Town tucked between mountain ranges and Tucson’s cityscape
Oro Valley is north of Tucson, between the Catalina and Tortolita mountains. “Oro Valley is more of your suburb kind of feeling life, where it's a little more relaxed,” says Realtor Emily Erickson with Coldwell Banker Realty Oro Valley, with over 7 years of experience.
During Arizona’s expansion in the 19th century, the area shifted from mostly cattle ranchers to gold rushers searching the Cañada del Oro wash. In 1974, the area was incorporated as a town of Tucson with roughly 1,200 people.
Today, the population has grown to over 48,000, and the local government, aerospace companies, healthcare and nearby resorts make up the major industries in the city. Prominent employers include Honeywell, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Oro Valley Hospital, Town of Oro, Simpleview and El Conquistador Tucson, to name a few.
Oro Valley is tucked between the Catalina Mountains and Tortolita Mountains, divided by Oracle Road.
Oro Valley Hospital has 176 beds and serves a variety of different healthcare needs in a convenient location.
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Subdivisions with Spanish influences and modern estates
The town’s neighborhoods include gated communities, such as La Reserve, master-planned areas, such as Rancho Vistoso and Canada Hills, and various 55-and-older communities. La Cholla Airpark is a private residential subdivision where residents park their planes by their houses.
Architectural styles throughout Oro Valley include Spanish-influenced new traditional houses, ranch-style homes, Pueblo Revivals and modern adobe estates. They carry a median price of $550,000, which is higher than the national average of $406,000. According to the Tucson Association of Realtors 2024 comparisons report of market pricing, the Tucson area’s median single-family home price is $390,000. Townhouses and condos are listed from $205,000 to $525,000. The median townhouse sale price across Tucson in 2024 was $293,000, while for condos, it was $195,000.
Pueblo-inspired homes can be found in Oro Valley subdivisions with mountain views.
Traditional homes with Spanish-influenced stucco are common in Oro Valley.
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STEM-based curriculum and the University of Arizona
Amphitheater Public Schools district includes 22 schools in Oro Valley and earns a B-plus grade from Niche. The Innovation Academy is a public kindergarten through fifth-grade school that maintains an A-minus. BASIS Oro Valley is an A-plus-graded public charter school for kindergarten through 12th-grade students, offering STEM-based classes and college preparatory courses.
The University of Arizona, located less than 15 miles south of the city, has over 300 majors and is recognized as a research and development institution. Its College of Veterinary Medicine, where preclinical students focus on laboratory instruction, is in Oro Valley.
Basis Oro Valley serves grades K-5 and is tuition-free.
University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is in Oro Valley.
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Expansive trail networks, aquatics and athletic facilities
Oro Valley has sunshine year-round and mild temperatures from fall to spring. El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Club sits at the city’s center and houses the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center’s indoor fitness facilities. “We have triathletes that will come and train specifically here because you can do everything, especially during the winter," Erickson says. "Because we have mountains, they can ride that bike up to the tippy top and then run forever on a flat road or sand, even up a trail and then swim in the Olympic-sized pool [at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center].”
Local athletic leagues practice and compete at parks, including James D. Kreigh, Riverfront and Naranja. Trails weave through the desert landscape at Honey Bee Canyon Park and Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Oro Valley connects to the Chuck Huckleberry Loop, a 137-mile mixed-use path through Tucson. Catalina State Park borders the city to the east and has trails of varying difficulty, some of which are bike- and horse-friendly.
Wildfires and extreme heat are regional concerns as there is a potential for wildfires; monsoon season is generally between June 15 and September 30.
Honeybee Canyon Park offers trails, petroglyphs, and stunning views in Oro Valley.
swim in the Olympic-sized pool at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, the largest in Southern Arizona.
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North Oracle Road’s big box stores and restaurants
Shopping centers dot North Oracle Road and include the Oro Valley Marketplace and Oracle Crossings. Both have various fast-food restaurants, casual bars, Italian restaurants and Mexican cafes. Big box stores and major grocers are also located in these retail centers.
Oracle Crossing in Oro Valley has dozens of shopping and restaurant options off Oracle Road.
The Oro Valley Marketplace offers a variety of shopping and dining with scenic views.
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Steam Pump Ranch farmers markets and botanical gardens
The Oro Valley Historical Society provides narrated tours of the Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch, which hosts various annual and seasonal events, including the Heirloom Farmers Market on Saturdays, Friday night concerts and a market with local food and artisan vendors called “Second Saturdays.” Farther south, the Tohono Chul Park's botanical gardens have art displays, educational tours and paths lined with flora native to the Sonoran Desert.
Dozens of booths are open for shopping at The Oro Valley Farmers Market every Saturday.
Tohono Chul Park in Oro Valley is filled with bright yellow wildflower blooms every spring.
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Bike lanes and North Oracle Road commutes
North Oracle Road runs north and south through the east side of Oro Valley, tying the city to Tucson, about 10 miles south. The aerospace employer Honeywell and the resort employer El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton hotel, are both located off North Oracle Road.
The Oro Valley Hospital is located off of East Tangerine Road, a west- and east-bound thoroughfare. “Oro Valley, in general, is probably the most bikeable, walkable area you can get. I mean, almost every place has a bike lane and or an additional walking path next to it,” Erickson says.
The Tucson International Airport is about a 25-mile drive south of the neighborhood and has flight connections to over 400 domestic and international cities.
Oro Valley Police Department statistics
According to the Oro Valley Police Department’s Annual Report, violent crime counts increased by nearly 53% from 2022 to 2023, while property crimes decreased by about 5%. Though the city’s violent and property crime rates remain well below both state and national averages.
Written By
Lauren Melton
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Kelly,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oro Valley, AZ sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Oro Valley, AZ over the last 12 months is $525,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in Oro Valley's highly sought-after neighborhood known as ''The Links,'' this classic single-story home with a tasteful Santa Fe interior offers breathtaking mountain views and a prime location backing onto the prestigious El Conquistador Golf Course. Meticulously maintained, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home also features an office/den and a spacious 3-car garage.Step inside to discover high
Experience Old-World Ambiance and Modern Luxury in Rancho Vistoso.Step into timeless elegance in this meticulously upgraded home nestled in the heart of Rancho Vistoso. A brand-new roof (2023) and all-new Pella windows and doors combine beauty and efficiency with lasting value.As you enter, you'll be welcomed by grand 48x48 Italian porcelain tile floors and a stunning Venetian plastered feature
VIEWS! VIEWS! VIEWS! Located in the heart of Oro Valley, nestled on the 5th fairway of the El Conquistador Golf Course, you'll find this well-maintained 3 bed/1.75 bath split floor plan home. Featuring a great room w/gas beehive fireplace & patio access to stunning panoramic views of the Catalina Mountains. Eat-in Kitchen with GE Profile stainless appliances (incl 2023 microwave), granite
Welcome to your own private retreat in the heart of Oro Valley-- set on the prestigious El Conquistador Golf Course, this refined residence offers the ultimate blend of desert luxury and effortless lifestyle!From the moment you arrive, the grand curb appeal and commanding presence of this home make a lasting impression. Step inside to a dramatic foyer with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and
Welcome to a singular expression of refined desert living--an architecturally stunning custom estate nestled on over six private acres in coveted Oro Valley. From the moment you arrive, the home exudes elegance and exclusivity, beginning with a meticulously designed paver-lined entry that sets a grand stage leading up to the dramatic 10-foot cantilevered glass front door!Step inside and immerse
Located in the prestigious guard-gated community of La Reserve, 10195 N Alder Spring Drive represents refined desert living at its finest. This impeccably maintained 2,349 square foot residence backs directly to natural open space, offering a serene setting with commanding views of the majestic Catalina Mountains.The thoughtfully designed three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath floor plan showcases an
This 2,301 sq. ft. home is in the quiet and highly desirable Rancho Vistoso community. The main level features a formal living room, dining area, family room with gas fireplace, and a versatile den with a full bathroom--perfect for a guest room or home office. Upstairs includes a spacious loft, large primary suite with dual sinks, separate tub and shower, and a generous walk-in closet. Two
This property is managed by Beztak, 2025 recipient of the US Best Managed Companies for the sixth year in a row, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Call and let us tell you why! The Golf Villas at Oro Valley offer luxurious living directly on the El Conquistador golf course. This is truly the most prestigious community in the Oro Valley, with breathtaking views of the
Oro Valley Villages of LaCanada - Immaculate just renovated contemporary home with new paint, new flooring, new Quartz kitchen counter, new fans, new blinds, etc. Bright open floorpan. Expanded Family Rm w/Fireplace. Formal Living & Dining Rms, All appliances including Washer & Dryer, Large Master w/walk-in closet, Gated Community. Walled yard with covered patio. Pets will be considered with
Colleen KesslerFort Lowell Realty & Property Management, Inc.
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