The Rincon Mountains provide the backdrop for Vail, located about 30 miles southeast of Tucson. The city sits in a valley that garnered its name from two brothers and a railroad stop. The Vail brothers were cattle ranchers who sold a section of their land to build a new railroad stop during the mining industry boom. The population later dipped from 300 to less than 10 as mining operations lessened. When IBM purchased a plant outside Vail, the town started growing again. The plant would eventually become The University of Arizona Science and Technology Park, where IBM and Raytheon are headquartered.
The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is also nearby, and many residents commute. “Vail is a bit farther out, but they also have great schools. The area is geared towards first-time homebuyers and our military; people who need a great house for under $400,000 will find it there,” says Emily Erickson, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty Oro Valley with over 7 years of experience. According to Census data, Vail grew by nearly 34% from 2010 to 2020. Today, it has a population of almost 15,000.
Many Vail homes are nestled among desert hills.
The Rincon Mountains highlight the Vail area with their towering majesty.
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Single-family residences from golf grounds to open acres
Vail’s neighborhoods feature single-family homes with adobe siding and terracotta roofs. Architectural styles vary from new traditional to ranch-style homes. The median single-family home price is $400,000, which is about $10,000 more than Tucson’s average for single-family homes. Rancho del Largo is a golf course neighborhood in northern Vail, where the average property size is less than those in southern Vail, where lots can exceed an acre.
Vail offers a variety of homes for future residents to choose from.
Newer Vail homes are Southwestern in architecture.
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Top-rated school district in Tucson
Vail Unified School District serves the area's students, rated the top school district in Tucson by Niche, which rates it with an A-plus overall grade. VUSD operates 22 schools, with both online and classroom options. The district provides designated days of the week when elementary, middle and high schools can utilize the Vail Theatre of the Arts for events, performances and award ceremonies to help parents with multiple students to attend all events without schedule conflicts. Students can earn college credits with various dual enrollment courses offered by both the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.
Old Vail Middle School serves grades 6-8 in Vail, Arizona.
Vail Academy is a public Elementary, Middle and High School located in Tucson, Arizona.
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Scenic trails, golfing and seasonal weather concerns
The city does not have many parks, but the Sahuarita Trailhead, located in southern Vail, ties the community to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. This 800-mile non-motorized path runs from Mexico to Utah. Additional trails are located in northern Vail in the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve’s 4,010 acres. The city is also home to the Del Largo Golf Club, a popular public course.
Throughout the year, the city has mild temperatures and sunshine. Considering its location, Vail residents are prone to excessive heat, monsoons and may be at risk of potential wildfires throughout the summer months.
The Lamar Cobb Memorial Marker in Vail is dedicated to Arizona's first highway engineer.
Cienega Creek Preserve offers intricate and scenic hiking trails in Vail.
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Safeway, taco shops and a saloon
As a growing city in rural southern Arizona, Vail does not have many retail options. The town centralizes the businesses and restaurants along the thoroughfare, East Colossal Cave Road. The area’s only grocery store, Safeway, is part of the central business district. Nearby restaurants include taco joints, Arizona Pizza Company and Montgomery’s Grill & Saloon. Less than 10 miles north, Houghton Town Center has big box stores and additional dining options for Vail and the surrounding areas of Rita Ranch and Corona de Tucson.
Montgomery's in Vail offers a full bar that locals flock to for custom drinks.
Arizona Pizza Company offers cheap lunch specials with big slices in Vail.
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Entertainment from race tracks to Pima County Fairgrounds
The Tucson Dragway and Tucson Raceway are located just north of Vail and both host monster truck rallies and races. The tracks sit adjacent to the Pima County Fairgrounds, where VailFest is held in late fall. The event was first established in 2009 as a county fair. It hosts silent auctions to fund the Vail Unified School District scholarship program.
The Pima County Fairgrounds offers an annual spring fair in Vail.
Vail is home to the Tucson Dragway.
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Dirt roads and Interstate 10 to Tucson
Vail evokes a rural, small-town atmosphere with dirt roads and the lone State Highway 83, which connects southern neighborhoods to the northern retail area. “The biggest reasons people want to buy in Vail are the beautiful views and the easy path into downtown Tucson thanks to Interstate 10, which splits it through the middle,” says Don Ernle, a local broker and owner of Pima Canyon Realty since 2007. The interstate connects the community to the major employers outside the town, including the Air Force base and technology park. Tucson International Airport is about 20 miles north and provides various international and domestic flights. Vail has various family health centers in its retail area, the closest emergency care center is about 10 miles north.
Vail-specific and Pima County crime statistics
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent and property crime rates both increased in Pima County in 2023. The county’s violent crime rates were lower than the state averages, while property crime rates were higher than those of the state.
Written By
Lauren Melton
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Bass,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Vail, AZ sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Vail, AZ over the last 12 months is $394,990, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Seller will accept or counter offers between $335,000-$345,000. BEAUTIFUL and IMMACULATELY MAINTAINED 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with DEN in sought-after Vail, AZ--located in a top-rated school district near DEL LAGO GOLF COURSE! Enjoy year-round comfort with a BRAND-NEW 2024 TRANE Multi-Phase HVAC. Features include executive-height granite countertops, premium 20'' tile, upgraded baseboards, and
Come see this charming home now on the market! This home has Fresh Interior Paint. Discover a bright interior tied together with a neutral color palette. You'll love cooking in this kitchen, complete with a spacious center island and a sleek backsplash. Head to the spacious primary suite with good layout and closet included. The primary bathroom is fully equipped with a separate tub and shower,
Looking for space, views, and versatility? Welcome to this thoughtfully designed, 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, contemporary home nestled in the scenic heart of the Sonoran Desert. Boasting 2,897 sq ft of living space, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of space and flexibility. Fresh interior paint and brand-new carpet provide a crisp, move-in-ready feel, while smart home
Seller will contribute $5,400, this could save buyer $220 per month off the mortgage payment. Ask for details! A split floor plan for privacy, yet still with an open concept that offers plenty of natural light. 9ft Ceilings (Includes 8ft garage bay door & 8ft entry way door). Step inside to beautiful wood like tile flooring that flows throughout the home, opening to the spacious kitchen and
Come fall in love with this delightful 2-story gem in Oasis Santa Rita! Inside, you'll find tile floors, a soothing neutral palette, and a welcoming great room perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen is a dream complete with sleek stainless steel appliances, rich chocolate-stained cabinets, granite counters, a walk-in pantry, built-in desk, and a center island with breakfast bar for
Beautiful hidden gem in Vail with views on a flat lot at the end of New Tucson subdivision. Even though no HOA, new custom home must conform to neighborhood. Lots of room to build your dream home on this 4 acre parcel. Front lot has approved plans to build a 2900 SF home. Water meter in place, sewer available in cul-de-sac. Owner will work with someone that would like to purchase the plans.
Spacious 2591 Sq. ft. 4bdr/2.5 ba home in Vail!Downstairs offers Living Room/Dining Room. Family Room, 1/2 ba and open/Bright kitchen.Upstairs features Primary bedroom w/ensuite, three more bedrooms and a full bath.Open Loft area is a bonus!Large backyard w/extended screened in covered patio is great for relaxing or entertaining.EMS REALTY ONLY REPRESENTS THE LANDLORD ON THIS LISTING.
---- SCHEDULE A SHOWING ONLINE AT: ----This lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath home sits on a Quiet Cul-de-Sac with a private backyard that backs up to desert. You'll love the gorgeous metal roof, vibrant color, large lot, darling porch, & HUGE DRIVEWAY! Upon entry, you'll be greeted w/ an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, modern built-ins, French doors, & a gas fireplace! You'll find tile
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