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
Cathy Morency,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Vail, AZ sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Vail, AZ over the last 12 months is $396,863, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home is TO BE BUILT, on a spacious homesite! Snuggled within the serene surroundings of Sycamore Vista, The Baxter offers a blend of comfort and convenience, making it a perfect fit for modern living. Spanning 1,423 square feet, this thoughtfully crafted single-story home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 3- car garage, all within the picturesque foothills of the Santa Rita
Welcome home to your dream home in Corona De Tucson, located in the renowned Vail school district. Local shopping, dining and recreation are just a short drive away, while the charm of rural living is palpable with beautiful natural landscapes and tranquil surroundings. Come see why this home represents a perfect balance of quality construction and thoughtful design. Enjoy ample distance between
Beautiful well cared for original owner home at a great affordable price in 55+ community of Del Webb at Rancho del Lago. Hard to find 3BR in this popular Sonoita model. The facilities here are outstanding along with our higher elevation and cooler temperatures. Newer heating & cooling units (2024). Owned Solar keeps electric costs low. No wasted space in this cozy floorplan w/tile everywhere
Radiantly refreshed and move-in ready, this former AF Sterling model home in Rancho Del Lago has that clean, cared-for feeling the minute you walk in. Fresh interior and exterior paint, brand new carpet in the bedrooms & living/dining room, neutral finishes, and a comfortable layout make the home feel easy to settle into. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac lot, it offers a front living and dining space
Move-in ready and energy efficient, this single-story Hanson Ridge home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an open-concept layout. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and overlooks the dining and living areas, creating a functional space for everyday living and entertaining. Tile flooring runs throughout the main living areas, and the split-bedroom
Experience refined desert living in this stunning custom estate nestled within the prestigious gated community of Coyote Creek. Set on over 1.5 acres with sweeping mountain views, this expansive 3,990 sq ft single-story residence offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and Arizona lifestyle.Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed floor plan featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 4
Vail Dream Property - Mountain Views, Organic Farm, RV Ready, 6-Car Garage with A/C Back on the market at no fault of the sellers. Buyer's contract fell through, creating a rare second chance at this Vail dream property. This 6 bed/3 bath home sits on 1+ acre of fully organic land with mountain views, fruit & citrus orchard, raised beds, and animal pens. Paid solar exceeds usage. RV-ready with 50
Open, airy, fluid, spacious! All these and more describe this exquisite property in Vail. Two primary suites offer a multi-generation family tranquil privacy. Primary baths have double sinks for convenience; one with a luxurious custom shower with 2 benches. Two additional BRs share a hall bath, can be offices, spare bedrooms, work-out rooms, studio space. The options are endless! This home is
Discover your dream retreat living on 4.82 acres with captivating views of the Santa Rita Foothills and the open desert. This 5 bed/3 bath custom built home offers spacious elegance, with 3 downstairs bedrooms, including the owner's suite, and two upstairs with a full bathroom. Gourmet kitchen features alder wood cabinets, granite countertops, and double ovens. Owner's suite indulges with a
This beautifully updated home with 3 bedrooms plus den, offers breathtaking 180-degree views of the Rincon and Catalina Mountains. Located in the quiet, highly desirable Rincon Trails neighborhood, it features a North-facing backyard that provides stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as year-round comfort. Enjoy peaceful mornings in the sun and serene evenings on the spacious patio by the pool.
Seller will accept or counter offers between $700,000-$725,000. This is like having a 1 story home with a guest suite up above! The 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms, bath and huge loft with separate heating and cooling for comfort & efficiency. Downstairs, find the primary suite plus 4th bedroom with full bath and a den. Located just off the 6th tee box on Del Lago Golf Course, this amazing lot only has
This is an all-inclusive listing of 2 parcels. Includes MLS numbers 22531588 and 22530931. Which includes the farm and land. Can be purchased with the farm and both properties. This Developed parcel in Vail offers an extraordinary blend of seclusion, natural beauty, and mindful development. Bordered on the south and west by the protected Cienega Creek Nature Preserve, the property provides direct
Dream Home Alert. Newly built in 2009 this home boast 3 beds, 2 baths on a .94 acre lot with stunning MOUNTAIN VIEWS! NEW ROOF 2022. Located in award winning Vail school district. The interior showcases a warm and welcoming layout, open floor plan, with wood-look flooring, tile in all the right places, vaulted ceilings for a feeling of openness, a soothing palette, and plenty of natural light.
Beautiful MINT floor plan by Mattamy with elevated finishes throughout, including new LVP flooring, plantation shutters, and a fully landscaped backyard with a rain barrel watering system. Enjoy epoxy 4-car tandem garage with custom storage cabinetry and a whole-home water softener. This exquisite home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms (including a guest suite with ensuite), a flexible
Seller will accept/counter offers between $500k-$525k. Amazing 5 Acre Homestead located in the Santa Rita Foothills! Bright and Spacious remodeled home featuring an open feeling 3bed/2bath floor plan. Beautiful kitchen with island overlooking living room and dining area. Large living room with picturesque windows and cozy fireplace. Huge primary suite with walk in closet, spacious bath with
Experience luxury rental living at its finest with Moderne at Rocking K. Our spacious 1 to 3-bedroom floor plans feature private backyards, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy resort-style amenities such as a pool, barbecue area, fitness center, and clubhouse. Nestled at the base of the Rincon Mountains next to Saguaro National Park, our community is conveniently located in Rocking K
This home is almost brand-new and shows like a model! Enjoy fresh air and country living in peaceful Corona de Tucson. Yet Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 are just minutes away for easy commuting. The spacious foyer opens to a Great Room with a gorgeous kitchen with granite counters and espresso-colored cabinetry. A large pantry closet and newer stainless steel appliances make this a chef's
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 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental home in Vail, AZ, may be the right place for you. Relax and unwind on the
Welcome to 10668 S Silverbluff Dr, a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence that offers 2,045 square feet of comfortable living space. You are sure to love the elegant and open floor plan, which features a living area designed with a relaxing ambiance in mind. The kitchen serves as a central hub, equipped with gorgeous countertops, a functional center island, ample wooden cabinetry with a
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
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,
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 Vail, AZ, might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Relax and
Property Id: 2481160Apply in office only. Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the desirable Rancho Del Lago community in Vail, offering 1,397 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. This home features an open-concept layout with the kitchen flowing directly into the living room, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, updated
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,
Property Id: 2510856Well-equipped rental ideal for horse and animal owners. This remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a fully fenced 1-acre lot and offers direct access to miles of riding trails right from the neighborhood — no trailering needed.The property is already set up for animal use with a large horse turnout, small stall, and a three-sided shelter for shade and
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
Located about 25 miles south of downtown Tucson, the gated community of Rancho Del Lago is a golf lover’s dream. “It’s got a very country vibe compared to West Tucson,” says Tony Baker, Realtor for RE/MAX Professionals in Tucson. “It’s an amenity-driven neighborhood for sure, and people want to move here for that.” Residents enjoy hitting the nine at the area’s Del Lago Golf Club and having lunch at its in-house restaurant. With the area’s low CAP Crime Index Score of 1 (compared to the national average of 4) and high-rated schools, families with elementary-aged children and retirees buy in the area. The community is also in proximity to local shopping and outdoor adventures at nearby parks and preserves.
The community’s focal point, Del Lago Golf Club, is a public, 18-hole facility offering daily tee times on its lush, high-elevated grounds, which are a few degrees cooler than Tucson in the summer. Locals can practice their swing surrounded by seven small lakes, and there’s views of the rocky Rincon Mountains in every direction. Overlook Park is a small, neighborhood spot next to Cienega High featuring a covered jungle gym, swing set and basketball court. Six miles east, folks can hike and bike around the nationally registered 2,400-acre Colossal Cave Mountain Park, which offers tours of its historic, stalagmite-covered caverns for spelunkers of all skill levels.
The Hacienda del Lago clubhouse is a popular venue for weddings, reunions and other special celebrations; residents can also hit up The Hacienda restaurant on Thursdays for the Chef’s Special and discounted drinks for Ladies Night. Around April or May each year, locals gather near the Vail Chamber of Commerce for the Between the Tracks Vendor Fair; dozens of local businesses set up shop selling coffee, arts and crafts items and food, and folks can enjoy live music while they browse.
Safeway is a 2-mile drive southwest for all grocery essentials, and folks can find gently used clothes and kitchenware at Vail Depot Thrift a few blocks further south. The nearest dining option is Del Lago Golf Club’s on-site bar and grill restaurant, The Hacienda, serving wings and ribeye plates. Residents can also head a few miles south to the small yellow and red building of Fito’s Taco Shop for chili burritos then walk the paved path towards nearby Vail Coffee Stop, which won Pima County’s Rural Business of the Year award in 2023. For more retail shopping and dining options, local can trek 7 mile north to Houghton Town Center.
Exclusively all constructed by two builders, the homes in Rancho Del Lago were mostly built in the early 2000s with an average HOA fee of around $67. Homeowners enjoy the community pool, walking paths spread throughout and, of course, the Del Lago Golf Club course and Hacienda del Lago clubhouse toward the eastern quadrant. One to two-story Spanish-inspired New Traditional homes average $375,000; these properties feature up to three bedrooms along with rock-landscaped lawns and fenced-in backyards.
Larger Spanish-style New Traditional and Pueblo-Revival homes are found mostly on the eastern half of the community and range between $500,000 and $730,000. These up to five-bedroom homes sit on larger lots and offer cement back patios with wooden verandas that lead to in-ground pools. Pueblo-Revival and contemporary-style houses built in the 2020s are mostly found up north and average around $545,000. These feature stucco exteriors and terracotta roofs. Homes in Rancho Del Lago sit in well-paved cul-de-sacs with some sidewalk-lined streets with mountain views in the distance.
Downtown Tucson is a 25-mile drive northwest of Rancho Del Lago via Interstate 10, which is about 3 miles south of the area. Many residents drive to get around, but there are bike lanes along East Mary Ann Cleveland Way, which curves along the western border. Northwest Emergency Center at Vail is 6 miles west, and Tucson International Airport is an 18-mile drive northwest.
The area is served by Vail Unified School District, one of the highest rated districts in the state and rated an A-plus from Niche. Kids here can start at Acacia Elementary which is rated an A-minus, and continue on to Old Vail Middle, scoring an A. The A-rated Cienega High is known for its Drama Department which has won several recognitions like Best Music Direction from the Southern Arizona High School Musical Theatre Monte Awards in 2023.
Rancho Del Lago has a relatively high risk for wildfires near the northern and eastern borders due to the dry climate. Pima County has a Wildfire Protection Plan and Ready Checklist for homeowners in the event of a fire, and in May of 2024, nearly $7 million in federal funding went to Pima County to enhance their current protection plan. During Arizona’s monsoon season between June and September, the Pantano Wash, which cuts through the middle of the neighborhood, and the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve in the southeast is at risk of overflooding into main areas.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Vail Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
35
Median Rent
$2,100
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,999
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,095
Median Condo Rent
$1,535
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,535
Demographics
Total Population
14,712
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$112,048
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$126,619
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
44.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.2%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
99°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
20/ 100
Not walkable
Walkability®
10/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
