Rincon Valley brings residential living to the Tucson desert
The area about 25 miles southeast of Tucson, at the foot of Saguaro National Park, is known as Rincon Valley. This lowland desert area is slightly removed from Tucson’s more populated regions, but it has become a hot spot for new home developments. “There are really nice homes, and the schools are an obvious draw, but people just love being out of the city,” says Realtor Darren Anderson with Rincon Rising Real Estate, who grew up in Rincon Valley. “You can really enjoy the desert out here and have amazing mountain views.” The valley still has a remote desert feeling with great access to the national park’s trails, but the new large developments have added a touch of suburbia. “You can find a tract home where you’re right next to your neighbors, or you can find a big ranch property,” says Anderson. “There’s tons of space available.” With the addition of an A-plus-rated school district, Rincon Valley brings the best of both suburban and rural amenities.
Layers of Sonoran Desert scenery are a treat for residents in Rincon Valley.
Rocking K is nestled in the highly cherished Rincon Valley where families can enjoy a slower pace of life.
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Tract-home communities and adobe-inspired mansions
Rincon Valley’s median home price is slightly over $450,000. Sprawling tract developments have populated the area over the past couple of decades. The Spanish-style homes in these communities cost around the median price. “Rocking K Ranch is a good example of what’s being built out here,” says Anderson. “It’s a huge community with tons of homes and a park.” Buyers can also find options that offer much more space and privacy. These include ranch-style properties around the median, or luxury mansions with multiacre lots in Coyote Creek. Upscale adobe-inspired mansions surrounded by open space in Coyote Creek can reach over $1.2 million.
The Academy offers modern, adobe-style homes in Rincon Valley.
High priced homes with acreage are found dotted across Rincon Valley.
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Desert trails in Saguaro National Park and cycling in El Tour de Tucson
Saguaro National Park borders Rincon Valley’s east side. “You’ve got Saguaro National Park right there,” says Anderson. “It gives amazing views, and you’re only a 10-minute drive from the trails.” These nearby routes, like the Loma Alta Trailhead, begin in the lower desert mountains, where hikers can spot the park’s namesake saguaro cacti — the largest species of cactus in the country. At higher elevations, green forests cover the hillsides of mountains like Rincon Peak. El Tour de Tucson, one of the country's biggest cycling competitions, travels through Rincon Valley on Old Spanish Trail every fall. The route starts and end in Tucson, before and after traveling over 100 miles through the Tucson Valley's desert and mountains. It's been going since 1983 and brings in about 10,000 cyclists every year.
Scenic sunset views from atop of Saguaro National Park East in Tucson are majestic.
Loma Alta Trailhead in Rincon Valley brings out hikers and bikers for it's tranquil seclusion.
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The No. 1 school district in the Tucson area
Rincon Valley is part of the Vail School District, one of the highest touted in the state, earning an A-plus overall rating from Niche. Niche ranks it the No. 1 school district in Tucson and the second-best in all of Arizona. Every school in the district is rated an A-minus or better, including A-rated Ocotillo Ridge Elementary, where many Rincon Valley students begin.
Ocotillo Ridge Elementary serves grades K-5 in Vail, Arizona.
Cienega High School serves grades 9-12 in Vail, Arizona.
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Drive to a farmers market and shopping centers
For the most part, desert and residential developments are the only things in Rincon Valley. The Heirloom Farmers Market and neighboring Rocking K Market are the only places to buy goods in the area. The Heirloom Farmers Market hosts the Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market every Saturday. Rocking K Market sells convenient items every day, and there’s a bar inside. There are a couple of supermarket strip malls on South Houghton Road, less than 10 miles west of most homes. The Shoppe’s at Rita Ranch has a Fry’s for groceries, and there’s a Walmart down the road at Houghton Town Center. These plazas also have a selection of Mexican restaurants, taquerias and chain eateries.
Everything is homemade at The Rincon Valley Farmer's Market.
Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant is open daily and offers a patio with scenic mountain views.
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Davis-Monthan Air Force Base 20 miles northwest
Tucson’s largest employer near Rincon Valley is Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Military personnel can follow Interstate 10 about 20 miles northwest to the base’s main entrance. While it is an active base, Davis Monthan is better known as the “Boneyard” of U.S. military aircraft. It houses more decommissioned aircraft than any other site, and visitors can check out some historic models at the Pima Air & Space Museum. The base has also brought military contractors like Raytheon to the area.
Cyclists pass by The Boneyard at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.
The Pima Air and Space Museum has over 400 aircrafts on display.
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Downtown Tucson is 25 miles away on Interstate 10
Commuters can follow Interstate 10 about 25 miles northwest into downtown Tucson. Downtown is home to many employers, including the University of Arizona. The university is the second largest in the state, with over 40,000 students and more than 3,000 faculty members. Arizona Wildcats basketball and football games are big events in the fall, winter and spring. Tucson International Airport is less than 20 miles west of Rincon Valley, also via I-10.
Summer highs can cause nearby wildfires
Summer highs in the Tucson area can average around 100 degrees. Rincon Valley is in the lower deserts where there’s less vegetation, so wildfires are a little less likely. However, the elevated forests of Saguaro National Park to the east are prone to fires in these warmer months. Again, these aren’t likely to affect homes in Rincon Valley, but residents should stay aware of any fire activity in the neighboring mountains.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Guthrie,
an experienced agent in this area.
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