New constructions surge in Pima, a small community connected to Thatcher
The community of Pima started to gain traction with homebuilders and newcomers when the copper mine in nearby Safford expanded and available land in neighboring Thatcher became harder to find. “Pima is about a 10-minute drive from Thatcher, and they share the same community [amenities],” says Raena Carter, a Realtor with Keyhole Properties. “Pima has a lot more open space, and it’s a smaller community, so everyone is building out there.”
Pima’s local economy — and its surge of new construction — are bolstered by employment at the Freeport-McMoRan copper mines in Safford and Morenci. “It still has a small-town feel, and most people are part of the mining community,” Carter says.
New farmhouse-style constructions built after 2020 accommodate growth
New construction has exploded in Pima since 2020, and a considerable number of empty lots are still for sale. “This whole area has been growing because of the expansion of the copper mines,” says Joseph Montez, a Realtor with Keller Williams Commercial Southern Arizona. “Housing is very limited, but a lot of new homes are being built.” New constructions, many designed to evoke traditional farmhouses, come on sandy or gravel lots and roads. These properties fetch between $290,000 and $550,000, some with up to 2 acres of land and room for horses. Pima has a few older homes as well, some dating as far back as 1930. These range in style from stucco bungalows to Victorian-style abodes, largely staying within the $310,000 to $440,000 price range.
Homes in Pima, particularly those located on the sandy, undeveloped southwestern rim of the community, may be at a heightened risk of wildfires.
Unique local restaurants with old-time charm on U.S. Route 70
The restaurants in Pima have a unique, local flair, and all three are clustered along U.S. Route 70. El Mesquite Taqueria serves Sonoran cuisine on a red brick patio where a trickling fountain, black iron chairs and vines that climb white stucco walls create a relaxed, romantic feel. Taylor Freeze is nostalgic in a different way — the retro-style fast food joint has been offering burgers, shakes and soft-serve ice cream under a red-and-white striped roof since 1968. The Barnyard Mexican Grill promises “nothing fried and nothing frozen” in their carryout Mexican meals. The nearest grocery store is a Food City about 7 miles away in Thatcher.
Pima High School partners with local higher education institutions
Children in Pima may start their educational journeys at Pima Elementary School and Pima Junior High School, both of which receive B-minus grades from Niche. Afterward, they may enroll at B-rated Pima High School. High school students may take advantage of dual and concurrent enrollment courses, offered through the school’s partnership with Eastern Arizona College, or career technical education programs in agriscience, business operations, carpentry and other fields at the Gila Institute of Technology. All three schools are located near each other and comprise the Pima Unified School District, which serves a little over 1,000 students.
The Town of Pima Pool and more green spaces in nearby Thatcher
The Tri Community Triathlon starts and ends at the Pima Public Pool, which offers swimming lessons, a swim team and a $2 entry fee. Otherwise, residents may travel to Thatcher for more outdoor amenities, like the shaded playground at H. Lyle Grant Thatcher Park. The Thatcher Splash Park is another popular summer destination, where shaded grill and picnic areas welcome outdoor gatherings. Sidewalks and walking paths connect the area to four baseball fields, two tennis courts and a soccer field.
U.S. Route 70 connects to Thatcher, Safford and its regional airport
Pima is connected to Thatcher, Safford and Duncan in the southeast via U.S. Route 70, which also continues northwest of the community toward Phoenix, about 157 miles away. Interstate 10 is south Pima and leads to downtown Tucson, roughly 140 miles away. The Safford Regional Airport—about 16 miles away via U.S. Route 70—offers direct flights to the larger Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
