Your Guide to Buying a Home in Phoenix, AZ

Buying a Home in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is located in Maricopa County

Phoenix was built on the ruins of an earlier civilization. Some 1,000 years ago, the Hohokam people dug canals and developed a thriving society before disappearing. Naming the city Phoenix after the legendary Egyptian symbol of rebirth, is fitting.

Phoenix remained a small town until World War II. The ideal weather conditions for flying brought military airfields to Maricopa County. Defense industries followed, and the Valley’s population boomed in the postwar years as air-conditioning became standard in new homes.

Prices for single family homes in Phoenix start from $200,000 and can go up into the millions. Condominiums and town homes can be found starting from $125,000 and going up from there. New construction abounds in Phoenix right now and new homes can start from $350,000.

For planning purposes, Phoenix created urban villages in 1979.

Central City Village spans an area from the Salt River to McDowell Road, and from 48th Street to the Black Canyon Freeway. The area includes all of downtown Phoenix.

Located south of Central City Village is South Mountain Village. It was once graced with citrus orchards and commercial flower growers. Long ignored by developers, this area between the Maricopa Freeway and South Mountain remains a mix of rural, industrial and low-cost housing. Easy access to downtown makes it highly desirable for new residential development.

Situated a bit north of downtown, Encanto Village, named for the 222-acre park located within its borders. This village is home to most of Phoenix’s designated historic districts. Unique homes ranging from Craftsman-style bungalows to spacious haciendas can be found on the palm-lined streets surrounding Encanto Park, Heard Museum and Phoenix Country Club.

Alhambra Village includes an area north and west of Encanto Village, spanning both sides of Black Canyon Freeway. It offers easy access to employment in downtown and northwest Phoenix. Homes date from the 1920s to the 1960s. Newer apartments and offices are mixed in.

In the westernmost portion of Phoenix is Maryvale Village. Developed as entry-level housing following World War II, Maryvale is now at the lower end of the price spectrum. Newer commercial developments include Blockbuster Desert Sky Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater, and Maryvale Stadium.

Camelback East Village, sitting to the north and east of downtown, is defined by Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak and Papago Park. Some well-known neighborhoods include the prestigious Arizona Biltmore area and Arcadia, a former citrus orchard with spacious 1960s ranch-style homes. There are also, moderately priced, well-maintained, 30- to 40-year-old homes, commercial and retail enterprises along Camelback Road, a redeveloped power center at 44th Street and Thomas Road, and several office/hotel complexes near 44th Street and Van Buren. The COFCO Chinese Cultural Center is one of the newest landmarks.

Paradise Valley Village, often confused with the more lavish resort town of Paradise Valley. It is strictly middle income, with attractive 10- to 20-year-old single-family homes. Expansion of the Squaw Peak Freeway provides access through the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, easing the downtown commute to and from this northward-expanding village. Desert Ridge and Tatum Ridge are residential developments that occupy what was virgin desert just a few years ago.

North Mountain Village is located just west of Paradise Valley Village. Moderately priced single-family homes and apartment complexes were primarily built from the 1960s to the 1980s. East of the freeway, more-upscale homes are located in neighborhoods such as Moon Valley, where residents enjoy mountain scenery and freeway accessibility. The village is home to several major employers, Metrocenter and other retail establishments along the Black Canyon Freeway.

North of North Mountain Village is Deer Valley Village. It is known for Deer Valley Airport, a city-operated satellite to Sky Harbor International Airport; Turf Paradise racetrack; and several high-technology companies.

Tremendous growth is being experienced in north Phoenix, which includes North Gateway and Desert View Tri-Village. These areas were primarily open desert just a few years ago. Developments such as Dove Valley Tatum Ranch and Dynamite Ranch are establishing North Valley as a desirable place to live and work.

Ahwatukee Foothills is the most self contained of all of Phoenix’s urban villages. It is often mistaken for a separate town—perhaps because South Mountain separates it from the rest of Phoenix. Established in 1971 as a retirement and family development, Ahwatukee remained fairly isolated until Mountain Park Ranch began in 1985, followed by the Foothills in 1988. These developments were collectively named the Ahwatukee Foothills in 1991.

Vast stretches of stucco homes and tile roofs extend into the avenues on sloping terrain that formerly served as International Harvester’s proving grounds. Many homes back up to the mountains, providing a bit of seclusion that defies the community’s density. The area’s popularity has created a virtual explosion of retail development along both sides of I-10, which serves as the Ahwatukee Foothills’ eastern boundary with Tempe and Chandler. New strip malls, restaurants, grocery stores and power centers continue to be built throughout this affluent area of nearly 70,000 residents.

Phoenix has the largest Municipal Park in the world.

The average amount of rainfall in the Phoenix area is about 7.75 inches per year