Here's a quick overview of the top mid-century modern neighborhoods in Arizona:
- Marlen Grove, Phoenix
- Paradise Gardens, Phoenix
- Town and Country Scottsdale, Scottsdale
- Marion Estates, Phoenix
- Windemere, Phoenix
- Indian Ridge Estates, Tucson
- Windsor Park, Tucson
- Poet's Square, Tucson
- Harold Bell Wright Estates, Tucson
- The Catalina Foothills, Tucson
Key features of these neighborhoods:
- Low, flat roofs
- Large windows
- Open floor plans
- Natural materials
- Indoor-outdoor living
| Neighborhood | City | Home Size (sq ft) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marlen Grove | Phoenix | 1,500-2,000 | $400K-$700K |
| Paradise Gardens | Phoenix | 1,200-1,800 | $350K-$600K |
| Town and Country | Scottsdale | 1,800-2,500 | $600K-$1M+ |
| Marion Estates | Phoenix | 2,500-4,000 | $800K-$2M+ |
| Windemere | Phoenix | 1,500-2,200 | $450K-$800K |
| Indian Ridge Estates | Tucson | 1,800-2,500 | $400K-$700K |
| Windsor Park | Tucson | 1,500-2,000 | $350K-$600K |
| Poet's Square | Tucson | 1,200-1,800 | $300K-$500K |
| Harold Bell Wright Estates | Tucson | 2,000-3,000 | $500K-$900K |
| The Catalina Foothills | Tucson | 2,500-5,000+ | $300K-$1M+ |
These neighborhoods showcase Arizona's mid-century modern architecture from the 1940s-1960s, blending indoor and outdoor living in the desert climate.
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1. Marlen Grove, Phoenix
Location and Brief History
Marlen Grove is in Phoenix's Uptown area, just south of Bethany Home Road between 10th and 11th Streets. It was once a citrus grove but became a neighborhood in 1952. Architect Ralph Haver and Perry-Brignall Construction Co. designed it to be stylish and affordable.
Key Architectural Features
Marlen Grove homes have these features:
- Low, sloping roofs
- High ceilings with beams
- Windows near the ceiling for light
- Walls made of sandwashed blocks
- Open carports (some now "patio-ports")
- Glass gables
- Mahogany doors
The neighborhood has four different home types. These are placed in different ways along the streets to make the area look varied but still matching.
Notable Homes or Landmarks
While there aren't specific landmarks, the whole Marlen Grove area is known for its desert modern style. Some old grapefruit trees from the original grove are still there, adding to its charm.
Current Real Estate Trends
Marlen Grove is now very popular. People who like mid-century modern design want to live there. Home prices have gone up a lot:
| Year | Original Price | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | $11,400 | Over $500,000 |
Well-kept homes in Marlen Grove often sell for more than $500,000. People like these homes because of their style and because Ralph Haver designed them. Many buyers enjoy fixing up these old homes while keeping their original look.
2. Paradise Gardens, Phoenix
Location and Brief History
Paradise Gardens is a mid-century modern neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona. It's between 32nd and 36th Streets, north of Mountain View and south of Shea Boulevard. Robert Altherr of A-1 Construction built it in the mid-1960s. He worked with Al Beadle, a well-known architect, to design the homes.
Key Architectural Features
Paradise Gardens homes have these features:
- Concrete block walls
- Open floor plans
- Big windows to see the desert
- Long roof overhangs for shade
- Stepped fronts
- Decorative breeze blocks
- Flat roofs with sparkly quartz
- Separate carports
Beadle made four types of homes:
| Home Type | Named After |
|---|---|
| Ocotillo | Cactus |
| Cholla | Cactus |
| Palo Verde | Tree |
| Saguaro | Cactus |
Current Real Estate Trends
When first built, these homes cost about $18,000. Now, they're worth much more. People who like mid-century modern style really want these homes. The lots are big, from about 1/4 to 1/2 acre. This is more space than many new homes have. While we don't have exact prices, these homes likely cost a lot now because they're so popular.
3. Town and Country Scottsdale, Scottsdale
Location and Brief History
Town and Country Scottsdale is in Scottsdale, Arizona, near 72nd Place and Oak. Fred E. 'Woody' Woodworth built it in 1959. It has 62 homes designed by Haver & Nunn. In 2005, Scottsdale named it a historic neighborhood. In 2010, it joined the National Register of Historic Places.
Key Architectural Features
Town and Country Scottsdale homes have these features:
- Big patio-ports: Large carports that can be turned into patios
- Corner-to-corner glass walls: Let in light but keep privacy
- Sliding glass doors: Lead to patio-ports in bigger homes
- Clinker brick: Used on some walls
- Smart window placement: Front bathroom window hidden in design
| Home Type | Original Price (1959) |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | $13,500 |
| 3-bedroom | $15,225 |
| 4-bedroom | $16,950 |
Current Real Estate Trends
As of 2020, homes here cost more:
| Year | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 1959 | $15,225 |
| 2020 | $420,000 |
Scottsdale gives money to fix up old homes. This helps keep the neighborhood looking good. If you buy a home here, try to keep the old parts like the clinker brick. This keeps the neighborhood's old-time look and helps the homes stay valuable.
4. Marion Estates, Phoenix
Location and Brief History
Marion Estates is a high-end mid-century modern area in Phoenix, Arizona. It's north of Camelback Road, near 44th Street. Built in 1952, it was first outside the city. The neighborhood is known for its great views of Praying Monk and Camelback Mountain. Big lots and nice views made it perfect for simple, modern homes.
Key Architectural Features
Marion Estates has many types of mid-century modern homes:
- Flat and sloped roofs
- Carports and separate garages
- Open layouts with mountain views
- Lots of glass walls
- Big offices and game rooms in some houses
Famous architects like Ralph Haver, Al Beadle, and Blane Drake designed homes here. Some houses look just like they did in the 1950s, while others have been updated.
Notable Homes
Here are two standout homes in Marion Estates:
| Year Built | Features |
|---|---|
| 1959 | - Glass walls in every room - Views of Camelback Mountain - Open floor plan - Three main bedrooms - Extra office and game room |
| 1953 | - Designed by Charles Polacek - Decorative front wall - Red brick construction - Different wall styles |
Current Real Estate Trends
Marion Estates homes have gone up in price a lot:
| Year | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1953 | About $14,500 |
| 2024 | $2.2M - $3.5M |
Right now, only 2 homes are for sale. People who live here:
- Like their privacy
- Want to keep the area clean and nice-looking
- Often join in neighborhood events
If you want to buy a home here, try to keep the old style while making updates. This helps keep the neighborhood's history and home values strong.
5. Windemere, Phoenix
Location and Brief History
Windemere is a mid-century modern neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona. It's between 45th Street and 45th Place, from Indian School Road to Piccadilly Lane. Built in 1955, it has 124 homes designed by Ralph Haver. People called it the "Home for Southwest Living" when it was new.
Key Architectural Features
Windemere homes have these features:
- Low, sloping roofs
- Big windows
- Open floor plans
- Carports (some now living spaces)
- Simple, clean design
Many homes still look like Haver's original designs. The neighborhood has lots of trees and small front yards, making it feel cozy.
Current Real Estate Trends
Windemere isn't officially historic yet, but people who like mid-century modern homes really want to live there. Here's what's happening with homes in Windemere:
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Renovations | More people are updating homes |
| Home types | Mix of old-style and updated houses |
| Community focus | People try to keep the old look |
| Buyer interest | Growing for real mid-century modern homes |
If you want to buy or fix up a Windemere home, try to keep the old style while making it modern. This helps keep the neighborhood special and homes valuable.
6. Indian Ridge Estates, Tucson
Location and Brief History
Indian Ridge Estates is an old mid-century modern area in east Tucson, Arizona. It's at the corner of Tanque Verde Road and Sabino Canyon Road. The area has a long history:
- Hohokam Indians lived there around 1150 AD
- The University of Arizona keeps an old site in the neighborhood
Key Architectural Features
Indian Ridge Estates homes have these features:
- One-story houses with slanted roofs
- Made with burnt adobe and red brick
- Big angled windows and glass doors
- Views of the Catalina mountains
- Wide streets with desert plants and trees
The roads in the area curve, making odd-shaped lots that look nice.
Current Real Estate Trends
People who like mid-century modern homes want to live in Indian Ridge Estates:
| What's Happening | Details |
|---|---|
| Keeping old looks | People try to keep homes looking like they used to |
| Neighborhood fun | 4th of July parade and holiday lights night |
| Good for nature | Homes use natural materials and fit well with the land |
| History | Trying to get on the National Historic Register |
| Popular | More people want to buy these old-style homes |
As of July 2024, homes in Indian Ridge Estates cost between $520,000 and $649,990. People like these homes because they're old and special in Tucson.
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7. Windsor Park, Tucson
Location and Brief History
Windsor Park is a mid-century modern neighborhood in northeast Tucson, Arizona. J. Herbert Oxman built it in 1962. It has about 125 homes. You can find it near Wrightstown Road and Camino Seco.
Key Architectural Features
Windsor Park homes have these features:
- Low roofs
- Big windows from floor to ceiling
- Large back yards
- Wide, slanted roofs
- Double carports or garages
- Built with burnt adobe or "Windsor stone"
The neighborhood has six different home types:
| Home Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Camelot | Mid-century design |
| Manchester | Classic style |
| Presidio | Southwest influence |
| Carmel | California-inspired |
| Taos | New Mexico flair |
| Balboa | Open concept |
These homes try to make you feel like you're almost outside when you're inside.
Current Real Estate Trends
People who like mid-century modern homes want to buy in Windsor Park. Here are some recent home sales:
| Address | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8724 E Lancaster Rd | $485,000 | 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,649 sq ft, updated |
| 8702 E Lancaster Rd | $475,000 | 5 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,178 sq ft, old-style look |
These homes often have:
- New paint outside
- New floors
- Lots of light
- Big main bedrooms with doors to outside
- Art rooms in some homes
People like Windsor Park because:
- The homes look different
- It's in a good spot in Tucson
- The lots are big (1/4 to 1/3 acre)
If you want a mid-century modern home in Tucson, Windsor Park is a good place to look.
8. Poet's Square, Tucson
Location and Brief History
Poet's Square is a mid-century modern neighborhood in central Tucson, Arizona. It was built around 1950 when Tucson was growing after World War II.
Key Architectural Features
Poet's Square homes likely have these features:
- Simple designs
- Big windows
- Open layouts
- Blend with nature
Notable Homes or Landmarks
The most interesting thing about Poet's Square is its street names. They're named after famous poets like:
- Edgar Allen Poe
- Walt Whitman
- Robert Burns
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
This makes the neighborhood special compared to others in Tucson.
Current Real Estate Trends
We don't have exact numbers, but Poet's Square homes are probably popular because:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | In the middle of Tucson |
| History | Built in the 1950s |
| Special touch | Streets named after poets |
People who like old homes and literature might want to live here.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| When built | Around 1950 |
| Where | Central Tucson |
| What's different | Poet street names |
| Why it matters | Part of Tucson's growth after World War II |
Poet's Square mixes old-style homes with a love for poetry, making it stand out among Arizona's mid-century modern neighborhoods.
9. Harold Bell Wright Estates, Tucson
Location and Brief History
Harold Bell Wright Estates is a small neighborhood in east Tucson, near Wilmot Road and Speedway Boulevard. It's named after Harold Bell Wright, a well-known American writer who lived there in the 1920s. Wright built a home in the desert, which he used in his books. In 1950, after Wright died, Mary Gardner and L.A. Romine bought the land and split it up to make the neighborhood.
Key Architectural Features
The homes in this area were built in the mid-1900s and have these features:
- Simple designs
- Big windows for lots of light
- Open floor plans
- Fit in well with the desert around them
Most houses are on big lots, at least 1/2 acre in size.
Street Names
The streets in Harold Bell Wright Estates are special because they're named after Wright's books. This makes the neighborhood different from others in Tucson.
Current Real Estate Trends
People like buying homes in Harold Bell Wright Estates for these reasons:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Good location | Close to shops and restaurants |
| Big yards | Lots are 1/2 acre or bigger |
| Quiet area | Peaceful place to live |
| History | Named after a famous writer |
The mix of old-style homes, big lots, and ties to a well-known author makes this area popular. While we don't know exact home prices, the neighborhood is likely doing well in Tucson's housing market.
10. The Catalina Foothills, Tucson
Location and Brief History
The Catalina Foothills is in north Tucson, next to the Santa Catalina Mountains. John and Helen Murphey started building it in the 1920s. They bought 7000 acres of land that people thought was useless desert. Their plan was to make a nice place for rich people from the East to spend winter.
Key Architectural Features
The Catalina Foothills has a special look, mostly because of Josias Joesler, an architect from Switzerland. The homes here have:
- Mix of Spanish and desert styles
- Big windows to see the mountains
- Lots of space between houses
- Designs that fit with the desert
Notable Homes or Landmarks
While not exactly mid-century modern, the area has:
- Homes designed by Joesler, which people really like
- Big houses with great views of Tucson
- Different types of homes, from old ones that need work to very fancy ones
- The Santa Catalina Mountains, which are very tall
Current Real Estate Trends
People still really want to live in the Catalina Foothills. Here's what's happening there now:
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Home prices | From $300,000 for older homes to over $1 million for big, nice ones |
| Yard size | Often near an acre or bigger |
| What you can see | Many homes look out at the mountains and city lights |
| Things to do | Good restaurants, art places, shopping, golf |
| Schools | Some of the best in Tucson |
| Outside fun | Hiking, swimming in natural pools, horse riding, climbing, even skiing |
People like the Catalina Foothills because it's pretty, there's lots to do outside, and the schools are good. It's a top pick for people who want a nice home in the desert.
Neighborhood Comparison
Here's a table comparing the top Mid-Century Modern neighborhoods in Arizona. It shows key details about each area's homes, prices, when they were built, and who designed them.
| Neighborhood | City | Home Size | Price | Built | Designers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlen Grove | Phoenix | 1,500-2,000 sq ft | $400K-$700K | 1950s | Ralph Haver |
| Paradise Gardens | Phoenix | 1,200-1,800 sq ft | $350K-$600K | Late 1950s-Early 1960s | Al Beadle |
| Town and Country Scottsdale | Scottsdale | 1,800-2,500 sq ft | $600K-$1M+ | 1960s | Various |
| Marion Estates | Phoenix | 2,500-4,000 sq ft | $800K-$2M+ | Late 1950s-1960s | Various |
| Windemere | Phoenix | 1,500-2,200 sq ft | $450K-$800K | 1950s-1960s | Various |
| Indian Ridge Estates | Tucson | 1,800-2,500 sq ft | $400K-$700K | 1960s | Various |
| Windsor Park | Tucson | 1,500-2,000 sq ft | $350K-$600K | 1950s-1960s | Various |
| Poet's Square | Tucson | 1,200-1,800 sq ft | $300K-$500K | 1950s | Various |
| Harold Bell Wright Estates | Tucson | 2,000-3,000 sq ft | $500K-$900K | 1950s-1960s | Various |
| The Catalina Foothills | Tucson | 2,500-5,000+ sq ft | $300K-$1M+ | 1920s-1960s | Josias Joesler |
Key points from the table:
-
Prices: Tucson has more affordable options, like Poet's Square and Windsor Park ($300K-$600K). The most expensive homes are in Marion Estates (Phoenix) and The Catalina Foothills (Tucson), costing over $1M.
-
Home Sizes: They range from 1,200 sq ft in Paradise Gardens and Poet's Square to over 5,000 sq ft in The Catalina Foothills.
-
Building Time: Most neighborhoods were built in the 1950s and 1960s. The Catalina Foothills is older, starting in the 1920s.
-
Designers: Some areas have homes by specific architects. Ralph Haver designed Marlen Grove, Al Beadle worked on Paradise Gardens, and Josias Joesler's style is seen in The Catalina Foothills.
When picking a Mid-Century Modern neighborhood in Arizona, think about:
- How much you want to spend
- The size of home you need
- Whether you prefer Phoenix or Tucson
- If you want a home by a famous architect
Each neighborhood has its own Mid-Century Modern style. Some areas have kept the old look, while others have updated homes. Your choice might also depend on what's nearby, like schools and shops, and how the neighborhood feels overall.
Keeping Mid-Century Modern Intact
Many people want to keep Mid-Century Modern neighborhoods in Arizona looking like they used to. This can be hard, but it's important to many homeowners.
Keeping Old Features
To keep Mid-Century Modern homes looking right, people try to keep these parts:
- Flat, long shapes
- Open rooms inside
- Beams and posts that hold up the house
- Materials from nature
- Big windows that let you see outside
It's good to keep these parts when fixing up a house. New building rules can make it hard to add these features later.
Making Everything Match
Some people changed Mid-Century Modern homes in ways that didn't fit, especially in the 1980s. When fixing up these homes, it's important to:
1. Think about how the house was meant to look 2. Take out parts that don't fit 3. Make sure the whole house looks the same
Keeping Old Parts
Keeping old parts of the house is very important. Try to keep:
- Old brickwork
- The front door
- Stone and tile floors
- Built-in furniture
- Old music systems
These things make the house special. Often, you can fix them instead of getting new ones.
Making Old Homes Work Today
People want to keep old homes looking right, but they also need to work for today's living. It can be hard to add new things without changing how the house looks. This takes careful planning.
Working Together
Many neighborhoods with Mid-Century Modern homes have groups that help keep the area looking good. They might:
- Check plans for changing houses
- Make rules about how to fix up houses
- Teach people about Mid-Century Modern homes
- Have events about Mid-Century Modern buildings
| What Neighborhoods Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Check house plans | Keeps houses looking alike |
| Make fix-up rules | Helps everyone know what to do |
| Teach about the homes | People learn why the homes are special |
| Have events | People get excited about the homes |
These things help keep Mid-Century Modern neighborhoods looking good and working well for the people who live there.
Life in Mid-Century Modern Areas
Living in a Mid-Century Modern neighborhood in Arizona offers a mix of old-style charm and new comforts. These areas have special features that make people want to live there.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
Mid-Century Modern homes make it easy to enjoy both inside and outside spaces. They have:
- Big windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Outside areas for living
This lets people:
- Get lots of natural light
- See nice views
- Have parties that move from inside to outside easily
- Feel close to nature
Simple, Useful Design
Mid-Century Modern homes look simple but work well. Living in these areas means having:
| Design Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Open rooms | Makes the house feel bigger |
| Natural materials | Makes rooms feel warm |
| Not much decoration | Keeps rooms calm and tidy |
| Shapes and patterns | Makes rooms look interesting |
Keeping Old Styles
People who live in Mid-Century Modern areas often try to keep their homes looking old-fashioned. They do this by:
1. Fixing up old parts like wood cabinets or colorful tiles
2. Putting in new systems without changing how the house looks
3. Working with neighbors to keep the area looking nice
Mixing Old and New
People in these homes like the old look but also want new things. They often:
- Put in windows and machines that save energy
- Add new tech to control the house
- Plant yards that look good with the house and don't need much water
Neighborhood Life
Living in a Mid-Century Modern area can be fun because:
- There are events about the old-style houses
- Neighbors like talking about house design
- Some areas have old-style pools or golf courses
These neighborhoods let people enjoy a bit of history while living comfortably in Arizona.
Wrap-Up
Mid-Century Modern neighborhoods in Arizona are an important part of the state's building history. They show how people mixed desert views with new home designs in the mid-1900s. Groups like Modern Phoenix work hard to keep these special homes looking good.
People like Mid-Century Modern homes in Arizona because:
- They connect inside and outside spaces well
- This works great with Arizona's warm weather
These neighborhoods are like living museums. They show how people used to build homes and still give ideas to today's builders. People who live there and others who like old homes help keep the areas looking nice.
| Why Mid-Century Modern Neighborhoods Matter |
|---|
| Show Arizona's role in U.S. home design |
| Keep old building ideas alive |
| Give ideas for homes that fit the weather |
| Help people learn about old home styles |
As more people want to live in these areas, it helps:
- Save a piece of history
- Give ideas to new home builders
- Show how to make homes that work well in hot places
These old neighborhoods are still important today. They teach us about the past and help us think about how to build better homes now.
