Check the tire pressure, pack a lunch and lets go explore some of the most promising mid-century modern neighborhoods in Phoenix and Scottsdale.  This is a long trip but it more rewarding on a bike then a car.  

Expect to do about 60-70 miles depending on how much you want to explore each neighborhood: some are compact and other quite large and the miles pile on.

This trip is inspired by a map put together by Modern Phoenix titled, "A Sunday drive through Phoenix's most promising midcentury modern neighborhoods," except that we're doing it on a bike. 

There are many more neighborhoods to explore in the valley but these hold some architectural wealth.  A selected few are already established with creativity abound while others are waiting, though not patiently, to be revived in the mid-century spirit and modern flair. 

Below is a map of the neighborhoods and routes, if it's not below see it here.  We touch on each here but you can get more extensive information, including photos and homes for sale by selecting the markets on the map for each particular neighborhood.   There are 10 neighborhoods and 11 markers and lots of coffee on the way.

I would not do this trip in the summer unless of course you like that sort of thing.  Anytime except the summer and especially the monsoon season are best, that is on a bike of course.

60-70 miles sounds like a lot but it's not, as each neighborhood is a great resting spot and several great places to rest and have a bite to eat are along the way.  Expect this to be a whole day trip if you want to actually explore the neighborhoods rather then just checking them of a list.

The first subdivision is Paradise Gardens.  This is one designed by a valley legend, Al Beadle: one of the most sought after midcentury communities in the valley.  Homes are being meticulously revived after many decades of slumber.  I would put this as on of the better neighborhoods, more established and the location is superb especially with the mountains just a walk away. 

The ride to the next two subdivision is not too long.  First it's Star of Paradise followed by Chateau Thierry: this is a mountain side community with midcentury homes spotted through out it, so you'll have to ride up and down some hills to locate these homes.  Most are custom.  This is an attractive area with some great views including the mountains close to Paradise Gardens where the trip started. 

The ride to the next area is all down hill.  This is the Sunnyslope area where good examples of mid century modern homes are scattered throughout East Sunnyslope and Central Sunnyslope.  It's here that you will put on a few miles to get a sense of the community and to find the homes. 

Fortunately there are a few great places to stop and have a coffee, if you're ready for one.  One of those is Bomberos Wine Bar which has more then wine though how nice would a glass of wine be, especially their superb Pinot Black before continuing: they have coffee too.

To get to Marlen Grove you can take several routes: 12th Street: Central or anywhere in between.  There are a lot of great homes to view but the trip just started and we gotta move. 

Central is a great choice along the gravel covered Murphy's Bridle Path.  Just where the path starts on Bethany Home make a left and head for 10th St and south to The Circle of Power.  You'll get a good taste of how creative some owners are with their homes and well treated mid-century modern homes can look.

From Marlen Grove it's probably best to take 12st South because 7th is very busy and the side walks are narrow: it's likely you'll get a flat or fun into someone else in your way on the sidewalk. 

Just past Highland south of Camelback is Canal North.  This is another neighborhood where you'll need to hunt for examples of mid-century modern homes. 

Modern Phoenix notes, "Confirmed and Unconfirmed Haver houses dot the landscape, testament to Haver's impact on the early development of the valley."  There are some old homes here but surprisingly there are a few very contemporary minimalist homes as well.

The next subdivision is a long ride from Canal North.  This is one of the longest distances from one neighborhood to another but a pleasant one.

When you get there is Rancho Ventura, also a large neighborhood but our subject is very concentrated just north of Mcdowell Rd.  This is a Haverhood, one home after another over 4 streets designed by Ralph Haver.  It's quite and exciting neighborhood but some homes have been mistreated while other still look original.  What a great place. 

Windemere just like Marlen Grove has been taken over by creativity.  It's not only homes that draw the eye, but the landscaping, the details like mail boxes, fences, gates and driveways: all are infused with some magic of the creative. 

There is not too much traveling there but you'll spend a lot of time looking, getting ideas and inspired before another rather long ride to Town & Country.

Both Town & Country and Village Grove are in Scottsdale.  From Windemere take the canal to downtown Scottsdale.  You'll pass Arizona Falls along the way before heading south.  If you take Marshall Drive you can smell the roses at the Scottsdale Rose Garden and take a look at an spectacular contemporary townhouse project:Loloma 5. 

Town & Country is another Haverhood, "featuring clinker brick construction, a playful nod to the Haver family tradition of bricklaying," (Modern Phoenix).  South Scottsdale has been drawing in people even from the suburban sleeper North Scottsdale.  This is a historically designated area so it will be interesting got see how it develops.

Village Grove is a large area as well and you'll do some pedaling here, clicking off the miles on the odometer.  When first offered for sale buyers had a choice of elevations, the Allied builder elevation was one.  These homes are spread all over the neighborhood, though each discovery is worth the ride.  The mid-century modern homes really stand out here from amongst the ranch homes.

This was the last neighborhood and now you have to get home.  From point 10 back to point 1 is a long ride through Central Scottsdale and some hills in Paradise Valley. 

I recommend a stop at Scratch Pastry on the north east corner of 76th Street and Indian School for some spectacular delicious and beautiful pastries and crepes.  Take a few as you will earn it, especially if you go through hilly Paradise Valley.

Anyone want to go with me on the next Urban Bike?  It does not have to be 60 miles.

Check out our Mid-Century Modern Homes For Sale Page.  We review any new MCM homes that come on the market and place them there.