptional residence at Portland on the Park. Offering refined high-rise living with panoramic mountain & city views. Designed for the discerning buyer. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features soaring lofted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, engineered hardwood floors, and a private balcony ideal for entertaining or unwinding above the city. The sleek chef's kitchen is
UP TO 8 WEEKS FREE!! Welcome to Skye on 6th. Our 2 bedroom residence features include: custom-designed, wide-plank flooring throughout. floor-to-ceiling windows. spacious, customized closets, stainless-steel appliances, contemporary soft-close kitchen cabinets with quartz countertops and tile backsplashes, spa-like bathrooms featuring natural stone floors with custom floating vanities and
This is a mid century modern mixed use building with 3 suites, 100, 150 and 200. Suite 100 is the largest unit at 2220 square feet which can be used as a live work unit.
UNICORN ALERT! If you need a swanky pad, welcome home! Portland Place is the place to be with views of the Japanese Friendship Garden, Hance Park, walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops and more. Enjoy all the building has to offer with a roof top pool with amazing sunset, downtown and historic neighborhood views. There is also a gym and underground parking with electric charging
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
