South side of Arcadia (Phoenix: real estate, renting, house)

[Doctor A]

We have always liked the Arcadia area of PHX, but noticed the area extends south past 44th-Thomas and I don't think that is so nice of an area like the part around 44th-Camelback. Is South Arcadia still pretty decent and are there greenbelts, tree-lined streets and large estates with manicured lawns through there?

[Chanygirl]

No

[observer53]

Unless you are talking about the attendance area for Arcadia High School, which may extend that far south, the boundaries of the residential area known as Arcadia don't go beyond the canal that is just south of Lafayette Blvd. There are some perfectly good neighborhoods south of Indian School and south of Thomas, but they are not the same as the ones in the Arcadia neighborhood.

[NotQuiteNative]

No, generally not the stately homes you see along Lafayette.

One of my first homes was a tract house from the '50's near Thomas and 44th on a third of an acre with flood irrigation. It was livable but the furthest thing from fancy. I sold when shortly after the next-door neighbors started doing nighttime woodshop work.

[jbstwins]

So is Arcadia not a nice area to live? How is Arcadia High School?

[Howard Roark]

Yikes! Inconsiderate neighbors like your ex neighbor scare me from making a commitment to real estate. By renting I can at least put up with it for a year and only have moving expenses and not worry that I cannot sell the house.

Originally Posted by NotQuiteNative

No, generally not the stately homes you see along Lafayette.

One of my first homes was a tract house from the '50's near Thomas and 44th on a third of an acre with flood irrigation. It was livable but the furthest thing from fancy. I sold when shortly after the next-door neighbors started doing nighttime woodshop work.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by observer53

Unless you are talking about the attendance area for Arcadia High School, which may extend that far south, the boundaries of the residential area known as Arcadia don't go beyond the canal that is just south of Lafayette Blvd. There are some perfectly good neighborhoods south of Indian School and south of Thomas, but they are not the same as the ones in the Arcadia neighborhood.

I too have always considered Arcadia more around the area of 44th Street & Camelback, including the Layfayette & Exeter neighborhoods. However, along Indian School Road east of 44th Street are quite a few businesses that have the Arcadia name. This leads me to believe that Arcadia actually does extend south of the canal. If not, why the referece to Arcadia in so many landmarks south of the Crosscut Canal, including the Arcadia Crossing mall on Thomas & 44th Street?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by jbstwins

So is Arcadia not a nice area to live? How is Arcadia High School?

Arcadia is ABSOLUTELY a nice place to live. I don't think anyone is saying otherwise. The 44th and Thomas area house someone mentioned upthread is not IN Arcadia, I don't think the poster was saying it was. I have noticed here at times that some people have too broad a definition of what constitutes Arcadia.

You've asked about Arcadia High and received some answers on other threads already.

ValleyNative- businesses along Indian School use the name because of the high school, and perhaps because of the positive image the word has because of the residential area. The accepted definition of the residential area is 44th to 68th, Camelback to the canal. Realtors and others try to broaden it, but for those of us who grew up there, it doesn't go south to or beyond IS.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by observer53

ValleyNative- businesses along Indian School use the name because of the high school, and perhaps because of the positive image the word has because of the residential area. The accepted definition of the residential area is 44th to 68th, Camelback to the canal. Realtors and others try to broaden it, but for those of us who grew up there, it doesn't go south to or beyond IS.

I was wondering why that was, but your explanation makes sense. The true Arcadia district is from 44th Street eastward along Camelback and south of there to the Crosscut Canal. This is the Arcadia I know and love ... lots of citrus trees, and upscale homes with large lots and plush green lawns. Reminds me of the good ol' days of Phoenix before it went sprawl happy & cookie cutter.

[NotQuiteNative]

Originally Posted by jbstwins

So is Arcadia not a nice area to live? How is Arcadia High School?

No, let me clarify: Arcadia "proper" is an absolutely wonderful, smashing place to live! Got money? Go there. It's great.

But if you expect to go south of Indian School and get the same atmosphere for less money, you just won't. It's not a bad area, but not the paradise that exists along Lafayette.