Nogales straddles the U.S.-Mexico border, half in Arizona's Santa Cruz County and half in the Mexican state of Sonora. These two sister communities were a unified town before the 1918 Battle of Ambos Nogales, but they still share a deep history, culture and economy woven across the frontier. Today, Nogales' Mariposa Port of Entry sees over $30 billion in produce trade flowing through its port yearly. For this reason, the primary industries here focus on moving, storing and delivering imported and exported goods.
Set 70 miles from Tucson, the city enjoys a year-round desert climate among the Santa Rita Mountains. "It's a mellow city where you can be outside all year," says Louie Morales, resident and real estate agent with Century 21 Success Realty. "In the winter, I call my relatives in Ohio who can hardly get outside because of the weather, and they're jealous because it's always 80 degrees here. Plus, I'm 10 minutes from the border."
Community development plans in Nogales include restoring historic adobe buildings and improving the downtown shopping area on Morley Avenue. These plans aim to draw in Sonora residents with cross-border shopping, an industry that took a hit during the 2020 pandemic.
Nogales shares it's border with Mexico, and sees daily crossings of both people and produce trade.
Historic Morley Avenue features unique shopping opportunities for U.S. and Mexican citizens.
1/2
Larger homes on the outskirts of town, modest properties on the hills
The median home price in Nogales is around $285,000, lower than Tucson’s median of $345,000. Midcentury ranch-style homes and Pueblo Revivals built in the 1920s to 1950s are spread throughout the city, often along hilly streets; many homes feature carports and drought-resistant landscaping. Renovated and newly built homes typically cost around $250,000, while older fixer-uppers often dip below $100,000. “The most expensive homes are in neighborhoods like Vista Del Cielo and Meadow Hills,” Morales adds. “These are typically two-story, larger properties on the outskirts of town.” Most of these higher-priced homes have Spanish Revival influences.
Traditional Nogales homes are ranch-style and made of red brick.
New builds on the outskirts of Nogales offer more land, and stucco finishing.
1/2
High graduation rates and higher learning
The Nogales Unified School District earns a B from Niche. The district offers six elementary, two middle and two high schools, and has one of the highest graduation rates in the state. High school students can take dual enrollment classes that enable them to earn college credits at Pima Community College. The University of Arizona Nogales operates out of the Eagles Educational Center, adjacent to the Mariposa Shopping Center.
Nogales Unified District has one of the highest graduation rates in the state of Arizona.
The University of Arizona Nogales operates out of the Eagles Educational Center.
1/2
Historic trails and expansive campgrounds
Nogales is home to a stretch of the 1,210-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, commemorating the 1775-1776 Spanish expedition through the area. The Pimeria Alta Historical Society and Museum, housed in the 1914 Old Nogales City Hall, dives deeper into local history with its murals, artifacts and exhibits. Locals take weekend trips to Patagonia Lake State Park, 15 miles away, for swimming and kayaking, as well as fishing at more than 100 sites.
The Santa Cruz River follows the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail near Nogales.
Patagonia Lake State Park is 30 minutes from Nogales and offers fishing, camping and hiking.
1/2
Locally owned businesses, authentic Mexican food and national retailers
Morley Avenue’s colorful storefronts offer bargain shopping for clothing, tactical gear and Mexican handicrafts; in recent years, empty storefronts are common. The Mariposa Shopping Center — known more commonly as Mariposa Mall — offers a mix of national retailers and local businesses, while Nogales Plaza centers around a grocery store and includes budget-friendly shops and casual dining options. Downtown Nogales’ historic district is mostly home to duty-free stores. The local dining scene emphasizes authentic Mexican cuisine, but fast-casual chain eateries and traditional American diners can also be found around the city. Nogales' only movie theatre, Oasis Cinema 9, shows the latest releases.
Morley Avenue in Nogales is the hub for budget shopping with visitors from Mexico and the U.S.
Finitos is a long-time Nogales staple that serves Italian ice with a Mexican twist.
1/2
Interstate 19 leads to Tucson
Interstate 19 runs north-south through Nogales, leading about 70 miles to Tucson; the small cities of Rio Rico and Tubac are set along the way. The Mariposa Port of Entry is accessible through State Route 189. Local public transit includes Nogales Rides service for senior citizens and disabled residents. Residents seek healthcare at Holy Cross Hospital, while Tucson International Airport is about 64 miles north.
Fighting drug-related crime
According to recent FBI data, between 2022 and 2024, the Nogales Police Department reported higher rates of violent and property crime than those in both the state and the nation. Nogales has faced ongoing challenges with cross-border drug trafficking. In 2024, the city started a program called “Operation Plaza Strike,” uniting different government agencies to catch key players in the U.S.-Mexico drug trade.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Oliver,
an experienced agent in this area.
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail - Tumacácori to Tubac
Nogales Housing Trends
On average, homes in Nogales, AZ sell after 395 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Nogales, AZ over the last 12 months is $286,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Perfect Blend of Luxury & Quality with Mountain Views. Discover the ideal combination of high-quality new construction and breathtaking views of the San Cayetano Mountain Range. Nestled on a spacious 0.69-acre lot, this 1,901 sq. ft. home offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted to deliver comfort, style, and functionality.Superior
Large residential lot in desirable view area not far from Rio Rico Drive. Will take some dirt work to create the building pad. If it was flat and ready to build on the price would be $20,000. Water at the street verified see attached. Owner / agent. First attempt at a percolation test I was told failed but I never received anything in writing from a percolation test engineer. Price is as
Stunning, gated property with a beautiful ranch home on 5+/- acres in the coveted Kino Springs. It lies in a very picturesque setting with mesquites, oaks, a magnificent riparian area nearby & endless long views of mountains in every direction. The property has easy access & is quiet, very private & at the end of a good dirt road. The views, horseback riding, birding & hiking into the Patagonia
Very private and serene with sweeping mountain views in every direction —this 36-acre lot is the perfect spot for your custom home. Ideally located between Rio Rico to the west and Nogales/Lake Patagonia to the east, offering both seclusion and convenience. Enjoy the beauty of Southern Arizona in your own private retreat.
This property at 651 N Goodman St is a one bedroom apartment. The unit is 980 square feet, featuring air conditioning for comfort. The living area is designed for efficiency, accommodating both relaxation and dining needs. The bathroom includes standard fixtures and is easily accessible. The exterior of the building is smoke-free, promoting a healthy living environment. Rental price is
Country like living, yet close to city. Private driveway.extra parking. Furnished, mountain views surround. 3 Car garage, 3 car carport, dog run. AC.Marble flooring and carpeting throughout. Ceiling fans, Extra large bedrooms, Master suite with walking closet and there's a suite upstairs. Wood flooring upstairs. 16 miles to Patagonia Lake. Call or text agent for more information.
Beautifully renovated former home of first Mexican-American Governor of Arizona Raul H Castro. Fully remodeled with new New NEW flooring, paint, carpet, bathrooms, kitchen, roof, HVAC, etc. This gorgeous property has a beautiful view of Mexico Perfect for a Bed and Breakfast or short term rentals with 4 en-suite bedrooms in the main house with their own full bathrooms making it perfect for
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
