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San Luis

San Luis

Located in Yuma County

$260,414 Average Value
$222 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Border community boasting various employment opportunities

In Arizona’s southwest corner, San Luis is the first city in the United States that people enter from its Mexican sister city, San Luis Rio Colorado. The city's agricultural opportunities are why it was established as a port of entry in the 1930s for laborers from its Mexican sister city. “The city’s location on the U.S.-Mexico border creates a unique cultural and economic synergy, offering residents a bilingual, multicultural experience,” says Armando Esparza, the director of economic development and government affairs for the City of San Luis. “It’s a city where tradition meets progress, with ongoing developments making it a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”

San Luis has grown exponentially since the 1950s, when its population hovered around 200. Today, the city has a population of almost 38,000, 93% of which identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the United States Census. The city’s growth can be linked to a farming initiative that brought Mexican laborers closer to work, the construction of Main Street’s first gasoline station and the arrival of major business chains. In addition to companies in the farming sector, the Arizona State Prison system and Gadsden Unified School District are major employers.

San Luis, Arizona is a gateway to Mexico, blending cultures and experiences.
San Luis, Arizona is a gateway to Mexico, blending cultures and experiences.
San Luis locals enjoy a variety of events at downtown Yuma, Arizona.
San Luis locals enjoy a variety of events at downtown Yuma, Arizona.
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Neighborhoods bordered by fields and Mexico

Neighborhoods are tucked between the farm fields in the western and northern areas and the border to the south. Flat properties have modern adobe homes and single-story Spanish Revivals. The median single-family home price is $245,000, while Yuma County’s median is around $257,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.

San Luis is a city in southwestern Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
San Luis is a city in southwestern Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
San Luis has a growing population of around 37,000 residents.
San Luis has a growing population of around 37,000 residents.
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Main Street to Mexico and Yuma

Main Street—part of U.S. Route 95—runs less than a mile south into Mexico and north to Yuma and the Yuma International Airport, both about 25 miles away. “San Luis’s proximity to destinations in Arizona and Mexico provides residents with the unique advantage of bi-national living, offering cultural diversity and a thriving cross-border economy,” Esparza says. The Yuma International Airport (YUM) has round-trip flights to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). January 2025 marks the beginning of about two years of construction for San Luis’s first hospital, the Border Health Medical Campus. The hospital will be located on the city’s eastern side, accessible by Cesar Chavez Boulevard.

Main Street redevelopment plus shopping and cultural centers

Regional food markets, fast food chains and restaurants with Mexican cuisine and seafood dot the area from local shopping centers to Main Street. In 2021, the city shared its master plan to redevelop the downtown by adding new pavement, crosswalks and lighting for on-street parking. All improvements were completed by December 2024. Cesar Chavez Cultural Center is located on Main Street and offers various classes in the arts and fitness.

San Luis locals head over to Panchitas for traditional Mexican cuisine.
San Luis locals head over to Panchitas for traditional Mexican cuisine.
Tacos El Chipilon is a popular Mexican food restaurant in San Luis, Arizona.
Tacos El Chipilon is a popular Mexican food restaurant in San Luis, Arizona.
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Athletic leagues, parks and Spooktacular Carnival

The city has various sports leagues, including co-ed kickball and youth baseball, for the community to engage with the parks that spot the area. Playgrounds are also a popular park feature. Joe Orduño Park includes multiple baseball and softball diamonds, the San Luis Recreation Center and the city’s public pool and aquatic center. The park, in addition to Main Street, hosts annual events, including the Fourth of July festival and Spooktacular Carnival, which combines trunk or treat with a fall festival featuring food vendors, games and live music. “A new event is the Asado & Brew Festival, held in November to celebrate Founders Day. This free, family-friendly event features live music from local and regional bands and a variety of food vendors,” Esparza says. “A central attraction is the asado competition, where participants vie for titles such as Best Asado, Best Side Dish and Best Salsa.”

Locals go to San Luis Aquatic Center to learn how to swim.
Locals go to San Luis Aquatic Center to learn how to swim.
Children enjoy the playground at Eligio Ramirez Park in San Luis.
Children enjoy the playground at Eligio Ramirez Park in San Luis.
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San Luis High to Arizona Western College

Gadsden Elementary School District has kindergarten through eighth-grade schools and earns a C grade from Niche. San Luis High School, within the C-plus Yuma Union High School District, serves the city’s ninth through 12th-grade students. The high school maintains a C-minus and offers 38 dual enrollment courses with Arizona Western College, a local community college with over 170 degree and certificate pathways.

San Luis crime statistics and county comparison

The San Luis Police Department reports that from 2021 to 2024, property crimes decreased while violent crime figures mainly remained the same. Meanwhile, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office reports that both violent and property figures dropped throughout the area. San Luis High School partners with the San Luis Police Department for Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes in criminal justice.

Lauren Melton
Written By
Lauren Melton
Photography Contributed By
Justin Bradley
Drew Webster
Video By
Drew Webster

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Erica Rivera, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

San Luis Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$249,900
Median Sale Price
$239,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$249,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$209,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
321
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$222

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
832
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
2005
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,302
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,086
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • 1683 Union St, San Luis, AZ 85349

    $466,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,460 Sq Ft
    • 1683 Union St

    Brand new construction of a beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with ceramic tile throughout. The kitchen features Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, adding a modern touch to this stunning home. The pictures provided represent the final product. Building time 3 - 4 months

    Agent Photo
    Alberto Leon
    LRC Realty & Management, LLC
    (928) 496-1613
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  • 1675 Union St, San Luis, AZ 85349

    $483,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,335 Sq Ft
    • 1675 Union St

    Brand new construction of a beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with ceramic tile throughout. The kitchen features Quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, adding a modern touch to this stunning home. The pictures provided represent the final product. Building time 3 - 4 months

    Agent Photo
    Alberto Leon
    LRC Realty & Management, LLC
    (928) 364-2972
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in San Luis

Property Mix - Square Feet

San Luis Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
31,501
Median Age
32
Population under 18
30.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$51,571
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,417

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
52.7%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
7.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.5%
% Population in Labor Force
49.2%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

3 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
San Luis
Erica Rivera
The Realty Agency - Foothills
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