The comparatively large historic district of Encanto-Palmcroft (a.k.a. Encanto Village or simply the Encanto area) contains some of the most coveted homes Phoenix real estate has to offer. In fact, each Spring the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Home Tour and Street Fair draws hundreds of people who pay good money for a quick peek at the interiors of a handful of these historic Phoenix homes. The Palmcroft section was developed first in the southern portion of the 80-acre Encanto-Palmcroft land parcel from 1927 through 1929 by Dwight B. Heard (who also founded the Heard Museum in 1929). Stately Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revivals provide unending detail and charm throughout this most coveted of historic Phoenix neighborhoods. Wrought-iron railings and grilles, hand-forged hardware, and barrel-tile rooftops add just the right touches to architectural favorites like good old-fashioned chimneys, arched doorways, and rounded, multi-paned windows. Unlike the trend found in most Phoenix homes for sale over the years, many Encanto homes have two stories, but the occasional Ranch reminds visitors of long-standing Phoenix real estate tradition. Mature palms line the curved streets that form unusually shaped lots, which are well manicured and punctuated with colorful flowerpots, decorative benches, inviting bird baths, and soothing water fountains. Phoenix homes for sale in the Encanto-Palmcroft area can be found anywhere from McDowell Road on the south, 15th avenue on the west, Encanto boulevard on the north and 7th avenue on the east. Prices start in the low $300,000s, with some of the grander homes reaching well into the millions. Inhabitants tend to be older, top-of-their-field types such as doctors, CEOs, and state senators, one of the more famous being one-time resident Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist. The area surrounding the Encanto-Palmcroft historic district has had its ups and downs, but is currently enjoying a renaissance of commerce that caters to the prosperous and tasteful: antiques stores, specialty boutiques, and chic restaurants. Other points of interest include: The 200-acre Encanto Park has something for everyone: Canoe, paddle-boat, or fish in the large lake that meanders throughout the park; swim in the Olympic-size pool; play softball, tennis, or any number of sports requiring nice grassy, open lawns; or take the little ones for a ride in the Enchanted Island Amusement Park, built especially for the 54-inches-and-under set. Steele Indian School Park, while a little smaller than Encanto Park, offers plenty for Encanto residents: a 1.83-acre dog park; a 15-acre neighborhood park with a playground, basketball and volleyball courts and picnic ramadas; and an amphitheatre that seats 1500 grass-loving audience members. Park Central Mall, built in the 1950s on what was then dairy land, helped bring further development to the area. Though many retail establishments, such as anchor department store JCPenney, have closed their doors, the mall is still a very busy place with business office tenants such as United Health Group and a number of small retailers and restaurants. Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum (known to locals as “the Coliseum”), is a 15,000-seat auditorium located on the Arizona State Fairgrounds. It’s been the home of numerous Arizona sports teams throughout the years, including the Phoenix Roadrunners, (hockey) and the Phoenix Suns (basketball). It’s also host to the VNSA (Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association) book sale, the “largest book sale in the West,” held every February. The Encanto Golf Course, with an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course, provides a relaxed golf experience for residents of the Encanto-Palmcroft area. Long-established lawns, tall palms and spectacular views of downtown Phoenix remind golfers just what it is they love about phoenix historic neighborhoods. The Encanto Golf Course hosts a variety of tournaments and offers Youth Golf Classes taught by PGA pros.
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A Spanish style home in the historic Encanto-Palmcroft area of Phoenix. To learn more about Phoenix homes for sale in the Encanto-Palmcroft area, call me at 602.620.6267 or email me. Joe Janus, real estate agent and Realtor® specializing in Homes with Exceptional Style in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona Note: homes on this page are representative of the area and may not be for sale.
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