Tag Archives: Historic Homes

Mortgage Rates Hit New Low for 2016

Mortgage rates this week plunged to their lowest level since February 2015, unlocking more savings for home buyers and home owners who are refinancing.

2016 Mortgage Rates,Phoenix,National“Mortgage rates this week registered the delayed impact of last week’s sharp drop in Treasury yields, as the 30-year mortgage rate fell 12 basis points to 3.59 percent,” says Freddie Mac chief economist Sean Becketti. “This rate marks a new low for 2016. Low mortgage rates and a positive employment outlook should support a strong housing market in the second quarter of 2016.”

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending April 7:

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.59 percent, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 3.71 percent average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 3.66 percent.
  • 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.88 percent, with an average 0.4 point, falling from last week’s 2.98 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 2.93 percent.
  • 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.82 percent, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 2.90 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.83 percent.

It’s a great time to buy a home in Phoenix, Arizona. Call Laura B. today to begin the process of buying your historic Phoenix dream home.

Source: Freddie Mac

North Encanto Historic District In Central Phoenix

NORTH ENCANTO HISTORIC DISTRICT

The purpose of North Encanto Neighborhood Association (NENA) is to preserve & enhance the historic character of the North Encanto Neighborhood & to improve the quality of life for its residents  by creating a safe, vibrant & engaged community. Period of Significance: 1939-1956.

French Provincial Ranch North Encanto

A 1947 French Provincial Ranch In North Encanto

North Encanto Historic District is generally bounded by 19th Avenue on the West, 15th Avenue on the East, Thomas Road on the South, and Osborn Road on the North housing almost one square mile of historic homes. This neighborhood is close to freeways, I-17, I-10, a very short drive to downtown Phoenix and even a shorter drive (or walkable) to the light rail. There are 456 homes in this this district. North Encanto illustrates the residential development trends of the 1939 -1956 period.

North Encanto is my personal, current historic district residence. I can tell you first hand that it is one of the most wonderful historic districts this city has to offer! On a daily basis, you’ll see residents walking their dogs, walking with their kids (and more dogs), jogging, playing and just hanging out for a good, friendly chat. So many of us neighbors know each other and continue to get to know each other. We have many neighborhood functions from Groundhog Day parties, Christmas & New Year’s gatherings, Halloween parties, joint neighborhood block yard sales and a bunch of other street festivities where we actually block off a street while food vendors attend along with our local fire fighters and more. Games are played by all the wonderful children while the adults hang out, laugh, eat, drink and get to know each other more & more. We look out for one another, watch each others pets, homes and whatever is needed and wanted which keeps a tight knit community.

North Encanto Historic District Homes For Sale

Architectural Styles and Square Footage: North Encanto is red brick heaven loaded with 1940’s and 1950’s Mediterranean Ranch Style Homes, Mid-Century Ranches ranging from less than 1,000 square feet to 2,800 square feet. This district is predominantly comprised of Transitional Ranch-style houses with the largest concentration of intact Transitional/Early Ranch-style homes in metropolitan Phoenix, perhaps even in all of Arizona. But, there are also has a variety of Pueblo Revivals plus three Art Moderne homes. Many of these gorgeous homes have 1 to 2 car detached garages, detached studios, guest houses and lot sizes with room to make it your own. Many of these homes still boast the 2-color, original tile combo with colors that you just don’t see anymore like peach and black, pink and black, powder blue and black, pink and green and peach and green. There are also many, many homes here that have extremely modern interiors while keeping historic integrity. These are must see homes.

If you like North Encanto, you’ll probably like Campus Vista Historic District which is just east of 15th Avenue, Del Norte Place near 15th Avenue and Encanto Blvd., and, Country Club Park Historic District near 7th Street and Thomas Road.

Homes For Sale In North Encanto Historic District

History of North Encanto Historic District

Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District In Central Phoenix

ENCANTO-PALMCROFT HISTORIC DISTRICT

Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District runs from Seventh to 15th Avenues, and McDowell Road to the Encanto Park and Golf Course. It was recently ranked the wealthiest neighborhood in Phoenix.

Encanto-Palmcroft Homes For Sale

Encanto-Palmcroft Today

Encanto Palmcroft Historic DIstricrt Home Phoenix

A stunning example of an Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Home In Phoenix

Encanto-Palmcroft is one of Phoenix’s priciest historic neighborhoods. Fortunately for those who like to fawn over early-20th-century Tudors and colonial call-backs, a walk through this European-style setup of abodes is not only open to the public, but also is absolutely free. Dating back to 1927, this (technically) West Phoenix pocket of 330 homes is situated along circular drives, winding roads, and the 222-acre Encanto Park. For newcomers and non-residents, this maze-like area is easy to get lost in, but you’ll hear little complaint from pedestrians who like to take in the suburban scenery. Here, well-manicured lawns and rose gardens highlight all styles of residence, from Pueblos to Ranch Revivals. Whether it’s a home tour, a film crew, or simply a nearby neighborhood dog walker, residents are sure to find their fair share of window shoppers in Palmcroft-Encanto.

Today, the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District is still significant for its architectural diversity, picturesque homes and landscapes which are excellent representations of an early design philosophy which successfully integrated landscape and building. Architecturally, the district is one of the most important because it is an intact collection of the finest historic Phoenix homes in the city and one of the most desired historic districts in downtown Phoenix. Well appointed, designed by prominent early architects, built of high quality materials and distinguished by detailing and craftsmanship of a bygone era, the harmonious mix of diverse architectural styles in Encanto-Palmcroft create one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Phoenix.

Architectural Styles and Square Footage: The Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District features a distinctive, wide variety of architecture like Monterey/Colonial Revival-styles, Spanish Colonials, Ranch Style, Tudor Revivals, Period Revivals, Spanish Revivals, Spanish Colonial/Ranch combos, Spanish Colonials, Mediterranean-style,  Contemporary American International-style, English Cottage Revivals, two-story Spanish Colonial Revivals, two-story Monterey Colonial Revivals, Brick Regency Revival-styles, Single-Story Regency Revivals, Two-story Brick Mediterranean-styles, New England-style homes,

These 1920’s and 1930’s homes in this vicinity have mature trees and well kept landscaping by proud neighbors. Combine this with a curving line of 80-year-old Mexican Fan Palm trees street side and you get some of the most beautiful and spacious historic homes in all of downtown Historic Central Phoenix!

Most of the estate like homes here flaunt large living spaces, swimming pools, guest houses and amenities not commonly found in many of the other historic Phoenix districts. From wine vaults, servant’s quarters and second stories, the homes are definitely unique & artsy. Many have large backyards and many do not. However, Encanto-Palmcroft offers other amenities. The neighborhood has its own security company, lingering sidewalks layered with dog walkers and stroller moms, Encanto Park which is one of the largest public parks in Phoenix, a highly desirable & admirable address, close & direct access to downtown life, walking to shops, restaurants & night life and a Hollywood type lifestyle right here in downtown, historic Phoenix!

Fun Facts: Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District – Period of Significance 1920-1939.
Encanto-Palmcroft was voted the 2009 Best Places to Live – Phoenix Magazine (May 2009) and BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO WALK THROUGH (2015).

The Neighborhood Association is tight and offers many perks such as Its own security company.

Getting Around In Encanto Palmcroft, Getting Lost and Getting Home

To get a real feel for downtown Historic Phoenix, take a jaunt to the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District but know that this jaunt comes at a price. Smaller houses and fixer-uppers in Encanto-Palmcroft (if you can find one) fetch about $275,000 on up, while more finished out homes attract urban professionals who have no problem spending $500,000 and up. This is one of the priciest historic districts in downtown Phoenix but there are SO many wonderful reasons why.

Let’s Get a Little Lost for Fun

I live 2 blocks away from Encanto-Palmcroft. Not long ago, I took my dog for a walk in the neighborhood as I adore strolling in the winding streets of this exclusive district. Well, to no joke, we DID get lost even though I’ve been through there a thousand times! From one Coronado Street to one Palmcroft Street to another…round & round we went. It was embarrassingly hysterical. Let’s just say both my dog & I got an excellent workout in that evening. Neighbors know their way around and they have no trouble spotting visitors (like me that evening) who look a little tired at the intersection of streets named Palmcroft Way, Palmcroft Drive, Palmcroft SE, Palmcroft SW, Palmcroft NE, Palmcroft NW.  Even though we were pretty tired, we never stopped admiring the gorgeous Bungalows, Spanish Colonials and Cape Cods as they just don’t stop reeling you in. The layout, not the norm for a downtown Phoenix neighborhood, keeps traffic away and creates much privacy in Encanto-Palmcroft.

Encanto-Palmcroft is an elegant, beautiful historic neighborhood near downtown Phoenix and is surrounded by other classy, historical Phoenix neighborhoods.

If you ever want to get lost for fun, mosey on over to Encanto-Palmcroft with your dog. Just be sure to bring lots of water.

If you like Encanto-Palmcroft, you’ll like Willo Historic District and Roosevelt Historic District as well.

Read the History of Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District

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Arcadia Historic Neighborhood In Midtown Phoenix Arizona

The Arcadia neighborhood is one of the most desirable addresses in Phoenix.

Camelback Mountain Arcadia Historic Neighborhood

Camelback Mountain is prominently seen from many homes in the Historic Arcadia Neighborhoods

I personally lived in Arcadia starting in 1989 as the first house I purchased was in this eclectic neighborhood. I had a stunning view of Camelback Mountain in my back yard like so many homes in Arcadia do. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a home that doesn’t 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 take my word for it; get in your car and go cruise the area. You’ll fall in love with it.

Arcadia is bounded by 44th Street to 68th Streets and from Indian School Road to Camelback Mountain. Immediate surrounding areas have more recently been referenced as Lower Arcadia or the Arcadia area but the true Arcadia corridor begins at the corner of 44th Street and Indian School Road going north and east from there. Contrary to many people trying to ride on the “Arcadia” name, there is indeed a true, defined Arcadia Corridor.

Arcadia neighborhood is not officially a historic district and its eastern edge is in the City of Scottsdale but Arcadia has more than earned its huge place in Phoenix history.

Arcadia Homes For Sale

Arcadia is one of the most desirable and priciest addresses in Phoenix. The homes range from small ranch houses under 1,000 Square feet to stunning luxury estates that sit on five acres with a lot of in-between. 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 1920’s and early 1930’s

The neighborhood is surrounded by original luxury guest resorts along Camelback Road like the Royal Palms and is walking distance to many trending restaurants are bars such as The Vig, LaGrande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria, Postino’s Wine Cafe, Zipps, The Arcadia Tavern, the famous Pete’s Fish and 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 as it’s in the middle of everything superb and its overall location is in the center of it all. Sky Harbor Airport is just a hop and a skip away as is Biltmore Fashion Park, Fashion Square in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley along with a plethora of fantastic golf courses! Downtown and Central Phoenix is just a very short jaunt as is I-10, the Loop 202, the 51 and the 143.

Arcadia Park, G.R. Herberger Park, Camelback Mountain (and its hiking trails) along with easy access to the canal gives many options for hiking, jogging, biking and walking.

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

This is the type of neighborhood where the neighbors know each other, walk their dogs and are out with their children enjoying the tranquility this wonderful neighbor offers!

Arcadia homes have character, are well-kept and have high property values as the neighborhood is adjacent to the upscale suburbs of Paradise Valley, the Biltmore area, Scottsdale and North Central Phoenix. Most lawn have lush, green lawns, custom landscaping, palm trees and citrus trees galore!

Built on former citrus groves, Arcadia is known for well-irrigated, mature landscaping. Several yards prominently feature orange, lemon and grapefruit trees as reminders of the area’s past. The area used to be occupied by citrus farmers from 1919 to the mid-1950’s. In the mid-1950’s, the rest of Phoenix caught up with the farms and the area suburbanized with characteristic ranch homes on large lots. Arcadia High School serves and derives its name from the neighborhood.

The film, Everything Must Go, takes place in Arcadia.

In 2002, CNNMoney voted Arcadia as one of the “Best Places To Live” stating:

In stark contrast to Ahwatukee’s desert foliage are the lush green lawns of Arcadia, a neighborhood that sits on the Phoenix and Scottsdale city line. Arcadia is a former orange grove with its own irrigation system, and rows of citrus trees line its blocks of quaint homes built in the 1950’s and 1960’s on large lots.

Because Arcadia is so highly regarded for its greenery and high-performance schools, which are in the Scottsdale system, prices are on the high end: Starter homes begin at $300,000. Homeowners tend to do a lot of remodeling, adding much diversity to the once similar-looking homes; it’s not uncommon to see a country cottage adjacent to a Spanish hacienda. Residents brag about being close to Scottsdale’s high-end shopping, a world-class resort, arts centers and good restaurants, as well as downtown Phoenix.

I couldn’t agree more. After all, living in Arcadia for so many years, I’m hooked.

Read the History of Arcadia Historic Neighborhood