Roosevelt Historic District 
The History is in the Homes

Enjoy this collection of photos of some of the oldest homes remaining in downtown Phoenix. These pictures were mostly taken in the Roosevelt Historic neighborhood---an area recently noted in The Arizona Republic as the "Best Historic Neighborhood". Roosevelt Historic is roughly bordered by McDowell to the north, Van Buren to the south, 1st Ave. to the East and 7th Ave. to the West. Roosevelt offers the largest collection of Arts and Crafts era bungalows in Phoenix----ranging from the very humble 2 bed/1 bath shanty to the mini mansions of the roaring twenties! Imagine the energy and excitement in the air of this bustling city built in a terrain only the most rugged of plants and creatures call home. Indeed, a new world has arrived when people of means leave suitable living environs to willingly choose to start a new life in a dry, water-starved desert!

Phoenix has always been known as the "valley of the sun". A place where visitors came to escape the winter snow and ice and enjoy a sunny day almost every day. As time passed, this "new" desert city began accumulating a colorful history full of pioneers of all races and national origins who shared a dream of starting a new life and being part of a "fresh beginning". Ironically, this same sentiment exists today. An exploding population influx year after year, a major destination for long-term vacations and tourism during the winter months and an entrepreunerial spirit stronger than anywhere else in the nation is all testimonial that Phoenix still possesses that magical allure that draws people from all walks of life to come together and share a common goal of starting fresh in a brand new city!

To this day, newcumbers to the valley seek the sparkle and newness of the suburbs, giving little attention  to the aging core where the spirit of Phoenix first blossomed. The oldest home s in the oldest neighborhoods of Phoenix would barely be considered historic in the older cities of America where many Phoenicians have moved from.  It was only in the mid 80s long after the few but significant Victorian-era homes had vanished under the weight of modern cranes to give way to commercial buildings and highways did the first Phoenix neighborhood gain protection under federal historical preservation. Today, more than thiirty historical neighborhoods thrive and prosper under the protection of historical preservation. Simple economics dictate the prices of the limited history available in the youngest major city in the US. Take a peek at the neighborhoods that make up Phoenix's rich history full of new pioneers and adventure seekers----not much different than the new transplants of today!