Pima County community with environmentally diverse landscape
Set between Tucson and the Sonoran Desert is Tanque Verde, an unincorporated community of about 16,000 in Pima County with miles of scenic terrain and a natural spring. The area was first inhabited by the primitive Hohokam tribe, hunters and gatherers who took advantage of its wide range of flora and fauna. American ranchers later settled the area in the mid-1800s, and constructed resort-like vacation spots like Agua Caliente Ranch. Today, that same piece of land is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and residents have access to hiking trails, parks and a few major roads leading to central Tucson. “It’s a pretty secluded area,” says Tony Baker, Realtor for RE/MAX Professionals, who’s sold in the community. “People who move out here want the land, space and country vibes. They enjoy the lifestyle of the desert surrounding them.”
Evidence of hunters and gatherers dating back to 3500 BC has been noted at Agua Caliente's hot spring in Tanque Verde.
Agua Caliente Park's Ranch House in Tanque Verde dates back to 1873 when settlers built up the area.
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Ample hiking and cave exploring at Agua Caliente Park
Tanque Verde is surrounded by outdoor amenities. The 101-acre Agua Caliente Park is one of Pima County’s most notable parks; it has a pond, a mixture of native and non-native vegetation and a natural warm spring where an 1800s ranch and health resort was built. Baker says folks also like to watch out for different bird species and bats flying out of local caves. The 9-mile Aqua Caliente Hill South Trailhead welcomes hikers, joggers and horseback riders. Residents can drive a couple of miles outside the community to swim near the 80-foot waterfall at Tanque Verde Falls, bike at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area or see giant cacti in Saguaro National Park.
Agua Caliente Park is a beloved bird watching spot in Tanque Verde open to the public since 1985.
The Agua Caliente Hill South Trailhead provides direct access to the Coronado National Forest.
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Custom homes with larger lots
Baker says there are plenty of custom-built homes in Tanque Verde; housing here tends to be more expensive than in nearby cities. The median price for single-family homes here is $762,500, which is over twice the amount for Tucson; houses here are mostly midcentury to early 21st-century brick ranch-style homes, modern Pueblos with stucco exteriors and Spanish-influenced properties. Tanque Verde also has estates for between $1 million and $2.5 million in gated or HOA-controlled neighborhoods like Sabino Springs and Forty Niner Country Club Estates .
1970's ranch-style homes with acreage are typical in Tanque Verde.
Spanish-style accents are influenced into the architecture of many Tanque Verde homes.
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Retail shopping at Bear’s Path
A few local restaurants dot Tanque Verde Road, like the Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery and Rincon Mountain Grill at Forty Niner Country Club. Folks shop at retail chain stores and visit local businesses at Madera Village and Bear’s Path outlet mall near the west border of town. Grocery stores like Walmart and Trader Joe’s are also within a few miles of the area, and Park Place Mall is 10 miles southwest via East Broadway Boulevard.
The Barnyard in Tanque Verde offers American fare along with a variety of patio games.
Sydney's Sweet Shoppe in Tanque Verde serves up fresh pies and other delicious desserts.
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New barn and greenhouse at Tanque Verde High
The area is zoned for the Tanque Verde Unified School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche. The school offers the Tanque Verde Extended Care Program, where students ages five to 14 can take summer enrichment courses at Tanque Verde Elementary. The A-minus-rated Tanque Verde High School has a 19-to-1 student-teacher ratio and is known for its Career and Technical Education courses in precision manufacturing and agriscience. In 2024, the school received grant money to build a new barn and greenhouse to study animal genetics, ethical animal breeding and hydroponics.
Tanque Verde High School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson, Arizona.
Tanque Verde Elementary serves grades K-5 in Tucson, Arizona.
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Major thoroughfares leading to Tucson
Downtown Tucson is roughly 16 miles west of Tanque Verde via East Broadway Boulevard near the south border, and Speedway Boulevard is another major road leading to the city. Like the neighboring Tucson, biking is ingrained in the culture here, and several streets have bike lanes. While there aren’t bus stops within the community, Sun Tran 109X Downtown Express buses make stops near the west border. Northwest Medical Center Houghton is 6 miles southwest, and Tucson International Airport is 20 miles southwest.
Public safety and heat-related issues in Tanque Verde
Some smaller communities in Tanque Verde have Neighborhood Watches like San Domingo and designated Security Officers like the Forty Niner Country Club Estates HOA. According to Pima County Sheriff’s Department annual crime statistics, property-related crimes like motor vehicle theft decreased while violent offenses like robbery increased from 2023 to 2024. The department emphasizes community policing and offers groups like the Directed Patrol Center (DPC) unit, which puts more deputies out in communities to deter crime. The team also works with neighborhood associations and business groups to address any concerns.
Due to its desert climate, the area is more at risk of wildfires and major heat waves. The area’s hottest months tend to be May to September. In 2024, Pima County was the first county in Arizona to adopt a heat safety ordinance as summers get increasingly hotter. Parts of this ordinance include providing water to all worksites and air conditioning. Tanque Verde residents can also find relief from the heat at Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library, a designated cooling site.
To help mitigate wildfire destruction, Pima County recommends that homeowners keep up with smoke alarm maintenance, avoid spark-inducing activities like welding near the home, and keep a 72-hour first aid kit in case of emergencies. Wildfires also bring more flood risks due to the ground becoming charred and unable to absorb water. Folks can sign up for MyAlerts through the county to get updates on any flood risks in their area.
Events
Agua Caliente Park is the area's primary point for culture and events. The Friends of Aqua Caliente is a local non-profit dedicated to preserving the history and desert oasis in Tanque Verde. The group sponsors rotating exhibits at the Agua Caliente Ranch House Art Gallery that depict nature and plant life in the community through different mediums. The park also offers regular birding events through the Tucson Audubon Society and various guest speakers who discuss the importance of conservation and connecting with the outside world. Locals can also attend multiple stargazing events hosted by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Another local non-profit, Beyond, holds a couple of group hikes along the rugged Agua Caliente Hill South Trailhead throughout the year.
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.
