The Historic Willo Neighborhood in Central Phoenix

You don’t have to go very far to find anyone willing to share the Willo Historic District accolades. Willo residents are used to taking about an hour to daydream out of their weekend schedules and wandering the palm-lined streets of this downtown neighborhood. Residents even open the Annual Willo Home Tour to a handful of homes. Home tours in our historic downtown areas happen every year, and Willo’s is probably the best-attended tour in central Phoenix.

When they talk of ancient Phoenix, everybody seems to say “Willo.” Ideally maintained homes and manicured lawns make up almost a square mile of beautiful suburban area just north of downtown Phoenix. Tudors, Bungalows and Spanish Colonials— classic historic examples of the 1920s and 1930s with hardwood floors and multi-paneled windows — line the streets to welcome admirers to the southern end of the city.

Travel north and you’ll find ranch-style classic 1940s and early 50s homes as you get closer to Thomas Road. And more often than not, no matter what year the home was built, you’ll find a guesthouse in the back.

Willo properties typically have an entry level of around $300,000 and in a strong real estate market they can escalate to over $800,000. But if Willo fits your budget, this coveted downtown spot offers friendly neighbors who will greet you on the streets, trendy restaurants and shopping along McDowell and Thomas roads, all with a quiet, well-loved residential neighborhood in between.

For many, life in downtown Willo Historic District is about realizing that you are part of this urban Phoenix vibration. It’s about knowing by name your neighbors, grocers and your dry cleaner. It’s about knowing that all of these restaurants, shops and art galleries are here because of you and the people that cherish our inner city and call it home.

If you’re new to Willo and a dog owner like so many, there’s no doubt that you’ll get to know neighbors quickly, because after-work walks down tree-lined streets are common here. We might learn the name of your dog before yours, but in no time you will be greeted with the warmth and sincerity that makes it such a pleasure to live here.