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North Central

North Central

$527,430 Average Value
$290 Average Price per Sq Ft
22 Homes For Sale

Midcentury neighborhood near parks and shopping

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.
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.
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.
Homes in North Central contain adorable mid-century stylings.
Neighbors become friends in the heart of North Central's tight-knit community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zip through North Central with the efficient and eco-friendly light rail system.
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Annie Franklin
Written By
Annie Franklin
Alex Medina
Photography Contributed By
Alex Medina
Tyler Belile
Video By
Tyler Belile

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Joseph Maggiore, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

23 min drive

Bus

Dunlap Av & 2nd Dr

Bus

7th Av & Why Worry Ln

Bus

19th Av & El Caminito Dr

Bus

7th St & Cheryl Dr

Bus

7th St & Alice Av

Bus

Hatcher Rd & Cave Creek Rd

Bus

Cave Creek Rd & Hatcher Rd

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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$515,000
Median Sale Price
$489,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$489,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$515,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$595,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
303
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$290

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
8,703
Number of Homes for Sale
22
Median Year Built
1964
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,425
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,459
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
914
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
586
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
575
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,187

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 5pm

    2402 W Diana Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021

    $365,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,736 Sq Ft
    • 2402 W Diana Ave
    • New 8 days ago

    Live, Work & Create! This charming home with NO HOA, recently professionally painted & deep cleaned, offers space, functionality & opportunity! A spacious kitchen featuring abundant cabinetry + an open-concept layout seamlessly connects the dining area to a warm living room—ideal for everyday living or entertaining. All four bedrooms are similarly sized, with the primary suite offering an ensuite

    Agent Photo
    Kim Panozzo
    HomeSmart
    (623) 294-4584
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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 3pm

    8037 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021

    $4,975,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 6 Baths
    • 7,200 Sq Ft
    • 8037 N 7th Ave

    Miami Meets Phoenix!! With a Fashion Glare to Contemporary Lifestyle! Welcome to (Nick-Named) FontaineBleau-New Construction 2024 Just Completed! A Must See to Experience the Quintessential Essence of Sophistication. Features A True Entertainers Style w/ Ease. Starting From Your Fingertips w/a Whole House Programable (RTI) Smart System Including Multiple iPad/Remotes( Lutron, Sonos & more), Full

    Agent Photo
    Lisa Tessler
    eXp Realty
    (480) 637-5258
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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    10am - 1pm

    750 E Northern Ave Unit 2006, Phoenix, AZ 85020

    $230,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 720 Sq Ft
    • 750 E Northern Ave
    • Unit 2006

    Welcome to this beautifully maintained condo in one of Phoenix's most desirable locations, the perfect place to live, invest, and make your own. The kitchen features granite-look laminate countertops that extend to the backsplash, offering both style and easy care. In the great room, enjoy a cozy natural wood-burning fireplace, crown molding, and balcony access overlooking the community pool and

    Agent Photo
    Andrea Garcia
    Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living
    (888) 589-4973
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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
34,922
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,279
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,657

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.8%
College Graduates
33.9%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

78 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

51 / 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
North Central
Joseph Maggiore
Desert Dimensions Properties
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