$424,916Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
A slowly growing Tucson exurb in the open desert
Picture Rocks is named for the hundreds of Hohokam petroglyphs inscribed into its desert boulders around 1,000 years ago. For much of this community, little has changed since then. Open desert full of cactus and wildlife continues to define this northwestern exurb of Tucson, much of it untouched by suburban development. Lower than average property prices and dry weather alike have attracted retirees just as spacious property sizes have long appealed to horse owners and nature lovers. Though Picture Rocks may have a “high desert” feel, both the big city and suburban shopping conveniences are just a short drive away.
High desert forms residents' back yards
Homebuilders made initial forays into Picture Rocks during the 1960s and 1970s, however growth has slowed and it is now home to 9,500 residents. Manufactured homes and site-built homes alike vary in year of construction from the 1960s to the early 2020s, and the priciest properties tend to be located close to Saguaro National Park or in the Tucson Avra subdivision at the city’s southwestern edge. Main thoroughfares like Manville Road tend to be paved, while residential lanes are often not and are maintained by the homeowners themselves. The desert forms an expansive back yard for most of Picture Rocks’ residences, and it’s not uncommon to encounter coyotes, tarantulas and other creatures of the Sonora Desert. Picture Rocks’ median home price of $270,000 is significantly below the Tucson median, but the average home value nearly doubled from 2020 to the start of 2025 as Picture Rocks and Tucson’s other exurbs have attracted attention for their competitive prices.
Vast national parks preserve hundreds of thousands of pristine desert
Picture Rocks may itself feel like a massive nature preserve due to its wide-open desert, and it shares this wealth of nature with neighboring parks. The Saguaro National Park is defined by an abundance of saguaro, the nation’s largest cacti, and preserves 92,000 acres of Western landscapes while offering 165 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails. Within this park, millennium-old petroglyphs tell the story of the ancient Hohokam civilization, which vanished a century before the Spanish arrived in Arizona. An access point to the Ironwood Forest National Monument, which preserves another 129,055 acres of Sonoran landscapes and Hohokam archaeological sites, sits at the southwest edge of Picture Rocks. For a laid-back outdoor outing, the family-owned Funny Foot Farm offers guided tours of its menagerie, which houses capybaras, kangaroos, goats, warthogs and many other animals.
Retail options lay just beyond Picture Rocks' borders
Though largely natural in character, Picture Rocks is not far away from modern shopping and dining amenities. Just beyond this exurb’s northeast frontier, Twin Peaks Road is home to the local Safeway supermarket and a handful of eateries with specialties varying from pizza to Mexican cuisine and Chinese takeout. This road, together with the neighboring Silverbell Road, offers access to several more shopping centers, grocery stores and food outlets as they converge on Tucson.
Marana High is experiencing a rebirth
Picture Rocks’ students attend the Marana Unified School District, which scores a B-plus rating from Niche. Marana High School is currently undergoing a restoration project to beautify its aging infrastructure and better accommodate its growing student population. The school already offers dual enrollment programs with Pima Community College to help students prepare for their collegiate futures, while the school also offers CTE programs for career-minded learners.
Keeping safe in Picture Rocks
Picture Rocks receives a CAP Index score of 1, indicating a minimal risk of crime. However, it also contends with serious flood and wildfire risks. Picture Rocks formed a fire and medical district in 1977 to help residents combat natural disasters. This is the desert and the area gets about six inches of rain a year and temperatures in the summer often hover above 100 degrees.
Highway access to Tucson
Major roads like Interstate 10 provide access to Tucson within a 25-mile drive and Tucson International Airport within 32 miles. The nearest hospital, the Carondelet Marana Emergency Center, is situated along Interstate 10, which sits just beyond Picture Rocks’ eastern boundary. Along with the local retail and construction industries, healthcare is among Picture Rocks' largest fields of employment.
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
Are you familiar with the Picture Rocks neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Picture Rocks
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Picture Rocks Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Picture Rocks, Tucson sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Picture Rocks, Tucson over the last 12 months is $310,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New custom built 4 Bdrm 3.5 bath home with Open floor plan on 1.2 acres. Beautiful sunsets, mountain views breathtaking desert surroundings and an abundance of gorgeous Saguaros. Enjoy this modern home with many luxury features. The kitchen boasts an oversized island with additional dining seating, quartz countertops, pot filler above an electric range, all new stainless steel appliances and
Peaceful surrounds on an 11+ acre parcel with all utilities, where you can enjoy having your horses, chickens and toys close to you instead of boarding or in a rental facility. Flat lot with a spacious Workshop with 200 amp power. Community Well Share and you sit on a corner for great access. The lot can be split or you can just use as a family compound with 2 homes. The manufactured home does
Brand new home on a one acre parcel with an open floor plan, modern cabinets, custom backsplash - New A/C with warranty. This kitchen has a very large walk in pantry, oversized island / breakfast bar with quartz counter top and SS appliances. A 3 bdrm 2 bath home that is Move in ready! Bring your toys or RV. No HOA! Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and mountain views in your new home. Home has a one
Seller will contribute to Buyer's closing cost Brand NEW manufactured home with many upgrades! 2'x6' walls giving this 4 bdrm 2 bath home extra insulation. Open floor plan, uncommon Huge walk in kitchen pantry, beautiful new kitchen and appliances, large island/breakfast nook features quartz counter top. Home sits on 1.10 acres and has a well share for 3 homes. Peaceful living with no HOA
The stunning Slate floor plan opens with two bedrooms flanking a full hall bath. Beyond the entry, you'll find an inspired open layout with a dining nook, a great room with access to an inviting covered patio, and an impressive kitchen with a center island and walk-in pantry. The primary suite is nearby, offering a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks, a shower and a
5 acres of beautiful Arizona desert ready for your new home. Manufactured homes welcome. Horse property with breath taking sunset and mountain views. Quiet, peaceful area with minimal neighbors.
Expansive 5-acre parcel in Avra Valley offering flexible Pima County RH zoning, allowing for single-family, manufactured or mobile homes, multifamily potential, and agricultural uses. Recently and legally split with recorded survey and deed, this property presents an excellent opportunity for investors, developers, or buyers looking to build or place a home with room to grow. Enjoy wide-open
21-acre parcel in the rapidly growing Avra Valley/Marana area is a fantastic opportunity for horse lovers, thoselooking to develop a ranchette estate, or anyone interested in a great investment. With utilities (including power and a well),new roads, and a seller offering seller financing, this land is ready for development. The versatility of the land allows for multiple
Fabulous opportunity to live in a NEW home with plenty of room for your horses and all of your toys in the wonderful community of Picture Rocks. You are at the end of a dead end rd that has just two other homes on it. This home was built in 2022 but has never been lived in. The den could be a 4th berm if needed and there is a huge family room with a fireplace. Mountain views abound along with
Seller is willing sell 20 acres separately. which is subdividable. 20 acres has electric, septic, water, and ready for your new home. Please contact Listing Agent for information. Imagine owning your own Ranch/Homestead. This expansive 40 subdividable acreage has it all with panoramic mountain views and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Ideal for animal lovers, hobby ranchers or anyone wanting to
Bring your horses, chickens, and ducks! Enjoy space and freedom on your 4.24 acres. Located just a short drive from the Desert Museum, Old Tucson and the entrance to the Saguaro National Park. This property includes a barn, chicken coops, a 50' round pen, wash stall, 4 under cover horse stalls with sliding doors, oversized arena/turn out area, an additional stall and separate electric box for
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
