PIMA COUNTY
County Offices
130 W. Congress Street
Tucson 520-740-8126
www.pima.gov
Chambers of Commerce
Northern Pima County Chamber
200 W. Magee Road
Tucson 520-297-2191
http://www.go-arizona.com/Northern-Pima-County-Chamber-of-Commerce-AZ/
Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
465 W. Saint Mary’s Road
Tucson 520-792-1212
www.tucsonchamber.org
Major Highways
Interstates 10 and 19; Highways 70 and 86
Home to Arizona’s second largest metropolis, Pima County is a vast and diverse expanse of land where picturesque and unique geology contrasts with gleaming high-rise towers. Whether the crimson sunset is highlighting the City of Tucson’s impressive skyline or the silhouette of a stately saguaro cactus, this oasis in southwestern Arizona encompasses stunning natural and man-made beauty.
The county seat of Tucson has grown and evolved into a major center for business and industry, high technology, healthcare and research, culture and performing arts, and premier recreational amenities. Many of the smaller towns that have sprung up around the periphery of metropolitan Tucson are experiencing rapid growth, fueled by suburban sprawl into pristine desert environments rich in available land.
Services
Pima County actually leads the state in providing many of its exceptional institutions, home to Arizona’s only College of Medicine and one of the top research universities in the nation. The University of Arizona sets the benchmark for excellence, infusing vitality into every facet of life. Parents can choose from excellent public and private schools, assured that options for higher education close to home are abundant and affordable.
With research centers, specialty clinics, centers of excellence, and teaching hospitals centered around the University of Arizona, residents can look forward to cutting-edge healthcare. Attracting some of the brightest minds in medicine and research, the area has welcomed internationally recognized health spas and alternative treatment centers to its network of facilities.
Lifestyle
Providing a scenic backdrop for metropolitan Tucson and one of Pima County’s natural treasures are the Santa Catalina Mountains. Popular recreation destinations like Sabino Canyon, Catalina State Park, and Mount Lemmon make this area nature’s own playground. Downhill skiing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, off-roading, fishing, hunting, backpacking, camping, spelunking, and every imaginable outdoor activity is possible in this paradise of outdoor adventure. Two cactus forests, Saguaro National Monument to the north and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in the western portion offer a fascinating glimpse of the desert’s unique ecosystem.
Some attractions combine recreation with historic explorations to a wealth of sites and ruins. Just south of Tucson is the still-active Mission of San Xavier del Bac, founded in 1697 by Father Kino himself. World-class science and nature museums are abundant, offering hands-on educational experiences. The mountaintop Kitt Peak Observatory ranks among the world’s finest research centers, credited with the discovery of the Planet Pluto.
In spite of the region’s relaxed southwestern attitude and virtually unlimited recreational opportunities, newcomers will discover a wealth of visual and performing arts. From Native American ceremonial dances and mariachi bands to the biggest names in rock and country, the calendar of events offers something to please every age group and taste. From the sophistication of its urban resources to the charming small towns that dot the desert landscape, Pima County presents a model in quality of life.
Tucson
City Hall
520-791-4204
www.tucsonaz.gov
Chamber of Commerce
520-792-1212
www.tucsonchamber.org
Newcomers to Tucson will discover delightful contrasts—a city that harmonizes the casual friendliness of the “Old West” with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. In spite of the city’s tremendous growth, it has managed to preserve intimate feeling of a smaller town. The natural beauty of its surroundings, premier resorts and golf courses, world-class attractions, and Southwestern charm have elevated Tucson to one of the nation’s most popular vacation and tourist destinations. Boasting a robust economy that integrates agricultural activity with manufacturing, government, and high technology, the region is a consistent leader in job growth. The city has welcomed phenomenal residential development in recent decades, current home to more than a half-million residents in 223 square miles.
Providing a complete spectrum of performing arts and cultural activities, the city is strongly influenced by the influence of the University of Arizona. Sports fans can look forward to collegiate action with the Wildcats, or major-league exhibition baseball games featuring the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature will appreciate the miles of trails that wind through national forests, state parks, and Sonoran desert beauty.
Housing choices are diverse and attractive, ranging from the casual elegance of Southwestern territorial’s to magnificent California ranch-style homes nestled against the Catalina foothills. Spanish-inspired adobe, traditional block or brick, post-modern, and contemporary homes mix with exclusive golf-resort or country club communities and stunning new subdivisions that offer a resort lifestyle.
TUCSON NEIGHBORHOODS
Oro Valley/Marana/Northwest
The northernwestern part of the city also integrates outlying communities like Oro Valley and Marana along with unincorporated portions of Pima County. Many successful and extremely popular master-planned communities have sprung up in this northern quadrant, some with a family-oriented atmosphere and others designed as an amenity-rich haven for active retirees. Newcomers immediately appreciate the expansive openness and livability this area provides. Interstate 10 serves as the major artery for downtown employment centers and the vast cultural attractions of central Tucson.
Foothills/North
The quintessential elegance and gracious lifestyle associated with Southwestern living is most evident in the upscale neighborhoods that are tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Homesites that approach an acre in size accommodate some of the city’s most impressive custom builds and exclusive subdivisions often feature mountain, city, and sweeping fairway views. La Paloma and Ventana Canyon are examples of premier country club and golf-resort communities, along with favorites like Sabino Springs, Skyline Country Club, and Finesterra. Near Sabino Canyon and Catalina Highway are large horse-property lots and affordable family homes.
Downtown/Central
Convenient to downtown employment centers and office towers, central Tucson encompasses the sprawling campus for the University of Arizona. Cultural, historic, and sports attractions abound in this bustling, compact, and long-established part of the city. Desert landscaping prevails along quiet streets of smaller homes that showcase the unique character and historic charm of yesterday. The Spanish architectural influence is strong, particularly in the Sam Hughes and Fort Lowell districts. Along with renovated homes and affordable bungalows, the central part of the city also offers upscale housing options in elegant communities like Colona Solona and El Encanto.
Tanque Verde/East
The eastern part of the city represents one of the original growth centers during the ’60s and ’70s, offering a pleasing mix of housing options that suit every taste and budget. Choices range from single-family homes and townhomes in well-established urban neighborhoods to stately manors on spacious homesites in Tucson Country Club Estates. Newer master-planned communities in east Tucson compare favorably with the northeastern Tanque Verde area. Here, luxurious homes or ranchettes are set on multi-acre lots. Tanque Verde also claims the unique Lakes at Castle Rock, where sparkling lakes create a true oasis of country-club living surrounded by high desert beauty. Some of the properties in this area enjoy breathtaking views of the Rincon Mountains.
South Tucson
Completely surrounded by the City of Tucson, the community of South Tucson is a small but colorful “city within a city” incorporated for the final time in 1940. Complete in just one square mile, the neighborhood’s proud ethnic character is evident in the number of popular Mexican restaurants and public art that include colorful outdoor mural works created by artists, craftsmen, and local youth. Each year, South Tucson attracts crowds to its annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and the Norteno Music Festival and Street Fair.
Green Valley/South
The vast area south of Tucson from Green Valley through the Interstate 19 corridor that links metropolitan Tucson with the City of Nogales is a popular site for new residential development. Some of the beautiful subdivisions nestled in this region include Rancho Resort and Rancho Sahuarita. The Santa Rita Mountains create a scenic backdrop for many upscale properties set on generous lots. Several of Pima County’s largest retirement communities are clustered along the I-19 corridor, including Green Valley, Quail Creek Country Club, Fairfield, Santa Rita Springs, and La Jolla Verde. Beautiful master-planned communities like Estancia Yerba Buena Ranch are springing up south of Tucson in the open land near Nogales, Sonoita, and Patagonia.
Marana
Town Hall
520-382-1999
www.marana.com
Chamber of Commerce
520-682-4314
www.maranachamber.com
The fast-growing town of Marana is home to a diversified population that combines family neighborhoods and beautiful golf-resort communities that offer adult and family living. The northern part of the town remains agricultural and open, although the southern quadrant closest to Tucson has become a commercial center that mixes popular retailers with local shops. An industrial park along Interstate 10 is home to thriving corporations. Land near the Marana Northwest Regional Airport zones for industry will inevitably attract even more economic development. In addition to the abundance of attractive housing, premier recreational amenities draw newcomers to Marana’s small-town atmosphere. Lush golf courses and the close proximity of mountain and desert “playgrounds” make this area ideal for the sports minded and outdoor enthusiasts.
Green Valley
County Offices
520-740-8126
www.pima.gov
Chamber of Commerce
800-858-5872
http://www.greenvalleysahuarita.com
Established over three decades ago as a retirement development south of Tucson, the unincorporated community of Green Valley claims seasonal as well as permanent residents. Although the area has yet to become incorporated, civic pride and involvement in local issues is keen. The Green Valley Community Coordinating Council draws together members from area institutions and homeowners’ associations to serve as a governing board. Convenient pathways are friendly to a variety of alternative transportation modes that include golf carts, bicycles, and shuttles. A wide variety of social centers have been developed along with housing to provide entertainment and opportunities for recreation and socialization close to home.
Sahaurita
Town Hall
375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Sahuarita 520-822-8800
http://sahuaritaaz.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
275 W Continental Rd
Green Valley 520-625-7575
http://www.greenvalleysahuarita.com/
Sahuarita is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities, and is located roughly 20 minutes south of Central Tucson on Interstate 19. Tucson International Airport is also a 20 minute drive for Sahuarita. Sahuarita has one of the highest median household incomes in Pima County, at $69,425. Major regional employers include Raytheon Missile Systems, University of Arizona Science and Technology Park, Freeport McMoRan, and Asarco. Sahuarita contains the master planned communities of Rancho Sahuarita & Resort, one of the newest communities, (north), Quail Creek (southeast) and Madera Highlands (south) in addition to the residential neighborhoods of La Joya (southwest), Valle Verde del Norte (established in 1979), Los Colonias and Los Arroyos (west). The town has 92 acres of public and private parks and recreation facilities.
Sahuarita has been a modern “boom town.” With its location in the historic Santa Cruz Valley, surrounded by early Spanish missions, frontier outposts and old mines. The area is home to several large employers that great local employment opportunities for residents without the need to commute to Tucson. In Sahuarita, family-friendly housing is plentiful along with excellent schools, parks and gorgeous subdivisions. With Rancho Sahuarita being the largest. The Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace is one of the primary retail centers in the community. It includes all the conveniences residents expect, including grocery, banking, restaurants and shops, and medical services. Down the street from the Marketplace, the Sahuarita Town Center is Rancho Sahuarita’ s take on an old-fashioned main street, complete with municipal buildings, an award-winning elementary school, a post office, public library, and a public aquatics center.
Town of Oro Valley
Town Hall
520-229-4700
https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
520-297-2191
http://www.orovalleychamber.com/
Offering a secluded mountain hideaway northwest of Tucson, the Town of Oro Valley is enjoying rapid expansion. Large subdivisions and communities like Rancho Vistoso, Copper Creek, and Monterey Hills combine with land annexations to encourage continued growth. Proud of its unique identity and impressive list of amenities, Oro Valley offers spacious parks with an Olympic-size swimming pool, picnic areas, racquetball courts, sports fields, an outdoor performance center, tennis courts, games areas, and multi-use path. One of the Southwest’s finest resorts is also located in Oro Valley, along with good schools and burgeoning commercial activity. Although it appeals to retirees, the town provides a warm and welcoming community atmosphere for families.
Vail Chamber of Commerce
13200 E. Colossal Cave Rd
Vail 520-261-VAIL (8245)
http://greatervailchamber.com
Vail, just east of Tucson, enveloped by the native desert and the beautiful Rincon Mountains. The serene, rolling expanse of saguaros blends with the Rincon Mountains to the east of the community. Soak up the views, the solitude, and the privacy that comes from being apart from the hustle and bustle. Vail is a growing and thriving area outside of Tucson Arizona with a population of approximately 24,000 and currently unincorporated. Downtown Tucson is only 20 minutes away. A city big enough to offer world-class dining and shopping, museums, theater, music venues, parks, and both Pima Community College and the University of Arizona campus.
The community is made of diverse neighborhoods. Here you’ll find families that bought homes back in the early 2000’s when the community was starting to come to life, and families that recently moved to this area. There are snowbirds (an affectionate name for the people who live here during the winter months), military, law enforcement, Raytheon employees, teachers, doctors, and work-at-homers. The locations of the homes throughout the community are as diverse as the population. There are homes in a gated community, homes along the golf course, and homes closer to the surrounding desert.
One of the biggest reasons families move to Vail is the school district. Vail Unified School District has a range of high-performing schools throughout the community. The community rallies around these schools promoting a positive environment for kids to thrive People are active around Vail. The golf course, Hacienda del Lago, is one of the most popular courses in Southeast Tucson. Alongside the course is a pathway that lets bikers, runners, and walkers safely get their daily dose of activity. Vail is a haven for bikers. Roads around the area are used for training by amateur and professional cyclists alike. If mountain biking is your preference, the Arizona Trail is just a short ride up Camino Loma Alta.
Today Vail is growing rapidly. People are drawn to the area by the beautiful landscape framed by several mountain ranges and the beautiful Cienega Creek, as well as by the excellent school system and an expanding list of businesses, churches and organizations.
