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Congress

Congress

Neighborhood in Wickenburg, Arizona

Maricopa County 85332

$395,366 Average Value
$255 Average Price per Sq Ft
35 Homes For Sale

New beginnings for a former ghost town

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.
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.
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.
The students love the air conditioned school buses at Congress Elementary School.
Congress Elementary School is the only school located in Congress.
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.
A scenic drive up a windy road adds to the time it can take to get to Prescott from Congress.
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Jacob Adelhoch
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Justin Bradley
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Nancy Hull, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Congress US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$310,750
Median Single Family Price
$299,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$255
Number of Homes for Sale
35
Last 12 months Home Sales
44
Months of Supply
9.50
Median List Price
$315,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
384
Median Year Built
1999
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,481
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,520
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
18,295

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 2pm

    30857 S Wandering Way, Congress, AZ 85332

    $289,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,299 Sq Ft
    • 30857 S Wandering Way

    Discover a distinctive geodesic dome home nestled in the serene Escapees at North Ranch community in Congress, Arizona. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence, spanning 2,299 sq ft, offers a harmonious blend of innovative design and natural beauty. Geodesic domes are celebrated for their energy efficiency and resilience against extreme weather, providing a unique and durable living experience.

    Daniel Caudle Award Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nancy Hull, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

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.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Congress
Nancy Hull
Blue Sage Realty
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