Located 8 miles north of Downtown Phoenix, North Central has desert hiking and lush green parks, all within biking distance of popular local restaurants. “It’s a very well-established part of Phoenix, with older homes and larger lots, which is very desirable to people who are looking for something central but still want room in the front and backyards,” says Julia Almgren, a Realtor with Homesmart who’s sold homes here for five years. “There’s a lot of families that have lived in the area for a very long time, so there’s a blend of recently remodeled homes and homes that have stayed in the family for a couple of generations.” The Valley Metro light rail makes it easy to get downtown, and the neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 17 and Route 51. The area's many houses of worship include North Phoenix Baptist Church, Kadampa Meditation Center Phoenix and Masjid Dunlap.
The Sunnyslope area of North Central is marked by a giant S and can be seen for miles around.
Hike up the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area for spectacular views of Phoenix.
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Ranch-style homes with a range of landscaping
A canal divides the neighborhood in half, separating it into two distinct landscapes. On the northeastern side, the brown peaks of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve rise over the neighborhood’s xeriscaped yards, which feature water-saving plantings like cacti and desert shrubs. To the southwest, mature trees shade flat, grassy lawns. “Areas of North Central are very green in comparison to the rest of Phoenix,” Almgren says. “There are trees you can’t even wrap your arms around. There’s also flood irrigation available in the neighborhood, so you’re able to maintain a nice grassy lawn.”
While neighborhood greenery might be expected to affect a home’s price, cost is actually determined more by a home's size, renovations and amenities like pools or horse privileges. Midcentury ranch-style homes are the most common; prices range from $250,000 to $580,000 for layouts between 700 and 1,700 square feet, while layouts between 1,700 and 3,500 square feet can cost from $600,000 to $1.2 million. Buyers can also find custom homes with Mediterranean and International styles in the foothills and near Royal Palm Park. Layouts from 1,800 to 4,800 square feet can cost between $700,000 and $2.2 million, depending on size and amenities.
Mediterranean-style townhouses are also available, with layouts between 850 and 2,600 square feet. Two-bedroom units range from $190,000 to $480,000, while three-bedroom units range from $280,000 to $750,000. Monthly homeowners association fees can range from $150 to $400, covering ground maintenance and roof repair. Low-rise condos are also available, with layouts from 600 to 1,400 square feet costing from $160,000 to $360,000, depending on size, plus monthly HOA fees between $180 and $420 that cover ground and street maintenance. Apartments are available to rent in low-rise complexes, and single-family homes can also be leased.
Homes in North Central contain adorable mid-century stylings.
Neighbors become friends in the heart of North Central's tight-knit community.
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Savory meals at Little Miss BBQ
Seventh Avenue is the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor, lined mostly with auto shops and local restaurants. The locally owned Little Miss BBQ is known for its Texas-style smoked meats and outdoor picnic area, and the family-owned Greektown has served traditional Mediterranean cuisine here since 1974. OHSO, a brewery and distillery, is within walking and biking distance for most residents, and more popular restaurants can be found to the south, including Doughbird, the latest restaurant by local restaurateur Sam Fox. “At Doughbird, their concept is pizza and rotisserie chicken, which you would not think to pair together,” Almgren says. “They use high end ingredients for their pizzas, and then they do slow-cooked rotisserie chicken that you can put on your salad or pizza.” The Uptown Farmers Market to the south has fresh produce each Saturday, and nearby grocery stores include El Rancho Market, Fry’s and Sprouts Farmers Market.
OHSO Sunnyslope is quickly becoming the new go to restaurant in North Central.
Savor the flavor of local farms every weekend at North Central's Uptown Farmers Market.
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Arizona Diamondbacks games at Chase Field
Residents can head to Downtown Phoenix on the light rail for popular sports events. From October through April, basketball fans can cheer on the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center, and Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field from March through September.
Frisbee golf at Sunnyslope High
Local kids can start school at Sunnyslope Elementary, which earns a C from Niche, and then attend the C-plus-rated Royal Palm Middle. At the A-rated Sunnyslope High, kids can join over 90 clubs and sports, including frisbee golf, Model United Nations and the Activism Club. Nearby private schools include the A-plus-rated Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral School for pre-kindergarten through Grade 8 and the A-plus-rated Brophy College Preparatory, an all-boys Catholic high school ranked by Niche as the No. 1 Catholic high school in Arizona.
Admire the Viking statue, a symbol of strength and pride at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix.
Enter through the welcoming entrance of Royal Palm Middle School in Phoenix.
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Hiking the Phoenix Mountains Preserve
The 35,000-acre Phoenix Mountains Preserve has over 100 miles of hiking trails in parks throughout the city. Two mountainous areas of the preserve are to the north and east of the neighborhood, including North Mountain Park, where residents can learn about the surrounding Sonoran Desert at the visitor’s center. Royal Palm Park offers 29 acres of green space in the neighborhood’s southwest, as well as a popular shaded playground for kids. The 5-mile Murphy Bridle Path runs along Central Avenue; it was built for the area’s equestrians in 1948, but today its shaded dirt path is used for dog walks and evening strolls. On hot days, the indoor Sunnyslope Community Center is popular for its gym, game room and classes.
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area has hiking & biking trails winding through rocky desert terrain.
Children's laughter fills the air at Royal Palm Park in North Central, Phoenix.
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Near the Valley Metro light rail
The neighborhood is bordered west by Interstate 17 and east by state Route 51. Central Avenue passes through the neighborhood’s center and leads 8 miles south to Downtown Phoenix. The Valley Metro’s light rail stops along 19th Avenue, and the bus stops throughout the neighborhood; both provide car-free ways to get downtown. Dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks make the area friendly for cyclists and pedestrians. HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center is in the neighborhood’s center, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 12-mile trip.
Multi-use canal paths are available to the residents of North Central.
Zip through North Central with the efficient and eco-friendly light rail system.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
North Central
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
North Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Central, Phoenix sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in North Central, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $409,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own mid-century desert retreat—nestled near the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and just minutes from Piestewa Peak and Dreamy Draw trailheads. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath charmer blends classic 1950s character with thoughtful updates and a backyard built for pure Arizona living. Inside, natural light fills every corner of the 1,038 sq. ft. layout, creating a sense of space and calm. The
Beautifully remodeled 4 bed + office home with stunning views of North Mountain Park & Phoenix Mountain Preserve. New kitchen with quartz countertops, island peninsula, all-new cabinetry, & stainless steel appliances including 36'' fridge w/ water & ice. Features 3 separate living areas, 2 remodeled bathrooms, large laundry room w/ new cabinets, and new mini-split in office. Upgrades include
North Central Phoenix charm meets modern luxury! This beautifully updated home features a 2024 chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, bar seating, quartz counters, and a walk-in pantry. The open great room with wood-look flooring and dry bar flows to a lush backyard with resurfaced pool (2025), fireplace patio, and covered seating. The primary suite showcases a 2025 renovation with spa bath and
Charming End-Unit Condo with Private Patio in the Heart of the Central Corridor! Welcome to this adorable 2-bedroom condo nestled in the highly sought-after Central Corridor—just steps from the historic Murphy Bridal Path! Enjoy the privacy and abundant natural light of corner unit, plus your own private patio—perfect for relaxing outdoors or entertaining. This super clean, turn-key
Discover this stylish 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo, perfectly situated and with direct access to the historic Murphy's Bridal Path in an exclusive 24-home boutique community. Bright and spacious, it features skylights, open-air atrium, and private patio for flawless indoor-outdoor living. The modern kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets, sleek countertops, and contemporary
Built in 1955 with classic block construction, this single-level mid-century ranch combines the character of its era with updates that provide everyday comfort. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice the charm of its curb appeal and the versatility it offers inside and out.Best of all, this property comes with no HOA, giving you the freedom to enjoy your home without additional
Stainless Steel Appliances, Wood Style Flooring throughout and 2inch faux wood blinds. Welcome to your new Phoenix home! Here is a luxury community located just 10 minutes north of Downtown. This area is home to top-rated outdoor areas, hiking trails, restaurants, shopping and more. The community has amenities like a fitness center, a resort style pool, outdoor firepit dog park as well as a
Stainless Steel Appliances, Walk-in Shower and 2inch faux wood blinds. Welcome to your new Phoenix home! Here is a luxury community located just 10 minutes north of Downtown. This area is home to top-rated outdoor areas, hiking trails, restaurants, shopping and more. The community has amenities like a fitness center, a resort style pool, outdoor firepit dog park as well as a playground and
Stainless Steel Appliances, Walk-in Shower and 2inch faux wood blinds. Welcome to your new Phoenix home! Here is a luxury community located just 10 minutes north of Downtown. This area is home to top-rated outdoor areas, hiking trails, restaurants, shopping and more. The community has amenities like a fitness center, a resort style pool, outdoor firepit dog park as well as a playground and
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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.
