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Story

Story

Neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona

Maricopa County 85007

$627,699 Average Value
$408 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes 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.
Find your own magical home in Story.
Now considered a downtown neighborhood, Story started out life being called the outskirts of Phoenix.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dogs at Hance Park Dog Park in Downtown Phoenix are often friendlier than those at some nearby parks.
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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.
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.
Central High School in Phoenix was established in 1957.
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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.

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.
Public transportation is available in and around Story.
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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.
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.
Local shops including Wolf Howl Honey on Grand Ave join in for Grand Avenue Festival in Phoenix.
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Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Ryan Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
Daniel Quattro
Video By
Daniel Quattro

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 Mario Romero, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

13 min drive

Bus

7th Av & Mcdowell Rd

Bus

15th Av & Roosevelt St

Bus

7th Av & Willetta St

Bus

15th Av & Culver St

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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$665,000
Median Sale Price
$590,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$645,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$410,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$410,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$408

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
503
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1932
Months of Supply
8.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,076
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,028
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,015
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
762
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,801

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 Mario Romero, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,265
Median Age
41
Population under 18
19.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,296
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$91,728

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.1%
College Graduates
39.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

97 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

69 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

44 / 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
Story
Mario Romero
The Melcher Agency
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