Willo Homes for Sale in Phoenix, AZ 85003

Willo is a historic district in central Phoenix, ZIP 85003, just north of McDowell Road and west of Central Avenue, a few blocks from the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum and light rail. It is made up of homes built mostly from about 1910 to the early 1940s, in styles such as bungalow, Tudor Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival and early ranch.

I'm Terry Day with DeLex Realty. Willo is one of the best-known historic neighborhoods in Phoenix, with tree-lined streets, period homes and a strong neighborhood spirit. Buying here is a little different from buying in a newer subdivision, so here is what I tell buyers and sellers.

Willo at a glance

Location: central Phoenix, ZIP 85003, north of McDowell Road and west of Central Avenue
City historic district: designated in 1990, with a boundary expansion in 2006
National Register of Historic Places: listed January 1991
Homes: about 780 historic-era buildings in styles from bungalow and Tudor Revival to Spanish Colonial Revival and ranch
HOA: no HOA; the Willo Neighborhood Association is voluntary
Getting around: light rail stations at Central and McDowell and at Central and Encanto

See all Willo homes for sale Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Where Willo is

Willo sits just north of downtown Phoenix. The City of Phoenix describes its historic district as generally bounded by First and Seventh Avenues, McDowell Road and the alley north of Edgemont Avenue. The National Register listing describes a larger half-square-mile area from Central Avenue to 7th Avenue and McDowell Road to Thomas Road, so you will see both definitions used.

The location is the big draw. Light rail stops at Central and McDowell, a block from the Phoenix Art Museum, and at Central and Encanto, across from the Heard Museum. Margaret T. Hance Park sits on top of the I-10 Deck Park Tunnel just to the south, Encanto Park is close by to the west, and Banner University Medical Center Phoenix is on McDowell Road east of Central.

A short history

The land was homesteaded by J.P. Holcomb in the late 1870s and 1880s. Subdivisions were platted in the early 1900s, and by World War II about 22 subdivisions had been built. FHA-era homes went up in the mid to late 1930s, mostly in the northern part. The name is not about willow trees: it comes from two old voting districts, Wilshire and Los Olivos. The City of Phoenix designated Willo a historic district in 1990, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 1991.

The homes

The National Register counted 780 primary buildings in the district, most of them contributing historic homes. Styles include Bungalow and Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Monterey, French Provincial, Minimal Traditional and early Ranch. No two blocks look quite the same, and many homes have been carefully restored while others still have original details waiting for the right owner. Expect smaller garages, older systems and real character.

Historic district rules

Because Willo is on the city's historic register, building permits that affect a home's exterior need review by the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office, through a Certificate of Appropriateness or a Certificate of No Effect. That also covers new infill homes and changes to non-historic homes in the district, and demolition has its own review. Interior work generally does not go through this review. Arizona's 2024 middle-housing law also applies in Willo, so ask me how it could affect a lot you are considering.

Things to do

The Willo Home Tour: an annual home tour and street fair; the 37th tour was scheduled for February 2026 with the fair at Walton Park.
Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum on Central Avenue.
Margaret T. Hance Park over the I-10 Deck Park Tunnel, and the 68-acre Encanto Park.
Restaurants and coffee shops along Central Avenue and 7th Avenue, and downtown Phoenix a short light rail ride away.

Schools

Listings in Willo commonly show Kenilworth School (PK-8) in the Phoenix Elementary School District and Central High School in the Phoenix Union High School District. Confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with each district, especially near the north end of the neighborhood.

HOA basics

Willo has no HOA. The Willo Neighborhood Association is a voluntary nonprofit, and residents may choose to join. It runs the home tour and other neighborhood events. The rules that matter most for owners are the city's historic preservation rules, not HOA rules.

Buying in Willo

Older homes need a careful inspection, so I look closely at sewer lines, electrical, roofs, foundations and any past additions, and I ask whether past exterior work went through the city's historic review. Plan your future projects before you buy so you know what review they may need. If you want to ask about taking over a seller's lower-rate loan, see my assumable mortgage guide, and if you're just starting, read first steps to buying a home in Arizona.

Selling your Willo home

Willo buyers pay attention to architecture, original details and the quality of past restoration work. Gather your permits, historic review approvals and a list of system updates, and show the style of your home in your photos and description. Read how to price your Arizona home to sell, then call me for a pricing review.

Questions buyers ask

What ZIP code is Willo in?
Willo homes are in Phoenix ZIP 85003.

Does Willo have an HOA?
No, Willo has no HOA. The neighborhood association is voluntary, but exterior changes go through the city's historic preservation review.

Where does the name Willo come from?
The name Willo comes from two old voting districts, Wilshire and Los Olivos, combined into one word.

Can I remodel a home in Willo?
Yes, you can remodel a home in Willo, but permits that affect the exterior need review by the city's Historic Preservation Office. Interior projects generally do not go through that review.

Nearby communities to compare

More: Moving to Phoenix | DeLex Realty listings in Phoenix | All Phoenix homes for sale

Thinking about Willo?
I can help you compare historic homes, plan for the city's review process and write a strong offer. Call or text Terry Day, REALTOR®, DeLex Realty: 602-483-4665.

Community details come from public sources and can change. Confirm historic district rules and school information for a specific home before you buy.

Newest Willo Homes for Sale

$1,250,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7087966 MLS ⋅ 3,095 SqFt.

Welcome to 38 West Vernon, a storybook residence in the heart of Phoenix's beloved Willo Historic District. Offering approximately 3,100 square feet with 3 bedrooms plus a den and 3 baths, this home beautifully balances its 1920s character with thoughtful modern updates. Original hardwood floors have been refinished, walls smooth-coated, and seven Andersen windows added, while arched doorways and vintage fireplace details preserve the soul of the home. The designer kitchen flows into inviting living spaces and a custom parlor bar with built-in refrigerators, perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, a dramatic color-drenched library and den offers a cozy retreat. Behind the scenes, major improvements include an updated electrical panel, newer HVAC systems, two water heaters less than a year old, and a redone kitchen flat roof. Outside, the completely remodeled backyard feels like a private escape with mature landscaping, multiple gathering spaces and a rare pool that was recently resealed with upgraded equipment. Minutes from Midtown dining, Roosevelt Row and Encanto Park, this is quintessential Willo: historic, soulful and completely one of a kind.

38 W Vernon Avenue, Phoenix

$796,500

3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7086047 MLS ⋅ 2,428 SqFt.

Brand-new 2025 construction in Phoenix's historic Willo District, this 2,428-square-foot townhome is built for entertaining from the top down: a private rooftop deck delivers open skyline views alongside a built-in bar, refrigerator, full bath, and flex room. Inside, 10-foot ceilings, wide custom lighting, and solid flooring flow through a chef's kitchen finished with a GE Café gas range and double-stacked shaker cabinetry. Three bedrooms and three and a half baths are arranged across two separate living areas, giving room to work from home, unwind, and host guests. The 2-car attached garage adds an EV charger and extra ceiling height for storage. Set on a quiet court within a gated enclave of homes, the location places the tree-lined streets and established character of the Willo Historic District just steps from Central Avenue's cafés and restaurants and near the Phoenix light rail. New construction quality meets one of central Phoenix's most walkable, established neighborhoods.

128 W Willo Court, Phoenix

$809,000

3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7086046 MLS ⋅ 2,428 SqFt.

Rare rooftop residence in Phoenix's Willo Historic District delivers skyline views from a private roof deck built for entertaining -- complete with a built-in bar, refrigerator, full bath, and a flexible bonus room. Built in 2025, this 2,428 sq ft home offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and two separate living areas in a light-filled layout with 10-foot ceilings and solid flooring throughout. The kitchen features highly upgraded GE Café appliances, a gas range, double-stacked shaker cabinetry, and custom lighting. The 2-car attached garage adds an EV charger and bonus ceiling height for extra storage. Set within a gated enclave of 28 homes on tree-lined streets, the home sits inside the Willo Historic District, one of Phoenix's original 1920s planned neighborhoods, offering walkable access to Central Avenue's restaurants, cafes, and shops. New construction paired with historic-district character is a rare combination in central Phoenix -- this rooftop residence delivers skyline views, modern finishes, and everyday livability in one address.

112 W Willo Court, Phoenix

$809,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7086045 MLS ⋅ 1,901 SqFt.

Brand-new construction with old-Phoenix soul--this 2025-built cottage-style home delivers a rare pairing of Willo District character and modern luxury. Set within a gated enclave of just 28 detached residences, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home spans 1,901 square feet with 10-ft ceilings, double-stacked shaker cabinetry, designer tile and solid flooring throughout. The kitchen is outfitted with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, while custom lighting and two separate living areas add flexibility for work, entertaining or quiet evenings in. A welcoming front porch invites you home, and a private yard delivers outdoor space with minimal upkeep. The attached 2-car garage features bonus height and EV charging. Sited on the tree-lined streets of Phoenix's historic Willo District, the home places the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Hance Park, Japanese Friendship Garden and Roosevelt Row's galleries and restaurants all within easy reach of central Phoenix living. New construction built to feel like it has always belonged here--modern comfort inside a neighborhood defined by character.

129 W Willo Court, Phoenix

$805,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7086044 MLS ⋅ 1,901 SqFt.

Brand-new craftsman-style construction inside Phoenix's storied Willo Historic District -- a rare pairing of new-build quality and established neighborhood character. This 1,901 sq ft home offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths across a two-story layout, with a covered front porch, stone-clad columns, and a brick paver walkway leading through low-maintenance desert landscaping. The open interior connects living, dining, and kitchen spaces on the main level, with bedrooms upstairs for separation from daily living areas. Set between Central and 7th Avenues, the home sits minutes from downtown Phoenix's Midtown Arts District, with easy reach to the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Burton Barr Central Library. Multiple Valley Metro Light Rail stops are within walking distance, linking residents to Central Phoenix and Roosevelt Row. Tree-lined streets and a mix of historic bungalows and new construction give this pocket of Phoenix a walkable character uncommon so close to the urban core. A brand-new home with cottage-inspired curb appeal, set inside one of Phoenix's most recognized historic districts.

121 W Willo Court, Phoenix

$1,350,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7032904 MLS ⋅ 3,337 SqFt.

Amazing opportunity to own over 3,300 square feet of living space in the highly desirable Willo historic district. The main house spans 2,703 sq ft and features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a versatile den, all conveniently located on the ground level with zero steps. Above the 2 car garage, a fully equipped 634 sq ft apartment offers 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a full kitchen, the perfect setup for multi-generational living or an income-producing property. Built for hosting, the home boasts an open-layout living area complete with a dedicated bar. Outside, low-maintenance landscaping makes upkeep a breeze. The backyard is a private oasis featuring a heated and chilled pool, built-in gas grill, and a gas fire pit to make year-round entertaining effortless. Fully fenced and gated property. Fully fenced and gated for ultimate privacy and security, this is a rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind property in Willo."

301 W Cypress Street, Phoenix

$799,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7031253 MLS ⋅ 1,901 SqFt.

New construction perfected inside Phoenix's storied Willo Historic District. This 2025-built 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,901 square feet behind a stone-accented Craftsman porch on a quiet cul-de-sac, just blocks from Encanto Park, the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, and light rail. Wide-plank wood-look flooring runs through an open living, dining, and kitchen layout anchored by a Wolf gas range, custom hood, quartz counters, and subway-tile backsplash. A main-level powder bath and a striking patterned-tile full bath add character, while the upper level holds a private primary suite plus secondary bedrooms. Set within the Willo Residences community, the home pairs brand-new systems and finishes with walkable access to downtown Phoenix dining, galleries, and Encanto's lake and golf course. Tree-lined streets, historic charm, and modern comfort come together at this address -- new-build ease in one of Central Phoenix's most irreplaceable locations.

117 W Willo Court, Phoenix

$769,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 6991376 MLS ⋅ 1,901 SqFt.

New construction in the heart of Phoenix's historic Willo District -- a rare pairing of 2025 craftsmanship with century-old cottage character. This detached 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home spans 1,901 square feet with 10-foot ceilings, double-stacked shaker kitchen cabinetry, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, solid flooring throughout, custom lighting and designer bathroom tile. Two separate living areas offer flexible space for entertaining or working from home, while a welcoming front porch opens onto a private yard for morning coffee or evening gatherings. The attached 2-car garage includes an EV charger and extra bonus height for storage. Set on tree-lined streets in a small gated enclave, the home sits within one of downtown Phoenix's largest historic districts, where Central Avenue's cafes, restaurants and light rail access are all within walking or biking distance. A distinctive opportunity to own new construction inside one of the city's most established, character-rich neighborhoods.

134 W Holcomb Lane, Phoenix

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