Find your happy place in the American Southwest. Tucson, Arizona has the rich history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene you are looking for. Here, you can live in a spacious home for a fraction of the cost of living in other major cities. And with year-round sunshine and abundant recreation, you can enjoy the outdoors all year long. Top employers include the University of Arizona, Raytheon, and Intuit. Visit the Sonoran Desert Museum and learn about the unique plants and animals of the region. Hike or bike in Saguaro National Park and visit the Tucson Museum of Art and see a collection of over 40,000 works of art. There’s culture including the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Tucson Opera. Tucson and its welcoming suburbs offer beautiful master-planned communities.
10. Catalina
Population: 6,472
Median Home Value: $189,900
School Ranking: A-
Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
Find a new home in Pima County. Catalina, AZ is a suburban area with a rural feel. From highly ranked schools to a great place to retire, Catalina is a small town on the move. Situated among the rolling hills of the desert, the town offers a peaceful setting with incredible views. Catalina residents can enjoy the outdoors on hiking trails. Camping and bird watching are other popular activities.
9. Tucson Estates
Population: 12,411
Median Home Value: $158,400
School Ranking: B+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
Tucson Estates is another Pima County gem ranking in the top ten of Best Suburbs to Buy a New House and Best Suburbs with the Lowest Cost of Living in Arizona. Enjoy the stunning views of the lush Sonoran Desert while you create memories horseback riding, camping, and hiking. Live close to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The Tucson Folk Festival and the many art galleries offer a fair share of culture. With so much to do and see, there's something for everyone in Tucson Estates!
8. Sahuarita
Population: 33,524
Median Home Value: $251,800
School Ranking: B+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 345
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 43
Located 15 miles from Tucson is a growing town, Sahuarita. Major employers including Raytheon Missile Systems and Banner Health provide a boost to the economy. Saguaro National Park West is a national park with loads of desert plans and the intriguing Saguaro cacti. The Pima Air & Space Museum and the Old Sahuarita Village are two popular spots. With a mild climate and a relatively affordable cost of living, Sahuarita is worthy of serious consideration. Peruse some of the inviting new homes.
7. Marana
Population: 50,834
Median Home Value: $291,900
School Ranking: B+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,132
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 35
The proximity to Tucson puts Marana on the list. Live 20 miles northwest of downtown Tucson in a popular area full of amenities and activities. With a lower cost of living, get more for your money in Marana. Major employers including GoDaddy, Pima County College, and Banner Health offer great job prospects. Visit the Old Tucson Studios that has been a filming locale for television and movies. Discover the tennis courts, pool, and playground at Marana Meadows Park. With plenty of retail outlets catering to all budgets plus lots of entertainment options, Marana is the whole package. Take a look at the inviting new home communities in Marana.
6. Casas Adobes
Population: 70,224
Median Home Value: $235,600
School Ranking: A-
Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
Casas Adobes, AZ will impress you! Young professionals and families will appreciate this suburb. This vibrant city offers an array of delicious cuisine, culture, and entertainment. Head over to the Tucson Botanical Gardens or get a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon ride. First-time homebuyers can get ahead of the game when you are ready to buy.
5. Oro Valley
Population: 46,515
Median Home Value: $348,200
School Ranking: A-
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 588
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 22
Oro Valley, Arizona is located near Tucson making it perfect for those who look for thrills in Natural Bridge State Park. Rated #10 for Best Suburbs for Young Professionals and #11 for Best Places to Retire, this area has something for everyone. Live in an area to the north of Tucson that is growing by leaps and bounds. Find plenty to keep boredom at bay with hiking trails, aquatic centers, and farmers markets. This Arizona treasure is ideal for anyone wanting to buy a new home in the area.
4. Tanque Verde
Population: 14,946
Median Home Value: $435,500
School Ranking: A
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
Live in the town of Tanque Verde with its high rankings as Best Suburb to Raise a Family, Best Public Schools in Arizona, and Best Suburb to Buy a New House. Tanque Verde is found to the east of Tucson. Agua Caliente Park, abundant restaurants, and various retails outlets make it easy to enjoy life close to home. Enjoy a safe community close to the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains.
3. Vail
Population: 14,715
Median Home Value: $274,600
School Ranking: A
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
Vail, AZ is the perfect setting for those loving the outdoors. Hike the Colossal Cave Mountain Park and be rewarded by gorgeous views. Horseback riding and geocaching in the desert are more ways to embrace the outdoors. Families will appreciate the #2 and #3 rankings of Best Suburbs to Buy a House and Raise a Family respectively. This growing desert town offers outstanding schools, a low crime rate, and easy amenities. Vail offers affordability for new homes. Take a look at the latest finishes and features in the new home offerings in Vail, AZ.
2. Corona de Tucson
Population: 9,627
Median Home Value: $256,800
School Ranking: A
Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
From museums to Kartchner Caverns to outlets and restaurants, there is plenty to see in Corona de Tucson. Ranked #1 Best Suburb to Buy a House in the state, Corona de Tucson is the right choice for your family. This family-friendly area is nestled against the Santa Rita Mountains. From scenic views to a strong sense of community, you’re sure to find a fit for your family in this inviting community.
1. Catalina Foothills
Population: 50,096
Median Home Value: $476,400
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
Catalina Foothills is truly an outstanding suburb. Ranked #1 Best Suburb to Live in Arizona, you will find ideal new homes for families, young professionals, and retirees. This well-maintained Tucson suburb is a dream come true. Residents appreciate the mild climate that allows for golfing and explorations in the Sonoran Desert. Check out the amazing art galleries, exquisite restaurants, abundant shops, and boutiques. Catalina Foothills will elevate your quality of life.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.