If you drive too fast down Central Avenue, you might miss one of the most charming pockets in the entire city. Tucked away just north of Camelback Road and south of Missouri Avenue, between Central and 7th Avenues, lies Medlock Place. It is a neighborhood that somehow manages to feel like a rural escape while sitting right in the middle of Uptown’s busiest commercial hub.
The vibe here is distinct from almost anywhere else in Phoenix. While other historic districts are known for manicured palm trees and curbs, Medlock Place feels a bit wilder and more relaxed. You’ll notice curbless streets, deep setbacks, and towering mature trees that canopy the roads. It feels like the countryside, yet you are literally a five-minute walk from a light rail station and some of the best dining in the Valley.
For homebuyers in 2026, this area represents a “best of both worlds” scenario. It attracts those who want the square footage and irrigated greenery of a suburban lot but refuse to give up the walkability and cultural density of the urban core. If you are looking for a place where you can grow a massive garden in the backyard and then walk to shake shack for a burger, this is where you start your search.
From Fruit Orchards to Historic District
To understand why Medlock Place looks the way it does, you have to look back at its roots. In the late 1920s, a developer named Floyd Medlock carved this land out of what used to be expansive citrus orchards. At the time, this was considered a “suburb” located about four miles north of the city center—a weekend getaway compared to the density of downtown.
Development kicked off with the original Medlock Place in 1926 and South Medlock in 1927. Over the next two decades, the area filled in slowly, which is why you see such a mix of architectural styles today. It wasn’t just a grid of homes dropped in overnight; it evolved.
In 2006, the neighborhood was officially designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation has been crucial in preserving that unique transition from a rural outpost to a central urban neighborhood. Today, the fruit trees in many backyards are the living legacy of those original orchards.
Medlock Place Real Estate & Architectural Styles
When you are looking at homes in Medlock Place, you aren’t going to find a “cookie-cutter” aesthetic. The long development timeline created a wonderful architectural patchwork. You will see 1920s and 30s Period Revivals—think English Tudor cottages, Spanish Colonial, and Pueblo Revival—sitting right down the street from 1940s and 50s Ranch-style homes.
One of the biggest drivers of value here is the land itself. While many historic districts closer to downtown sit on smaller urban lots, Medlock Place is known for large, flood-irrigated lots. It is common to find properties ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 acre. That extra space is a luxury in Central Phoenix and allows for guest houses (casitas), pools, and extensive gardens.
For those keeping an eye on the market in 2026, inventory remains tight because people tend to stay here for a long time. However, there are options for different budgets, including some mid-century townhome communities on the edges of the neighborhood.
Market Snapshot (2026 Estimates):
- Single-Family Homes: Prices generally run from $700,000 to over $1.5M. The variance depends heavily on whether the home is a fully restored historic gem or a mid-century ranch needing updates.
- Condos & Townhomes: A more accessible entry point, typically ranging from $350,000 to $550,000.
- Market Conditions: This is a balanced to seller-favored market. High desirability and low turnover mean well-priced homes move quickly.
If you are interested in phoenix historic homes for sale, paying attention to the details here is key. The lack of curbs and gutters in the older sections isn’t a lack of infrastructure; it’s a deliberate preservation of that “country” aesthetic that residents love.
Lifestyle & Amenities: The Uptown Advantage
The primary reason buyers target Medlock Place is the lifestyle. You have the privacy of a large lot, but the moment you step off your property, you are in the heart of Uptown Phoenix. The Walk Score here is incredibly high for a neighborhood that looks this green.
Your “corner store” is essentially Uptown Plaza, located at the southeast corner of the neighborhood (Central and Camelback). This isn’t just a strip mall; it’s a restored mid-century landmark and the social hub of the area. Residents walk here to grab groceries at AJ’s Fine Foods, pick up dinner at Flower Child or Lou Malnati’s, or grab a burger at Shake Shack.
Beyond the plaza, the dining options along Central Avenue are top-tier.
- Postino Central: The original wine cafe that started the local empire is just a short walk away.
- Windsor: Great for patio dining and craft cocktails.
- Federal Pizza: A local favorite located inside a restored 1950s bank building.
- Joyride Taco House: A go-to spot for casual Mexican food and margaritas.
For recreation, you don’t even need a car. The Murphy Bridle Path runs along Central Avenue right past the neighborhood. This historic, shaded dirt path is bustling every morning and evening with runners, dog walkers, and cyclists. It connects Medlock Place to the neighborhoods further north, making it easy to get miles of exercise without dealing with traffic.
Schools and Education
For households prioritizing education, the local school district is often a major factor in choosing Medlock Place. The neighborhood is zoned for the Madison Elementary School District, which has a stellar reputation across the Valley.
Most homes here fall within the boundaries for Madison Simis (Elementary) and Madison Meadows (Middle School), both of which are highly regarded for their academic programs and community involvement. It is always smart to verify the specific homes in Madison School District boundaries, as they can shift, but generally, Medlock Place is secure in this zone.
For high school, the area is served by the Phoenix Union High School District, with many students attending Central High School or Camelback High School. Additionally, the central location puts you within a very short commute of prestigious private options like Brophy College Preparatory and Xavier College Preparatory.
Commute & Transportation
Living in Medlock Place means you have genuine transportation choices. If you want to go car-free for a night out or a trip to the airport, the Valley Metro Light Rail station at Central Avenue and Camelback Road is right at your doorstep. This line provides a direct link to Downtown Phoenix, Arizona State University, and Sky Harbor International Airport.
For drivers, the location is equally convenient. You can access the SR-51 freeway quickly via Camelback or Bethany Home Road, or hop onto I-17 if you are heading north or west.
Typical Drive Times:
- Downtown Phoenix: 10–15 minutes.
- Sky Harbor Airport: 15–20 minutes.
- Scottsdale: 20–25 minutes.
One local traffic quirk to be aware of is the reverse lanes on Central Avenue. During rush hour, the center lanes switch direction to accommodate heavy traffic flow. It takes a little getting used to, but it keeps traffic moving efficiently during peak times.
Medlock Place vs. Nearby Historic Neighborhoods
If you are browsing historic neighborhoods in Phoenix , you are likely comparing Medlock Place against its neighbors. While they share a zip code, the feel on the ground is different.
- Medlock Place vs. Windsor Square: Located just across Central Avenue, Windsor Square is the “sibling” neighborhood. The main difference is the layout. Windsor Square features curvy, non-grid streets that can feel a bit more suburban and contained. Medlock retains the rural grid and is often slightly more approachable in price, though both are premium areas.
- Medlock Place vs. Pierson Place: South of Camelback lies Pierson Place. That area has a higher density of multi-family housing and apartments mixed in with single-family homes. It feels more “city” and busy. Medlock Place is significantly quieter and greener.
- Medlock Place vs. Willo: Willo is famous for its skinny, palm-lined streets and smaller urban lots. If you want a low-maintenance yard and a tight-knit front-porch culture, Willo is great. If you want a sprawling backyard with flood irrigation and big shade trees, Medlock Place is the winner.
Living in Medlock Place: Pros and Cons
Every neighborhood has trade-offs. Here is a realistic look at what it’s like to live here.
The Pros:
- The Lots: You rarely find this much land (1/4 acre+) this close to the city core.
- Walkability: You can legitimately walk to grocery stores, high-end dining, and the movies.
- Irrigation: The flood irrigation phoenix guide schedules keep the neighborhood lush and green, lowering ambient temperatures.
- Value: Historic homes in this zip code tend to hold their value well due to scarcity.
The Cons:
- Price of Entry: It is not a starter home neighborhood; values are high.
- Noise: Being bounded by Camelback and Central means you will hear city noise, especially sirens and traffic, if you live on the perimeter streets.
- Maintenance: Older homes require work. You will likely deal with original plumbing or electrical updates if they haven’t been done yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medlock Place a designated historic district?
Yes, Medlock Place was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This designation recognizes its significance in Phoenix’s development but also means there may be guidelines or tax incentives available for preserving the exterior character of the homes.
What schools serve the Medlock Place neighborhood?
The neighborhood is primarily served by the Madison Elementary School District (typically Madison Simis and Madison Meadows) and the Phoenix Union High School District. There are also several charter and private school options within a short drive.
Does Medlock Place have an HOA?
No, like most historic districts in Phoenix, Medlock Place does not have a mandatory Homeowners Association (HOA). However, the city’s historic preservation office oversees significant changes to home exteriors to maintain the neighborhood’s character.
What is the average home price in Medlock Place?
As of early 2026, single-family homes generally range from $700,000 to over $1.5 million depending on size and renovation status. Condos and townhomes in the area offer a lower price point, usually between $350,000 and $550,000.
Is Medlock Place walkable?
Yes, it is one of the most walkable historic districts in Phoenix. Residents can easily walk to the light rail, the Murphy Bridle Path, and the extensive shopping and dining options at Uptown Plaza and along Central Avenue.