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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Nogales, AZ sell after 138 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Nogales, AZ over the last 12 months is $274,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lot with Utilities Near Commerce & Highway Access! This spacious lot comes with water and electric on-site, offering a great opportunity for future development. Located just minutes from I-19 and key border trade routes, it's surrounded by active commercial and industrial businesses. With flexible zoning (buyer to verify), this property is ideal for storage, future build projects, or long-term
Exceptional location to Historic Tubac Golf Resort! Quiet cul-de-sac lot a serene setting with underground electric & encore water available. An expansive Mountain views of the Santa Rita Mountains (East) & Tumacacori Mountains (West) Enjoy the brilliant sunrises & sunsets with the East-West exposure. Historic Tubac has it all, dining, golf, galleries, shopping and more! Make new friends
Build your custom dream home on this one-of-a-kind property next to the historic Salero Mine Ghost Town. This is 1 of 2 gorgeous parcels in Salero Ranch being offered by the same owner, each adjoining the Salero Ghost Town. This 36 acre lot has building sites at several elevations that offer absolutely stunning panoramic mountain views that go on forever, while giving a nod to the past in the
Beautiful complex of apartments located in one most established neighborhoods in Nogales. The schools that service the children in this community are among the best in the county.
Move-In Ready Rental - Available Now! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home feels like new and is ready for immediate move-in! Featuring an open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings, ceramic tile flooring, and spacious living, kitchen, and dining areas--perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet, and the kitchen boasts granite
Beautiful complex of apartments located in one most established neighborhoods in Nogales. The schools that service the children in this community are among the best in the county.
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