Spanish for "Rich River," Rio Rico is a Santa Cruz County border town set right on Interstate 19, about 60 miles south of Tucson, Arizona and roughly 16 miles north of Nogales, Mexico. Set among the Santa Rita Mountains, with the Santa Cruz River flowing through it, Rio Rico is known for its natural scenery and warm, dry climate, both of which attract retirees from Tucson. “It’s a rural desert community where people come looking to pay less for more space,” says Marty Ryan, a broker with First United Realty who has 41 years of experience. Home to just over 21,000 residents, this unincorporated community was once known for the Esplendor Resort, which closed in 2016. Today, the town's main employers are local public schools and industrial warehouses.
Only 20 minutes from Mexico, Rio Rico is a semi-rural town with a population of around 20,000 people.
Rio Rico is home to dozens of industrial properties that employ many residents in the area.
1/2
Mountain views and room for farm animals
The median home sale price in Rio Rico is $280,000, compared to about $345,000 in Tucson. The Santa Cruz River creates a natural divide between the east and west sides of the city; homes east of the river with mountain views tend to be priced higher. On both sides, ranch-style homes with brick and stucco exteriors, traditional Pueblo Revival adobe structures and Spanish Revival-style homes are set on partially paved roads winding through desert hills. Older homes were typically built between the 1970s and ‘80s, while the newest homes here were built between the 2000s and the present day. “It's very much a farming town, and many residents choose large lots specifically so they can keep farm animals on their lots,” Ryan adds. “You can find 4-acre parcels and undeveloped land for under a million.”
Ranch-style homes built in the 1970's are common in Rio Rico.
Spanish-influenced homes with scenic views are offered in Rio Rico.
1/2
"Exemplary" education at Rio Rico High
Local public schools are a part of the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Roughly 180 teachers are employed by the district, serving 3,700 students across five schools. The highest rated schools are Coatimundi Middle and Rio Rico High, both of which earn a B-plus. In 2024, the Arizona Education Foundation designated Rio Rico High as an A+ School of Excellence.
Coatimundi Middle School serves grades 6-8 in Rio Rico, Arizona.
Rio Rico High School was founded in 1996 and serves grades 9-12 in Rio Rico, Arizona.
1/2
Hiking on the river
Right in Rio Rico, the Robert Damon Recreational Complex Park provides open fields and basketball courts, and hikers can enjoy desert views along the steep Santa Cruz Trail. On the outskirts of town, the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area spans 5,000 acres, offering trails and a central lake.
Robert Damon Recreational Complex in Rio Rico is a large park with baseball fields and a walking trail.
Patagonia Lake at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is only 30 minutes from Rio Rico.
1/2
Authentic cuisine on Interstate 19
The city’s proximity to Mexico is reflected in an array of authentic, locally owned Mexican restaurants and a few small shops along the Interstate 19 corridor. Notably, there’s only one supermarket in town, so most residents head about 10 miles away into Nogales for more options. Nogales’ Mariposa Shopping Center is the closest mall, offering a Ross Dress For Less, JCPenney and Dollar Tree alongside a few large chain restaurants.
La Bocanita in Rio Rico is highly rated and offers fresh Mexican food any time of the day.
Mariposa Shopping Center is minutes from Rio Rico and offers big-box retailers.
1/2
A straight shot to Nogales
Interstate 19 intersects Rio Rico, leading about 16 miles south to Nogales and 56 miles north to Tucson. With no public transit system, most residents are car dependent. The closest major hospitals are about 14 miles away in Nogales, Arizona, which is also home to the nearest border crossing. Tucson International Airport is about 50 miles away.
Elevated crime rates and varying drinking water quality
Rio Rico doesn't have its own police department, but the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office in Nogales responds to local emergencies. According to recent FBI data, between 2022 and 2024, the Nogales Police Department reported higher rates of violent and property crime than those in both the state and nation.
Although tap water in Rio Rico is generally considered safe to drink, it may contain low levels of contaminants. Many residents choose to use water filtration systems or purchase bottled water.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Leidenheimer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Discover comfort, privacy, and room to grow in this well-kept 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a generous 1.08-acre corner lot. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the ample space with a complete fenced yard around the home, and the added convenience of a two-car garage. Also conveniently located near schools, restaurants, convenience stores as well as the Pena blanca Lake. Inside,
Welcome to your new retreat! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a spacious .61-acre corner lot, offering the perfect blend of comfort, privacy and sunset views. Step inside to find a bright, split floor plan with plenty of natural light. The primary suite offers a relaxing escape with its private bath and generous closet space. Two additional bedrooms provide
Great opportunity to own a well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in a desirable neighborhood close to shopping and amenities. This spacious home features beautiful mountain views and an additional Arizona room that can be used as a den, office, or potential third bedroom. Plenty of space and future potential. Don't miss out!
Nestled in Rio Rico, this inviting duplex consists of two thoughtfully laid-out 2-bedroom, 1-bath units. Each unit features a bright living area and a cozy dining nook, providing comfortable living spaces. Whether you plan to reside in one unit and rent the other or leverage it fully as an investment, the property's easy access to Tucson, Nogales, and local amenities makes it a strategic choice.
A Place Where Desert Dreams Come TruePicture this: You pull up the driveway as the Arizona sun begins its golden descent behind the mountains. The desert stretches out before you—quiet, vast, and entirely yours. Nearly half an acre of possibility awaits, where the rhythm of desert life moves a little slower and the views are simply unforgettable.Step through the front door and into a home
360 acres of the finest contiguous property on the entire Morning Star Ranch! Gentle rolling, wooded hills with multiple easy building sites and incredible 360-degree views. Fantastic access only 1/4 mile from a paved road. This offering includes ten 36 acre parcels with unlimited potential. You can build your dream home for yourself and still have plenty of room for your for your family and
Nice residential view lot. Electric and water line at the street. Lightly populated area.No one lives on Calle Buzo so the road is not often maintained. The county will do more maintenance once a house is being built there.
Enjoy the great views of this 3 beds 2 baths and 2 car garage new construction home in Rio Rico on an over a half acre flat lot. Ceramic tile throughout the house, walking closet, laundry room, open space concept and spacious kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances to be installed before closing. This is the perfect house for your family and it will be completed by the End of
Nestled within the prestigious Morning Star Ranch, this remarkable 38-acre parcel captures the essence of Arizona's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Positioned to take full advantage of its high-desert setting, the property offers sweeping, unobstructed panoramic views in every direction. Gaze across the dramatic Santa Rita Mountains, follow the ridgelines north toward Green Valley, and admire the
This equestrian property has everything you need to live comfortably! A stunning home w/ 2 master suites, Great room with exposed wood & beam ceilings, a beautiful wood burning fireplace flanked by windows and 2 entry doors on each side. The kitchen has a island w/ Spanish styled tiles, a wonderful butlers pantry w/ the main sink, dishwasher, refrigerator and plenty of cupboards. Gorgeous Stone
Spectacular, usable, easy build parcel bordering the rare Sonoita Creek riparian area state owned land. Electric, gated for privacy, excellent views and quick access to Rio Rico and I-19. Shallow water table for your well. Lowest price on the creek. Don't miss out.
Sensational Salero Ranch Opportunity! The seller's dream home project can now be yours. No expense was spared. Fantastic 36 acres with poured concrete slab and footers, excellent well with solar powered pump, 5,000 gallon storage tank, 5+/- fenced acres, State approved alternative septic system, gated and graveled driveway, underground 400 amp electric service, generator back up, full flexible
For sale or for rent. See MLS #22517485. Stunning Hilltop Home with Panoramic Mountain & River Views. Built in 2023, this extraordinary home offers modern touches that are truly rare for the area. Nestled atop a hill, it boasts breathtaking, panoramic views of the Tumacacori Mountain ranges and the Santa Cruz River Valley below. The corner lot ensures you enjoy sweeping vistas, with sunsets
This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental home, built in 2024, sits on a spacious 0.51-acre lot with NO HOA, offering plenty of room for vehicles, RVs, and outdoor toys—plus a 2-car garage. Inside, enjoy soaring 10-foot ceilings, a beautiful modern kitchen, stylish bathrooms, and bright, open living spaces designed for comfort and functionality. The large lot provides added privacy and
Move-in ready RENTAL! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers comfort, style & amazing mountain views from just about every angle. Cathedral ceilings & tons of natural light give the home a bright, open feel throughout. The updated kitchen features newer appliances & flows easily into the dining & living areas, perfect for everyday living or entertaining. The spacious primary suite
Beautiful RENTAL (3 bedroom home) on Over an Acre with Views! Pride of ownership is evident throughout this spacious, thoughtfully designed home, which offers abundant natural light and breathtaking views from every angle. Enjoy a large kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, water softener, and a rainwater harvesting barrel. Dining room table with 8 chairs and a
Incredible opportunity to live in a highly sought-after neighborhood! This charming home sits on a spacious .30-acre corner lot with breathtaking mountain views.Inside, the home reflects a harmonious blend of warm tones, natural light, and inviting charm, creating a seamless living experience. The floorplan features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, along with a formal living and dining room framed by a
Beautiful residence in northeast of Rio Rico.Comfortable, Efficient, and refined living.Located in the desirable northeast area of Rio Rico. (Calle Josefina) This charming, home offers the perfect location for comfort, Efficiency, and refined taste.
Rent this beauty before it's gone. 3 bedroom 2 bath home surrounded by beautiful mountain views. Woodlock floors throughout the entire home. Offering a beautiful granite counter top kitchen and stainless steel appliances. This home provides .48 of an acre of space. Attached 2 car garage space available. Apply now!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
