About 15,000 homes are planned near I-17 and Loop 303. But NorthPark could bring much more than new rooftops to North Phoenix.

The plan combines housing, shopping, employment space, schools, and desert preserve. For people living nearby—or thinking about moving here—the questions are where it will go, how it will take shape, and what it could mean for daily life.

I’ve been selling homes in North Phoenix since 2007. Here are five things worth knowing about NorthPark, plus my take on what we can learn from Union Park at Norterra.

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1 NorthPark covers roughly 10 square miles

NorthPark’s planned development area covers approximately 6,350 acres of State Trust Land southwest of I-17 and Loop 303. Its boundaries extend south toward the Central Arizona Project canal and west toward the Peoria city boundary.

That scale helps explain the “city within a city” description. It is a plan for several kinds of development across a large area, all within Phoenix.

The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved NorthPark’s rezoning and related General Plan amendments on December 17, 2025. That was a major planning milestone; individual phases still need to move through development.

Sources: NorthPark overview and approval summary.

2 TSMC is part of the plan

TSMC is more than the large employer across Loop 303. It joined PulteGroup in the NorthPark planning effort, with an approximately 900-acre Innovation Corridor intended to support its expansion.

In January 2026, TSMC purchased about 902 acres at a State Land Department auction for $197.25 million. The City of Phoenix confirmed that the acquisition supports campus expansion and that revenue from the sale benefits Arizona’s K–12 education system.

That connection is a key reason to watch NorthPark alongside the larger TSMC growth story.

Sources: NorthPark project FAQ, land purchase reporting, and City of Phoenix statement.

3 About 15,000 homes are planned

The updated plan allows a maximum of 15,150 homes, down from the original proposal’s 19,247. The housing mix includes single-family homes and multifamily housing, alongside plans for commercial uses and school sites.

That number is a planning cap, rather than a promise that every home will be built. The housing mix and timing will become clearer as individual areas move forward.

For buyers, it could eventually mean more choices near major employers. For nearby sellers, it is future new-home competition worth watching.

Source: NorthPark application updates.

4 More than 2,000 acres are planned for preserve

The plans call for approximately 2,100 acres to be donated to the City of Phoenix for the Sonoran Preserve. Parks, trails, and other community spaces are also part of the vision.

Preserved desert matters to the experience of living here. Where homes sit in relation to trails, mountains, and future development can make a meaningful difference when comparing neighborhoods.

Source: NorthPark open-space plans.

5 NorthPark will take shape over time

NorthPark is a long-term project. A zoning approval does not mean model homes, shops, and schools all open together.

Future phases depend on land sales, infrastructure, more detailed plans, and construction. Buyers should look for confirmed builder announcements and sales dates before treating NorthPark as an immediate housing option.

Traffic, water, and the effect on nearby neighborhoods also deserve attention as the project moves forward. I’ll be watching those details alongside the new amenities.

What Union Park shows us about neighborhood design

When I think about the potential benefits, I think about Union Park at Norterra.

In my view, Union Park was beautifully done—from the landscaping to the community center, pool, and pickleball amenities. It also helped introduce a more walkable way of living to this part of North Phoenix, with access to restaurants like Firebirds and the Shops at Norterra, depending on where you live within the neighborhood.

Being able to leave the house and walk to dinner or the shops adds something valuable to everyday life. So do shared spaces that give neighbors places to spend time together.

That is the opportunity I see in thoughtful planning. NorthPark will have its own layout and amenities, and Union Park gives us a useful local example of why the details matter.

What NorthPark could mean for your next move

For nearby homeowners, NorthPark could bring more services and housing choices over time. It could also bring more traffic and competition from new construction. How those changes affect a specific home will depend on its location, the project’s progress, and market conditions.

If you’re buying in North Phoenix, consider what you can enjoy today alongside what is planned nearby. Compare the neighborhood, lot location, commute, and existing amenities before making a decision based on future development.

Explore our North Phoenix and Norterra Real Estate Guide for help comparing the area.

Have a question about NorthPark or a neighborhood you’re considering? Call or text me at 602.421.2324.

For an overview of the growth plans for North Phoenix, visit our North Phoenix Growth & Development Guide 

Shelley Sakala | The Sakala Group | Real Broker