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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joaquin Abrams,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lincoln Regional Park
Hacienda Del Oro Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Purple Heart Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Ivan's Spot Dog Park
Dog Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Tucson International
24 min drive
Bus
Ss & Houghton & Valencia
Bus
Ss & Rita Rd & Azuma Wy
Bus
Ss & Rita Rd & Old Vail Rd
Bus
Ss & Rita Rd & Rankin Lp1(Nw)
Bus
Ss & Rita Rd & Mesquite Elementary School
Bus
Ss & Nexus & Lapalma Dr
Bus
Ss & Rita Rd & Esmond Lp
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.683 Reviews
4.0Niche User
8/5/2014Niche Review
Some of the jobs that I have noticed near by for different types of people like there is a veternary, urgent care, tons of elementary-high school jobs, fire department, some different restraunts including (sit down and fast food), as well as grocery stores. This is an improving area and in the future I'd imagine there will be a larger variety of jobs in this area.
4.0Niche User
5/10/2016Niche Review
This area is very safe. Never had issues in the almost 20 years I've lived here.
5.0Niche User
8/5/2014Niche Review
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.
5.0Niche User
8/5/2014Niche Review
During monsoon season there is a lot of rain, which many Arizonians find very refreshing from the dry heat. Almost every day is a sunny day, perfect for different activities. The winter isn't very harsh, and every day there is a spectacular sunset that is breath taking.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rita Ranch
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson over the last 12 months is $362,510, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Range $375,000-385,000. This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has a massive great room with an expansive kitchen island, perfect for large gatherings. The great room sliding glass door leads out onto a sizable covered patio for even more entertaining space. There are no neighbors behind, affording great mountain views and privacy. The master bedroom is oversized with an en-suite bathroom and
Stunning updated Rita Ranch home with its own private pool offers a blend of contemporary style and comfortable living. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom property backs up to a wash with no direct neighbors behind and is in a quiet neighborhood with no HOA. The main living space has a soft and contemporary feel with high ceilings allowing abundant natural light. The living room seamlessly flows into
Frank LococoRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to Rita Ranch! Located in the desirable Hacienda Del Oro community, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is full of possibilities. Situated in the highly sought-after Vail School District, it offers not only a great layout but also access to some of the area's top-rated schools. In addition to the main living spaces, you'll find a large multi-purpose room that can easily serve as a
Welcome to 8875 E La Palma Drive--where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Rita Ranch and the top-rated Vail School District. This well-loved 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a smart layout with both formal living/dining areas and a spacious great room that flows effortlessly from the kitchen to the family room.The primary suite features a double vanity, soaking tub, and separate shower,
Stunningly Remodeled Home with a Dream Kitchen and Backyard Oasis!Step into this beautifully transformed home where every detail has been thoughtfully upgraded. The open-concept great room is perfect for modern living, created by removing walls to enhance the spacious layout. Throughout the home, you'll find elegant engineered laminate flooring and designer tile, all in tasteful, neutral tones
Welcome home to this charming Rita Ranch residence! Featuring a 2-car garage, a desert landscape, & a gated courtyard perfect for your morning coffee. New AC in October of 2024! Inside you'll find a welcoming living/dining room, vaulted ceilings, a neutral palette, a cozy fireplace, and a taste of wood-look & carpet flooring, perfect for entertaining and relaxation. The well-appointed kitchen
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
Welcome to this spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home located in the desirable Vail School District. This home features a great room open floor plan, perfect for entertaining guests. The gourmet kitchen boasts 48'' upper cabinets and is a chef's dream. Enjoy the convenience of a washer/dryer included and a softwater loop. Step outside to the extended paver patio and covered patio with recessed
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 is priced to rent and won't be around for long. Apply now, while we make this home ready for you, or call to arrange a meeting with your local Progress Residential leasing specialist
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joaquin Abrams,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
19,350
Median Age
34
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.7%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$99,304
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,756
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.2%
Advanced Degrees
14.1%
% Population in Labor Force
77.8%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
102°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
