The Arcadia district is a suburban community . . .a verdant oasis bathing in the soft shadows of the south slope of Camelback Mountain.  Perfectly located for easy access to anything in the northeast valley, Arcadia has been a favorite location for many of the Valley’s professionals and their families. Arcadia’s boundaries are 44th street on the west, 64th street on the east, Camelback Road on the north and Indian School on the south.  From anywhere in Arcadia, you are 5 to 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, the Camelback Corridor, downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, America West Arena, Bank One Ball Park, The Biltmore Fashion Park, Scottsdale Fashion Square and much, more.

Originally a citrus grove, Arcadia was developed by Allied Construction in the 50’s.  Allied built their homes around the original citrus trees and landscaped the homes with a green carpet of grass. They left the original irrigation system in place making it easy and inexpensive to bring water to this unique environment. Forty years later . . . a community that is reminiscent of many of the communities on the east coast, the Midwest and California.

As with all residential communities, the architectural style of the homes are dictated by the year the homes were built. As many of the homes were built in the 50’s and 60’s with a strong influence from the California market, the homes are brick or slump block, California ranch style with pitched, shake or asphalt tile roofs, are 1800 to 3500 sq. ft. and sit on 1/3 to 1 acre lots.  Over the years as the Arcadia district grew to its current size, new subdivisions were developed within the district as well as custom homes built on in-fill lots and undeveloped land. Today, in addition to the traditional California ranch, you can find a smattering of Spanish Mission, Santa Barbara, Santa Fe territorial and contemporary style homes. In most recent years, there have been a number of subdivisions developed within the Arcadia district. These newer homes are priced between $600,000 and $2,000,000 and offer the ambiance and modern conveniences of a new home yet are located in a most sought-after, charming community.

Today there many options for families who would choose to live in the Arcadia district. With a limitation on available land to build on, many of the original homes have been renovated, expanded and remodeled including replacement of AC/heating systems, plumbing and electrical systems, kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. In addition, many of the floor plans have been reconfigured to meet today’s family needs and lifestyle.  Quite often, outside elevations of these renovated homes were changed and expanded with new facades and/or roof lines; however, most owners have preferred to leave the basic architectural style the same, in order to maintain the architectural character of the community.

In addition to the more traditional family dwellings, Arcadia is the home to its share of million dollar estates.  One can drive down sections of Exeter or Lafayette Boulevard and other quiet sections throughout the district and find wonderful family compounds and  estates located on one acre + parcels. Since most of these homes were built to an individual’s personal taste, there is quite a diversity of architectural design from English Tudors to Victorian Manors, from French Provencal to Italian Tucson and from Spanish Mission to Mexican Colonial . . . take your pick.  With its lush green lawns and mature trees and landscapes, Arcadia is a perfect environment to support and compliment almost any architectural style.

As a family community, the Arcadia district has always been known for the quality of its schools.  Hopi Elementary School, Ingleside Middle School and Arcadia High School service the majority of Arcadia. For more information on these schools, please go to our school section of our web site, where you can learn more about the test scores and other special programs offered.

Although there are many subdivisions within the district, as you drive down the streets, it seems as if it is just one environment. As always, when you purchase a home you pay a premium price for location, location, and location. In addition, price is often dictated by supply and demand.  The Arcadia district is no different.  Because of its location, as well as the high demand and often low supply of homes available, the price per square foot for homes is generally higher than many other areas in the Valley.  As in any other community, price of homes in Arcadia will fluctuate with economic conditions and current mortgage rates. Since many of the homes have been renovated, prices for homes will also vary based upon their current condition, whether the home has been remodeled or completely renovated, as well as the extent of renovation.

Lets look at current values based upon what is being offered for sale:

If you decided you wanted to live in the Arcadia District and were looking for a home priced between $400,000 and $600,000.

You can find a 2300 to 3200 sq. ft. home priced between $135 and $172 per sq. ft.  Most of these homes will not have been renovated but will be in a reasonable good state of repair.

For a renovated home of similar size, you will find homes offered at $197 to $248 per sq. ft, depending upon the extent of the renovation and specific location of the home.

If you decided you wanted to live in the Arcadia District and were looking for a home priced between $600,000 and $800,000.

You can find a 3000 to 4500 sq. ft. home priced between $180 and $215 per sq. ft.

The majority of these homes will have been updated and/or renovated.

For a totally remodeled home in this price range, the price per sq. ft value can be as high as $250 per sq.ft.

If you decided you wanted to live in the Arcadia District and were looking for a home priced between $800,000 and $1,000,000.

You can find a 3800 to 4500 sq. ft. home priced between $200 and $300 per sq. ft.  The majority of these homes will be renovated, updated or totally remodeled.

If you decide you wanted to live in the Arcadia district and had a budget over $1,000,000. You can find a 4200 to 6500 sq. ft home priced between $250 and $450 per sq. ft.

Almost all of these homes are either new spec homes or homes that have been totally renovated . . . offering both charm and all of the conveniences of modern floorings, appliances, fixtures and finishes for today’s tastes and lifestyle.

No matter what your budget, if you are looking for the perfect family environment in the perfect location . . . you will find the Arcadia district the perfect place to live. 

Two important facts to be noted before making any decisions:

1. Most people who move into the district tend to stay and quite often their children have the desire to move back into the neighborhood with their families, and

2. Because of the short supply and large demand for housing in the district, homes in Arcadia tend to hold their value over the long hall.

For more information about living in the Arcadia district, Please contact Laura Joyner