The Del Norte Place Historic District in Phoenix Arizona

District boundaries are roughly: Virginia Avenue to Encanto Blvd, 17th Avenue to 15th Avenue

The Encanto Municipal Golf Course wraps around the northern and western edges of this roughly 1/4 mile historic district, while beautiful Encanto Park cradles the neighborhood on the eastern edge. Ad agencies originally sold Del Norte Place as “the countryside west of town” when the subdivision was created back in 1927, and it still evokes a strong sense of “countryside” today.

With a mix of 30s English Cottages and 40s Ranches, streets lined with deep grassy easements, mature trees, and a seeming lack of city traffic, Del Norte Place exudes serious charm and peace and quiet. We’d never go so far as saying that Del Norte is reminiscent of Mayberry (as Phoenix New Times did when it voted Del Norte Place the Best Historic Neighborhood in 2009), but must admit that it is hard to believe you’re in the 5th largest city in the U.S. when you’re in Del Norte Place.

The homes in Del Norte Place average around 1500 square feet, usually with 3 bedrooms. Price-wise, the homes are on par with Willo—one of Phoenix’s most visible historic districts—while Del Norte’s neighbor Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District has some of the priciest historic homes in Phoenix.

Golf anyone? Or how about a paddle boat ride on the lagoon to cool off during the summer months? Yup. You can rent one in Encanto Park by the half-hour: 2605 N 15th Avenue. 

More Great Information on the Del Norte Historic District:

Del Norte Place Website: A site created for the enrichment and enjoyment of Del Norte Place friends and neighbors. Read more…

Best of Phoenix 2009: In the realm of central Phoenix historic districts, Del Norte Place is flanked by some heavy hitters: Encanto-Palmcroft, Willo, Roosevelt, and F.Q. Story. But this little sleeper of a neighborhood, dating to the 1920s, is an idyllic place. Its broad, tree-lined streets and carefully manicured lawns make you feel you’re somewhere else, like Mayberry. People hang out on their front porches and kids ride their bikes and play in the street. The architecture varies from English Cottage to California ranch, with front porches rather than monster garages. Read more…

Encanto Park: Encanto Park in Phoenix was listed alongside Downtown Phoenix’s Central Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and Boston Commons as one of the Nation’s 12 Best City Parks — according to Forbes Magazine. Forbes further recognized Encanto Park for its old-fashioned qualities and charming attractions, including boat rentals and an amusement park, all located in the heart of central Phoenix. Read more…

The History of Del Norte Place Historic District: Promoted as the “beautiful subdivision” and “the countryside west of town,” Del Norte was conceived as a neighborhood of English cottage Style homes, an architectural revival that was gaining nationwide popularity in the late 1920s. The mature trees and vegetation of Del Norte reinforced this English imagery and helped promote the style throughout Phoenix. Read More…