About Fair Oaks' Phoenix Field

The Vernal Pools at Phoenix Field in Fair Oaks are starting to come alive. Not quite in their full glory, they are getting there. Here they are in April 2011. You can still see the pooled water which is the key to the amazing proliferation of wildflowers to come as the water evaporates. Then scan down to see the pic I took in the same spot May last year.

Vernal pools are a vanishing rarity. They are little pockets of temporary wetlands created by rainwater trapped on the surface by hardpan which prevents percolation. So the rainwater sits until it dries up. In the process, plants germinate and aquatic critters flourish (they've been waiting quietly - bizarre, huh?). As the pools dry up, the spectacular show emerges with concentric rings of wildflowers in bursts of yellow, purple and white.

Now look at tthe Vernal Pools of Phoenix Field last year, May of 2010, as featured in my Fair Oaks Video. Aren't they shockingly beautiful?

Amazing, isn't it.

© Sally Dunbar, 2011

The Phoenix Field area of Fair Oaks California has an interesting history!

Many people don't realize that the Sacramento area used to have a number of small airports, which have since been closed. Homes or other developments now stand where planes used to land.

One of these was Phoenix Field in Fair Oaks, California. The airport opened about 1947, had a 2600 foot long runway and a parallel taxiway. A number of people lived around the edge of the field, and they could taxi their planes from their yards to the runway.

Phoenix Field airport closed in about 1987, and although some residents were sad to see it go, it wasn't long before developers began building homes where the airport used to be. They honored the old airport by naming the development Phoenix Field. Streets were given names like Runway, Hangar, Propeller, Parachute, Skyway, Wingtip, Squadron, and Kitty Hawk, among others. There is a small "pocket park" in the midst of the homes called Little Phoenix Park.

The development is generally bounded by Sunset Ave, Hazel Ave, Madison Ave and Winding Oak. Homes within those boundaries were built in phases over the years, and consequently, there is a mix of sizes, styles and ages of homes.

As I am writing this article, there are 14 homes for sale in the area, ranging from an older home that existed just outside the airport when the airport was there and is 971 square feet priced at $154,900, to a newer home 3,444 square feet listed at $749,900. Most homes in the area are priced in the $400,000-$550,000 range and have 4-5 bedrooms. Phoenix Field has been rated one of the ten best neighborhoods in Sacramento County according to Sacramento Magazine.

Immediately south of Phoenix Field (just across Sunset Ave) is Phoenix Park, which has playing fields for baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and other sports, a playground, picnic area, community garden, as well as wonderful open space with trails leading through fields of grasses, wildflowers, oak trees and the wonderful Vernal Pools. It is a beautiful place to spend the day. On the southwestern part of the parkland is a separate park for dogs about 2 acres, and you can learn more about the dog park here.

For a tour through part of the development along Runway Drive in Phoenix Field and a look at Phoenix Park and the Vernal Pools, here is a video you will enjoy. And I think you will agree that the Phoenix Field area of Fair Oaks California has an interesting history.

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For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at
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The Phoenix Field neighborhood of Fair Oaks is one of Fair Oak's finest. With nearly 500 homes, it's big enough to have it's own distinct personality, but small enough for neighbors to know each other. It's old enough to have mature landscaping, yet knew enough to have homes with contemporary design and high ceilings.

The homes of Phoenix Field were built on the former Phoenix Field airstrip - home of the Phoenix Flying Club. Private planes would buzz in and out of Fair Oaks on its 2600 ft landing strip from the mid-40's until homes were constructed in the late 80's.

Directly South is Phoenix Park, a multipurpose park featuring soccer and little league fields, a playground, picnic areas, a community garden and a very poppular dog park. Gorgeous vernal pools transform the Eastern edge of the park into a fascinating natural area. That's it on the left.

The lots are in the 1/5th to 1/3 acre range, with homes averaging 2600 or so square feet. 14 homes sold in 2007, 5 homes sold in 2008, and to date, midway through 2009, 4 homes have closed escrow, and another is pending. Over the past few years, prices have mostly been in the $500K - $700K range, although today's prices are in the $350K - $650K range. '09 sales have averaged $483,000, or $169 per foot.

To see what is for sale in Phoenix Field (and adjoining Rollingwood) click here. then give me a call. It's a great neighborhood.

For more information on Fair Oaks, check out this information from my blog at www.FairOaksHomesAndMore.com...

Prices and sales activity in Fair Oaks

Video tour of Fair Oaks, from the eyes of Sally Dunbar

A nostalgic memory of one of my favorite Fair Oaks listings

Here's my best stuff for buyers, lots of good info here...

Here's my best stuff for sellers... don't sell your home without this knowledge.

Sally Dunbar

Lyon Real Estate

Fair Oaks, Ca

(916) 535-0356