Named for its location in Phoenix, North Central appeals to homebuyers seeking a balance between city access and outdoor recreation. Light rail stations and nearby freeways make it easy to get around the metro area, and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve provides a quick escape to desert trails. Easy access to shopping and dining adds convenience to daily life.
Many homes date back to the mid-to-late 20th century, but you’ll also see some newer infill. Most sales range from the mid-$200,000s to about $1.3 million, while custom-built hillside houses and larger properties near Royal Palm Park sell from around $1.5 million to almost $3 million. Condos tend to sell from the low $100,000s to the low $300,000s, and townhouses generally range from the mid-$100,000s to the upper $600,000s.
The Arizona Canal runs diagonally through the community, creating two distinct landscapes. On the northeastern side, yards often include desert-friendly plants such as cacti and palo verde trees. Southwest of the canal, flood irrigation is available, which allows homeowners to maintain grassy lawns, says Julia Grimes, Realtor with HomeSmart. “Areas of North Central are very green in comparison to the rest of Phoenix,” she says. “There are trees you can’t even wrap your arms around.”
Living here puts several outdoor destinations within easy reach. At the eastern edge of the neighborhood is the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, where miles of trails wind through the desert and lead to panoramic valley views. The Murphy Bridle Path runs along the edge of Central Avenue. Originally designed for horseback riding, this tree-lined route is now popular for walking, jogging and biking. North Central’s parks and community centers give you even more space to stay active. One of the largest is Royal Palm Park, which has a playground, a volleyball court and picnic tables.
There are bus stops throughout the community, as well as Valley Metro light rail stations along North 19th and West Dunlap avenues, but many people rely on cars for daily travel. North Central Avenue provides a direct route to Downtown Phoenix, and drivers also have access to Interstate 17 and state Route 51. Downtown Phoenix is less than 10 miles south, and the drive typically takes 15 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are several dining options close by. Some choices include:
While a small portion of North Central falls within the Paradise Valley Unified School District, most families are served by the Washington Elementary and Glendale Union High school districts. Some students attend Sunnyslope High School, which has an A rating from Niche and offers extracurricular activities such as robotics and Air Force Junior ROTC. The neighborhood is also home to Montessori Day School, a charter elementary and middle school with an A rating from Niche.
Regional vice president sees opportunities in Queen Creek and San Tan Valley
Sep 17, 2026
Sale marks largest homebuilder land deal in Arizona this year
Sep 17, 2026
Priciest publicly marketed transactions ranged from $8.6 million to $14 million
Sep 15, 2026
Rachel Reid
Realty ONE Group
(877) 764-2729
45 Total Sales
1 in North Central
$440,000 Price
Michelle Kozak
The Ave Collective
(888) 619-9748
102 Total Sales
3 in North Central
$305K - $655K Price Range
Chase Reynolds
Ventana Fine Properties
(480) 725-2315
33 Total Sales
1 in North Central
$1,200,000 Price
Eric Maschue
Real Broker
(623) 254-5524
23 Total Sales
1 in North Central
$243,979 Price
Stacey Culver
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living
(833) 661-1128
39 Total Sales
1 in North Central
$275,000 Price
Kristofer Robison
Brokers Hub Realty, LLC
(602) 878-8235
29 Total Sales
1 in North Central
$330,000 Price
On average, homes in North Central, Phoenix sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in North Central, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $430,100, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Median List Price
$450,000
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Median Sale Price
$430,100
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Median Single Family Sale Price
$557,499
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Median Townhouse Sale Price
$325,000
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Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$293,375
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Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
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Last 12 months Home Sales
314
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Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
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Average Price Per Sq Ft
$307
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Number of Homes
8,685
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Number of Homes for Sale
118
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Median Year Built
1965
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Months of Supply
4.50
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Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,334
Above the national average
1,935
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Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,470
|
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Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
901
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Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
586
|
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Average Studio Size Sq Ft
539
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Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840
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Phoenix homebuyers are slowly returning, but fewer listings could make finding a home more challenging.
$1,595 - $2,895 per month
$1,599 - $1,949 per month
$1,011 - $1,690 per month
$1,095 - $1,395 per month
$1,099 - $1,499 per month
$1,319 - $1,470 per month
$799 - $1,189 per month
$825 - $999 per month
$841 - $1,407 per month
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Number of Homes for Rent
58
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Median Rent
$1,675
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Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,200
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Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,695
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Median Townhouse Rent
$1,775
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Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,953
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Median Condo Rent
$1,250
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Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,450
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Total Population
34,922
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Median Age
39
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Population Density
9 ppl/acre
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Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
|
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Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
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|
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Median Household Income
$60,279
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
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Average Household Income
$83,657
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High School Graduates
88.8%
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College Graduates
33.9%
|
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Advanced Degrees
12.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
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% Population in Labor Force
67%
On par with the national average
64.9%
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Annual Precipitation
7''
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Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
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Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
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Annual Snowfall
0''
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Bikeability
Walkability
Transit
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Midcentury homes, independent shops and connected city living
Historic district next to Phoenix College, Encanto Park and downtown Phoenix
