$194,242Average Value$121Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Retirement destination in Southeastern Arizona
Sunsites is a secluded spot in the Chihuahuan Desert, known for warm weather and mountain views. This rural neighborhood began as a retirement community in the 1960s but is now open to anyone, not just retirees; about 800 people live here today. “It’s still mostly retired people, but you have some families and single residents out here. If people move to Sunsites, they want to be away from the traffic and all that,” says John Shaver with Realty Executives, a Realtor since 2016. He grew up on a ranch outside of neighboring Willcox, and he’s lived in the area for over 50 years. “People like the idea of being able to pick up a few groceries and eat at a restaurant, but they’re still out in the desert. They might work in Douglas, Willcox or Benson, or the power company is just up the road in Cochise.” Farming and ranching are other popular professions, as wide open spaces surround the neighborhood. Stretching across this desert, U.S. Highway 191 runs along Sunsites’ eastern side, and it’s the main route in and out of the community.
Ranch style homes in Sunsites usually go for $125,000 and $340,000.
Townhomes are an affordable option in Sunsites.
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Exploring the Dragoon and Chiricahua ranges
A part of the Coronado National Forest, the Dragoon Mountains are about 15 miles west of Sunsites, and they’re visible from almost anywhere in the neighborhood. This range used to be a refuge for a famous Apache chief, Cochise, and his people; their brick stronghold still remains as a historical site, built sometime in the 1860s. Visitors can camp here or hike on one of the many nearby trails. Most scale thousands of feet in elevation, and some go above 7,000 feet. The trail to Mount Glenn, for instance, is about 6 miles and ascends nearly 3,000 feet.
Another segment of the Coronado National Forest, the Chiricahua Mountains are about 35 miles away on the community’s eastern horizon. This range offers more hiking trails and steep peaks, some of which go above 9,000 feet. The area is also known for the Chiricahua National Monument. Receiving more than 50,000 visitors per year, this geological park features hundreds of rock pinnacles — giant pillars of granite — that formed from an ancient volcano. Notable sights include Organ Pipe Formation, Natural Bridge and Big Balanced Rock.
U.S. Highway 191 and neighboring towns
While pedestrians don’t have to deal with traffic, Frontage Road has the only sidewalk in the neighborhood, and summer temperatures frequently reach over 90 degrees. Most people drive in Sunsites and around the desert anyway. “A lot of people here are farmers and ranchers, so they ride whatever they have,” says John Franko, a Realtor with Keller Williams Southern Arizona. His brokerage sells about 80 homes in the region every year. “You’ll see ATVs, UTVs, tractors, horses and whatever else.” Better suited for cars, U.S. Highway 191 is the main route in and out of this community, stretching along its eastern side. This two-lane road goes about 25 miles south to Elfrida and about 25 miles farther to Douglas. This small city provides a port of entry into Mexico, plus other shopping and dining options. About 35 miles west of Sunsites, Benson and its hospital are accessible via 191, Dragoon Road and Interstate 10. Tucson International Airport is roughly 40 miles farther west.
Budget-friendly homes in Sunsites
The median sale price in Sunsites is roughly $180,000, less than half of the median for Arizona. Townhomes are between $50,000 and $170,000; ranch-style homes have more square footage, and they’re between $125,000 and $340,000. Fixer-uppers are typically on the lower end of the market, as their renovations require an overhead cost. Most properties were built in the 1960s and ‘70s by the original developer, but some homes are from the 1990s and 2000s. A majority are set close to the street with short, paved driveways. Yards are spacious with dirt or gravel, typical for the Chihuahuan Desert. Though this is a rural community, most neighbors are close together on quarter-acre lots, as they would be in a city subdivision. Homes, unless they’re farther into the desert, are hooked up to the community’s water and sewer, and heating systems typically use natural gas. This neighborhood’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4.
Ranch style homes are common in the Sunsites neighborhood.
Large ranch style homes are available for larger families in Sunsites.
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Historic buildings in Pearce
A couple of miles south of this district, Pearce is largely considered a ghost town. Its main thoroughfare, in fact, is Ghost Town Trail. Still, the area gets passing tourists off U.S. Highway 191, and some ranchers have taken up residence nearby. The Pearce General Store opened in 1896, and its original owners, Soto Bros. & Renaud, are still advertised on the storefront. The Pearce Jail was constructed down the street in 1915, and this small building has only two cells. Made of old wood and sheet metal, Old Pearce Pottery is both an art gallery and studio, and it sells plates, necklaces, pots and more. Remnants of the Commonwealth Mine are in the hills outside of town, about a mile south.
Check out the Pearce ghost town jail in Sunsites.
Sunsites
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Sipping at Pearce Wine Festival, Willcox Wine Festival
Evelyn Williams Memorial Park is on the neighborhood’s south side, and its field hosts the Pearce Wine Festival in October. Some local wineries offer tastings, and live music is provided. In the same month, the Willcox Wine Festival is a bigger event with roughly 10 participating vineyards. It’s about 25 miles north in Willcox, a town known for its wine. This town and the wider region — sometimes called Willcox Wine Country — produce about 75% of the state’s wine grapes.
Walkable commercial district on Frontage Road
Frontage Road is the commercial district of Sunsites. In addition to the post office and dentist, it has all of the community’s restaurants and shops. TJ’s Bar & Grill serves lunch and dinner, and as the only nightlife spot in the neighborhood, it’s open until two in the morning. With swinging saloon doors, billiards and horseshoes get competitive, and beer pairs with classic bar food. Talking Irons Coffee Saloon is nearby with everything from bagels to ice cream, and its outdoor seating area has a sunshade. Apache Hardware sells building and garden materials, and Dollar General is just up the street for groceries. For larger trips, the nearest Safeway is about 25 miles north on U.S. Highway 191.
Shop at Dollar General for great deals in Sunsites.
Sunsites frontage road was developed for the restaurants and storefronts.
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Pearce Elementary and Valley Union High
Next to Pearce’s historic buildings, Pearce Elementary serves about 140 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and it scores a B from Niche. Valley Union High is about 20 miles south on Highway 191. Niche gives it a C, and it has roughly 100 students and 10 teachers. These students come from five different elementary school districts and many communities across the Chihuahuan Desert.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeanette Gibler,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunsites
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Sunsites Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunsites, Pearce sell after 124 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunsites, Pearce over the last 12 months is $155,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovely townhome in historic town of Pearce. This townhouse has the most beautiful view looking toward the mountains. The primary suite opens to an enclosed covered patio. The home has tiled floors, newer bathrooms, renovated kitchen, and a woodburning fireplace in the living room. An additional covered patio at the back to enjoy, as well. Two car carport, workshop storage, laundry, and more. This
Large corner lot, over 1/2 Acre. large living room. Hard surface flooring Throughout. No carpet. Has Bonus Room/Den located between the house and the Garage. Fenced Yard. Garage with storage shelving. Home has Evap cooler and baseboard heat. Has septic system and Hope Water Co. for water. No Gas appliances. Can build a large workshop in the back half of the lot, add a swimming pool or gardens.
Spacious, three bedroom, two bath, 1604 square foot home on a corner lot. Split primary bedroom with a full bath,, formal dining room and an enclosed back porch. The converted garage has a wood burning stove and there is a wood burning fireplace in the living room. Spacious fenced back yard with two outbuildings. Located in a quiet. residential neighborhood.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeanette Gibler,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
769
Median Age
65
Population under 18
13.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
49.5%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$46,805
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,654
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
30.5%
Advanced Degrees
6.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
41.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
