Historic Old West town that takes life slow
Situated at 4,500 feet in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oracle is a small community full of history, outdoor recreation and art. The area was settled in the late 19th century with the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby Oracle Mine, and the town later adopted the name. “It’s just its own little town. You drive in, and you slow down, life slows down,” says Sarah Yancey, a one-time Oracle resident, who sells homes here and in Tucson for Realty One Group Integrity. Oracle attracts people who like the fact that it’s typically 10 degrees colder than most other parts of Tucson. They also love that small-town feeling. “Oracle has always been small. They don’t want to grow. There will never be a stoplight or massive street sign that lights up,” Yancey says. “They’re designated dark sky. And the stars out there are amazing. I mean some of the best skies I’ve ever seen.”
The landscape of Oracle transitions from forest to mountainous desert, and with that comes a wide variety of living options. Folks who desire the tranquility of private living and homes on spacious plots of land find plenty of options here. And once they move in, they find plenty of good neighbors. “The people of Oracle are very loyal to each other. If you have a problem, if you’re broke down, you’re going to get help. And you probably won’t even have to ask for it,” Yancey says. Not that folks worry much about breaking down or even crime. On the CAP Index which measures the risk of crime on a scale of one to ten, Oracle scores ones across the board, three points beneath the national average of four.
Life near Oracle State Park
It’s easy to become one with nature while living in Oracle, as there are plenty of outdoor spaces for a day of hiking, biking and more. Oracle State Park is a sprawling 4,000-acre wildlife refuge with miles of multi-use trails. The park is also a prime spot for bird watching, in addition to the many mammals and reptiles commonly spotted throughout the year. Often riders bring along their horses and trek along the Firebreak Road Trail or rough it on foot through one of the many trails. Part of the Arizona Trail, which spans over 800 miles, runs through Oracle, providing a quick hike on two trailheads. For a more exciting day out, go off-roading through the desert landscape or go for a daring zipline eco-tour. About 20 miles away, About 20 miles away Catalina State Park backdropped by Mt. Lemmon, has space to hike and camp.
A slice of local culinary
Several locally owned restaurants are around, including Nonna Maria’s, which serves classic Italian cuisine. Orehouse Hilltop Tavern is the neighborhood watering hole and a favorite spot for locals who want to grab a beer with friends or family in a lively environment. Locals can also start the weekend with a frittata from The Oracle Patio Café and Market, which serves a variety of breakfast and lunch options.
Art galleries and performance venues
For another piece of local culture, captivating paintings and performances are put on display at Rancho Linda Vista, a gallery space created in the late 1960s as a community for artists in the area. The town is filled with spaces for creatives, including Triangle L Art Ranch, which features sculptures and works by contemporary artists. The Oracle Piano Society performs at the Oracle Center for the Arts for music enthusiasts.
Homes with acreage
Oracle has its fair share of historic homes built in the town’s early years, including Pueblo-style ranch cabins, like the historic La Casa Del High Jinks, once owned by Buffalo Bill, which sold for $445,000 in 2020 and listed for $600,000 in 2024. A majority of housing options include Southwest Contemporary homes, which start at $400,000 for a 1,400 square-foot home, and sell for up to $1 million for a 3,000-square-foot space with luxury amenities. Homebuyers can also find manufactured homes on acres of land for around $250,000 to $350,000, and three- to-four-bedroom ranch-style homes ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. “Right now, the market in general has slowed down significantly. People aren’t in a hurry and there are more listings than there are buyers,” Yancey says.
Robotics at the vista
Parents in the area can enroll their children in Mountain Vista Elementary School from kindergarten through 8th grade. Niche grades the school a C-plus. Students there can learn the ins and outs of robotics and 3D printing with the school’s Tech Academy and Maker’s Space. From there, students can opt to attend San Manuel High School, which has a B-minus grade, or Canyon Del Oro High School, graded an A-minus.
An easy trip in and out
When it comes to transportation, there’s nothing particularly complicated here. Travel north on Arizona State Route 77 from Tucson, see the intersection with Highway 79 and take the fork right in the road. It’s about 35 miles away from the city.
Written By
Jonathan Clarke
Photography Contributed By
Alex Medina
