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
Lisa Glomski,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Oro Valley, AZ sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Oro Valley, AZ over the last 12 months is $535,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the sought-after Skyline model in age restricted Sun City Oro Valley, one of Tucson's premier active adult communities. This 2BR/2 1⁄2BA, 2,034sf home features two spacious primary suites with en-suite baths, perfect for guests or multi-generational living. Set on a premium lot backing to open space, the home offers unobstructed Catalina Mountain views. Beautiful ceramic tile flooring
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Located in Catalina Shadows, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a den (optional 4th bedroom) offers 1,839 sq ft of open, bright living. The split floor plan includes tile flooring in main areas, carpeted bedrooms, and vaulted ceilings for added natural light. The open kitchen features a bar-height counter, abundant cabinet storage, and easy flow into the dining and living areas. A bay window frames
Beautifully Updated Golf Course Home with Sweeping Views Located on the 11th fairway, this 2,630SF age restricted Sun City home offers the perfect blend of elegance, function, & low-maintenance living. With 2 spacious bedrooms, an office/library, 2.5 baths, two living areas & 2-car garage (plus golf cart space), this property was designed for both relaxation & entertaining. Open, light-filled
Perched high on The Ridge in Oro Valley's desirable guard-gated La Reserve community, this impeccably maintained home offers privacy, elevation, and sweeping city and mountain views. A private front courtyard opens to a light-filled interior with soaring ceilings and a two-story fireplace. Everyday living is thoughtfully designed on the first level, including the primary suite, kitchen, main
Set on a premium corner lot within the gated Carmel Pointe community, this fully upgraded 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome stands apart with quality finishes, architectural detail, and a desirable split-bedroom floor plan that offers privacy and flexibility. Vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light immediately create a polished, open feel throughout the home.The main living area is both spacious
FULLY FURNISHED!!! Rates based on length of stay, availability, & season. Monthly minimum stays only. Utilities included in stays less than 12 months. Welcome to your desert retreat in the heart of Oro Valley! This beautifully appointed first-floor Vistoso Casita offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and Southwest charm—all within a thoughtfully designed 1,100 sq. ft. floor plan.
FULLY FURNISHED!!! Rates based on length of stay, availability, and season. Turnkey second-floor corner condo overlooking the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. This private Oro Valley retreat features a bright open split-bedroom floor plan, remodeled kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and abundant natural light throughout. Enjoy mountain views from the expansive
UNFURNISHED Rental - Ask us about the work currently being done prior to January 20, 2026 move in! Stunning 2,713 sq. ft. home in Rancho Vistoso featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and breathtaking Catalina Mountain views. Enjoy privacy with no rear neighbors and a greenbelt behind the home. The updated interior includes custom woodwork, modern lighting, and remodeled bathrooms. Gourmet kitchen with
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