Uptown Phoenix
Uptown Phoenix delivers the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and urban sophistication beneath a canopy of mature trees along the historic Murphy Bridle Path. Here, elegant ranch homes and trendy dining spots create an atmosphere where neighbors gather for farmers markets on weekends and cocktails at award-winning restaurants by night.
Where Urban Convenience Meets Leafy Seclusion
Uptown Phoenix refers to the vibrant central corridor roughly between Indian School Road and Northern Avenue (picking up where "Midtown" ends and extending through the North Central neighborhoods). This area has a storied history as one of Phoenix's most desirable residential districts.
In the early 1900s, developer William J. Murphy established the Orangewood subdivision here, planting thousands of orange trees and creating what is now the famed Murphy Bridle Path – a shaded walking and equestrian path along Central Avenue that dates back to 1895. Today, Uptown is known for its lush, irrigated lots and beautiful streetscapes: Central Avenue is lined with 100-year-old olive and ash trees and flanked by some of the city's most elegant ranch-style homes.
The neighborhood character is a mix of historic and mid-century – you'll find large ranch houses on half-acre lots, mid-century modern homes in subdivisions like Windsor Square and Medlock Place, and newer infill luxury townhomes and condos. Uptown's appeal lies in its blend of suburban serenity and urban convenience: it's minutes from Downtown, yet retains a peaceful, upscale atmosphere with green yards and the iconic bridle path where neighbors jog or push strollers under a canopy of trees.
Lifestyle & Local Attractions
![PHOTO: Suggest an image of Uptown Plaza shopping center showing its mid-century modern architecture and outdoor dining areas]
Uptown Phoenix offers an exciting lifestyle that balances trendy urban amenities with family-friendly comforts. The area has become a dining and shopping hotspot in recent years. At the center is Uptown Plaza (Central & Camelback), a restored 1950s shopping center that now houses popular eateries like Shake Shack and regional favorites.
Within a few blocks radius you'll find some of the city's hippest restaurants – Postino Central (a wine café in a mid-century post office building), Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Windsor & Churn (gastropub and artisan ice cream in a revamped historic building), and Federal Pizza (set in a retro bank building). Along 7th Street in Uptown's eastern side, a bustling restaurant row features hotspots like Culinary Dropout, Mora Italian, and Ocotillo.
Residents also enjoy the Uptown Farmers Market, held year-round on Saturday mornings at North Phoenix Baptist Church (Central & Bethany Home) – it's a large market offering local produce, artisanal foods, and community vibe.
Recreation is woven into Uptown life: The Murphy Bridle Path runs 2.5 miles along Central, perfect for evening walks under the string lights hung by neighbors for the holidays. Just to the east, the Arizona Canal trail is great for biking. Various pocket parks and the historic Phoenix Mountain Preserve (Piestewa Peak trailheads) are a short drive for hiking.
Real Estate Market Trends
The Uptown/North Central housing market remains very robust in 2025, thanks to the area's desirability. Home values here are higher than the Phoenix average and have seen steady appreciation. The median sale price for homes in the central corridor zips (like 85012 and 85013 covering Uptown) is around $550,000–$600,000 as of early 2025.
In fact, in ZIP 85013, which includes much of Uptown, the median sale price was about $545K, up 8.6% year-over-year – a healthy growth reflecting continued demand. Many single-family homes in Uptown sell in the $700K–$1.5M range, especially for the large ranch homes along Central Avenue and in gated communities.
At the same time, Uptown offers diversity: there are townhomes and condos, particularly near the Camelback corridor, in the $300K–$500K range, making it possible for first-time buyers to enter the neighborhood.
Inventory has been somewhat tight; new listings often get snapped up quickly, especially if priced under the median. Uptown tends to be a seller's market – homes often receive multiple offers, and bidding wars can occur on attractive listings.
Seller Insights
Selling a home in Uptown Phoenix comes with distinct advantages – and some expectations from the buyer pool:
Leverage the Lifestyle: Uptown's reputation sells itself, so make sure your marketing highlights the lifestyle perks. Emphasize proximity to top restaurants, Uptown Farmers Market, and the fact that the home is in the coveted North Central corridor. Families will be drawn to mentions of Madison schools ("award-winning Madison district") and nearby parks, while young professionals love the walkability to nightlife.
![PHOTO: Suggest an image of a North Central Phoenix home with lush green landscaping and mature trees]
Maximize Curb Appeal & Outdoor Space: North Central homes are prized for their expansive yards and greenery, so ensure your front landscape is manicured and inviting. If you have flood irrigation, highlight that as a feature – deep green lawns in Phoenix are a luxury. Stage patios or backyards with outdoor furniture to showcase the indoor-outdoor living that Uptown's large lots allow.
Pricing and Presentation: Uptown's market is strong, but buyers at the higher price points will be discerning. Work with your agent to price competitively; bidding wars can push the final price up if you attract multiple offers initially. Homes here generally hold value well, so use recent comparable sales to justify any premium you're asking for unique features.