$342,903Average Value$198Average Price per Sq Ft90Homes 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 are many great restaurants downtown and mostly chain restaurants closer to home.
5.0Current Resident
5/30/2019Niche Review
Very safe neighborhood with a lot of friendly neighbors. You feel safe within your neighborhood because not a lot happens here and plus all your neighbors are very aware. So it's safe and quiet. It's very comfortable.
3.0Niche User
6/12/2014Niche Review
We have some crime and graffiti issues, but they are not too bad.
4.0Niche User
6/12/2014Niche Review
The houses built in this area are pretty well built.
Are you familiar with the Rita Ranch neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Rita Ranch, Tucson over the last 12 months is $350,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning 4 bedroom 2.5 bath Vail home with 3 vast living spaces, open dining, incredible views and so much more!! The main floor has a large living room and family room, dining area, chef's kitchen and two pantries. The beautiful kitchen boasts plenty of cabinet and counter space, plus a gorgeous eat-in island. Upstairs is a spacious loft, along with the laundry room, primary suite and 3 generous
Turn-key and move-in ready in the award-winning Vail School District! This refreshed single-story home shines with a BRAND-NEW high-efficiency HVAC system, fresh interior paint, and new carpet throughout. The bright, desirable floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage on a low-maintenance lot. Enjoy all the Rita Ranch lifestyle perks -- parks, pools, sidewalks, and quick access to
Move-in-ready 4-bedroom, 2-bath single-story in the heart of Rita Ranch, offering approximately 2,156 sq ft in the award-winning Vail School District. This larger floor plan features an open, light-filled living area, a functional kitchen, and a spacious primary suite, all freshened with new carpet and paint. Enjoy easy one-level living with a 2-car garage, covered patio, and a low-maintenance
Welcome to this newly freshened up 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
The roof, HVAC, and solar are already handled here, so all that's left is moving in. This Rita Ranch home pairs a traditional living room with a separate, open concept kitchen and great room, where a big island, newer countertops, appliances, and sink make the space easy to use. Vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace give the great room its warmth, while new flooring, fresh paint, and updated
Thoughtfully positioned on an expansive homesite beneath Arizona's endless blue skies, this spacious single story residence offers a rare combination of comfort, functionality, and opportunity. From the moment you arrive, mature desert landscaping, a towering saguaro, and inviting curb appeal create a warm first impression that reflects the pride of ownership found throughout the property.
* 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 property is professionally managed by AMH Living, a leading single-family rental company. We work to simplify your rental experience by offering self-guided tours and a streamlined leasing process you can complete all online, all on your own schedule. Once moved in, we provide maintenance support that you can rely on, so you can enjoy your weekends stress-free. We look forward to welcoming
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple! This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental home in Tucson, AZ, may be the right place for you. Relax and unwind on the
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
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.Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve
Beautiful home in Vail with all the amenities! With gorgeous views this rental has it all. The granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances in contrast to the beautiful Birch cabinetry in the kitchen give the home very modern feel. The open and spacious living room that flows through the kitchen and with the dining room make for a great entertaining space. LARGE backyard with covered patio
Be the first to live in this newly-constructed property located in the Mirador Point community. This pet-friendly house features a pocket office, EV outlet, 2-car garage, fenced backyard, open concept floorplan, luxury vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and central heating/AC. Landscape maintenance is provided for an additional fee. This community is
Rita Ranch 3/2! Terrific Vail Schools. Gorgeous newer home with open floorplan and vaulted ceilings. Ceramic tile throughout for cool comfort and easy maintenance. Lots of kitchen cabinets with pullouts, track lighting and ceiling fans. Split master bedroom for privacy. Great access to shopping, schools, transportation. Fantastic family neighborhood. Call and reserve this one NOW!
This property is professionally managed by AMH Living, a leading single-family rental company. We work to simplify your rental experience by offering self-guided tours and a streamlined leasing process you can complete all online, all on your own schedule. Once moved in, we provide maintenance support that you can rely on, so you can enjoy your weekends stress-free. We look forward to welcoming
Owner/agent. Vail School District. 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,152 square feet of comfortable living space, built in 1996. This home features a private, walled backyard with mature oleander landscaping and an east-facing covered patio perfect for afternoon shade. Additional features include vaulted ceilings, 2-car garage, central air conditioning, ceiling fans, and solar screens to help
Property Id: 2740882 Apply in office only. Beautiful corner-lot home in the desirable Rita Ranch community offering approximately 1,800 sq. ft. of spacious living. This well-maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home features soaring vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, oak
Remarkable 3-bedroom home in the Vail school district! Nestled in Rita Ranch, this home has great curb appeal! Huge great room/kitchen serves as common area for the home! Spacious rooms for plenty of personal space! Don't miss out on this wonderful home! CALL TODAY!
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