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
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Seller will accept or counter offers between $296,995 and $315,995. Beautiful newly built 2025 home offering over 1,500 sq ft of comfortable living space. This property features a fully fenced lot, providing privacy and security, along with a concrete driveway and low-maintenance gravel landscaping surrounding the home. Inside, you'll find a modern layout designed for everyday living. The home
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, space, and scenery in this beautiful Rio Rico home! Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this property sits on nearly an acre of land, offering privacy and room to grow. Enjoy breathtaking views right from your backyard, ideal for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. Conveniently located near schools, local shops, and everyday essentials, with
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
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.
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.
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.
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
One of a kind custom home with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths 2 of which have en suites baths. House has a lower level Mother-In-Law Suite with it's own kitchen and bath and tons of storage. Large enclosed AZ room which was used as an office along the back side of the house. Fireplace in living room is electric. Covered porches, carports to handle 8 or more vehicles, a Chapel and Gazebo. The house,
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: 2507102This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom property at 1238 Urano Ct offers 600 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample room for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bedroom features sufficient space for a queen-sized bed and includes a closet for storage. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and offers functional space.
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
This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom property at 1238 Urano Ct offers 600 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample room for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bedroom features sufficient space for a queen-sized bed and includes a closet for storage. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and offers functional space. Amenities include air conditioning
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!
4 year old house on 1/3 acre, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage, backyard fence being installed, front and rear covered patios, ceiling fans in bedrooms, living room and dining area, window coverings included.
**Available April 15th** This stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath modern home in Rio Rico offers 2,012 square feet of modern desert living with breathtaking mountain views. Featuring striking curb appeal with a clean white stucco exterior and sleek black 3-car garage doors, the home sits against a peaceful desert backdrop. Inside, you'll find an open-concept layout with oversized tile flooring, high
Charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with a perfect, functional layout and an unbeatable location. The bright, open-plan living and dining area flows into a modern kitchen with ample counter space and a breakfast nook. The primary suite features a private bath and generous closet; three additional bedrooms share a well-appointed full bathroom--ideal for family, guests, or a home office. Ceramic
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.
Three bedroom, two bath home, den with 1860 sq. ft. living area built by Avatar, tile roof, double garage, solar panels paid by landlord, all appliances. Nice view lot. Call listing agent for showing.
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