Arcadia

Arcadia

With its large lots, diverse architecture and tree-lined streets, Arcadia is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Phoenix area. Money magazine even named it as a “Best Place to Live.” While the exact borders of this small community can vary and have changed over time, most agree that Camelback Mountain is the northern border with Thomas Road as the southernmost edge, then 68^th Street to the east and 40^th Street to the west.  

Affluent and Luxurious from the Beginning

Arcadia’s greenery, mature landscaping and spacious home lots set it apart from the more typical southwestern and desert styles of most other neighborhoods in the Phoenix area. The neighborhood dates back to the early 1900s and was originally the Citrus Homes development. The original boundaries were much smaller than today, with Camelback Road as the northern border, the Arizona Canal to the south, then spreading between 56^th Street to 44^th Street. Developers configured plots of land to back up to the Arizona Canal, keeping lots from five to 10 acres and mandating that no home could be constructed for less than $5,000. This attempt to attract upper class, affluent residents to a rural, estate lifestyle worked. The same beautiful serenity urged the first of the luxury resorts to spring up in the 1930s, what is now the Royal Palms.  

Small Town Feel with Big Town Amenities

Although many of the original fruit trees have been removed from Arcadia, some orange and date groves still remain and remind residents of the small town, rural roots. With Camelback Mountain to the north and no freeways for miles, traffic remains relatively low and the community enjoys the peacefulness. Although residents can still get to freeways in a matter of minutes and to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in only 15 minutes. The community is bikable and encourages that, another rarity in the Phoenix area. It’s not uncommon to see families out for a walk or bike ride on a weekend afternoon. The Arizona Canal provides miles of biking and jogging paths, and bike-friendly restaurants and bars like O.H.S.O. Brewery have even popped up along the canal, providing convenient patio access and lots of bike racks. Other popular hotspots like La Grande Orange and Postino are central to the neighborhood and are easy to ride or walk to from just about anywhere in Arcadia. For more options, Old Town Scottsdale and Biltmore Fashion Park provide exclusive shopping and trendy dining just a few miles away. With the many luxury golf resorts nestled in the foothills of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding area, finding a tee time and a world-class course are never a problem. The Phoenician Resort features 27 holes in rolling foothills, while the Biltmore showcases two championship courses in lush greenery with the picturesque Phoenix Mountains and city as a backdrop.  

Distinctive, Luxury Homes with Character 

In a relatively new city and area of the country, Arcadia’s history and roots help keep it in high demand. Most of the historic, distinct homes date back to the 20s – 50s, but have been updated and added on to along the way. The lots still range from half an acre to five acres, an extreme rarity in the middle of the city. No cookie cutter houses here – architecture ranges from ranch to revival and pueblo, and often a blend or multiple styles. These state homes don’t usually sit on the market very long and can go up to $3 million in price, depending on sizes and features. Fruit trees, guest casitas, gourmet kitchens, sky lights, resort-style backyards with pools and firepits, and custom stonework are common in Arcadia estates.  

Excelling Education

Arcadia’s location is within short proximity to some of the best schools in Arizona. On a public level, the neighborhood is served by Scottsdale Unified School District, specifically Arcadia High School and a few different elementary and middle schools. This area is also known for great private schools, such as Catholic Brophy and Xavier College Preparatory Academies (all boy and all girl schools respectively, 9^th through 12^th grade) and Phoenix Country Day (kindergarten through 12^th grade). Coming home to an estate in Arcadia is almost like returning to a simpler, more serene time. Quiet streets, friendly neighbors, local hotspots and beautiful scenery make Arcadia one of the most unique and desirable communities in the Phoenix area.