Ask any high school student what their least favorite subject is, and you are likely to get “algebra” topping the list. Running a close second would probably be “history”. After all, who really cares what year the French and Indian war occurred or how many judges sat on the Supreme Court in 1800.
However, “history” does top the list in another respect – real estate. Historic neighborhoods or districts often command premium prices because buyer demand is so high. For example, New York City’s famed Greenwich Village or Washington D.C.’s Georgetown district costs considerably more on a square footage basis as compared to the city’s plain Jane residential neighborhoods.
** Included below are homes for sale located in historic districts in Phoenix. For more information about any of these listings, simply click the "Request More Information" button when viewing the details of that property. For email alerts simply register for a free account to receive the latest historic district real estate listings.
Whether browsing our site, requesting more information, or registering your account there's no obligation ... we're here ready to help, when you're ready to purchase your historic home. **
Those who are attracted to historic districts aren’t necessarily history buffs. They like these neighborhoods because of their charm, beauty, and unique character. And there are many houses for sale in Phoenix’s historic districts too. Read More...
WHAT IS A HISTORIC DISTRICT ANYWAY?
To become a historic district usually requires a government body to designate it as such. Typically, historic districts have unique architecture that reflects a period in history. Many historic districts are “preserved” and the buildings within them can’t be torn down or altered in a manner that detracts from its original design.
For example, Tombstone, Arizona is a historic district which captures the wild west of the 1870’s and ‘80’s. It features false-front wooden buildings, hitching posts and saloons that were common in frontier towns. It, of course, also contains the O.K. Corral where a gun fight between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and other lawmen killed three cattle rustling outlaws.
Tombstone is also a National Historic Landmark. Historic districts do not need this designation, however. All they need is to have a building at least 50-years old and to be recognized as having a unique historic heritage. What you won’t find in these neighborhoods are many new homes for sale.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS OF PHOENIX
The Phoenix area has 35 historic districts, each has its own unique character. There are a number of historic neighborhoods that feature quaint pre-war cottages and restored Craftsman bungalows. Others have old style ranch homes. A number of historic areas reflect Arizona’s Hispanic heritage with white-washed mission-style and Spanish Revival homes. Quite a few historic districts contain a wide assortment of architectural styles including Tudor, Colonial, Georgian and ranch homes, many of them built right next to each other.
While there is no historic district in Phoenix dedicated to the city’s wild west days, there are historical buildings scattered throughout the city that capture Phoenix when it was a frontier town, when cowboys let off steam in the city’s many saloons and where a few took potshots at each other.
There are even reproductions of historic western towns. These authentic looking right down to the swinging doors at the saloon. While they may not be “real” historic districts, they sure look like it.
Listed below are few of the wonderful historic districts you can find in Phoenix.
ALVARADO
Besides an array of beautiful historic homes, Alvarado’s historic district also has the famed Heard Museum. It is known internationally for its collection of Native-American art and artifacts. Located in downtown Phoenix, the Heard Museum is a perfect compliment to the Alvarado historic district.
Alvarado is also known for its wide array of architectural styles including American Colonial, Tudor, Georgian, Spanish Revival and more. What also distinguishes this neighborhood is its old growth tree lined streets. It is one of the most popular districts in all of Phoenix.
DEL NORTE PLACE
The Del Norte Place historic district is an oasis of of grace and beauty within the center of Phoenix.
The neighborhood was founded in 1871 when William A. Hancock filed the first homestead patent. At the time, it was a remote desert with more cactus than people.
Del Norte Place was one of the last neighborhoods in Phoenix to be built by a single developer who had total control over the area’s planning and design.
EAST EVERGREEN
When construction first began in East Evergreen, the area was nothing but farmland in northern Phoenix. In 1893, you could buy a lot for a whopping $450 to $500. Later, with the coming of street cars, East Evergreen became very popular because of the ease commuters could travel to downtown Phoenix.
Without the extension of the streetcars, East Evergreen wouldn’t exist. The district is known for its large lawns, mature palm trees and tree lined streets that make walking a pleasure.
ROOSEVELT
Phoenix’s first designated historic district, Roosevelt, has many significant residential and commercial buildings. It also has a wide variety of styles including California and Craftsman bungalows. What makes this neighborhood particularly interesting is its long and narrow lots.
Roosevelt is known for its fine examples of early 20th century architecture. Besides its signature bungalows, the district also features Mission Revival, French Provincial, English Cottage Revival and many others. It is also listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
WILLO
Homes first appeared in Willo in the early 1900’s. Today, there are over 700 homes in Willo district, making it the largest historic district in Phoenix.
The Willo historic district has been voted one of the top 10 cottage communities in the United States. One reason for its popularity is the abundance of fine restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques, many of which are surrounded by tree lined streets. It has the true feeling of a neighborhood.
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BUYING A HISTORIC HOME IN PHOENIX
To many, buying a home in one of Phoenix’s historic districts seems like the ideal place to call home. You get to live in a truly unique house, one which is rich in history and was probably built before World War II when construction techniques relied on craftsmanship and attention to detail vs. today’s pre-built, assembly-line manufactured modular homes.
In some historic districts you can get grants that pay for renovations. One source is the preservation directory. The return-on-investment with many historic homes is often quite good too.
However, all is not sunshine and roses in historic district homes. Often homeowners must get permits to alter even the most trivial part of their home. In some areas, exterior door knobs can’t be changed without approval for example.
The cost of upkeep can also be much higher in historic homes because of the strict regulations. And anything over 50-years old is bound to need constant repair and maintenance. This doesn’t come cheap.
Depending on the historic district you live in, owners have to get used to the constant tourist traffic that the neighborhood attracts. Imagine living in a house on San Francisco’s famous crooked street where both pedestrian and auto traffic is never ending.
While most of Phoenix’s historic districts won’t have to contend with that, if you live in an iconic historic building, you may have history and architectural junkies clicking away on their iPhone cameras.
FIND A SPECIALIST IN HISTORIC HOMES
If you are interested in buying a home in one of Phoenix’s historic districts, it's important to team up with a real estate broker that knows the market. It can be tricky to price these unique homes. A seasoned broker from Arizona Nework Realty can help. Show Less...
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