Arcadia Arizona Life Today In Phoenix
Arcadia life today continues to stand out. This Phoenix neighborhood remains one of the most coveted real estate locations in the Valley and is arguably as good as it gets.
People love the luxury homes, historic character, mature landscaping, citrus trees, strong schools, local restaurants and long-term value.
The Popular Arcadia Arizona 85018 ZIP Code
Arcadia is centered primarily in Phoenix’s 85018 ZIP code and sits near Scottsdale and its historic districts. The neighborhood is also close to Paradise Valley, the Biltmore, North Central Phoenix, downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport. Yet many streets still feel quiet, established and residential.
Arcadia is located primarily in Phoenix’s 85018 ZIP code which also reaches into the western part of Scottsdale near the Scottsdale historic districts. The neighborhood is also close to Paradise Valley, the Biltmore, North Central Phoenix, downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport. Yet, many streets still feel quiet, established and residential.
Why Buyers Are Drawn to the Arcadia Lifestyle
For many buyers and homeowners, Arcadia’s appeal comes from its rare balance. It has quiet, serene residential streets while remaining close to dining, shopping, schools, resorts, outdoor recreation and major city conveniences.
The neighborhood also supports a strong indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Arcadia is bike-friendly, family-friendly and known for mature trees, gardens, urban farms, horse properties and local restaurants. It offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful neighborhood with easy access to the places and amenities people want most.
A Unique Blend of Historic Character and Luxury Homes in Arcadia
Arcadia is changing, but it has not lost the classic character that made it special. Older homes are being remodeled, expanded or replaced with new custom construction, while many original Arcadia properties remain.
Arcadia is not an officially designated historic Phoenix district, but its history is still visible throughout the neighborhood. Reminders of its rural past now blend with high-end remodeling, new construction and one of the most active luxury real estate markets in Phoenix.
Buyers will find original homes, expanded ranch properties, beautifully remodeled homes, historic properties and newer luxury estates. Mature trees, established landscaping, large lots and quiet streets give Arcadia a sense of character that newer master-planned communities cannot easily duplicate.
This combination of old and new is a major part of Arcadia’s lasting appeal. It continues to evolve, while its location, history, greenery and established neighborhood feel make it different from other luxury areas in the Valley.
Arcadia Life Today: Diverse Architecture and Custom Homes From the 1920s
Arcadia offers a wide mix of architectural styles with historic roots and large lots, which is a true rarity in Phoenix. Its quiet streets include luxury estates, classic ranch homes, Revival styles, early Adobe and Pueblo Revival homes, Country Cottages, Spanish Haciendas, remodeled properties and newer custom construction.
It is not uncommon today to see a Country Cottage next to a Spanish Hacienda, adding an unparalleled level of architectural diversity to streets that once had a much more uniform appearance.
Arcadia real estate also includes custom homes built from the 1920s through the 1950s that have been maintained, updated or expanded over the years. Many were built with a level of craftsmanship and quality that cannot be duplicated today, even among the replacement homes and new custom builds appearing throughout the neighborhood.
That history now sits beside some of the most coveted luxury real estate in Phoenix, giving buyers a distinctive range of Arcadia homes to search.
Large Lots, Mature Landscaping and Arcadia’s Rural Roots
One of Arcadia’s most defining features is its land. Many properties sit on large lots, with some estate properties near 5 acres. In the most established pockets, many others are roughly half an acre or larger.
Those large parcels, along with the original luxury guest resorts along Camelback Road such as the Royal Palms, help explain why Arcadia property values are so strong. Arcadia is one of the most desirable and priciest addresses in Phoenix. The land itself is a major reason why.
The lush, green, mature landscaping of Arcadia’s irrigated parcels is not found in many Phoenix neighborhoods. Today, Arcadia is more posh than ever.
Remnants of the orange and date groves still preserve a hint of Arcadia’s rural past.
Arcadia Life Today: Location, Shopping and Valley Access
Rural feel or not, Arcadia homes are just minutes from shopping and dining. Nearby shopping includes the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park at 24th Street and Camelback Road and Scottsdale Fashion Square at Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road.
Because of its prime location, Arcadia is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What Are Some Amenities and Benefits of Arcadia Life Today?
Arcadia life today offers plenty of everyday conveniences, local favorites and outdoor activities close by.
Residents can enjoy a relaxed neighborhood setting while staying connected to many of the places they use and enjoy most. That balance is a major part of what makes everyday life in Arcadia so appealing.
Popular Arcadia amenities and benefits include:
- Meet your neighbors over coffee or a specialty pizza at the popular La Grande Orange Market.
- Enjoy a glass of wine and the signature bruschetta at the original Postino WineCafe at 40th Street and Campbell.
- Visit the original OHSO, one of the coolest breweries in town, with a dog-friendly patio and indoor-outdoor bar.
- Enjoy local favorites including The Vig, Zipps, Arcadia Tavern and Pete’s Fish & Chips.
- Take a short drive to the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park or Scottsdale Fashion Square.
- Walk, bike and exercise along the Arizona Canal bordering Arcadia to the south, where residents can expend energy away from vehicle traffic.
- Hike Camelback Mountain.
Arcadia Offers Family-Friendly Living With Top Schools
Families are drawn to Arcadia for many reasons. One of the biggest is that the schools are some of the best in the state. Homes vary in size, but many offer generous living space, large yards, swimming pools and sport courts that complement an active family lifestyle.
Brophy College Preparatory and Xavier College Preparatory are widely considered two of the most prestigious private high school options for Arcadia families. Although neither is physically located within Arcadia’s residential borders, both sit immediately to the west in Midtown Phoenix and are popular choices for students living in the neighborhood.
Arcadia Real Estate and Property Values Today
Arcadia homes, both old and new, are known for their character, well-kept appearance and high property values.
Property values continue to hold strong, and Arcadia remains one of Phoenix’s top real estate markets for millennials, young families, affluent buyers and those seeking a highly desirable investment property.
Entry-level pricing begins at around $750,000 for Arcadia real estate today. While you may not have that lush, green Arcadia estate with acreage, you’ll still have the Arcadia feel and all surrounding hangouts.
One thing is true about this picturesque neighborhood: For nearly 100 years, Arcadia has remained one of the best places to live in Arizona and has offered a rich and promising lifestyle. The desirable architecture and culture of Arcadia life today continue to attract buyers who value both character and long-term potential. This neighborhood is difficult to duplicate.
Estate homes for sale in Arcadia now reach well above $10 million. Buyers pursuing one of these larger properties should be prepared to act decisively when the right home becomes available. Arcadia’s luxury housing market is an anomaly in the Valley of the Sun.
Neighborhoods Near Arcadia: Arcadia Lite and Lower Arcadia
If you love the Arcadia area but don’t have the budget to support an estate, there are options. Surrounding neighborhoods such as Arcadia Lite and Lower Arcadia offer wonderful homes at mid-range prices. This is a very accessible way to live near this popular neighborhood.
These neighborhoods on the outskirts of Arcadia proper give buyers another path into this part of Phoenix without the estate-level pricing. These nearby pockets still offer many inviting homes and much of the neighborhood feel people recognize right away.
Arcadia was named a “Best Place to Live” by Money Magazine, and it’s not hard to see why.
Work With an Arcadia Neighborhood Real Estate Agent to Buy or Sell a Home
Working with an Arcadia real estate agent is a smart move because this is such a unique neighborhood. As an area specialist and former Arcadia homeowner, I can help you navigate its distinctive homes, pricing and surrounding neighborhoods. If you are considering buying a home in Arcadia or selling an Arcadia home, contact me, Laura Boyajian, at (602) 400-0008.

