$342,568Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft81Homes 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 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson over the last 12 months is $357,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Seller will consider offers between $365,000-$375,000. Discover refined desert living in this rare no-HOA residence in Rita Ranch. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a private den blends comfort and functionality, featuring a spacious walk-in pantry and oversized walk-in laundry room that make everyday living easy. Set on an expansive .20-acre homesite, the backyard is a true
Welcome to this desirable Rita Ranch neighborhood featuring a 3 bedrooms, 2 bath home with a split bedroom floor plan and a spacious functional layout. This purposefully updated home has significant investments including a NEW ROOF with a transferable roof warranty (2024), FULLY REPLUMBED in 2023 (no poly pipes), and newer HVAC (2018). The fully remodeled (2026) primary bath features a brand new
Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-full-bath home offering space, privacy, and an incredibly rare opportunity with an assumable loan at just 1.875% interest.The open-concept layout is ideal for everyday living and entertaining, with generous living spaces and a flexible floor plan. The lower level features a full bedroom and full bathroom, perfect for guests, multigenerational living, or a
Move-in ready 4 bed, 2 bath home in the desirable Vail School District located in Desert Willow Estates. This beautiful home Offering a functional open floor plan with single story, and a comfortable living spaces. The home has been upgraded with all newer plank vinyl flooring throughout the entire home. NO CARPET! With a practical split bedroom plan, and an attached 2-car garage this home is
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom plus den home with a spacious loft, perfectly located in the highly sought-after Vail School District. With 2,280 square feet of beautifully designed living space, this home combines style, comfort, and functionality.The inviting kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a large pantry, and a cozy breakfast nook — perfect for casual
Rare 5-bedroom, 3 FULL bath home in desirable Rita Ranch! Fresh interior paint and new carpet enhance this functional floor plan. A full bedroom and bath on the main level are ideal for guests, a home office, or stair-free living, with extra storage under the stairs. The kitchen features a gas range, peninsula with breakfast bar, and opens to the dining and living areas. Enjoy a low-maintenance
Clean & bright 4 bedroom 2 bath single story home backed up to state land with unobstructed sunrise mountain views! New energy efficient HVAC system installed March 2026! Featuring two spacious living areas, a large primary bedroom w/ walk-in closet, this home is finished with updated plank flooring, tiled entries, kitchen & bath, carpeted bedrooms, and two tone paint. Open kitchen with tiled
* Dual-sink vanity at primary bath * Walk-in closet at primary bedroom and bedroom 2 * Tankless water heater * Smart thermostat * WaterSense labeled faucets * Kitchen USB charging port * Front porch * Spacious great room * Walk-in kitchen pantry * Dedicated laundry room * Low-E windows * ENERGY STAR certified home * Great shopping nearby * Outdoor recreation nearby * Hiking trails nearby * Near
This is a range list pricing from 280000 to 295000. Beautiful manufactured home on an acre lot with manicured landscaping and irrigation systems. There is a gorgeous view of the mountains, and it is positioned very close to the I-10 for convenient access and centrally located in Vail. There are well maintained dirt roads, and a lot of spaces between the homes. Plenty of space to place an RV,
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
Beautiful 3 bedroom and 2 bath Rental in Vail School District. Open Concept living with tile throughout. Nestled on a premium corner lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, home boasts a spacious yard with lush pomegranate, orange, and fig trees. Purple Heart Park and Ivan's Dog Park just across the street. Call today to schedule a showing!
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath, split bedroom plan home in desirable Rita Ranch! This home has vaulted ceilings, air conditioning, a large pantry, ceiling fans, beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops and large living room. 2 Car garage, garden tub and dual vanities in the master bathroom as well as a walk-in closet. Large backyard with block wall. Community
Awesome 4 bedroom 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bathroom, plus a den. This home offers great room design with spilt bedroom plan, lots of upgrades in this 2020 built home, has very spacious kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances and gas range, tile in all the right areas, carpet in bedrooms only, large backyard with covered patio, property backs common area for privacy. This home
Welcome home to this inviting Rita Ranch 4 bedroom, 2 bath home featuring a bright and open kitchen with pantry and ample cabinet and countertop space, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Brand new LVP flooring was just installed throughout the home! Ceiling fans and window coverings add comfort and functionality. The spacious family room showcases soaring cathedral ceilings and a
No Application Fees! Open floor plan 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Tucson home located in Hacienda del Oro offering spacious living areas and numerous upgrades. The home features a large front living room with high vaulted ceilings, a separate family room, tile flooring throughout the first floor with neutral carpeting upstairs, two tone neutral paint, upgraded 2'' faux wood window blinds, and ceiling
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant.This home features Progress Smart Home - Progress Residential's smart home app, which allows you to control the home securely from any of your devices. Learn more at Coming soon! This home is
No Application Fees! 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Tucson home located in the Desert Sky community offering a spacious layout and multiple living areas. The home features a large front living room, separate family room, formal dining area, and an upstairs loft providing flexible living space. Interior features include high vaulted ceilings, neutral paint throughout, ceiling fans in each room, tile
Special security deposit offer: Pay just 50% of your base rent as your security deposit (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by March 31, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live in this newly-constructed property located in the Mirador Point
No Application Fees! 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single level Tucson home located in Hacienda Del Oro offering a practical and comfortable layout with easy maintenance finishes throughout. The home features tile flooring throughout with no carpeting, two tone paint, ceiling fans, and good natural light. The kitchen includes a dining area, gas range, refrigerator, stove top microwave, and dishwasher.
Special security deposit offer: Pay just 50% of your base rent as your security deposit (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by March 31, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live in this newly-constructed property located in the Mirador Point
Corner Lot, Spacious 3 bed 2 bath home. Freshly painted, new blinds, new carpet. The kitchen offers plenty of storage, a gas stove and SS appliances with breakfast bar. Primary bedroom has two closets and dual sinks in bathroom. Back patio is covered and has a paver extension very low care yard. Pets upon approval no cats. Note: Krasnick Realty represents the Landlord only on this listing.
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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.
