The Central Avenue Neighborhood in Phoenix Arizona

Located halfway between the major arterial roads 7th Street and 7th Avenue, Central Avenue is the dividing line for Phoenix’s east and west sides, while its intersection with Camelback Road has traditionally been a gateway to the heart of downtown Phoenix - an area rich with businesses, schools, arts institutions and residential districts.

But, instead of traveling south - into the beautiful downtown area - try taking a drive north.

A coveted Central Avenue address between Missouri and Northern usually comes equipped with a large front yard, flood irrigation and an estate-sized home.  Private pools and large guesthouses are also a common find.  These large old homes are also included in the North Central neighborhood, but bear special mention because of their Central Avenue address.

This is an area void of curbs, where Mesquite and Palo Verde line the road and where horses can still be seen trotting beneath the dappled shade on Murphy Bridle Path (below).  The air seems cooler, too – since most (if not all) of these homes have grassy front lawns and large trees on the property.

Central Avenue in Phoenix Arizona is a special address indeed.

AJ’s in the spot to shop for groceries if you live along this strip and Postinos always has a mouthwatering board of Bruscetta and a great glass of wine waiting for you!

Murphy Bridle Path: You'll seldom spot an urban cowpoke moseying along the Murphy Bridle Path, which runs along the east side of Central Avenue from Bethany Home Road up to the Arizona Canal. But the 2.5-mile-long crushed-granite path is a popular place for joggers, dog walkers and folks with baby strollers. The trail was named for William John Murphy, who was hired to build the Arizona Canal in 1883.