Landing a house in an up-and-coming neighborhood doesn't just give you bragging rights, it gives you a good investment. Sure, these areas may be a little patchier than most. But with a few years' time and a little TLC, you'll be the envy of gentrifiers and hipsters alike.
See also: 5 Cool Phoenix Neighborhoods You've Probably Never Heard Of
Woodland Between Seventh and 16th avenues, Adams and Van Buren streets Average price of homes for sale: $150,759
Woodland offers historic living smack dab in an urban setting. This cluster of 1920s bungalows are within walking distance of the government mall area of downtown Phoenix, the Arizona State Capitol, and, perhaps more importantly, Bikini Lounge. Better yet, if you have a bike, you can say goodbye to endless searches for downtown parking and ride your way to hotspots like Crescent Ballroom and CityScape.
Foote Addition Between 24th and 26th streets, Thomas Road and Foote Drive Average price of homes for sale: $135,500
For those torn between downtown living and Arcadia, Foote Addition may be the perfect compromise. This small triangular pocket of small homes on large lots built generally between the 1940s to 1960s offers a lot of potential as well as space for home buyers who dream big. Admittedly, its Walk Score is nothing to write home about, but when it comes to driving, the Foote Addition is a short distance from Shady's, Camelback Colonnade, Biltmore Fashion Park, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and all of downtown's major hospitals.
Villa Verde Between 19th and 21st avenues, Granada and Monte Vista roads Average price of homes for sale: $122,000
Villa Verde offers quaint English cottage-style homes just west of the Coliseum. The homes, which were built between the 1920s and 1940s, generally feature hardwood floors, a fireplace, and a two-bed, one-bath ratio. While its location might constitute the west side, we consider it pretty centrally located, with close proximity to events like the Arizona State Fair, the VNSA Book Sale, Maricopa County Fair, and neighborhood hubs like the My Florist Center, Encanto Park, and the Grand Avenue Arts District.
Skyline Vista Between Las Palmaritas Drive and Alice Avenue, Seventh and 10th streets Average price of homes for sale: $158,975
In truth, Sunnyslope as a whole could be considered an up-and-coming area. But one of our favorite lesser-known subdivisions is Skyline Vista. These midcentury ranch homes are as plentiful as they are rife with possibility. Though some of the homes have been renovated, most retain their original pastel coloring, decorative concrete blocks, and side carports. Residents of Skyline Vista can consider themselves neighbors to the iconic Let It Roll Bowl, North Mountain Park, Muse Apparel, and a number of Valley thrift shops.
Garfield Between I-10 and Van Buren Street, Seventh and 16th streets Average price of homes for sale: $106,400
Garfield is easily one of the most affordable historic districts in Phoenix. Thanks to its appealing price tag and close proximity downtown happenings like First and Third Fridays on Roosevelt Row, shows at Space 55 Theatre, and events at Alwun House, Historic Heritage Square, and Welcome Diner, it's becoming a hotbed for younger homeowners who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty.
