11726 W Sherman Street, Avondale
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Loving Phoenix Team | Real Broker
A practical buyer's guide to Avondale, the fast-growing West Valley city where three rivers meet, with strong freeway access and noticeably better value than its peer cities.
Avondale is the West Valley city where you can still buy a newer four-bedroom on a real lot for noticeably less than the same home costs ten miles north in Peoria or fifteen miles east in Scottsdale. It is also the most freeway-accessible city in the West Valley.
That combination is what makes Avondale work for so many of my buyers. The city sits about 18 miles west of downtown Phoenix at the meeting point of three rivers (the Agua Fria, the Gila, and the Salt) and right at the I-10 and Loop 101 interchange, so commutes east toward Phoenix, Glendale, or Sky Harbor airport are about as straightforward as the West Valley gets. After more than 20 years working this market, I can tell you that location and freeway access usually matter just as much as the house itself, and that is one of the reasons Avondale keeps showing up on buyer shortlists.
Avondale has grown quickly. The city's 2026 population is roughly 100,000, up from about 89,500 in the 2020 census, and the city is on track to keep growing at close to 1.8 percent per year. That kind of growth has two real effects on buyers. First, demand is steady, which has supported home values over time. Second, new construction is still being delivered in pockets of the city, which gives buyers more options at different price points than older parts of the metro. The trade off with a fast growing city is that some neighborhoods are still maturing. When we tour homes together, that is one of the things I will help you read accurately so you know what you are getting today and what is likely coming over the next few years.
If you are relocating to the Phoenix area from out of state, our Phoenix relocation guide covers the timing, taxes, and logistics that catch most buyers off guard.
Quick orientation note. Avondale was incorporated in 1946 and covers about 45 square miles. The city is split into two main ZIP codes: 85323 covers older, more established sections including Old Town and the area near Phoenix Raceway, and 85392 covers newer development north of the freeway. Several elementary districts split jurisdiction inside city limits (Avondale Elementary, Littleton Elementary, Litchfield Elementary), with most high schoolers in the Agua Fria Union High School District. Always verify exact school assignments by address.
Five communities that come up most often in buyer conversations. Each one has its own character, price point, and the type of buyer it tends to attract.
Alamar is Avondale's marquee newer master-planned community, sitting on the south side of town in the shadow of the Sierra Estrella Mountains. The original 1,150-acre development by Brookfield Residential broke ground in 2020 and includes a 9.5-mile trail system, more than 20 neighborhood parks, a 40-acre regional park, a private community pool, and the K-8 Lakin Prep Academy on site.
Buyers come to Alamar for the new-construction feel: fresh systems, builder warranties, modern open floor plans, and the connected community vibe that comes from a master plan with multiple builders working from a single design language. Most homes here have been built from 2020 onward, with single-story and two-story plans typically running 1,700 to 2,800 square feet. New construction tends to carry a price premium over Avondale resale, so the question is usually how much that newer-build feel matters to you.
Garden Lakes is one of Avondale's older established master-planned communities, with about 2,200 households built around two interconnected lakes on the north side of I-10. The neighborhood is one of the few places in the West Valley where you can buy a home with a real boat ramp and dock setup right in the community, and the abundance of mature trees and lush landscaping make it feel more like a desert oasis than a typical Phoenix-area suburb.
Buyers come to Garden Lakes for the established feel: mature landscaping, walking paths around the lakes, expansive parks with picnic areas, and a price point that is typically a meaningful step down from newer Alamar construction. Most homes here were built in the late 1980s through the 1990s. If you want lakefront living without the price tag of north Glendale's Arrowhead Lakes, Garden Lakes is worth a serious look.
Coldwater Springs is built around the Coldwater Golf Club on the southwest side of town. The neighborhood sits in the older 85323 ZIP and is one of the more affordable golf-course communities in the West Valley, especially compared to the higher price points at Estrella Mountain Ranch or PebbleCreek. Most homes were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s on standard suburban lots.
Buyers come to Coldwater Springs for the golf access without the country-club price tag, the quiet established neighborhood feel, and the proximity to Phoenix Raceway and the I-10. Single-story floor plans are common here, which makes it a frequent option for buyers who want one-level living without the age restriction of a 55+ community.
Rancho Santa Fe is one of central Avondale's most established family-anchored master-planned communities. The neighborhood is known for Spanish-style single-story homes, walled yards, mature trees, and a network of parks and sports courts that anchor everyday community life. The streets feel walkable and the resident base is long-tenured, which gives the neighborhood a settled, neighborly feel.
Buyers come to Rancho Santa Fe for one-level living at a moderate price point, easy access to schools and shopping, and proximity to the I-10 without being right on top of it. Most homes here were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with floor plans typically running 1,400 to 2,500 square feet. This is one of the neighborhoods I point first-time buyers and downsizers toward when they want established Avondale at a workable price.
Old Town Avondale is the original 1890s townsite along Western Avenue, where the city's farming and railroad history is still visible in the small-town main-street character. Monument Hill, the Gila and Salt River Meridian survey marker that has anchored Arizona land surveying since 1851, sits right in this part of the city and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Buyers come to Old Town for the character: older homes on larger lots, walkability to the historic business district, and a price point that is the most accessible in Avondale outside of full fixer-uppers. Most homes here date from the 1940s through the 1970s. Inventory is thin, so when something good comes up it tends to move quickly. Worth setting up a search alert if this is your style. As with any older home, plan on a careful inspection so plumbing, electrical, and roof condition do not become surprises after close.
Looking for a specific Avondale community? Browse our complete A to Z directory of all Avondale subdivisions.
Skip the area filters and start from the feature you actually need. These pull live MLS listings across Avondale.
Avondale has real strengths, but every city has tradeoffs. I would rather have you walk in with eyes open.
Value compared to neighboring cities. Same square footage and lot size in Avondale typically costs less than in Goodyear, Litchfield Park, or Glendale. Avondale's median home value sits around $400,000 as of late 2024, which is real money compared to peer cities.
Best-in-class freeway access. The I-10 and Loop 101 interchange sits right inside city limits, with Loop 202 extending the southwest valley connection. Most Avondale commutes to downtown Phoenix run 20 to 30 minutes off-peak. Few West Valley cities have this combination.
Real new-construction options. Communities like Alamar are still actively delivering new homes from multiple builders at price points that often beat new construction in Goodyear or Peoria. If you want fresh systems and a builder warranty, Avondale is a serious option.
Strong parks and outdoor recreation. Avondale punches above its weight on parks, with Festival Fields Park (a $19 million expansion in 2020), Friendship Park (93 acres with three playgrounds and a Japanese Garden), Alamar Park, and easy access to Estrella Mountain Regional Park just south of town.
The city is geographically split. Older 85323 Avondale (Old Town, near the raceway, more 1990s and 2000s housing) and newer 85392 Avondale (north of I-10, more current construction) feel like two different places. Pricing, schools, and home age all vary significantly. Drive each area before you decide.
Race weekend traffic is real. Phoenix Raceway hosts two NASCAR weekends per year (one in the spring, one in the fall) and IndyCar is returning to Phoenix in 2026 sharing a weekend with NASCAR. Race weekends bring meaningful traffic to the south side of the city, especially along Avondale Boulevard. People who love motorsports think it is worth it. People who do not should look north of I-10.
Older sections need careful inspection. A lot of Avondale's mid-city housing stock was built in the 1990s and 2000s, which means original roofs, original HVAC, and original water heaters are at or past typical lifespan. Old Town homes from the 1940s-1970s often need bigger updates. Inspections matter here. Build the cost of likely upcoming systems into your budget before falling for a price.
Flood and drainage matter at a parcel level. Because Avondale sits where multiple rivers meet, drainage and floodplain status are worth checking on a property-by-property basis. This is something we look at carefully as part of the offer process.
One thing I tell every Avondale buyer: drive your specific commute and your weekend route at least once before you write. The difference between an Alamar life on the south side and an Old Town or 85392 life on the north side is significant, and the right answer depends on whether you are buying for new construction, schools, value, or character. Once you know which slice fits, the rest gets a lot easier.
What life looks like for most Avondale residents, beyond the home itself.
Phoenix Raceway is a 1.022-mile dogleg oval owned by NASCAR and one of the largest sports venues in Arizona. The track hosts two annual NASCAR weekends (the Straight Talk Wireless 500 in spring and the Freeway Insurance 500 in fall), plus Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA races. IndyCar returns to Phoenix in 2026.
Festival Fields Park features a fishing lake, splash pad, skate park and bike pump track, multi-use sports fields, picnic ramadas, and pickleball and basketball courts. Friendship Park covers 93 acres with three playgrounds, a fishing pond, splash pad, sports fields, and a Japanese Garden. Alamar Park adds another 40 acres of public recreation.
The Tres Rios wetlands area west of the city is one of the metro's best birding and kayaking spots, with about 150 species of birds and animals and designation as a significant birding corridor by the National Audubon Society. The free Tres Rios Nature Festival draws roughly 10,000 visitors each spring.
Just south of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Regional Park offers more than 19 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails through Sonoran Desert terrain. The park sits about 7 miles from Alamar and is the closest desert mountain access for most Avondale residents. Open year-round with picnic ramadas, a competitive track, and ranger-led programs.
K-8 students attend schools in several elementary districts depending on address, including Avondale Elementary, Littleton Elementary, and Litchfield Elementary. High schoolers attend a school in the Agua Fria Union High School District, which serves Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, and Waddell. Estrella Mountain Community College and Universal Technical Institute also sit in Avondale.
I-10 cuts right through the middle of Avondale, with Loop 101 along the eastern edge and Loop 202 extensions improving the southwest valley. Most Avondale commutes to downtown Phoenix run 20 to 30 minutes off-peak, with Sky Harbor typically 30 to 35 minutes. Westgate and State Farm Stadium in Glendale are about 10 to 15 minutes north.
Avondale home values vary by neighborhood, school district, build era, and proximity to the freeway more than most West Valley cities. Get an updated estimate based on real recent sales near you, not a generic algorithm.
Get My Home ValueReal reviews from buyers and sellers we've worked with throughout the Phoenix area.
How does Avondale compare to Goodyear or Glendale?
Avondale is typically more affordable per square foot than Goodyear, Litchfield Park, or north Glendale, with comparable or better freeway access. Goodyear leans heavier on newer master-planned construction (Estrella Mountain Ranch, PebbleCreek for 55+) and currently carries a price premium. Glendale leans heavier on established resale and the sports-and-entertainment corridor. If you want newer construction at the most affordable West Valley entry point with strong freeway access, Avondale tends to be the answer.
Which schools are best in Avondale?
It depends entirely on which part of Avondale and which elementary district you fall into. Avondale spans several elementary districts (Avondale Elementary, Littleton Elementary, Litchfield Elementary), with most high schoolers in the Agua Fria Union High School District. There are also charter and Imagine school options serving the area. Always verify exact school assignments by address before writing an offer. Two homes a few blocks apart can be assigned to different elementary districts in this part of the West Valley.
What's it like living near Phoenix Raceway?
Most of the year, the area around Phoenix Raceway is just a normal residential and commercial corridor. On NASCAR race weekends (spring and fall) and during the IndyCar return in 2026, traffic and parking get genuinely heavy along Avondale Boulevard for a few days. People who love motorsports think it is worth it. People who do not should look on the north side of I-10. The neighborhoods immediately north and west of the raceway have some of Avondale's better value, partly because of those event-day realities.
Are there 55+ communities in Avondale?
Avondale itself is mostly all-ages and does not have a major dedicated 55+ master-planned community. Most active adult buyers looking at the West Valley end up in nearby PebbleCreek in Goodyear, CantaMia in Estrella Mountain Ranch, or further out in Sun City Grand in Surprise. Our full 55+ communities guide compares the West Valley options on HOA fees, golf, gating, and price. Our 55+ Phoenix relocation guide goes deeper into what makes the West Valley different from Florida or California for active adult buyers.
How long is the commute from Avondale to downtown Phoenix or Sky Harbor?
Avondale sits about 18 miles west of downtown Phoenix at its closest point. Most commutes from Avondale to downtown Phoenix run 20 to 30 minutes off-peak, depending on whether you start north or south of the I-10 and which interchange you use. Sky Harbor is typically 30 to 35 minutes off-peak. Peak traffic adds 10 to 20 minutes, especially eastbound on I-10 east of Loop 101. Always drive your specific route at the time you would actually drive it before you commit.
What's the property tax situation in Avondale?
Arizona has relatively low property taxes compared to most states. Effective property tax rates in Avondale typically run roughly 0.6% to 0.9% of assessed value annually, though the exact rate depends on overlapping taxing jurisdictions (city, county, school district, special districts). Owner-occupied primary residences also qualify for a state-level exemption that reduces the taxable value. I am not a tax advisor, so for specific numbers always pull the property tax history from the listing or directly from the Maricopa County Assessor before you write.
Should I buy new construction in Alamar or a resale home elsewhere in Avondale?
Both have a place. New construction in Alamar gives you fresh systems, builder warranties, and modern open floor plans, but builder contracts are very different from resale contracts and they protect the builder, not you. That is where having someone on your side really helps. Resale homes in Garden Lakes, Coldwater Springs, or Rancho Santa Fe tend to give you more yard, mature landscaping, and often better value per square foot, but you are inheriting whatever condition the home is in. I help buyers compare both honestly.
Are there horse properties in Avondale?
Avondale itself has fewer dedicated equestrian properties than central Glendale or rural pockets of Buckeye and the far West Valley. There are some larger-lot properties in the older parts of the city and along the rural fringes, but Avondale leans more suburban than horse-property heavy. If equestrian use is a top priority, I usually point buyers toward Goodyear's rural areas, central Glendale, or out toward Buckeye and Tonopah. Always verify zoning and HOA rules for any specific property before assuming you can keep horses there.
Alamar, Garden Lakes, Coldwater Springs, Rancho Santa Fe, or Old Town. After more than 20 years in this market, I can help you sort the differences and find the right fit. The first conversation is just to listen and answer questions. No pressure.
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