Central Phoenix Arizona

As the urban center for the entire city, Central Phoenix is the political, business and cultural focal point of the expanding metropolitan region.

Downtown is the core of Central Phoenix. Here, the state's tallest buildings and professional sports stadiums can be found, as well as a multitude of arts and performance venues. The area also is the seat of county and city governments, with the state Capitol nearby.

Alhambra Village includes the area north and west of Encanto Village, spanning both sides of Black Canyon Freeway. Residents of this area are especially able to take advantage of downtown employment, as well as cultural and entertainment venues and affordable housing. The village is characterized by mature, single-family-home neighborhoods. The historic district boasts a collection of well-preserved homes built primarily in the 1920s and 1930s.

Situated just north of downtown, Encanto Village is named for Encanto Park, a 222-acre historic park. The park's design was inspired by English gardens that were popular in the 1920s and 30s. Encanto is home to most of Phoenix's designated historic districts. Unique homes range from Craftsman-style bungalows to spacious haciendas found on palm-tree lined streets. Also known as uptown Phoenix, the area contains a portion of the Central Avenue Corridor where commercial, high-rise office and high-rise residential development co-exist. Encanto Village contains some of the Valley's high-profile cultural venues. The Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Theater are in this area, as are the Burton Barr Central Library and the Cancer Survivors Park.

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