Phoenix's Arcadia Proper: A Family Haven with Celebrity Neighbours
Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Arcadia Proper stands as one of the city's most prestigious neighbourhoods, characterised by its lush citrus-lined streets and breathtaking vistas of Camelback Mountain. This family-friendly enclave has become a magnet for generations, where residents often retain their properties for decades, with children frequently returning after university to raise their own families in the same cherished community.
A Celebrity-Adjacent Community with Prime Accessibility
Arcadia Proper's appeal extends beyond its picturesque setting, as it is surrounded by celebrity enclaves, including properties owned by Olympic champion Michael Phelps and formerly by singer Alicia Keys. Strategically positioned, each end of the neighbourhood offers easy access to both Phoenix and Scottsdale, providing residents with unparalleled convenience.
Realtor Robert Joffe, a resident since 1990, emphasised the area's practical advantages in an interview with the Daily Mail. 'It's close to the airports and shopping and grocery stores and all those types of things,' he noted. 'You've got bigger lots here, so you've got more land per home. It's just become such a highly desirable neighbourhood.'
Generational Living and a Strong Community Spirit
The neighbourhood's family-oriented atmosphere is palpable, with Joffe's own son raising his child just eight doors down from his parents. 'You've got kids playing in the front yard. You've got bike-riders and walkers and joggers, and it's just a very family-oriented, friendly neighbourhood,' Joffe described. 'It's a dream for everyone. People are so fond of [the neighbourhood]. It's just really a wonderful [place]. We're very fortunate to be able to call it our home.'
Home to approximately 5,500 people at an elevation of 2,000 feet, Arcadia Proper boasts a lofty average median income of $500,000, with Joffe hinting at covert billionaires among its residents. Its proximity to Paradise Valley, a celebrity favourite, and affluent Scottsdale offers abundant entertainment options, hiking trails, luxury resorts, and exceptional schools.
From Affordable to Multi-Million Dollar Properties
Once considered an affordable locale, Arcadia Proper has transformed into a high-end real estate market. Joffe revealed that homes now typically sell for millions, with properties under $2 million often requiring significant renovation. 'If you can find a $2 million home... A lot of people knock it down and start over,' he explained, noting that many original 1950s and 1960s homes have been replaced by new constructions.
Developers are taking substantial risks, building homes worth up to $20 million, while a quarter-acre of land alone can cost around $5 million. During the pandemic, the neighbourhood attracted attention from the LA Dodgers, with a $7.8 million five-bedroom home featuring a 1,100-square-foot indoor batting cage serving as a lockdown training haven for players.
Outdoor Amenities and Recreational Trends
Arcadia Proper's flat terrain and spacious lots encourage outdoor activities, with pickleball emerging as a popular trend. '[Pickleball] is the hottest crazy right now,' Joffe remarked. 'But with the land, there's a lot of outdoor play in Arcadia. It's also flat, so you're not sitting on a mountain or anything like that, so you're able to use all of your land.'
For nature enthusiasts, the neighbourhood provides access to Echo Canyon and Cholla hiking trails, stunning views of Camelback Mountain, and the nearby Arizona Canal, ideal for waterside walks and bike rides. This blend of luxury, community, and natural beauty solidifies Arcadia Proper's status as a premier destination for families and high-net-worth individuals alike.
