Calm rural living with a history of industry
Once home to the world’s largest copper mine, San Manuel has slowed down since its inception as a planned community in 1953. The mine closed in 2003, transforming the restless industrial zone seemingly overnight. What remains is a quiet, rural community overlooking the San Pedro River Valley to the southwest. Surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes, San Manuel represents an opportunity for potential home buyers looking for privacy and the great outdoors of the American Southwest.
Endless hiking in a desert landscape
With its pastoral scenery and access to many nearby nature parks and trails, San Manuel has a reputation as an ideal location for hikers, nature lovers, and off-road enthusiasts. San Manuel is also a gateway to the Arizona Trail, an 800-mile-long hiking path that stretches from Utah to Mexico, offering views of the southwest’s many panoramic sights. Mountain bikers and equestrians can travel 11 miles west to Oracle State Park, where they can ride over 15 miles through 4,000 acres of wildlife refuge. For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled afternoon, miles of off-roading trails cut through the desert and mountains.
Copper Classics and cook-offs
More competitive motorsports fans can participate in the annual San Manuel Copper Classic, a series of off-road motorcycle races hosted by Trail Riders of Southern Arizona with cash prizes for winners. Those who prefer a culinary adventure have the annual San Manuel Chili Cook-Off to look forward to, complete with live bands, chili tastings, and a pie-eating contest.
Economical homes with a view of the Galiuros
While other neighborhoods charge a premium for mountain views, homes in San Manuel come with that feature automatically. The Galiuro Mountains and their 7,663-foot-tall pinnacle feature prominently to the east, putting most houses against a classic backdrop of desert mountains and Saguaro cacti. “We’re nestled between the Galiuro and Catalina Mountain ranges, which gives us awesome views,” says Amy Whatton, who has served the area with Amy Whatton Realty since 1986. San Manuel’s origins as a planned community in the 1950s means that most of its homes are ranch-style, with prices beginning in the low $100,000s and topping out in the high $200,000s. Many of the homes have wide driveways with covered carports that allow space for multiple vehicles.
Local diners and shaved ice
Local grocery shopping and necessities are available at Simply Something Groceries in the northern end of town. Anyone who’d rather not cook has options like Mel’s Drive-In, a classic American-style diner with patty melts and soft serve on the menu. Fans of Mexican cuisine can find enchiladas, tacos, and more at La Casita Café. Anyone with room for dessert can head to Dirty Sno for a New Orleans-style shaved ice. For malls or more specific shopping needs, residents will want to visit Tuscon, 45 miles southwest.
Specialty classes with the San Manuel Miners
San Manuel students attend Mammoth-San Manuel School, which serves pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade and has a C on Niche.com. Students benefit from small class sizes, specialty courses like photography and woodworking, and root for their mascot, The Miners, during year-round athletics.
A straight shot out of the mountains
South Veterans Memorial Boulevard is the main highway in and out of town and provides access to Arizona State Route 77 to the north.
Photography Contributed By
Alex Medina
