$343,010Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft87Homes 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 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson over the last 12 months is $350,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Situated on a quiet corner, 8049 S Carbury Way presents a beautifully maintained home with stylish updates and inviting features, including a modern kitchen accented by a designer backsplash and sleek stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom, a spacious walk-in closet, while the primary bathroom is enhanced with dual sinks for added convenience. Fresh interior paint brightens the living
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
Better than new in Vail School District! This 4-bedroom, 2 bath home in Rita Ranch features newer roof, windows, floors, HVAC, plus solar! 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
Welcome to this charming 3‑bedroom, 2‑bath home located in one of Southern Arizona's most desirable areas. Located in the sought-after Vail School District, this property blends rural freedom w/ everyday convenience. Set on a fully fenced lot, it's perfect for horse lovers & well-suited for chickens, goats, donkeys & other small livestock. This property features mature fruit trees,
Come and see this charming 4 bed, 2 bath residence now! NEW Piping to replace polybutylene pipes. NEW interior paint. Great curb appeal, low maintenance landscape, 2 car garage, and RV gate! Inside you will find spacious dining & living areas w/dramatic ceilings, handsome tile floors, and designer palette throughout. The gorgeous kitchen offers ample cabinet & counter space, a pantry, stylish
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
* 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
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
This spacious home features all electric (except stove) solar panels providing most of the electric for the home. Very low electric bills! Also includes a 240V outlet in the three-car garage for a Level 2 EV charging station. The home features soaring ceilings, easy care tile floors, updated and upgraded kitchen including slab granite countertops, Stainless Steel appliances, custom cabinets and
This meticulously cared for property in a great location! Vail school district! Tile and laminate floors make it easy to clean, no carpet. Back patio is east facing for outdoor entertaining. Corner lot with no rear neighbors gives greater privacy, and a neighborhood common area out back is perfect for recreation! A separate office/den is away from the busyness of the living area and adds
Great 4 bedroom home on huge premium cul-de-sac lot. Open kitchen overlooking family room. Vaulted ceilings w/fans, Master suite with large walk -in closet. Gas fireplace in living room, formal dining room, large covered patio(12'x25') overlooking backyard. Pool(40'x22') All appliances stay.
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
Exceptional home in the awardwinning Vail School District, walkable to Esmond Station (K-8). Inside featuring a generous loft, three upstairs bedrooms, mainlevel office, and a premium lot with no rear neighbors. Outdoor living shines with a doublelength covered patio and expansive yard overlooking the Santa Rita Mountains. Inside, the gourmet kitchen offers 42" espresso cabinetry, a fiveburner
Reduced deposit: Get 50% off your security deposit based on 1 month's rent (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by May 31, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this recently-constructed property located in the Mirador Point community. This pet-friendly house
AVAILABLE NOW! ** All Atlas Real Estate residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) at a monthly rate of $60/month with a one-time utility set-up fee of $30. Fee includes Renters Insurance, HVAC air filter delivery (for applicable properties), utility concierge service making utility connection a breeze during your move-in, our best-in-class resident rewards program, and much
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
BUILT 2015 4 BED 2.5 BATH + LOFT - 2,212 SQ.FT Welcome Home! Take Advantage of Half Off Your First Month of Rent. Offer subject to qualification and approval. Two story house nestled in the Mountain Vail Estates Community. This home offers charming curb appeal, bright and open floorplan, tile and carpet flooring, and a laundry room off the kitchen. Rich wood cabinetry, black appliances, and a
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
1,385 SQ FT! 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Tucson's Rita Reserve! Desirable single story floor plan. Recently updated interior with modern upgrades throughout! Charming kitchen with included appliances, & ample cabinetry/countertop space. Breakfast nook dining! Spacious great room living. Sliding door patio access, great for indoor/outdoor entertaining! Neutral interior with tile flooring in all the
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