Central City is right in the heart of Phoenix and its attractions
Appropriately named for its central location in the Phoenix region, Central City is Phoenix’s cultural hub, featuring dining options, city housing and some of the area’s most popular attractions. Given the dense sprawl of the Central Phoenix region, residents have access to both condominium properties and traditional single-family homes. These living spaces boast midcentury and Mediterranean-style ranchers and more spacious, contemporary homes as the area is consistently renovated. Plenty of restaurants can be found here, offering exciting and diverse food options for residents looking to eat out in the city. Downtown also features many of the region’s event arenas and sports fields, making the area a place for fans from all around the city to congregate for big-name concerts and games.
The vibrant culture of Central City is found in eye-catching structures around the area.
Matsuri performs at amphitheater at Steele Indian School Park.
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A wide range of home styles at a wide range of price points
Homes in Central City run the gamut from fixer-uppers to sprawling estates. Ranch-style homes, many with Spanish influences, are typical at the lower end of the price range. Investors will find smaller homes in need of updating and TLC starting around $125,000. Those homes that more turnkey typically start at about $250,000 for a three-bedroom/two-bathroom, and prices can climb up to approximately $430,000 for homes with more elaborate and extensive updates. More modern builds -- many of which were constructed in 2000 and later -- reflect a contemporary aesthetic, often consisting of two floors of living space. Prices for these homes start around $500,000 and can go up to $850,000. At the top end of the price range, multi-building estates can fetch over $5 million. The median sale price here is just over $360,000, and buyers can expect to pay around $300 per square foot on average.
Going to school in Central City
Students here can begin their studies at William T. Machan Elementary School, which earns a C-minus from Niche and serves first through eighth grades. Phoenix Union-Wilson College Preparatory earns a B-plus and serves high schoolers and incorporates the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) curriculum, which focuses on providing students with the requisite skills that they will need to succeed in college.
Interstate 10 offers access to nearby attractions and amenities
In tandem with the busy environment of Central City, residents have access to a collection of neighborhood parks to spend time outdoors. Additionally, proximity to Interstate 10 and other nearby highways allows for easy access to amenities and attractions across the Greater Phoenix area. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is also situated directly east of Central City, making air travel easy.
Papago Park in Central City is a literal oasis in the desert.
Phoenix Sky Harbor is located a short drive from Central City.
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Diverse dining options in Center City and closer to downtown Phoenix
Within the confines of Central City, Phoenix residents have access to city services and businesses throughout the neighborhood. Along East Buckeye Road, residents have a mix of restaurant and bar options, in addition to small businesses and convenience stores. Popular options include the Sonora Taco Shop, known for its tasty tacos at a reasonable price, and Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, which brings Southern soul food to a Southwestern audience. Options for everyday necessities along East Buckeye Road include the local United States Postal Service location, Circle K and auto shops, plus a selection of fast-casual food joints. Downtown, residents have more access to businesses, entertainment venues and restaurants. Residents may also check out The Arrogant Butcher for unique snacks and drinks in the location’s swanky downtown setting.
Dinner and a show are a common way to spend a Saturday night in Central City.
Blanco's in Central City offers a beach-style hangout among the surrounding desert.
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Center City's live music scene and sports games
Close to downtown, the Arizona Financial Theatre and The Van Buren host popular live music events and performances throughout the year. The Orpheum Theatre also hosts live music and theatrical performances in a restored historical building on West Adams Street. Phoenix’s Chase Field is home to the area’s Major League Baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Residents are within walking distance of this local landmark and can catch a game during the MLB season. Additionally, the Warehouse District also serves as home to the Footprint Center, the official arena of the NBA's Phoenix Suns.
The Orpheum Theater is an old theater with classic performances and shows at Central City.
Phoenix Suns banners hang at Footprint Center entrance in Central City.
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Downtown's nearby attractions, museums and universities
The Phoenix Convention Center, situated in Downtown Phoenix, offers a large event space for crowd-pleasers such as Phoenix Fan Fusion, Franchise Expo West and occasional performances, including the center’s seasonal Nutcracker showing. Civic Space Park, situated just north of Central City, is also popular for its modern sculptures and proximity to Arizona State University’s downtown campus. There’s also the Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square, which offers a glimpse back in time with an ornate Victorian home that has been preserved since 1895. Visitors can also check out the rest of Heritage & Science Park, which features other historical artifacts and an onsite coffee shop, Stemistry.
Phoenix Convention Center is a place of gathering for large events in Central City.
The illuminated net sculpture "Her Secret is Patience" floats above Civic Space Park, brining color and motion to the Downtown Phoenix skyline and creating a striking nighttime gathering spot.
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
Are you familiar with the Central City neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central City
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central City, Phoenix sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Central City, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $373,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this stunning, extensively renovated ranch home nestled in the highly desirable Peper Thurman Tract, situated just outside the beloved Cheery Lynn Historic District in the heart of Midtown Phoenix. This quiet, well-established neighborhood carries the charm and character of its surroundings while offering a secure, welcoming community that residents are proud to claim as home. Minutes
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