Arcadia
Arcadia's citrus-lined streets and sprawling green lawns create a lush oasis in the desert with spectacular Camelback Mountain views. This coveted neighborhood combines family-friendly charm with multimillion-dollar luxury estates, where the scent of orange blossoms fills the air each spring and trendy restaurants occupy repurposed mid-century buildings.
Phoenix's Verdant Oasis
Arcadia is one of Phoenix's most iconic neighborhoods, blending historical roots with modern luxury. Situated in east Phoenix (bordering Scottsdale to the east and Paradise Valley to the north), Arcadia is generally defined by Camelback Road to the north, the Arizona Canal to the south, 44th Street on the west and 68th Street on the east.
Developed largely on former citrus groves, Arcadia is renowned for its well-irrigated, lush landscaping – a true green oasis in the desert. Streets are often lined with mature orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees, "reminders of the area's past" when citrus farms thrived here from 1919 through the 1950s.
Today, Arcadia contains expansive properties and some of the most coveted real estate in the Valley. Homes sit on large lots (typically half-acre or more), and many are ranch-style or Santa Barbara/Tuscan-style residences that have been beautifully updated or rebuilt into luxury estates. It's not uncommon to see properties with guest houses, large pools, and sweeping lawns.
Despite the upscale housing, Arcadia retains a relaxed, family-friendly vibe – kids riding bikes on quiet streets and neighbors chatting in front yards. The neighborhood's character is a unique mix of historic and upscale: you'll see original 1950s ranch homes next to multimillion-dollar new builds, all harmonized by strict zoning that maintains single-family residential use.
Lifestyle & Local Attractions
![PHOTO: Suggest an image of La Grande Orange or Postino in Arcadia showing the vibrant indoor/outdoor dining scene]
The Arcadia lifestyle is often described as the perfect balance of laid-back and luxurious. The neighborhood's lush setting encourages an active outdoor life – residents frequently jog, walk dogs, or push strollers along the Arizona Canal Trail, which cuts through Arcadia and is a popular route for biking and running amid greenery.
Camelback Mountain, directly to Arcadia's north, provides a dramatic backdrop and a recreational outlet – the Echo Canyon and Cholla trailheads (for hiking Camelback's summit) are just minutes away, making pre-work or sunset hikes a common pastime for locals.
When it comes to dining and shopping, Arcadia is peppered with unique local favorites. Along Arcadia's main corridors (Camelback, Indian School, 32nd/44th Streets) are some of Phoenix's trendiest eateries. For instance, La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria and Postino Wine Café (Arcadia) at 40th Street & Campbell are iconic hangouts, set in a repurposed mid-century post office building. They form a community hub where you'll see neighbors chatting over coffee or a glass of wine on the patio.
Arcadia is also known for community spirit – Halloween in Arcadia draws families from all over for trick-or-treating along famously decorated streets, and during spring, the scent of orange blossoms wafts through the entire neighborhood (a sensory reminder of Arcadia's orchard days).
Cultural attractions are nearby: the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park are just to the south of Arcadia, a 5-10 minute drive, making for easy family outings. Meanwhile, Old Town Scottsdale with its art galleries, nightlife, and restaurants is similarly close, offering Arcadia residents abundant entertainment options without sacrificing their quiet home base.
Real Estate Market Trends
![PHOTO: Suggest an image of a luxurious Arcadia backyard with pool, outdoor kitchen and Camelback Mountain views]
Arcadia's real estate market has been exceptionally strong, consistently ranking among the priciest in the Valley – and recent trends show significant appreciation. As of early 2025, the median sale price in Arcadia has skyrocketed to about $1.6 million, which represents a remarkable +25.5% year-over-year increase.
This surge in median price underscores Arcadia's high demand and limited inventory; in fact, the average Arcadia home price is roughly triple the overall Phoenix median. The neighborhood's allure (large lots, location, Camelback views) has attracted well-heeled buyers, including out-of-state transplants, causing intense competition for available homes.
It's worth noting that Arcadia is sometimes subdivided in real estate circles into "Arcadia proper" (closer to Camelback Mountain with larger estates) and "Arcadia Lite" (south of Indian School, with slightly more modest homes). Both areas have seen rising prices, though Arcadia proper leads the pack with many sales in the $2M–$5M range for rebuilt luxury homes.
The typical property types in Arcadia are single-family homes; there's virtually no condo market in the core neighborhood. Many older ranch houses (mid-century, ~2,000 sq ft) have become targets for either full renovation or teardown and new construction of 5,000+ sq ft custom homes.
Market conditions heavily favor sellers due to chronic low supply – people who move into Arcadia often stay long-term, and when homes do hit the market, multiple cash offers or even bidding wars are common (especially for anything under $1.5M, which is considered entry-level in Arcadia).
Seller Insights
For homeowners looking to sell in Arcadia, the market is in your favor – but to maximize your outcome, consider these Arcadia-specific insights:
Capitalize on Unique Arcadia Features: Arcadia buyers are often specifically seeking what this neighborhood offers that others don't. If your property has flood irrigation rights, make sure to tout that – not every buyer from out of state knows its value, but locals know it's key to those lush lawns (many will pay a premium for mature citrus trees and greenery made possible by irrigation).
Highlight any Camelback Mountain views or the orientation of the home that captures sunsets, as well as outdoor living spaces (Arcadia homes are known for backyards built for entertaining – showcase your BBQ area, fire pit, or pool with photos taken at magic hour).
Target the Right Buyer Pool: Understand that Arcadia attracts a range of buyers: families drawn to the schools and yard space, luxury buyers from out of state looking for a signature Phoenix home, and developers eyeing older homes.
Families will care about the fine details – is there a mudroom? high-end kitchen appliances? – stage the home to show family functionality. Luxury out-of-state buyers might be comparing your home to properties in Paradise Valley or Scottsdale; thus, professional staging and perhaps minor upgrades can help your Arcadia home stand out as turn-key.
Smooth the Due Diligence Process: While sellers have the upper hand, Arcadia transactions can come with scrutiny because of the higher dollar amounts. It's wise to prepare for the inspection by pre-emptively addressing common issues. Providing info about the Arcadia Water Company (which manages the neighborhood's irrigation – established 1919) and how irrigation is maintained is a nice touch, since many buyers will be unfamiliar with that.