$628,754Average Value$411Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Story is a historic place with close community bonds near downtown Phoenix
Story and many of its homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally a streetcar suburb, the neighborhood is about a mile west of downtown Phoenix and is named after Francis Quarles Story, a Bostonian wool merchant who helped boost Arizona's early economy. Mario Romero, a Realtor with The Melcher Agency, has lived in Story since the 1980s and was a part of the committee that came up with the neighborhood's name. He says the sense of community often draws people here, along with homes with unique characteristics. "I love my house. You've got lush green front yards and backyards. I've had neighbors for 35 years, and we've become close friends," he says.
Find your own magical home in Story.
Now considered a downtown neighborhood, Story started out life being called the outskirts of Phoenix.
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Eclectic neighborhood architecture that stands the test of time
Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Craftsman bungalows and traditional ranch-style homes appear in Story, most built between the early 1900s and the 1940s. Lots are narrow, typical of historic streetcar suburbs, and roads are in a gridiron formation. Homes lack modern conveniences, including large garages — if they have garages at all — but Romero says their age has value. "[New homebuilders] consider ‘lifetime’ as 30 years. Can you believe that? Some of these homes are reaching 100 years, and they're still standing." They receive meticulous care, Romero says, and homeowners must apply to build new additions. However, Phoenix Historic Preservation is flexible, he says. "They don’t dictate color or landscaping or anything like that." Prices typically range from around $430,000 to $1.4 million. However, smaller homes that may need extra love and care can sell in the mid-$200,000s to high $300,000s.
Story is full of homes from the 1920’s to the 1940’s, many have been well maintained.
Spanish revival homes in Story typically have red tile roofs.
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Large parks are just a short drive away
Locals enjoy large green spaces less than a mile away. Margaret T. Hance Park spans 32 acres and features a playground with climbing structures, a shaded rope course and a large sandbox area. The park also offers fenced-in areas for dogs to play and is just a short walk from a meditative garden. Encanto Park encompasses over 200 lush acres in the heart of Phoenix. Locals head there to fish and paddle in the lagoon, play sports and walk the nature trail. The park even has a small amusement park filled with rides for ages 2 to 10. However, Phoenix is known for its extreme heat during the summer, keeping many indoors.
A couple enjoys a picnic alongside the water at Phoenix’s Encanto Park.
Dogs at Hance Park Dog Park in Downtown Phoenix are often friendlier than those at some nearby parks.
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Local dining is plentiful, retail is slim in Story
While locals could go into the city center for the dining scene, many prefer to stay closer to home for convenience. "We don't wait for parking," Romero says, referring to the scarcity of parking downtown. Cocktail bars, chains like Chipotle, and local spots for breakfast and Mexican food are located on the neighborhood's edges. Mel's Diner serves pancakes and other classic Americana dishes in a retro ambiance. Popular chain retailers such as Urban Outfitters and niche stores, including MADE Art Boutique and Bunky Boutique, are less than 3 miles away. Bunky Boutique specializes in "desert fashion" and also sells home goods and gifts. Safeway is less than 2 miles from Story for grocery runs.
The Churchill is the perfect place to meetup for drinks after work, near Story.
Local shops including Wolf Howl Honey on Grand Ave join in for Grand Avenue Festival in Phoenix.
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Historic home tours kick off the holiday season
Homeowners organize a historic home tour for the wider community every year. "[We] had, on average, 2,000 to 2,500 people come through just to see these homes and admire the old architecture [last year]," Romero says. "It’s always the first week of December, and it kicks off the holiday season." The tour, a staple for nearly 40 years, helps raise funds for preservation efforts in the neighborhood. Some of the money also goes to supporting local schools.
Students attend two different school districts
Grade schoolers get their start through the Phoenix Elementary School District. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade may attend Kenilworth Elementary School, which earns a C rating on Niche. The school has been operating since 1920, making it one of the oldest elementary schools in Phoenix. From there, kids may filter into the B-minus-rated Central High School, operated by the Phoenix Union High School District.
Kenilworth Elementary School was almost destroyed in the 1970’s to make way for I-10.
Central High School in Phoenix was established in 1957.
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Local forms of transit in Story
The widest section of Interstate 10, with 12 lanes, passes through Story, bringing a regular influx of commuter traffic and its associated sounds. A railroad just west of the neighborhood is still active. Buses operated by Valley Metro run along the main roads for regional and citywide transit. “And [Story is] about a mile from the light rail,” Romero says.
Public transportation is available in and around Story.
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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Story
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Story Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Story, Phoenix sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Story, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $595,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
909 West Willetta Street is a rare jewel in the FQ Story Historic District. This classic home, nearly 100 years old, has an incredible story to tell. The charming home has been completed updated inside and out. Tudor style Bungalow details, a sweeping gable extends over the driveway to create a protected entrance, lovely, coved ceilings & restored casement windows bringing in natural light
It doesn't get much more central than this! You can ride your bike to all the events in Downtown Phoenix! This home is ready to go after a recent renovation that joins the convenience of today's modern finishes with yesterday's charm and simplicity. Nearly every surface of this home has been updated and upgraded since its original construction nearly 100 years ago! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a
Nestled in one of Phoenix's first and most beloved historic districts, this beautifully restored 1929 gem seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern luxury. Step inside through a private front courtyard and be welcomed by the warmth of real maple wood floors, Jeld-Wen Low-E premium dual-pane wood windows, and thoughtful updates that honor the home's heritage.The inviting great room
All utilities included! Home for rent in gorgeous neighborhood of FQ Story with city lights views of Phoenix skyline, steps from walking bridge across freeway to Roosevelt area, restaurants, parks and everything happening on Roosevelt Row. Remodeled kitchen and bath, partial new flooring, updated landscaping. There is also a beautiful newly remodeled 500 sf guesthouse which may be available with
Welcome home to your cozy 777 SqFt 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and a large backyard. This charming home was built in 1936 on 0.161 acres (a 7,018 SqFt lot) in the F. Q. Story Historic District of Phoenix's Central City Village. Enjoy upgraded interior while appreciating the historic charm. Granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, cherrywood cabinetry, real hardwood with neutral carpeting
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 2 bed, 2 bath historic gem in the heart of the highly coveted F.O. Story historic district. just one mile from downtown Phoenix. Blending original 1920s charm with modern comfort. This home is truly move-in ready. Step inside to find gleaming original hardwood floors, arched entryways, and period details that reflect the neighborhood's historic character. The
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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.
