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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Home, sweet home! This peaceful cul-de-sac new construction property welcomes you with an extended paved driveway offering ample parking, a 2-car garage, and breathtaking mountain views. Situated on an expansive .61-acre lot with no HOA fees, this property offers the space, privacy, and flexibility hard to find in today's market. The spacious lot provides endless possibilities for RV parking,
Enjoy beautiful mountain views and AZ sunsets from the living room, breakfast nook, family room, and covered rear patio in this well-maintained 1,834 sq. ft. home on .58 acres. Built in 2007, this split-bedroom floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, an open living area, ceramic tile flooring throughout, granite countertops in the kitchen and baths, kitchen pantry and cabinets with pull-out
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Large residential lot with gentle downhill slope at the end of a cul de sac. There are power poles at the street and the water main is at the street. Paved road, mountain views.
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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
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.
Build your dream home or investment property on this spacious lot in Rio Rico! Enjoy beautiful mountain and desert views with plenty of room for a custom residence or future development. Conveniently located with easy access to I-19, shopping, schools, and local amenities while offering a peaceful setting. Utilities are nearby (buyer to verify availability). Whether you're looking to build now or
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 property at 226 Paseo Montura features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total of 1,300 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations. The bathrooms are designed for functionality, catering to daily needs. Additional amenities include storage space and washer/dryer hookups for convenience. The
Lovely European Architecture, and sleek interior design. Very spacious, 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Townhouse in Rio Rico--8 minutes away from the Village of Tubac. Open living, dining area, breakfast bar, large kitchen. Stove/Oven, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Washer & Dryer Hookups, Ceiling Fans, Central Air/Heat, All Blinds, Black Ceramic Tile Floor, Bay window, Ceiling Fans, Large walled backyard, vaulted
Welcome 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 its inviting atmosphere.
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MOVE-IN READY RENTAL! Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Rio Rico Estates, this bright & spacious 4-bd, 2-bth home offers beautiful mountain views & privacy. The open concept floor plan features a large kitchen with a breakfast bar overlooking the grand living & dining area, creating the perfect space for everyday living & entertaining. A versatile bonus room provides additional space for
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
For rent! Newer 3-bedroom 2-bathroom spacious home located in a desirable neighborhood. Located on a 1/2-acre lot with lots of room to roam, RV parking available. For rent! Newer 3-bedroom 2-bathroom spacious home located in a desirable neighborhood. Located on a 1/2-acre lot with lots of room to roam, RV parking available.
MOVE-IN READY RENTAL! Enjoy privacy, tranquility & breathtaking mountain views in this quality Santa Fe-style home surrounded by beautiful rockwork landscaping. Filled with natural light, this inviting home features updated appliances, washer/dryer, 10ft ceilings in the living/dining & 9ft ceilings throughout the rest of the home. The attractive split floor plan offers privacy & comfort, with
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 ceilings, and abundant
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