How Mandarina is reshaping Marana’s residential landscape
Mandarina is a master-planned community in the growing town of Marana, about a 30-minute drive northwest of Tucson. The neighborhood has single-family homes built by Meritage Homes and KB Home. As of 2026, Mandarina is at various stages of development, with completion expected in the mid-to-late 2030s. The neighborhood will have various outdoor amenities too, including trail access.
Housing options in Mandarina include Spanish Revivals
Meritage Homes and KB Home both began building Spanish Revival houses in Mandarina in the mid-2020s. “We've got a little bit of something for everyone. We have the giant two-story with three-car tandem garages for those who already have the kids and all the cars and need all the parking. And then, we've got the smaller single-story homes for those who are looking to downsize or buy their first home,” says Michelle Jessee, the vice president of sales at Meritage Homes, who has over two decades of experience. Home prices range from the lower $300,000s to the high $400,000s. “We're at the very beginning of the community. It'll never cost less to buy in there. And as those amenities become realities, obviously, it just becomes worth more and more,” Jessee says.
Outdoors and proximity to retail and commuter routes
The master-planned community also offers various amenities to residents, with a few perks as well. Mandarina’s highlighted features will include:
Outdoor access, such as a swimming pool, a dog park and pickleball courts
Access to trails, such as the bike-friendly CAP Trail
Proximity to commuting routes, such as Interstate 10
Proximity to shops and restaurants, including those at the Tucson Premium Outlets
Highly rated schools serve the Mandarina community
Mandarina is in the Marana Unified School District attendance zone. The district offers in-district and out-of-district students the option for open-enrollment, including at Gladden Farms Elementary School, Marana Middle School and Marana High School. All neighborhood schools are highly rated. “Their school district does an amazing job of making sure that all the kids have access to all the resources that they need,” Jessee says.
Marana’s expansion plans include new retail and dining
The town of Marana is expanding and, as a result, Mandarina residents will have more shops and restaurants within a 10-minute drive. “We just got confirmation that there's a Super Walmart that's coming just on the other side of I-10 […] You won't be a long drive to anything. Everything's going to be there,” Jessee says. In Gladden Farms, several undeveloped lots near Fry’s Marketplace are planned for fast-food restaurants, a car wash and medical offices. There is currently no predicted completion date for when these lots will all be built, however. Additionally, the town government approved plans at a December 2025 meeting to develop downtown Marana into a mixed-use entertainment district. Development is expected to last at least 11 years.
Interstate 10 facilitates commutes from Phoenix to Tucson
Mandarina is to the east of Marana, near the railroad and I-10. The interstate connects the area to Tucson’s healthcare centers, the University of Arizona and industrial employers. “Then, we see also a few people commuting to Phoenix for employment. This is the very north end of Tucson, and of course, it's very convenient to I-10, so if they do have to do business in Phoenix two or three days a week, this is a great spot for them,” Jessee says.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Mandarina neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Mandarina
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Mandarina Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mandarina, Marana sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Mandarina, Marana over the last 12 months is $387,040.
BRAND NEW! The Citrine floorplan in Tucson, AZ features an open layout with a spacious kitchen and covered patio—perfect for entertaining. Styled with white cabinets, white quartz countertops, light beige tile flooring, and cool neutral carpet from our Finesse package. Located in Mandarina, a master-planned community in Marana offering amenities like a pool, pickleball courts, playgrounds, a dog
Brand new community in new Mandarina master plan. This single-story, 4-bedroom home features a 9-ft. ceiling height, formal dining/living room, covered back patio, and ENERGY STAR certified cellulose insulation. The kitchen showcases 42'' upper cabinets in choice of seven colors, granite countertops, an island, pantry, and Whirlpool® stainless steel appliances. The primary suite boasts a walk-in
* Covered patio * Smart thermostat * Stainless steel appliances * Walk-in closet at primary suite * Kitchen USB charging port * WaterSense labeled faucets * Front porch * Spacious great room * Kitchen island * Dedicated laundry room * Low-E windows * ENERGY STAR certified home * Master-planned community * Planned swimming pool * Planned pickleball courts * Planned dog park * Mountain views *
Brand new community in new Mandarina master plan. This single-story home features a covered back patio, dedicated laundry room, and ENERGY STAR certified cellulose insulation. The kitchen showcases a granite wraparound countertop, birch cabinets in choice of two colors, pantry, and Whirlpool® stainless steel appliances. The primary suite includes an adjoining bath with a walk-in shower. This is a
Single story, open style living with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. Enjoy umber cabinets with white/gray granite countertops, light beige tile flooring and cool neutral carpet in our Charm package.
The teen room makes the perfect additional living area. Enjoy dual sinks and a walk-in closet in the primary suite. Enjoy umber cabinets with white/gray granite countertops, light beige tile flooring and cool neutral carpet in our Charm package.
Enjoy dual sinks and a walk-in closet in the primary suite. Enjoy white cabinets with white/gray countertops, white tile backsplash, wood-look tile flooring and cool neutral carpet in the Refined package.
The teen room makes the perfect additional living area and enjoy dual sinks and a walk-in closet in the primary suite. Enjoy umber cabinets with shaded grey granite countertops, wood-look tile flooring with warm neutral carpet in the Elemental package.
Open concept layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a flex room just off of the kitchen. Enjoy umber cabinets with shaded grey granite countertops, wood-look tile flooring and warm neutral carpet in our Elemental package.
With four bedrooms, this home is great for entertaining guests with a tucked away primary suite. Enjoy umber cabinets with white/gray granite countertops, light beige tile flooring and cool neutral carpet in our Charm package.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.