The story of Congress is a story of resilience, redefinition and rebirth. This former Central Arizona mining community was once regarded as a ghost town, but it has since evolved into a bedroom community of the nearby small town of Wickenburg. Realtor Sammie Hone with Platinum Living Realty, whose family has lived in Congress for many generations, says of this town’s strongest appeals, “Congress has a really good K-5 school, and there’s a lot of mountain ranges full of bighorn sheep and great hunting.” Homebuyers looking for easy access to smalltown shopping as well as scenic seclusion in the Arizona desert can follow in the footsteps of 19th-century pioneers and settle in Congress.
Congress is a former ghost town with a brand new US Post Office.
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Mountain hiking and hunting
Congress’ remote location means that residents are surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation, as much of the surrounding countryside is Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land open for camping, biking and other activities. Hunting bighorn sheep is a popular pursuit in the nearby mountains, but residents’ favorite animal may be Rocky the Frog. This painted rock sculpture of a frog, perched just off State Route 89, was designed by a state legislator’s wife in the 1920s, and has since become a sort of community mascot. For more laid-back recreation, families and friends can head over to Tenderfoot Hill Park to picnic beneath the rocky foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, hang out at the playground or play basketball.
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Saloons and shopping in Congress
An Arizona mining town can hardly claim to be historic without its own watering hole, and Congress has its own saloon and more. Congress’ old train depot is now the site of the Wild West Saloon, which serves highly acclaimed pizzas and even “pizzadillas” from within its bright-red exterior. This saloon maintains an Old West feel with its lively social atmosphere, especially on karaoke night and whenever it hosts art events. Nichols West offers a more 1950s atmosphere with its checkerboard floor and its frequent clientele of visiting bikers from Phoenix. Its hearty three-egg breakfasts and fine-dining dinners keep this small business popular round the clock. Grocery conveniences are limited, as Congress only has a Family Dollar, but nearby Wickenburg has Bashas’ and Safeway supermarkets.
Congress residents are proud of their historical buildings and recent revival.
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Single-story homes with cacti gardens
Over the years, Congress has evolved from a Wild West mining boomtown to a ghost town in the mid-20th century and, since the 1990s, a revived bedroom community for Wickenburg. Hone says, “It’s a mining town, but there are also horse properties and BLM land for riding.” Congress’ desert atmosphere means that agave, cacti and desert shrubs feature prominently in residents’ gardens. Much of the housing stock here consists of manufactured homes and ranch-style homes built in the 1990s, though newer Territorial-style homes have been built as recently as the early 2020s. Homes with spacious lot sizes may have room for residents to keep pet horses and donkeys. The typical manufactured home varies in price from $60,000 to $200,000, while ranch-style homes vary from $140,000 for older homes to $600,000 for 2010s-built residences.
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A nationally-recognized high school
Students can start their education at Congress Elementary School, a K-8 school with a B-plus rating from Niche. Congress Elementary alumni go on to attend the C-rated Wickenburg High School, which features strong football and arts programs, and whose New Deal-era, Moderne-style gym is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The students love the air conditioned school buses at Congress Elementary School.
Congress Elementary School is the only school located in Congress.
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Commuting from Congress
Congress’ proximity to Wickenburg has played a major role in this old mining town’s turnaround since the 1990s. State Route 89 provides commuters with an approximately 17-mile and 25-minute drive into Wickenburg, while Prescott is a 44-mile drive to the northeast and Phoenix an 83-mile drive to the southeast.
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A scenic drive up a windy road adds to the time it can take to get to Prescott from Congress.
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.
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Great opportunity to build your dream home on this beautiful half acre lot in the Paso Del Sol neighborhood!! Water and electricity are close and the lot is level ready to build! Fantastic mountain views and desert landscape make this the perfect lot!!
Beautiful lot in an up and coming community getting back on it's feet. Congress, Arizona, is a small town, rich in history and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of Old West heritage and tranquil desert living Congress is a tight-knit community that has transitioned from a mining hub to a peaceful residential area. Its proximity to Wickenburg allows residents to enjoy the serenity of rural
Beautiful lot in an up and coming community getting back on it's feet. Nearby congress, Arizona, is a small town, rich in history and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of Old West heritage and tranquil desert living Congress is a tight-knit community that has transitioned from a mining hub to a peaceful residential area. Its proximity to Wickenburg allows residents to enjoy the serenity of
Enjoy rural living in this cute 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on acreage near Congress, AZ. Shared circular driveway with one other home. Located off of Highway 89 heading towards Congress. Home has remodeled bathrooms, all tile flooring, great room, and a split floor plan offering primary bedroom and bathroom privacy. Beautiful mountain views and dark skies this home and property have to offer will
Welcome to your cozy oasis in Congress, where the charm of Arizona living meets comfort and simplicity. Imagine yourself in this delightful unfurnished 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home now available for rent. Step inside to find a welcoming space that feels just right, from the sunny living areas to the comfortable bedrooms, each promising a good night's sleep. The kitchen? It's ready for your culinary
Furnished Home Rental at Escapees North Ranch. Discover your perfect permanent or winter home fully furnished and ready for July 1 occupancy. This thoughtfully updated home features an open floor plan with upgraded kitchen counters and cabinets, complemented by an attractive backsplash and beautiful brand new high-quality laminate flooring throughout. The flexible guest room or craft room
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
988
Median Age
66
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
10.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
52.8%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,774
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$76,846
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
22.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.7%
% Population in Labor Force
33.5%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
23''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 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.
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.
