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Sunnyside

Sunnyside

Suburban Neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona

Pima County 85706

Neighborhood Reviews
3.0
$239,644 Average Value
$213 Average Price per Sq Ft
24 Homes For Sale

Southern Tucson area with volunteering opportunities and strong communal bonds

Set 6 miles south of downtown Tucson, Sunnyside is a large, active community focused on volunteering and bonding through local annual events. “When there’s new people in the neighborhood, we do our best to get them involved. We try to let them know we want to work together,” says Yolanda Herrera, President of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and longtime Tucson resident. Along with shopping at the nearby Tucson Spectrum mall or visiting the acacia tree-shaded Mission Manor Park, folks here enjoy building up the area through partnerships with local nonprofits and giving back to younger generations through programs at the Sunnyside Unified School District. Herrera says residents also like giving back to each other when they can: “With my Frys membership, I always offer my points to neighbors who need help filling up the tank.”

Sunnyside is only 60 miles from the Arizona-Mexico border via I-19.
Sunnyside is only 60 miles from the Arizona-Mexico border via I-19.
Sunnyside homes generally have enough room for small trees and bushes.
Sunnyside homes generally have enough room for small trees and bushes.
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Generational homes with comparably lower prices

Sunnyside’s median home price of $252,000 is slightly lower than nearby areas like Ward 5 and Midvale Park, and Herrera says multiple families have lived here for two to three generations. Mid to late 20th-century ranch-style homes and bungalows typically range between $150,000 and $300,000 and feature metal fenced-in front yards and short, paved driveways with carports. Early 2000s New Traditional and ranch-style homes with stucco exteriors and up to five bedrooms range between $300,000 and $530,000; these properties offer spacious back patios with desert tree plantings and in-ground pools. Streets are wide and laid out in a grid and include narrow, cement sidewalks dotted with palm trees that lead to nearby schools and parks within the community. Spanish-inspired New Traditional homes built in the 2020s are found in the Valencia Crossing Subdivisions toward the southeastern corner of the area and average around $320,000. These homes sit side-by-side along well-paved streets and feature rock-landscaped front lawns with two-car garages. Homeowners can expect to pay $65 in monthly HOA fees.

Many Sunnyside homes are smaller, with ranch-style designs.
Many Sunnyside homes are smaller, with ranch-style designs.
Low-pitched roofs are found at most Sunnyside homes, which helps with summer cooling costs.
Low-pitched roofs are found at most Sunnyside homes, which helps with summer cooling costs.
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A growing bike community with easy access to downtown

Locals in Sunnyside can drive 6 miles north to downtown Tucson on Interstate 19, which hugs the western border. Tucson Sun Tran stops along Irvington Road on the northern border, 12th Avenue which cuts down the middle of the area and at the Laos Transit Center where Greyhound buses also travel to. Several residents bike to get around, and Herrera says the neighborhood association has been working with city official to create more bike lanes throughout the area. Through the Familias Unidas Ganando Accesibilidad non-profit, residents meet up at the El Pueblo Center every last Friday of the month for a community bike ride through the area. Banner-University Medical Center South is a 5-mile drive east, and Tucson International Airport is 4 miles southeast.

The El Pueblo Activity Centers offers multiple facilities for public use in Sunnyside.
The El Pueblo Activity Centers offers multiple facilities for public use in Sunnyside.
The Laos Transit Center is a major transportation hub for Sunnyside.
The Laos Transit Center is a major transportation hub for Sunnyside.
I-19 serves as the main thoroughfare to Mexico, with Nogales being one hour away.
I-19 serves as the main thoroughfare to Mexico, with Nogales being one hour away.
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Traditional Mexican music and dancing programs at Sunnyside High

The neighborhood is served by Sunnyside Unified School District, which scores an overall C from Niche. Kids can begin at Mission Manor Elementary and continue to Challenger Middle, both of which earn an overall C-minus. The C-plus-rated Sunnyside High is known for its fine arts studies in mariachi music and folklorico dancing, where students compete in both at the annual Tucson International Mariachi Conference. Through the district’s Sunnyside Foundation, eligible high school seniors can receive up to $2,000 in scholarship funds each spring for college-related expenses, and graduates interested in teaching receive tuition coverage through the Pathways to Teaching Program Partnership with the University of Arizona.

Mission Manor Elementary serves grades K-5 in Tucson, Arizona.
Mission Manor Elementary serves grades K-5 in Tucson, Arizona.
Sunnyside High School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson, Arizona.
Sunnyside High School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson, Arizona.
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Good eats on Sunnyside’s southern border

Sunnyside residents pick up groceries at Food City towards the southern border of the community, and locally owned shops and restaurants line along 12th Avenue. Jenny’s Fashion sells women’s evening gowns, and folks can get a fresh cut at Arte Salon and Barber next door. For fresh tamales and Mexican bread rolls, locals can visit La Estrella Bakery, and El Guero Canelo serves world-famous spicy Sonoran Hot Dogs. Tucson Spectrum mall is a mile drive west over Interstate 19 and features popular retail chains like Old Navy and Ross; residents can even check out new releases at the family-owned Harkins Theatres.

Guero Canelo's famous Sonoran Hot Dog's are a hit with Sunnyside residents.
Guero Canelo's famous Sonoran Hot Dog's are a hit with Sunnyside residents.
The La Doce mural on 12th Avenue in Sunnyside marks the spot of La Estrella Bakery.
The La Doce mural on 12th Avenue in Sunnyside marks the spot of La Estrella Bakery.
Alejandro's Tortilla Factory bakes up delicious Mexican-style cookies in Sunnyside.
Alejandro's Tortilla Factory bakes up delicious Mexican-style cookies in Sunnyside.
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Pickup games at Mission Manor Park

The 40-acre Mission Manor Park is in the southwestern portion of the area and features a basketball court, playground and a little free library surrounded by short palm trees. Residents can head a few blocks west for picnics at the desert flower and wind chime-covered peace garden at Manuel Herrera Jr. Park or drive 2 miles north to 45-acre Rudy Garcia Park for summer little league games. Adjacent to the park, El Pueblo Activity Center offers lap swimming in its 25-yard pool and line dancing classes for seniors, and 3 miles south, residents can rent out study rooms or check out a telescope at the popular Valencia Library.

The Mission Manor Park basketball court is a popular hangout for Sunnyside teens.
The Mission Manor Park basketball court is a popular hangout for Sunnyside teens.
Families love Rudy Garcia Park in Sunnyside with it's picnic spots.
Families love Rudy Garcia Park in Sunnyside with it's picnic spots.
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Giving back to the neighborhood through United Way Days of Caring

Every November, the neighborhood participates in United Way Days of Caring, the single largest community volunteer event in Arizona; residents help complete over 125 projects like neighborhood street cleanups, beautification projects at nearby museums and yard pick-ups for senior citizens. In October, folks bring their best potluck dishes for the Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (GAIN) event at Mission Manor School’s gym; neighbors meet with police agencies to discuss crime prevention while local police officers and firefighters compete in friendly dance competitions. The century-old Tucson Rodeo Parade event—the largest non-motorized parade in the country—takes place every February near the Sunnyside community; thousands of spectators gather near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds a few blocks north to watch Native American tribal dance performances, marching mariachi bands and cowboy-themed floats all pulled by horses.

Religious undertones are an integral part of the community in Sunnyside.
Religious undertones are an integral part of the community in Sunnyside.
Children are able to use the YMCA facilities in Sunnyside, which offers many programs.
Children are able to use the YMCA facilities in Sunnyside, which offers many programs.
The Children's Peace Garden in Sunnyside is a place of reflection for residents.
The Children's Peace Garden in Sunnyside is a place of reflection for residents.
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Noise from Tucson’s airport and combating crime in Sunnyside

Because the neighborhood is 4 miles from Tucson International Airport, Herrera says there is consistent noise, especially with Arizona Air National Guard planes flying overhead. Sunnyside also has an overall crime index score of 7, with the national average being 4. To help combat this, the neighborhood association has partnered with the Liberty Partnership Kino Neighborhood Coalition (LPKNC) to promote a drug and alcohol-free environment for kids in the community.

The crime rate is higher in Sunnyside, but residents are always working together to help.
The crime rate is higher in Sunnyside, but residents are always working together to help.
12th Avenue has rows of colorful, rainbow painted bike paths in Sunnyside that are cheerful.
12th Avenue has rows of colorful, rainbow painted bike paths in Sunnyside that are cheerful.
Tucson International Airport airspace is directly above Sunnyside, allowing great viewing.
Tucson International Airport airspace is directly above Sunnyside, allowing great viewing.
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Hannah Baggenstoss
Written By
Hannah Baggenstoss
Kristen Rademacher
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Kristen Rademacher
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Daric Clarke

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Jose Campillo, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Tucson International

10 min drive

Bus

6th Av & Bilby

Bus

12th Av & Nebraska

Bus

Ss & Laos Transit Center

Bus

Liberty & Utah

Bus

12th Av & Valencia

Bus

Valencia & Missiondale

Bus

Drexel & 12th Av

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.0 26 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
7/19/2014 Niche Review
The visiting mostly occurs at the local university or the beautiful canyons that surround us.
3.0 Niche User
7/19/2014 Niche Review
I wouldn't consider this area the safest; however, overall I've been happy living here and it is pretty calm and quiet for the most part. Although, many changes are still underway.
3.0 Niche User
1/14/2015 Niche Review
Most of the businesses are locally owned.
3.0 Niche User
7/19/2014 Niche Review
The local gyms are very useful and in quality condition. Most people I know are very fit and healthy.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sunnyside US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$257,000
Median Single Family Price
$265,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$213
Number of Homes for Sale
24
Last 12 months Home Sales
61
Months of Supply
4.70
Median List Price
$264,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,277
Median Year Built
1964
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,381
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jose Campillo, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
14,016
Median Age
34
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,543
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,011

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
64.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
5.9%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.1%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
102°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

56 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

59 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

39 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sunnyside