Marana

Twelve miles outside central Tucson are the winding cul de sacs of Acacia Trails. This planned community features dozens of single-family houses carved out into evenly spaced lots, with sunbaked earth on the periphery. Interstate 10 slices through the land parallel to the community’s edge, allowing for a convenient hop into Tucson. “It’s its own little pocket surrounded by Tucson’s west side mountains,” says Realtor Cody Lopez of Long Realty Company. “Commuters like it; people who work in Phoenix live here.” Although houses in the Pueblo style appear here, they are less common. Typically, one and two-story bungalows line the streets of this neatly organized suburb, drawing on Pueblo-style elements. Clay-colored shingles and stucco walls accent the more conservative shape of the homes themselves. Gravel-peppered front yards and the occasional cactus are standard, with driveway parking and attached garages also a reliable feature. Because the homes and the community itself are newer, the streets are wide and in good condition, welcoming guests to street park. Houses in this community range from $217,000 to $660,000, averaging about $400,000. “You get a lot of people who are looking to cash out and retire,” says Lopez. “They like Acacia Trails because it’s one of Marana’s older neighborhoods from the 90s, more established than the surrounding areas.” Kids in Acacia Trails attend Twin Peaks Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. The school offers summer enrichment programs for kids struggling to keep up with academics. When they reach B-rated Marana Middle, kids choose from several engaging clubs like beginner’s drama or the builder’s club to get involved. High schoolers at Marana High also benefit from a B-rated institution, where 26% of kids challenge themselves with AP courses. The neighborhood's geographical center is Continental Ranch Community Park, open from 7 am to 9 pm. Amenities are plentiful, with four little league fields, two basketball courts and two lighted tennis courts. For a more laid-back afternoon, test your throw at the horseshoe pit. Skaters can also hone their skills with the skate park, just as barbecue enthusiasts can fire up one of three grills. Kids aren’t left out either, with a couple of covered obstacle courses and sets of slides. Explore the winding open field for a calm stroll along the park’s edge and a view of the surrounding houses. Locals can spend their time out at the Los Morteros Conservation Area, the site of an ancient Native American village. The undisturbed burial remains make it a cultural resource and a significant historical asset to the community. Its open grounds feature signage detailing the trail paths and unique facts about the area. Residents must stay hydrated as they walk because the hot, dry air can be grueling. Quality cuts of steak are within reach at Li'l Abner’s Steakhouse, which serves delicious ribeyes and porterhouses. However, carnivores aren’t the only ones made happy; Twin Peaks Pizzeria is even closer to home. For a night when cooking just isn’t feasible, grab a Detroit-style pizza to feed friends or family. Their various options make vegetarians feel included. Nightly dinner planning is easy, too, with Safeway just up the road offering the grocery basics. Aeris Family Dental Marana is conveniently located in the neighborhood, so those pesky biannual appointments are much easier to handle. Some residents stay toned at the Orangetheory Fitness just across from Safeway. Locals can make use of the SunTran bus line, but it does not extend throughout the length of the community. Owning a car or bike to get around Acacia Trails is far better since the transit system is limited.

Aptly named after the flower that sprouts from certain cacti, Saguaro Bloom is a planned suburban community outside Tucson. “It’s a nice community the way it’s laid out and flows,” says Realtor Cody Lopez of Long Realty Company. “The HOA is accessibly priced.” Evenly-spaced homes built within the past decade take shape at the intersection of Quarry and Twin Peaks Road. Along the winding streets of Saguaro Bloom sit one and two-story bungalows with architectural elements resembling the Pueblo style. Stucco or vinyl siding are standard, as are tiny windows and attached garages. Freshly paved concrete driveways and sidewalks make for easy, reliable parking and afternoon strolls. Houses are typically priced between $350,000 and $550,000, the higher end fetching with it a pool or cobblestone patio area. “The floor plans are awesome, and so is the location,” says Lopez. One might notice the empty lots on the neighborhood’s northeast corner; brand-new houses will deliver in the coming years, growing the community. Kids in Saguaro Bloom attend Twin Peaks Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. The school offers summer enrichment programs for kids struggling to keep up with academics. When they reach B-rated Marana Middle, kids choose from several engaging clubs like beginner’s drama or the builder’s club to get involved. High schoolers at Marana High also benefit from a B-rated institution, where 26% of kids challenge themselves with AP courses. Locals head to El Rio Preserve for a pleasant afternoon in the sun. The wild landscape is home to various creatures that roam the water’s edge. Walk along the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail and read the signs that name the local flora and fauna. Those fortunate enough to spot a heron or roadrunner can take with them a photo as proof. If not, perhaps their tracks left in the dirt will suffice. As one might expect, cacti are everywhere, some blooming with colorful flowers that contrast their counterparts. Sunsets are especially gorgeous, accenting the rustic environment of tan earth and nearby mountains. Once a week, locals venture to the Saguaro Bloom Community Center to enjoy Food Truck Friday, which features a rotating list of grub vendors. After a quick bite, residents can hop into one of two community pools. They feature swimmer’s lap sections and fountains for kids to play in. Back on land, kids can use the awning-covered jungle gyms and all they offer. Staying fit is made easier by the basketball court onsite and the fitness center’s free weights and machines. Locals use the walking path at their own pace for a less strenuous workout. An evening out of the house at La Olla Mexican Café means enchiladas, margaritas, and flan. The restaurant is just a short drive down Silverbell Road. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Home Plata Marana is a sports bar for the discerning fan. In addition to the typical happy hour Monday through Friday, they also offer seven batting cages. Sit, sip and watch friends take a swing from the safety and comfort of an outside table. Those who don’t overexert themselves can take a shopping break at the Tucson Premium Outlets. There’s no shortage of brands to peruse, be it Adidas, Coach, GAP or Sunglass Hut. A four-mile drive is worth it for the convenience of trying a new fit. Folks in Saguaro Bloom can utilize the SunTran when it stops outside the community, but owning a vehicle here is far more practical. A short drive in the opposite direction reveals Marana Regional Airport, a small reliever airport serving Tucson. If something isn’t located in the neighborhood, it’s a quick drive away.

Winding, planned streets weave through the desert lands of Marana, Arizona, forming suburban havens. Countryside is one such neighborhood, situated twelve miles outside Tucson. This master-planned community is just far enough from the city to simultaneously provide quality privacy and convenience. With views of the Tortolita mountains and plentiful events in and around Marana, Countryside is a wonderful community to call home. Houses in Countryside are parsed into uniform lots, dropped onto neat streets that end in cul de sacs. The Countryside neighborhood is technically made of several micro-communities, meaning house styles vary from street to street. Most houses in the northern half of the community are two-story bungalows with beige facades. Generous, paved driveways and attached garages are standard, as are terracotta-style shingles on the roofs. Tiny dirt or gravel yards are home to trees and shrubs, adding color to the dry landscape. Single-story bungalows are more common in the southern half, where the newly paved streets offer a reasonable parking space. Three-bedrooms are the typical accommodation, ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. After school, kids can head to Arthur Pack Regional Park. The jungle gym and swing sets will keep little kids occupied. Those looking for a friendly game of baseball should try out the diamond. For something less competitive, take a walk along the Hedgehog Trail; just be sure to watch out for snakes. At Sunset Pointe Park, locals bring their pups for a walk, stretching out and relaxing on the open field. This park has a small playground, too. For sightseeing and hiking, try the Hartman Saguaro Cactus Preserve and snap a few pictures. There are a couple of local restaurants in the neighborhood. Head to rAAAspasados y mas for Mexican cuisine. The locally owned and operated joint serves variations of boba, nachos, tostitos and loaded fries for a satisfying post-shopping meal. Next door is a Chinese spot, Flaming Wok. Combos of fried rice and noodles are an affordable, quick bite. Saturday afternoons are perfect for shopping, and locals love the Tucson Premium Outlet because it meets the demand. Shoppers will find nearly any name brand imaginable for that perfect summer or winter fit. Marana and Tucson have plenty of events for residents to explore throughout the seasons. The Tucson Children’s Museum hosts discovery nights where kids can learn more about science and art. Adults can explore the layout of the stars with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. They bring telescopes to the Saguaro National Park for public use. Honor Native American heritage at the Arts Fair, which features ceramics, baskets, clothing and artwork on display by Native American artists. Kids in Countryside attend DeGrazia Elementary, rated B overall by Niche. The school has an anti-bullying campaign in which counselors provide lessons on what it means to have positive interpersonal relationships. When they reach Tortolita Middle, kids have their choice of fine arts programs like music, band, drama and orchestra. The school also earns a B from Niche. Mountain View High School boasts an A-minus overall and offers various ensembles like jazz, symphonic and marching band. “The neighborhood schools are close by,” says Realtor Tresa Rodriguez of Tierra Antigua and resident of Sunset Point. To get around, folks sometimes utilize the SunTran, a bus running from the neighborhood's outskirts into the shopping center. After boarding the bus at the Linda Vista and Hartman intersection, reaching the outlet takes just a few minutes. Unfortunately, walking or biking would still be necessary within the neighborhood, so driving one’s own car is still the most practical way to travel. “The neighborhood is a great location, right next to the freeway,” says Rodriguez. “You’re not a far drive from anything.”