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
Matt Bowen,
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.
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On average, homes in Vail, AZ sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Vail, AZ over the last 12 months is $398,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Owned Solar & No HOA! This immaculate 3-year-old home, perfectly situated in the highly sought-after Vail School District. Enjoy worry-free, move-in-ready living with modern features that eliminate the need for remodeling and repairs. Step inside to discover soaring 12-foot ceilings and elegant tile flooring throughout. The chef's kitchen is a culinary dream, boasting double ovens, stainless
Beautiful like new 2BR+Den/2BA spacious Triumph model in 55+ Community of Del Webb at Rancho del Lago w/tile & plank flooring everywhere w/no carpeting. This Pulte built home on on a great lot w/no neighbors directly behind home has Rincon mountain view. North facing back patio w/synthetic grass & water feature. Front courtyard has some nice sunsets & is another nice hang out spot. Gourmet
Wonderful 2BR+Den 2BA home on a corner lot in 55+ community of Del Webb at Rancho del Lago. This is a great price for a move in ready home w/newer HVAC system (2021). Tile everywhere except BR's. Solar system is owned which helps keep electric bills manageable. Kitchen is spacious w/quartz countertops, large breakfast bar & tiled backsplash. Plantation shutters keep home cooler in the summertime.
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home in Corona de Tucson! Situated on a large lot in a cul-de-sac, this home offers over 1,700 square feet, an open floor plan, dining area, and a country kitchen with breakfast bar. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Santa Rita Mountains, a large covered patio, and desert terrain right beyond your block wall. With a large 2-car garage and space for a motorhome or
DREAM HOME ALERT! Spacious two-story home in VAIL AZ! 5 Rooms! 4 Beds w Den. 3 Bath. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac w beautiful views and a 2-car garage. Interior showcases a thoughtfully designed layout with tile floors, contemporary lighting, and plenty of space for entertaining and storage. Kitchen comes equipped with newly refinished mocha cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, SS
Experience authentic southwest living on this stunning 4.14-acre desert estate, adjacent to Saguaro National Park with breathtaking mountain views and direct access to hiking and riding trails. Surrounded by lush Sonoran Desert landscaping, this gorgeous 2024 built 3 bed, 2 bath home with office is luxurious and private. Split floor plan with expansive windows fill the home with natural light and
Fabulous opportunity to own your own family compound! Main house, guest house, and workshop (with sleeping quarters)sit in the middle of a 10 acre parcel with area for horses, and whatever other critters your heart desires. Quiet/ secluded and still 5 minutes from shopping. The main house is over 2300 sq. ft. custom built 3 bed, 2 bath with large living spaces & wonderful mountain views. The
Freshly painted and move-in ready! This single-story Rancho Del Lago home offers a split bedroom floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Easy-care tile flows through the main living areas, all the bedroom's have carpet that was updated in November with an upgraded pad. The spacious kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, abundant 42-inch maple cabinetry and a stylish
Enjoy stunning Santa Rita Mountain views from this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Santa Rita Ranch III in Corona de Tucson. Backing to open desert with view fencing, this property offers privacy and breathtaking scenery with no rear neighbors. The open floor plan features a spacious great room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating the perfect space for everyday living and
This contemporary home features 4 beds, 2.5 baths, with thoughtful design & quality finishes. Built for modern living, it combines practical layout with reliable construction and is move in ready. The open concept living area flows smoothly, anchored by a kitchen with granite countertops large island & stainless steel appliances. Energy efficient windows reduce utility costs. The primary bathroom
Escape to your own private retreat on 5.25 acres in scenic Vail, AZ! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home offers 2,240 sq ft of comfortable living with vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans, and a functional open layout. The kitchen features a gas range, dishwasher, microwave, and breakfast bar, perfect for everyday living. Enjoy a dedicated laundry room, den, and generous walk-in closets.
Located in Vail, Arizona, this spacious Next Gen® home is designed for flexibility, comfort, and modern living. With 2,749 square feet across two stories, this upgraded property offers an ideal setup for multi-generational living, guests, or a private home office.The open-concept main living area flows seamlessly between the kitchen, dining, and family room--perfect for entertaining and
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 plus a separate family room that connects nicely to the kitchen and backyard. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, generous cabinetry, and a
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
Set within the highly desirable gated community of Coyote Creek, this spectacular residence offers luxury living on a sprawling, saguaro-studded 2.43-acre homesite. An impressive winding driveway creates a beautiful sense of arrival, leading to this exceptional custom-built home surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. A welcoming courtyard entry and striking metal front door
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 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 throughout, except 2 bedrooms which have carpet,
This property is professionally managed by AMH Living, a leading single-family rental company. We expect to make this property available for showings soon. 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
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the lease is signed by all applicants and security deposits are collected. Rent this home by September 30, 2026 and receive $500 Interested in this home? You clearly have exceptional taste. This charming 4.0-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is not only pet-friendly, but also equipped with smart
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, may be the right place for you. Experience peace and
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, has a lot to offer; does it check all your boxes? Relax and
Beautiful Golf Course Home with Custom Pool and Mountain ViewsWelcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the desirable Ranch del Lago community, offering breathtaking mountain views, golf course surroundings, and exceptional privacy. With no rear neighbors, you can enjoy your backyard oasis in peace and privacy.Step inside to a bright, comfortable floor
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 this
Beautiful 4-bedroom home with Rincon Mountain views in the Vail area. Don't miss the opportunity to rent this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in The Ridge community of Vail, Arizona. With incredible mountain views right outside your door, this newer home offers a bright, welcoming floor plan and thoughtfully designed living spaces.The open-concept great room is perfect for relaxing or
Almost Brand-New Home 4 BEDROOM HOME WITH LOFT IN VAIL MODERN UPGRADES 3 BATHROOMS WASHER AND DRYER INCLUDEDSpacious, stylish, and move-in ready. This newer 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a versatile loft offers a great combination of modern finishes, thoughtful design, and plenty of space to live, work, and relax. Located in the highly desirable, A-rated Vail School District with
Beautiful 3bdr/2ba home in Hanson Ridge! Spacious living room w/designer fixtures, kitchen feature granite counters, stainless steel appliances, gas range, pantry and more! Primary bedroom w/ensuite offers walk-in shower, large walk-in closet, dual vanity and linen closet. Split bedroom floorplan, ceiling fans in all the rooms, tile throughout except for bedrooms, laundry room w/washer/dryer, UV
Property Id: 2159216 Two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a den, located in the Del Lago community in Vail, AZ; available October. Property features: • Two bedrooms with carpeting • Two full bathrooms • Versatile den, ideal for an office, hobby room, or additional living space • Tile flooring throughout the main living areas • Large backyard overlooking the
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
34
Median Rent
$1,999
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,950
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,115
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®
30/ 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.
