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Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix

Neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona

Maricopa County 85003, 85004

$583,469 Average Value
$436 Average Price per Sq Ft
43 Homes 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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
Ranch-style homes fit right in with the style of Downtown Phoenix homes.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
ASU hosts classes in Downtown Phoenix, including the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
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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.
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.
Treat yourself with decadent delights found during Downtown Phoenix’s First Friday Art Walk.
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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.

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.
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.
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.
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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Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Ryan Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Melissa Massey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

12 min drive

Subway

Mcdowell/Central Ave

Subway

Roosevelt/Central Ave

Subway

Van Buren/Central Ave

Subway

Van Buren/1St Ave

Subway

Jefferson/1St Ave

Subway

3Rd St/Jefferson

Subway

3Rd St/Washington

Bus

3rd St & Moreland St

Bus

3rd St & Taylor St

Bus

5th Av & Washington St

Bus

Fillmore St & 6th Av

Bus

Fillmore St & 3rd Av

Bus

Van Buren St & 7th St

Bus

Fillmore St & Central Av

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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$539,400
Median Sale Price
$535,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$975,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$750,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$595,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$436

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,294
Number of Homes for Sale
43
Median Year Built
2005
Months of Supply
9.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,136
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,819
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,369
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
777
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
490
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Melissa Massey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
17,812
Median Age
35
Population under 18
14.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,649
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,988

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.6%
College Graduates
56%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.1%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
7''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

67 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

94 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

65 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk 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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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Phoenix