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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Not Your Typical Home - Fully Remodeled Like New in 2025!Motivated Seller - Must See to Believe! Originally built in 2008, this home has been completely transformed in 2025 with top-to-bottom renovations—everything is brand new! From the floors to the roof, kitchen to bathrooms, windows to finishes—no detail has been overlooked. Step inside to experience a home that feels Like new
Owner Says Sell! Incredibly offered at $225,000, this 37+ acre improved parcel in southern Arizona's Salero Ranch is fully developed and ready to build. Features include a private well with strong pressure and 2,500 gallon storage, 400 & 100 AMP underground electric service, 4 bedroom septic system and a large well house/storage building. Also includes RV hookups for water, power and septic. The
If you are looking for a spot with no neighbors you will love this location. Plus the scenery is exceptional! Electric poles and water are about 80 yards away.
Take a look to this home that qualifies for a USDA ZERO down payment program. The house was recently remodeled, It has 0.53 acre giving you privacy with the neighbors. There are 3-bedrooms 2 baths, granite countertops on kitchen, SS appliances, walking closet on primary bedroom and there's no carpet on the house. The property is located minutes away from the freeway right off of exit 12. The
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! 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
5 lots being sold together. Best custom home building spot in Rio Rico. Dramatic 360 degree views. Paved access about 2.5 miles to I-19. Electric and Water at the street. 2 of the 5 lots had a percolation test and passed. Terrific hilltop lots for one large custom home of 5 building lots.
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.
Close to Paseo Mexico and Paseo Matamoros.Lot has some rolling terrain. Electric poles at the street. Water verification has been sent to the water co. I will upload that into Documents once received back. All paved roads.
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
Property Id: 2330571Welcome to your new home at 1141 Calle Carmelita, a beautifully maintained single-family residence in the heart of Rio Rico, AZ. This spacious 1,475 square foot home features 4 well-appointed bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms, perfect for families looking for comfort and convenience. Built in 2001, the property showcases a blend of carpet and tile flooring that enhances
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
Come and live in this charming and beautiful four bedroom house in central Rio Rico. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and mountain tops from the comfort of your home.
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
Lots of storage-shelves in garage, walk-in closet in primary bedroom, pantry closet, linen closet, lots of drawers in kitchen and bathrooms, blinds on the windows, all tile floors, extra long and wide driveway, 2 car garage.
Come and live in this spacious three bedroom apartment. Enjoy the beautiful mountaintops from the comfort of your home. The master bedroom in this apartment is very spacious.
READY FOR NEW TENANT, recently remodeled, fresh paint, ceramic tile, no carpet, laundry closet, block construction, near all conveniences. Available after September 1, 2022
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
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!
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