How have these 2015 predictions for Phoenix's hottest neighborhoods held up?
Back in August 2015, Phoenix Magazine revealed what they predicted will be the 10 “hottest” neighborhoods in the Valley by the year 2020. We’re not quite there yet but since we’re about halfway home, we thought it might be fun to see if their Phoenix neighborhood choices still stack up.
Sunnyslope
Sunnyslope in Northern Phoenix, often referred to as “The Slope,” offers fixer-uppers with million-dollar views. With homes typically built between 1945 and 2006, you may get a bargain if you can settle for a fixer-upper. Known as a “divey indie hood,” nearby neighborhood North Central Heights has a variety of local restaurants and bars for the urban savvy. As Phoenix Magazine suggested, the light rail extension, which is now averaging thousands of boardings each weekday, has definitely enlivened 19th Avenue.
Skysong
Skysong is a 42-acre mixed-use innovation center and luxury community minutes from Old Town Scottsdale and the neighborhood New Papago Parkway. This 1.2-million-square-foot campus focuses on innovation and houses some of the biggest companies down to the most eager start-ups. At almost 90 percent full occupancy, Skysong is a major connector to home, technology, and operations around the world. A recent survey by The Scottsdale Gateway Alliance, reported by AZ Central, shows participants would like to see an influx of unique dining and shopping options, boutique grocery stores, and farmers markets. Continued growth is geared toward getting recent graduates from Arizona State University “to stick around and find local jobs.”
Edge City
Scottsdale Airpark or “Edge City,” located in the neighborhood of Silverleaf, boasts a smarter kind of luxury community that’s seen in the futuristic homes and condos of Sterling Collection at Silverleaf. Ownership in the community comes with high-end amenities like the members only Silverleaf Club and use of a surrounding Tom Weiskopf designed 18-hole championship golf course. As predicted, the community has garnered the reputation of being one of the poshest neighborhoods around. Per AZ Central, they will also introduce smaller condos this year for those who prefer a home within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Prices start at $1.5 million.
Garfield
Garfield Historic District offers a mixture of building styles and businesses. Although fiercely commercial, between Roosevelt, Van Buren, Seventh and 16th streets, the densely populated area has some Craftsman, Southwest, ranch, and International Style homes. Part of the Reinvent Phoenix program, revamping has provided colorful splashes throughout with murals and artsy buildings. Though not yet at its prime, the location and its proximity to downtown allow for major potential in the future.
The Triangle
The Triangle is another area with clout based on its close location to everything. An “urban pocket” in the northeast corner of the neighborhood of Grand, and conveniently located between Roosevelt Street, Grand Avenue, and Seventh Avenue, it showcases edgy housing projects like shipping container homes as well as trendy shops, local pubs and galleries. Juxtaposed to the historic bungalows and public artwork, this neighborhood is already a favorite of locals well before the 2020 mark.
Tempe Lakeside
Tempe Lakeside has made a name for itself as being the state leader in sustainable urban planning development. The lakefront serves as a coveted oasis in the desert and is a favorite spot for active locals and visitors to spend the weekends boating, hiking, and biking. Multiple-story waterfront condos and townhomes like those found at 525 Town Lake Condominiums offer incredible views. And although the streetcar planned to have been built in 2016 is now set to begin formal construction in 2018, the area is gaining credibility as a major contender, even if it’s a few years behind schedule.
Central City South
Central City South is in a current state of expansion and growth. Historic homes can be found among completely razed buildings making room for the modern and new. A breath of fresh air from the rising prices of Downtown, the mixed-income communities here offer a great opportunity for first-time buyers ready to take on fixer-uppers. However, Realtor.com reveals median listing prices have more than doubled on homes in the last three years, making the 2015 prediction that this neighborhood would become a hotspot pretty accurate.
Silk Stocking
Silk Stocking, just north of the neighborhood San Marcos Country Club Estates in Chandler has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to its 1920s homes that include Craftsman bungalows, early ranch-style homes, and Spanish Colonial Revivals. Those that admire history will appreciate the charm while those with urban requirements can appreciate the much-anticipated 60,000-square-foot entertainment center called Overstreet (formerly The Row), which is bringing multiple restaurants, a brewhouse, and a modern theater with it.
Eastmark
Eastmark in Mesa remains a cutting-edge community considered by some to be the “future of master-planned communities.” Designed to connect residents with the outdoors, the neighborhood streets are bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. With 20 million square feet designated for commercial development, it has also become a hub for innovative businesses. Currently the best-selling master planned community in Arizona, Eastmark isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Victory at Verrado
Victory at Verrado is located in Verrado, Buckeye and isn’t any old retirement community. Tailored to the “modern boomer,” this 55-plus active adult community features its own vineyard, views of the White Tank Mountains, and a Tom Lehman 18-hole course. Homes were meticulously designed by a variety of architects to provide diverse styles from the mid $200,000s to high $800,000s. True to the foresight in 2015 about this as being a hot place to retire, it was recently named one of the 50 best master-planned communities for retirees by Where to Retire Magazine.