Near downtown Phoenix and South Mountain Park and Preserve
Stretching between the Salt River and South Mountain Park and Preserve, the community of South Mountain offers a variety of housing with mountain views, around 6 miles from downtown Phoenix. “It’s a straight shot to downtown on Central Avenue,” says Tony C. Doan, a Realtor with West USA Realty who’s sold homes here since 2003. A new section of the Valley Metro’s light rail is under construction on Central Avenue, and its completion in 2025 will make getting downtown even more convenient. “Living here offers city amenities without city traffic,” says Nathaniel Swartz, a Realtor with Stewardship Realty and a lifelong Phoenix resident. “If you want to live near the Arizona mountains, most buyers can find a home here.” The South Mountain Park and Preserve offers over 100 miles of hiking, and the neighborhood is also filled with city parks and shopping centers.
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A wide variety of homes at various price points
“The variety of homes here is quite broad,” Swartz says. “From cottages and mobile homes to gated communities with amenities, buyers have plenty of choices.” While the homes vary widely in style and price, most maintain a Southwestern feel, with clay-tiled roofs and stucco exteriors, as well as desert-friendly plantings like cacti and palo verde trees. Ranch-style houses were generally built between the 1920s and 1970s, and two-story new traditional homes have been built throughout the 21st-century; both styles go for $250,000 to $700,000, depending on renovations. Gated communities are mostly concentrated near South Mountain Park and Preserve and filled with custom homes that range from $700,000 to $1.7 million, depending on amenities like recreational vehicle storage and backyard pools.
Manufactured homes here cost between $30,000 and $160,000, based on their updates. Townhouses in the neighborhood have layouts between 800 to 1,800 square feet, and prices for these range from $160,000 to $415,000, depending on size; monthly homeowners association fees of $50 to $350 cover exterior maintenance. Low- and mid-rise condos with layouts between 600 and 1,400 square feet have prices ranging from $200,000 to $375,000, depending on size, plus monthly HOA fees of around $260 that cover insurance. Renters can find apartments and single-family homes throughout the neighborhood.
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Picnic lunches from The Farm at South Mountain
South Mountain has many options for shopping and dining. T-Bone Steak House has served mesquite broiled steaks here since the 1940s; its rustic interior with gingham-draped picnic tables overlooks the city lights below. The working Farm at South Mountain has three restaurants where diners can sit under the shade of pecan trees while enjoying sandwiches and salads. Several shopping centers can be found throughout the neighborhood, with big-box retailers like Target and grocery stores like Fry’s and Safeway. The Arizona Mills shopping mall has over 150 stores nearby, and downtown Phoenix is about 6 miles away.
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Stargazing at the Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium
Downtown Phoenix offers plenty to do. Kids can explore the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and learn about the universe at the Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium. Sports fans can cheer on Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field and the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Arizona Financial Theatre hosts concerts and comedians, and Symphony Hall has regular performances from the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera and Ballet Arizona.
Explore captivating shows and events at the Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Ignite your curiosity at the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Explore the best of concerts and sports at Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ.
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Nurturing leaders at South Mountain High School, Phoenix, AZ.
Career academies at South Mountain High
There are several public elementary schools in the neighborhood, including the T.G. Barr Academy of Global Studies, which serves kindergarten through Grade 8 and earns a C-minus from Niche. The Academies at South Mountain, formerly called South Mountain High, earns a C; students can join career academies like the Media, Arts & Design Academy and the Science, Technology and Aerospace Academy.
Nearby private schools include the A-plus-rated Arizona Cultural Academy, an Islamic school for pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, which earns a 3 from GreatSchools and serves pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. South Mountain Community College offers over 60 degree programs supported by campus amenities like an engineering lab and the Community Entrepreneurship Center.
City views from South Mountain Park and Preserve
The over 16,000-acre South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of the largest city parks in the United States, borders the neighborhood, giving residents nearby access to over 100 miles of trails across three mountain ranges. “People come from all parts of the country to hike South Mountain Park,” Doan says. Dobbins Lookout, the park’s highest point, features a stone building at its summit that has views of the city and surrounding mountains. Hikers can get here on the Holbert Trail, where they pass petroglyphs on their journey to the Dobbins Lookout Extension Trail to the summit; drivers and bikers can take the scenic, paved Summit Road. While most come to the park to be in nature, Doan says the Mystery Castle is another big draw. Built by a dying father for his daughter in the 1930s, the 18-room castle is made from stone and found materials; while tours of the eccentric home have been suspended, visitors can still stop by to check out its funky architecture.
Several smaller green spaces exist in the neighborhood, like the 66-acre Esteban Park, known for its baseball fields and dog park. The South Mountain Community Center in El Reposo Park has an outdoor swimming pool where kids can swim for free, fitness memberships and summer camps. Golfers can play 18 holes at the public Raven Golf Club, which has lush landscaping that differs from most of Phoenix’s desert courses.
Capture lasting memories at Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, AZ.
Unleash your swing at Raven Golf Club in South Mountain, AZ.
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Downtown Phoenix via Central Avenue
Interstate 10 passes through the neighborhood, making it easy to access the Phoenix metro area. Locals can get to downtown Phoenix, 6 miles north, via Central Avenue, which has Valley Metro bus stops, bike lanes and sidewalks. Valley Metro is building a new light rail route down Central Avenue to Baseline Road, with completion planned for 2025. Phoenix Memorial Center hospital is about 4 miles north, and Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Laveen is about 6 miles away. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 7-mile trip.
Wildfire risk south of Baseline Road
Homes south of Baseline Road have a high risk for wildfire because they’re close to the wild lands of South Mountain Park and Preserve. However, Doan says, “There’s not much to catch fire because of the landscaping. There’s not enough fuel.” Brush fires occurred in the preserve in 2024, but no houses were threatened. There are six fire stations in the neighborhood, and locals can download the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s app to receive alerts.
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
Tim Cusick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hayden Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Highline Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
El Reposo Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Nevitt Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Esteban Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Esteban Dog Park
Dog Park
Parking Lot
Hermoso Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Francisco Highland Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Grayson Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
14 min drive
Bus
Baseline Rd & 18th Pl
Bus
7th Av & Elwood St
Bus
24th St & St Catherine Av
Bus
Southern Av & 23rd Av
Bus
Roeser Rd & Central Av
Bus
7th St & 7428 South
Bus
Baseline Rd & 30th St
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.014 Reviews
5.0Niche User
4/29/2020Niche Review
All of the people are very friendly and not all but just some give welcoming presents for joining the neighborhood. We usually go there for vacation on Christmas
4.0Current Resident
5/6/2024Niche Review
I have and still live in South Phoenix. The views of the mountains from my window motivate me to make a difference every day in my personal life and in my education. I am able to go on beautiful hikes at South Mountain make it seem like Im hiking in Sedona, Arizona. I am able to effectively study to the sounds of the northern mockingbirds outside my window.
3.0Current Resident
2/13/2019Niche Review
South Mountain is a very close knit community. Everything and anything is almost always here with a supportive community to help you find what you need. Despite struggles and issues present in the community, members rise above to ensure success from everyone.
1.0Current Resident
12/7/2017Niche Review
The Schools around here are HORRIBLE ! The traffic is ridiculously 24/7 .. This grade is seriously wrong!
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Mountain
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Mountain, Phoenix sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Mountain, Phoenix over the last 12 months is $429,814, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming single-level home in the heart of South Phoenix! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence sits on an oversized lot with plenty of space to expand or entertain. Inside, you'll find an open living area with tile flooring, a bright kitchen with ample cabinet space, and spacious bedrooms. The large backyard is ready for your personal touch—perfect for gatherings, gardening, or future additions. No
You've found your dream home! Rare listing of ~4,000 sq/ft of luxury living on almost an acre in the prestigious, pecan tree lined and gated community of Highline Grove. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, both the main home (2871 sq ft, 4 bd, 2.5 bath + flex room) and casita/guest home (1051 sq/ ft, 2 bed/2 bath) have been completely renovated Resort style backyard is perfect for entertaining
Experience this beautiful and spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the coveted neighborhood of the Villages at Spencer Place. This pristine home features a large kitchen with plenty of marble counter space, stainless steel appliances and ample cabinetry. Spacious Primary bedroom with elegant ensuite, and secondary bedrooms with ample of living space. Natural light radiates throughout a
Welcome Home! This beautiful, single level, gated community home is located just moments from top restaurants, cultural landmarks, museums, and luxury shopping. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a den/office and 2 car garage. New wood-looking tile in 2021, EV charger in the garage, plantation shutters on all exterior window, upgraded kitchen to include cheery-wood cabinetry and granite
LIKE-NEW, 2021 BUILD on a corner lot in GATED Gardeners Enclave! This 4 Bed + Den/3.5 Bath/3,330sqft, single-level home is IMMACULATE inside and out! The backyard was built in 2023 and includes a HEATED pool and spa, pergola with CUSTOM built-in BBQ, and beautiful TRAVERTINE POOL DECK AND PATIO with low-maintenance turf accents. Features of this split floor plan home include 10' ceilings, open
Well built 2001 home with 6 oversize bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, community living room, and gourmet kitchen with open floor plan. Home can be converted to assisted living/health care facility. Seller is willing to negotiate upgrades to finish transformation of home into ADA compliant facility at full price. property has to be rezoned by buyer. The half acre lot gives plenty of parking. Home
Here at Senderos you can live, work, & play! We offer a unique new way of living. Enjoy the latest in living with modern open kitchens, in-unit washers & dryers, and attached garages. You'll find designer vinyl plank flooring, smart home technology, wall USB ports, and large closets throughout our interior. Our spacious homes are perfect for those who work from home! Residents will enjoy a
Here at Senderos you can live, work, & play! We offer a unique new way of living. Enjoy the latest in living with modern open kitchens, in-unit washers & dryers, and attached garages. You'll find designer vinyl plank flooring, smart home technology, wall USB ports, and large closets throughout our interior. Our spacious homes are perfect for those who work from home! Residents will enjoy a
BRAND NEW, never-lived-in townhomes with 2-3 bedrooms, each boasting walk-in closets and attached bathrooms, are now available for lease. Enjoy free Internet and home WiFi for seamless connectivity. An oversized 2-car garage with a high-speed EV charger and an in-unit washer/dryer cater to your convenience. Inside, a chefs kitchen with energy efficient stainless-steel appliances and a large
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Cusick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
132,765
Median Age
34
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$62,559
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,039
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
18.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
% Population in Labor Force
67.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
7''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
39/ 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.
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.
