Arcadia Historic Neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona

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Arcadia Historic Neighborhoods in Phoenix

The Arcadia historic neighborhood continues to go through a major transformation.

Arcadia Phoenix Homes: Historic Character Meets New Construction

Today in Arcadia, older homes are being torn down and new construction has become the norm. The landscape is changing right before our eyes.

Arcadia is not officially a historic Phoenix district even though its roots date back to 1919. Its eastern edge is in the City of Scottsdale but Arcadia has more than earned its huge place in Phoenix history.

Homeowners in Arcadia tend to do a lot of remodeling adding diversity and variety to homes that once had a more similar look. It is not uncommon to see a country cottage adjacent to or next to a Spanish hacienda.

Where are the Designated Arcadia District Boundaries?

Arcadia Phoenix homes in the designated boundaries are 44th Street to the west, 68th Street to the east, Camelback Road at the base of Camelback Mountain to the north, and the Arizona Canal just north of Indian School Road to the south.

Contrary to many people trying utilize the Arcadia name, the true Arcadia Corridor is definitely defined because so many people are drawn to these neighborhoods.

However, Arcadia Phoenix homes and its immediate surroundings have more recently been referenced as Lower Arcadia or the Arcadia Lite which are also more popular than ever today.

Arcadia Lite and Lower Arcadia Real Estate: A More Affordable Option

Arcadia Lite and Lower Arcadia are two highly popular sub-pockets that sit alongside Arcadia proper. They offer much of the classic Arcadia aesthetic with charming homes, mature landscaping and a strong neighborhood feel while also offering more walkability, lower relative price points and easy access to popular restaurant hubs.

These areas have a social, trendy vibe that makes them especially appealing. The atmosphere is welcoming, lively and highly visible. People out always out enjoying local restaurants, coffee shops, patios, fitness studios and neighborhood businesses. It feels active and connected, while still keeping much of the character people love about Arcadia.

Arcadia Lite and Lower Arcadia attract professionals, young families, longtime Phoenix residents and buyers who want the Arcadia lifestyle in a more approachable price range. The mix of classic ranch homes, remodeled properties and newer construction gives these areas energy, variety and personality.

Arcadia is Close to Scottsdale

Residents often brag about and love being close to Scottsdale’s high-end shopping, world-class resorts, arts centers, good restaurants, great restaurants and downtown Phoenix. I couldn’t agree more. After living in Arcadia for so many years, it’s one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of Phoenix Metro. In fact, part of the official Arcadia boundaries are in the east edge of Scottsdale.

Arcadia homes have character, strong curb appeal and high property values. The neighborhood sits near Paradise Valley, the Biltmore area, Scottsdale and North Central Phoenix. Many properties feature lush green lawns, custom landscaping, palm trees and plenty of citrus trees.

Arcadia Offers Family-Friendly Living and Some of the Best Schools in Arizona

Arcadia is known for its top tier public schools with some of the best in the state. These include Hopi Elementary, Ingleside Middle School and Arcadia High in the Scottsdale Unified School District making it an extremely family friendly community. There are also private schools in the area. Search Arcadia schools.

Arcadia Lifestyle, Community and Nearby Amenities

Arcadia is surrounded by some of Phoenix’s original luxury guest resorts along Camelback Road, including the Royal Palms.

The neighborhood is also within walking distance of many popular restaurants and bars. This includes The Vig, La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria, Postino WineCafe, Zipps, Arcadia Tavern, the famous Pete’s Fish & Chips and so much more. Eating and drinking your way around Arcadia is fun and can take some time.

Many people now refer to Arcadia as Midtown because it sits in the middle of so many different popular areas. Sky Harbor Airport is incredibly easy and fast to get to. So are Biltmore Fashion Park, Scottsdale Fashion Square and a wide variety of fantastic golf courses.

Downtown and Central Phoenix are also just a short ride away, along with easy access to I-10, Loop 202, SR 51 and SR 143. Arcadia Park, G.R. Herberger Park, Camelback Mountain and its hiking trails, along with nearby canal access, also give residents many options for hiking, jogging, biking and walking.

The Historic Arcadia Neighborhood: A True Old School Phoenix District

Arcadia Phoenix has a true old-school, historic feel. Neighbors know each other, walk their dogs and spend time outside with their children, enjoying the peace and quiet this wonderful neighborhood offers.

The Arcadia District is one of the most desirable and priciest addresses in Phoenix. The homes range from small ranch houses under 1000 Square feet to stunning luxury estates that sit on five acres. There are also smaller lots but still generously sized.

You’ll find a wide variety of architectural styles from sprawling 4 to 5-bedroom ranches built in the postwar era to Revivals and Pueblo-style homes dating to the late 1920s and early 1930s.

That old-school feeling is also reflected in Arcadia News, a local paper that has been around for decades. It helps keep residents connected with local updates, restaurant reviews, classifieds and community information. It’s the kind of neighborhood paper that reminds you Arcadia still has a real sense of place.

Arcadia Population, Income and Demographics

The Arcadia population is approximately 38,000 residents. The median age is roughly 40 years, and the average household income stands at around $182,000 per year.

However, Arcadia Proper has a much higher level of average household wealth. Luxury custom estates often push the area’s average homeowner’s income well into the multi-hundred-thousand-dollar range.

A Desert Oasis

Arcadia is a true desert oasis of beautifully landscaped Phoenix homes. It was named for Virgil’s Arcadia: a peaceful, pastoral region of ancient Greece. In the early 1920s, the land to the south of majestic Camelback Mountain went up for sale at 35 cents an acre.

Arcadia’s Citrus Grove History and Lush Landscape

Arcadia was built on former citrus groves and is still known today for its mature, well-irrigated landscaping. Many yards feature orange, lemon and grapefruit trees, which remain beautiful reminders of the area’s past.

From 1919 through the mid-1950s, much of Arcadia was home to citrus farmers. After the Arcadia Water Company began irrigating the area, much of the land was sold in 5-acre parcels as citrus orchards. By the mid-1950s, Phoenix had expanded into the area, and Arcadia began to suburbanize with its now-characteristic ranch homes on large lots. Arcadia High School serves the neighborhood and takes its name from it.

Today, Arcadia residents enjoy a well-established neighborhood filled with spacious, architecturally interesting homes and the lush remnants of its rural citrus grove history.

Why Arcadia Remains One of Phoenix’s Best Neighborhoods

Arcadia continues to stand out as one of Phoenix’s best neighborhoods because it offers a rare mix of character, premier location and lifestyle. Its mature landscaping, Camelback Mountain views, distinctive homes, strong schools, local restaurants and central location all help create the neighborhood’s lasting appeal.

It feels established, beautiful and deeply rooted, while still being close to Scottsdale, the Biltmore area, downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport and some of the best shopping, dining and outdoor recreation in the Valley. That combination is why Arcadia remains one of Phoenix’s best neighborhoods.

My First Home Purchase Was in Arcadia

I lived in Arcadia starting in 1989. In fact, the first house I ever purchased was in this eclectic neighborhood. Like so many Arcadia homes, my backyard had a stunning view of Camelback Mountain.

You would be hard pressed to find a home in Arcadia that does not have a view of Camelback Mountain, at least to some degree.

I can attest to all the wonderful attributes Arcadia has to offer, but don’t just take my word for it. Get in your car and cruise the area. You just might fall in love with it.

Contact an Arcadia Neighborhood Specialist to Buy or Sell a Home

Working with an Arcadia specialist is a smart move because this is such a unique neighborhood. Whether you are buying a home in Arcadia or selling an Arcadia home, it helps to work with a real estate agent who understands the area, the homes and the neighborhood’s distinct character.

Contact me, Laura Boyajian, a former Arcadia homeowner at (602) 400-0008. You can also email me at HistoricCentralPhoenix@cox.net.