Located 8 miles north of Downtown Phoenix, North Central has desert hiking and lush green parks, all within biking distance of popular local restaurants. “It’s a very well-established part of Phoenix, with older homes and larger lots, which is very desirable to people who are looking for something central but still want room in the front and backyards,” says Julia Almgren, a Realtor with Homesmart who’s sold homes here for five years. “There’s a lot of families that have lived in the area for a very long time, so there’s a blend of recently remodeled homes and homes that have stayed in the family for a couple of generations.” The Valley Metro light rail makes it easy to get downtown, and the neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 17 and Route 51. The area's many houses of worship include North Phoenix Baptist Church, Kadampa Meditation Center Phoenix and Masjid Dunlap.
The Sunnyslope area of North Central is marked by a giant S and can be seen for miles around.
Hike up the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area for spectacular views of Phoenix.
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Ranch-style homes with a range of landscaping
A canal divides the neighborhood in half, separating it into two distinct landscapes. On the northeastern side, the brown peaks of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve rise over the neighborhood’s xeriscaped yards, which feature water-saving plantings like cacti and desert shrubs. To the southwest, mature trees shade flat, grassy lawns. “Areas of North Central are very green in comparison to the rest of Phoenix,” Almgren says. “There are trees you can’t even wrap your arms around. There’s also flood irrigation available in the neighborhood, so you’re able to maintain a nice grassy lawn.”
While neighborhood greenery might be expected to affect a home’s price, cost is actually determined more by a home's size, renovations and amenities like pools or horse privileges. Midcentury ranch-style homes are the most common; prices range from $250,000 to $580,000 for layouts between 700 and 1,700 square feet, while layouts between 1,700 and 3,500 square feet can cost from $600,000 to $1.2 million. Buyers can also find custom homes with Mediterranean and International styles in the foothills and near Royal Palm Park. Layouts from 1,800 to 4,800 square feet can cost between $700,000 and $2.2 million, depending on size and amenities.
Mediterranean-style townhouses are also available, with layouts between 850 and 2,600 square feet. Two-bedroom units range from $190,000 to $480,000, while three-bedroom units range from $280,000 to $750,000. Monthly homeowners association fees can range from $150 to $400, covering ground maintenance and roof repair. Low-rise condos are also available, with layouts from 600 to 1,400 square feet costing from $160,000 to $360,000, depending on size, plus monthly HOA fees between $180 and $420 that cover ground and street maintenance. Apartments are available to rent in low-rise complexes, and single-family homes can also be leased.
Homes in North Central contain adorable mid-century stylings.
Neighbors become friends in the heart of North Central's tight-knit community.
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Savory meals at Little Miss BBQ
Seventh Avenue is the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor, lined mostly with auto shops and local restaurants. The locally owned Little Miss BBQ is known for its Texas-style smoked meats and outdoor picnic area, and the family-owned Greektown has served traditional Mediterranean cuisine here since 1974. OHSO, a brewery and distillery, is within walking and biking distance for most residents, and more popular restaurants can be found to the south, including Doughbird, the latest restaurant by local restaurateur Sam Fox. “At Doughbird, their concept is pizza and rotisserie chicken, which you would not think to pair together,” Almgren says. “They use high end ingredients for their pizzas, and then they do slow-cooked rotisserie chicken that you can put on your salad or pizza.” The Uptown Farmers Market to the south has fresh produce each Saturday, and nearby grocery stores include El Rancho Market, Fry’s and Sprouts Farmers Market.
OHSO Sunnyslope is quickly becoming the new go to restaurant in North Central.
Savor the flavor of local farms every weekend at North Central's Uptown Farmers Market.
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Arizona Diamondbacks games at Chase Field
Residents can head to Downtown Phoenix on the light rail for popular sports events. From October through April, basketball fans can cheer on the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center, and Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field from March through September.
Frisbee golf at Sunnyslope High
Local kids can start school at Sunnyslope Elementary, which earns a C from Niche, and then attend the C-plus-rated Royal Palm Middle. At the A-rated Sunnyslope High, kids can join over 90 clubs and sports, including frisbee golf, Model United Nations and the Activism Club. Nearby private schools include the A-plus-rated Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral School for pre-kindergarten through Grade 8 and the A-plus-rated Brophy College Preparatory, an all-boys Catholic high school ranked by Niche as the No. 1 Catholic high school in Arizona.
Admire the Viking statue, a symbol of strength and pride at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix.
Enter through the welcoming entrance of Royal Palm Middle School in Phoenix.
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Hiking the Phoenix Mountains Preserve
The 35,000-acre Phoenix Mountains Preserve has over 100 miles of hiking trails in parks throughout the city. Two mountainous areas of the preserve are to the north and east of the neighborhood, including North Mountain Park, where residents can learn about the surrounding Sonoran Desert at the visitor’s center. Royal Palm Park offers 29 acres of green space in the neighborhood’s southwest, as well as a popular shaded playground for kids. The 5-mile Murphy Bridle Path runs along Central Avenue; it was built for the area’s equestrians in 1948, but today its shaded dirt path is used for dog walks and evening strolls. On hot days, the indoor Sunnyslope Community Center is popular for its gym, game room and classes.
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area has hiking & biking trails winding through rocky desert terrain.
Children's laughter fills the air at Royal Palm Park in North Central, Phoenix.
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Near the Valley Metro light rail
The neighborhood is bordered west by Interstate 17 and east by state Route 51. Central Avenue passes through the neighborhood’s center and leads 8 miles south to Downtown Phoenix. The Valley Metro’s light rail stops along 19th Avenue, and the bus stops throughout the neighborhood; both provide car-free ways to get downtown. Dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks make the area friendly for cyclists and pedestrians. HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center is in the neighborhood’s center, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 12-mile trip.
Multi-use canal paths are available to the residents of North Central.
Zip through North Central with the efficient and eco-friendly light rail system.
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
Christopher Collins,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Palma Park
North Mountain Park
Norton Park
Mountain View Park
Alicia Park
Sunnyslope Rock Garden
Royal Palm Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
23 min drive
Bus
Dunlap Av & 2nd Dr
Bus
7th Av & Why Worry Ln
Bus
19th Av & El Caminito Dr
Bus
7th St & Cheryl Dr
Bus
7th St & Alice Av
Bus
Hatcher Rd & Cave Creek Rd
Bus
Cave Creek Rd & Hatcher Rd
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
North Central
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Central, Phoenix sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in North Central, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $542,699, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a rare gem in the heart of Phoenix's iconic Casa Del Northern community. Crafted in 1967 by world-renowned architect Bennie Gonzalez, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends historic mid-century charm with modern luxury, courtesy of a extensive remodel completed by the current owners.Step inside to find designer-appointed finishes and upgrades at every turn. The living spaces
Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Block Home with Spacious Yard and Mountain Views! This well-maintained home offers a comfortable layout and thoughtful updates. The open kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a subway tile backsplash, and a functional butcher block countertop with extended space for meal prep or casual dining. French doors lead to a large covered patio, perfect for outdoor
Nestled in the heart of North Central Phoenix in the Sunnyslope High School District. This charming 4BD 2BA home is sitting on .20 acres (flood irrigation lot)featuring a beautiful brick front patio shaded by mature trees with a North/ South exposure. The kitchen features a breakfast bar, Viking Oven, microwave, dishwasher and gas cook top with plenty of storage for all your culinary needs.
This stunning home is the epitome of sophisticated living. With its grand vaulted ceilings, expansive living area, and five spacious bedrooms, this property offers over 4,588 square feet of living space. The home sits on a magnificent 27,408 square foot lot, which includes a pool and pool house, spanning over 260 square feet. The property is being sold as-is making it a perfect opportunity to
Great Duplex income opportunity in the growing Sunnyslope Phoenix neighborhood. 3 bedroom (front home) has been completely renovated with high end counters, flooring, cabinets, paint and updated bathrooms. The (2nd home) is a 2 bedroom home that has attached laundry room and carport. Each building is separately metered and addressed for easy management. Main home is rented under lease and the 2nd
Incredible opportunity in the North Central Corridor. Discover the unmatched charm of this stunning estate, the original farmhouse of Harmont Manor. This rare gem offers a 3/4+ acre lot with lush landscaped grounds, mature trees, and coveted R-3 zoning. The interior of the home is partially gutted, offering the perfect canvas for your vision. Available plans transform this space into a
Tucked in the tree-lined Royal Palm neighborhood is this modern farmhouse offering a rare blend of elegance and comfort. Step through the door, sunlight pours through expansive windows, illuminating the rich wooden beams and sophisticated finishes that make the home feel both refined and inviting. The heart of the home is the chef's kitchen, perfect for everything from casual breakfasts to
Our modern home is conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. Our exceptional location and vibrant neighborhood of shops, restaurants, schools and entertainment makes this pet friendly community the perfect place to make home! Enjoy the open floor plan with well-appointed features including appliances, pantries, lots of cabinet space, breakfast bar, a private balcony or patio with
Our modern home is conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. Our exceptional location and vibrant neighborhood of shops, restaurants, schools and entertainment makes this pet friendly community the perfect place to call home! Enjoy the open floor plan with well-appointed features including appliances, pantries, lots of cabinet space, breakfast bar, a private balcony or patio with
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christopher Collins,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
34,922
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,279
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,657
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.8%
College Graduates
33.9%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
7''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
76/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
51/ 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.
