Airports, hiking, dining, schools, and culture all within fifteen minutes of the Central Avenue corridor.
North Central Phoenix sits closer to a major international hub than almost any other established residential corridor in the Valley. Four airports are within easy reach.
| Code | Airport | Distance & Drive Time | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHX | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Closest major commercial airport |
About 8 miles · 15 to 20 minutes | Full commercial service. All major US carriers. International flights to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. |
| SDL | Scottsdale Municipal Private aviation hub |
About 13 miles · 20 to 25 minutes | Primarily private and corporate aviation. Limited public-charter commercial service via JSX. |
| DVT | Phoenix Deer Valley General aviation reliever |
About 14 miles · 20 to 25 minutes | General aviation, flight training, and business jets. No commercial passenger service. |
| AZA | Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Low-cost commercial alternative |
About 35 miles · 45 minutes | Allegiant Air domestic routes. Useful for low-cost travel to leisure destinations. |
North Central Phoenix is uniquely sandwiched between two protected mountain preserves and threaded with one of the city's most historic outdoor amenities.
The Phoenix Mountains Preserve covers over 7,000 acres of protected desert wilderness in the heart of the city. The preserve includes Piestewa Peak, Dreamy Draw, North Mountain, and Lookout Mountain, all within fifteen minutes of North Central Phoenix. Over 100 miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Piestewa Peak is the second-highest summit in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve at 2,608 feet. The Summit Trail (#300) climbs 1,200 feet in 1.2 miles for one of the most challenging in-city hikes in the country. The 3.7-mile Freedom Trail wraps the base of the mountain at a more moderate grade. The trailhead is approximately ten minutes from Central Avenue.
The Murphy Bridle Path is a 2.5-mile tree-shaded equestrian and pedestrian trail running north and south along Central Avenue. Established in 1895 by William J. Murphy and listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places, the path is used daily by residents for walking, jogging, horseback riding, and bike commuting. The path stretches from Bethany Home Road north to the Arizona Canal.
North Mountain Park is the smaller of the two preserves serving North Central Phoenix, with trailheads less than ten minutes from the corridor. Trails range from easy desert washes to the 2.5-mile loop around the base of North Mountain and Shaw Butte. The North Mountain Visitor Center hosts educational programs about Sonoran Desert ecology.
The Central Avenue corridor from Camelback to Bethany Home is one of the most concentrated independent restaurant strips in metro Phoenix.
Founded in 1950 by Jack Durant, this Phoenix institution at 2611 N Central Avenue is known for its crimson booths, prime steaks, and old-world charm. It has been the gathering spot for Phoenix's political and entertainment elite for over seven decades.
Chris Bianco's North Central sandwich shop serves wood-fired focaccia sandwiches built around house-made mozzarella, basil, and tomato. A James Beard-affiliated lunch destination on Central Avenue.
Located at 3550 N Central Avenue, Alexi's draws a steady lunch and dinner crowd for dependable pasta, seafood, and the long-running duck a l'orange. Old-school service and reasonable pricing.
Phoenix's most beloved tiki bar serves Polynesian small plates, mai tais, and open-air kitsch in a converted mid-century building. A regular spot for happy hour and birthday dinners along the corridor.
Upward Projects, the locally-owned restaurant group, has stacked the corridor with neighborhood favorites including Postino on Central Avenue. Wine, bruschetta boards, and a polished but casual evening crowd.
Phoenix's signature independent coffee bar and breakfast spot at 4402 N Central Avenue. Espresso, pastries, and a steady morning crowd of professionals, designers, and remote workers.
The corridor sits between Phoenix's museum district to the south and the city's resort and shopping core to the north and east.
Located at 2301 N Central Avenue, the Heard is one of the most respected American Indian art and cultural institutions in the country. Permanent collections cover the Southwest, plus rotating contemporary exhibitions. Less than ten minutes from any North Central address.
The largest art museum in the southwestern United States, located at 1625 N Central Avenue. Permanent collections cover American, European, Asian, Latin American, modern, and contemporary art. Hosts the Yayoi Kusama Fireflies infinity room.
Located in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases more than 50,000 desert plants across 140 acres. Famous for its annual Las Noches de las Luminarias and the Bruce Munro nighttime installations. About 15 minutes from North Central.
Both organizations perform at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, about 10 minutes south of North Central Phoenix via Central Avenue or the light rail line that runs the length of the corridor.
The Valley's premier open-air luxury shopping center anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's, with Apple, Williams-Sonoma, Sur la Table, and 60+ retailers and restaurants. Less than 10 minutes from the eastern North Central blocks.
Park Central is the revitalized mid-century shopping center at 3110 N Central Avenue, now home to Creighton University's Phoenix campus, Steak 44, Joyride Taco House, Uptown Pizza, and dozens of independent retailers and offices. The corridor's new social hub.
North Central Phoenix is served by the highly rated Madison Elementary School District for public elementary and middle school, plus several of metro Phoenix's most established private and college preparatory schools.
The Madison district covers most of North Central Phoenix and consistently ranks among the top elementary districts in Arizona. Member schools include Madison Camelview Elementary, Madison Rose Lane, Madison Heights, Madison Meadows, and Madison Simis.
PreK through 4 with a STEAM signature program. Considered a flagship of the district.
Grades 5 through 8 with a STEAM program. Feeds into the district's college-prep pipeline.
Public high school in the Phoenix Union High School District serving most of the North Central area, offering International Baccalaureate.
Jesuit, all-boys, grades 9 through 12. One of the most academically rigorous high schools in the Southwest, located on Central Avenue.
Catholic, all-girls, grades 9 through 12, adjacent to Brophy on Central Avenue. Strong college placement track record.
PreK through 8, located on Central Avenue. A small, highly regarded independent day school with feeders into both Brophy and Xavier.
Independent, coeducational, PreK through 12, located just east in Paradise Valley. Highly competitive admissions and strong college placement.
Bobby has lived in North Central Phoenix since 1978 and can show you the corridor the way only a resident can.
