It's no secret that we hold a special place in our hearts for Midcentury Modern architecture here in metro Phoenix. While much of the Valley has been overrun with stucco homes and strip malls, quite a few residential and commercial time capsules remain relatively intact. For those who prefer their home have history over a hot tub, eye-catching design over cookie-cutter development, and character instead of a five-car garage, here are five of Phoenix's top Midcentury Modern neighborhoods.
See also: 5 Up-and-Coming Phoenix Neighborhoods
Marlen Grove Estimated value of homes: $180,000 to $451,000 Cross streets: 10th Street and Bethany Home Road
What was once a citrus grove is now one of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in uptown Phoenix. Since its construction in 1952, nearly every home in this Ralph Haver development has been modified in some way or another, which makes sense since Haver homes offer a lot customizable flexibility. From bright accents to sandblasted exteriors, this cluster of hip historic homes off Bethany Home Road and 10th Street is one of the most coveted blocks in town.
Paradise Gardens Estimated value of homes: $315,000 to $899,000 Cross streets: Gold Dust Avenue and 36th Street
Paradise Gardens is easily one of our favorite Midcentury Modern neighborhoods in metro Phoenix -- despite not being 100 percent certified Al Beadle. You can chalk up our uncertainty to the fact that, while Beadle had originally signed up to be part of the community's construction, he left the project mid-development, supposedly for his inability to compromise as developers were more interested in saving money than preserving design integrity. As a result, some homes have the markings of an Al Beadle design, while others seem entirely off base. Additionally, later homes were sold without the Beadle name attached. Still, this Midcentury Modern oasis set against the backdrop of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve makes for one enjoyable drive-through.
Town and Country Scottsdale Estimated value of homes: $218,000 to $375,000 Cross streets: 72nd Place and Oak Street
To the average bystander, south Scottsdale seems like nothing to write home about. But step into the historic Haver hideaway that is Town and Country Scottsdale and you will find yourself a little Midcentury Modern gem. This 1958 development features 62 homes with three bedrooms, two baths, and plenty of Haver-istic adornments such as low-sloped roofs, clinker brick treatments, and clerestory windows. True, some homes in T&C are need of some TLC, but with rehabilitation grants available through the city of Scottsdale added to their increasing historic value, these retro residences are well worth the investment.
Marion Estates Estimated value of homes: $342,000 to $1,880,000 Cross streets: Standford Drive and 44th Street
One of the most eclectic Midcentury Modern neighborhoods in metro Phoenix is Marion Estates. The winding Praying Monk-adjacent subdivision located just off the curve where McDonald Drive meets 44th Street features a variety of well-intact homes built by atomic age architects including Blaine Drake, Al Beadle, Ralph Haver, Charles Polacek, twin brothers Charles and Arthur Schreiber, and the less-known Robert J. Peterson. Initial development of the neighborhood by Paul Cullom of Cullom Construction and Ard Hoyt of Hoyt Construction Company began in 1952. The lots were originally a hard sell due to their location outside Phoenix city limits, but thanks to some innovative ideas such as all-electric homes and customized designs by big-name architects, the roughly 1/3-acre lots eventually became, and still remain, filled.
Windmere Estimated value of homes: $262,000 to $523,000 Cross streets: 44th Street and Indian School Road
If you can overlook the sounds of school bells and band practice, Windmere is an ideal Midcentury Modern neighborhood. The Ralph Haver subdivision nestled right next to Arcadia High School is surprisingly consistent in aesthetic for a neighborhood that's now 60 years old. Between newly renovated homes and homes that don't appear to have been touched since their construction, the residents seem to more or less agree on preserving historic integrity, which is a huge plus in today's Midcentury Modern 'hoods.
