Encanto or Willo sections of Phx. (Phoenix, Scottsdale: amusement park, crime, houses)

[homlish560]

I'm still fairly new in the valley, but found these images on the net. I'm really impressed by some of these older neighborhoods.

Are there any citydata posters that live in these areas, and how are things like traffic, parks, schools, and crime rate?

[cap1717]

I don't (unfortuantly) live there, but these are terrific neighborhood, as are most of the central Phx Historic neighborhoods. You have a pic of Encanto park amoung those you posted. . . one of the most spectacular parks in Phoenix. Easy access to South Mountain Park, also. These Historic districts are pricey, but one of the first things I would do, if I could afford it, is to "trade" my house in north Phx for one in Willow, Encanto, or F.Q. Story.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by cap1717

I don't (unfortuantly) live there, but these are terrific neighborhood, as are most of the central Phx Historic neighborhoods. You have a pic of Encanto park amoung those you posted. . . one of the most spectacular parks in Phoenix. Easy access to South Mountain Park, also. These Historic districts are pricey, but one of the first things I would do, if I could afford it, is to "trade" my house in north Phx for one in Willow, Encanto, or F.Q. Story.

And there are upcoming older (pre 1960) enclaves here in Phx area well--------especially with the (still) imploding housing market.

Too; more and more of the 'Atomic Age' areas are being quite 'hip' to live in as well. 1950's-60's neighborhoods

Needless to say: if $$$ were no object----------I would take any of the above over N Scottsdale, Ahwatukee (the real South Phoenix ), etc.

[d2snow]

I love those historic neighborhoods as well (nice to get away from the cuttie-cutter style!). But, as AZBear says, they can be very pricey; those that aren't is because they need lots for work.

Crime may (or may not be) higher than in the 'burbs; depends which area you're in. But expect to see homeless people more often, more maintenance, more bug problems, less ammenities (supermarkets are a couple of miles away), etc.

[ArizonaBear]

I saw some very inexpensive places near 12th St/E Indian School on realtor.com

Being I am not homophobic I would have no problem living in that area---------it is fast becoming a part of Gay Phoenix. Note that Gay enclaves tend to be quite safe and clean.

[Valley Native]

I almost bought a house in the Encanto area because of its established greenery, and the homes are older, but very well built. Neighborhoods in this area have houses which date back to the 1920s, '30s, and '40s in many cases ... and the quality is far superior to the modern day cookie cutter, tile roofed houses with crushed rock for lawns.

Do any natives and long term residents remember Encanto Park's kiddie land? It was a miniature amusement park. Loved going on the rides when I was a child, even in the summer because the entire park is shaded with lush trees, which adds a cooling effect.

[LocoAZnative]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I almost bought a house in the Encanto area because of its established greenery, and the homes are older, but very well built. Neighborhoods in this area have houses which date back to the 1920s, '30s, and '40s in many cases ... and the quality is far superior to the modern day cookie cutter, tile roofed houses with crushed rock for lawns.

Do any natives and long term residents remember Encanto Park's kiddie land? It was a miniature amusement park. Loved going on the rides when I was a child, even in the summer because the entire park is shaded with lush trees, which adds a cooling effect.

Yup I remember going on the mini train and havig school field trips there. it was a blast

[Finger Laker]

we would do our company picnic there - the amusement area is still there, as well as paddle boats, the train, etc

i really don't think the park is anything special - but to each their own

I dig the neighborhoods though - i sometimes drive through them as a change of pace getting home from work

[drb85650]

Central Phx dweller for 10 years, drove past Encanto on 15th ave, and the east border of the neighborhood on 7th avenue almost daily...

The park has gone downhill somewhat, homeless hangout, and forget a peaceful Sunday afternoon with all the picnics, bbq' and birthday parties. I've seen some of these with easily 100 or more people in attendance, loud music...
Encanto neighborhood is still lovely, but west across 15th is very iffy.
Willo is the same, some rough areas within a block. And the freeway is very close.
Garfield, still very rough.
Coronado, some bits of nice, but alot of gang activity from North High School hanger ons. btw...I thought Willo and Coronado were the "gay" enclaves?
12th street and Indian School...surprised it is considered "gay".

[omle]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

I saw some very inexpensive places near 12th St/E Indian School on realtor.com

Being I am not homophobic I would have no problem living in that area---------it is fast becoming a part of Gay Phoenix. Note that Gay enclaves tend to be quite safe and clean.

I agree with you on both points. Haven't visited your site yet, but I will.

I buy and sell houses on a very limited basis (I do the rehab) and always look for the new "gay" areas. Not trying to be a jerk, or pigeon hole people...but when I see an distressed but interesting older area to start being populated by gay (males), my interest develops.

I have no idea if this will happen, but I'd bet a few dollars that S. Scottsdale around the old Los Arcos Mall area will be the next "Willo". JMHO. Can't beat the location! I'm looking to buy there. I love those little red brick 2 bedrooms with the nice yards. I'm not so sure about west of Scottsdale Rd at that intersection...but east of it between McDowell and Indian School is a gold mine, I think.

I've always had a fond spot for S. Scottsdale. I think it gets a bad rap.