$347,556Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft95Homes For Sale
The hidden roots of Rita Ranch
Is it true that Howard Hughes named Rita Ranch — a master-planned community 20 miles south of Tucson — after Rita Hayworth? While the eccentric billionaire owned this swath of Arizona land at one time, most local historians dismiss this as an unfounded rumor. Some say the master-planned community takes its name from a nearby train depot, while others believe a Realtor named it after a family friend. In any event, the story lends an air of glamour to the residential area, wedged between Interstate 10 and the Rincon Mountains. Since Rita Ranch is so close to the highway, getting in and out of Tucson is a breeze. “The traffic can get rough down in Vail,” says Jennifer Smith, Realtor with Realty Executives, “but Rita Ranch has more ways to get in and out.”
Rita Ranch is defined by Rita Road, which splits the community in half.
Interstate 10 is quickly accessible to Rita Ranch residents, only minutes away.
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Modern builds in the Spanish Revival style
Most houses in Rita Ranch feature a Spanish Revival design, although they were built within the last 25 years. There are tan stucco walls and gently sloping tiled roofs around every corner. Many homes are single-story with 3 to 4 bedrooms, and some offer views of the Rincon Mountains in the distance. Short, paved driveways and attached garages are standard, but it’s not unusual to see a lot of cars parked along the two-lane residential streets. The lots typically measure a quarter acre or less, which means the homes are grouped close together. While trees and shrubbery enliven the streets, and some properties include fences, there’s not much privacy among neighbors in Rita Ranch. Some smaller homes sell in the upper $200,000 range, while new builds can cost as much as $500,000. “You can get more house for your money here than in Vail,” Smith says. “The taxes are lower, too.”
Rita Ranch homes are typically made out of stucco and beige in color.
Driveways that can fit at least two cars are standard in Rita Ranch.
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Skating and splashing at Purple Heart Park
Families head to Purple Heart Park when they want to get some fresh air. The space spans 37 acres and includes a skate park, playground, baseball field, swimming pool and splash pad. There’s also plenty of open space for kite flying, playing tag or relaxing with a book. Ivan’s Spot Dog Park is also onsite and features a concrete walking path, shaded pavilions and dog-friendly drinking fountains. Hikers should check out the Rincon Mountain Wilderness Area east of Rita Ranch, where they can crest Rincon Peak or Mica Mountain for some of the most unforgettable vistas around Tucson.
Ivan's Spot Dog Park has plenty of shade for pups of all sizes.
Every summer, kids enjoy the cool water at the splash pad at Purple Heart Park in Rita Ranch.
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Vail School District’s grade-A reputation
According to Smith, many families move to Rita Ranch because it’s part of the Vail Unified School District, one of Arizona’s top-performing districts. “It’s not quite as far out as Vail, but the kids go to the same school,” Smith says. Students can start at Desert Willow Elementary on Esmond Loop before moving on to Desert Sky Middle School on East Rita Road. Vail Academy and High School is also nearby and allows students to attend from kindergarten through 12th grade. All these schools get an A from Niche. Vail Academy High students can join the BoxerBots, a robotics team that joins forces with Mica Mountain High School students. “BoxerBots is a newer program,” says Smith, who grew up in the area. “They’ve started a lot of new teams and events since I was in school there.”
Cottonwood Elementary is an A+ rated school in Rita Ranch.
Desert Sky Middle School serves grades 6-8 in Rita Ranch.
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The Shoppes at Rita Ranch
Folks who enjoy the fare at fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Panda Express will find tons of options in Rita Ranch. One local hot spot is Rancho Rustico in Houghton Town Center, serving tacos, fajitas and other Mexican favorites. The Shoppes at Rita Ranch shopping mall includes a Fry’s Supermarket for the basics.
Fry's serves the Rita Ranch area with a super store.
Sizzling fajitas are the house specialty at Rancho Rustico in Rita Ranch.
Serial Grillers offers a variety of American food and craft beer on tap in Rita Ranch.
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Traveling into Tucson
Usually, the 20-mile drive from the heart of Rita Ranch to downtown Tucson takes about half an hour. Tucson International Airport is within 15 miles, but since it’s across the interstate, drivers should also plan on 30 minutes for that trip. Additionally, Tucson’s Sun Tran bus service has several stops in Rita Ranch.
Although less common than Midtown, Sun Tran busses do still serve Rita Ranch.
Rita Ranch residents can easily access Houghton Road, a main thorofare.
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Riding the Loop
The Loop, a system of bike paths that traverses 130 miles, has several access points in Rita Ranch. There’s also a trailhead for Fantasy Island, which offers adrenaline seekers an extreme mountain-biking experience. In April, the Pima County Fair arrives at the fairgrounds on South Houghton Road just a 15-minute drive away.
The Loop has over 130 miles of paved road for Rita Ranch residents to hop on.
The Pima County Fair is a cherished tradition every April for Rita Ranch residents.
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
There is a terrific atmosphere that is becoming in this area. Vail is constantly growing as a community and will attract many positive things in the future. This is a great place for young families to move to, to raise their children. Many families are here and is a family oriented neighborhood.
4.0Niche User
4/27/2015Niche Review
If you're used to temperatures with an average of 98+ it's great. Only during monsoon season will you get constant heavy showers and thunderstorms. We have two growing seasons, so two times a year a local or tourist gets to see bright yellow, orange and purple flowers twice a year.
3.0Niche User
7/17/2014Niche Review
Many of people that live in the area are walkers, joggers and or runners.
4.0Niche User
6/16/2016Niche Review
This area provides exceptional standard of living, with many businesses and restaurants providing a vast amount of entertainment and things to do.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rita Ranch
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Rita Ranch Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson over the last 12 months is $355,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2 bath Rita Ranch charmer! Range-priced: Buyer can assume Solar Loan or have Seller pay it off at closing. This home features both a living room and a separate, open-concept kitchen/great room with island and newer countertops, appliances and sink. This home features all updated flooring, fresh paint and baseboards, newer energy-efficient windows, roof replaced
This home is priced to sell, 100k off of appraised Value. 4 bedrooms, 2 bath Lennar Home with unique accents throughout. Custom wood cabinets, huge great room, no carpet and a 3-car garage. Beautiful Security gate, large industrial solar screens, owned solar are just some great additions to the home. Selling as-is, Needs some work such as new roof, paint, appliances and some miscellaneous items.
Welcome to this beautifully updated property! The home boasts a neutral color paint scheme, providing a calming and inviting atmosphere. The primary bedroom features a spacious walk-in closet, perfect for all your storage needs. Enjoy outdoor living with a covered patio in the fenced-in backyard, offering privacy and space for relaxation. The interior has been refreshed with new paint and partial
Seller will accept or counter offers between $400,000-$415,000. Welcome home! Enjoy a fully fenced backyard with a refreshing pool to beat the summer heat. 3 bed 2 bath with a den! New tile flooring and stainless steel appliances. Granite countertops. Just under 2000 sq ft of comfort living. Kitchen opens to great room with a breakfast nook. Solid 8'' Stucco construction, tile roof and well
Seller will accept or counter offers in the range of $298,000 to $310,000. Opportunity Knocks. Come visit your future home. Lovely, well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1495 sq. ft.. home. Open floor plan with living, dining and family room blending into each other just off the kitchen. Breakfast bar and area for kitchen table give lots of flex options for eating, dining, homework, or work from
Seller will accept/counter offers between $300k-$325k. Bright and spacious floor plan in desirable Vail Schools. Brand new kitchen and quartz counter tops with breakfast nook. Separate livingroom/familyroom concept with dining area. Lots of natural light. Covered rear patio with large yard. All appliances included. BRAND NEW ROOF! This property is move-in ready and priced to sell.
Welcome home to Encantada Rita Ranch! Premier luxury apartment community located in the Rita Ranch area, offering you a 100% SMOKE FREE living environment. Families in our premier Rita Ranch location will reside in the highly rated Vail School District, which boasts a variety of top-ranked schools, from preschool to high school.Providing luxury lifestyle and convenience all in one location, with
Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Rita Ranch. Open floorplan with 2 living areas and office possibility. 2 car garage large backyard and updated appliances. Washer and dryer included. Home is close to schools, shopping and easy access to I-10. Vail School District. Call Today.
Marc AdamsSmith & Adams Realty & Property Management, LLC
SPECIAL: $300 OFF YOUR 1ST MONTHS RENT!!!Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the heart of the desirable Rita Ranch community, located within the top-rated Vail School District. Perfectly designed for families, this well-maintained home features a spacious and functional layout that is ideal for both daily living and entertaining.Inside, you'll find tile
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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.
