Did you know that the average Tucson resident receives $3500 + for a tax refund? Make that money work for you and invest in real estate! Here are 4 ways you can use your. money to work for you in regards to real estate investing:
Use the money as a down payment. It is a common misconception that you need 20% as a down payment. That is not true! For an FHA loan, you need 3.5% down, for a conventional loan, you need 3% down, and for a VA loan, you need 0% down. I can get you in touch with some lenders to discuss which loan option would suit your needs best.
Use your money for closing costs. Closing costs are the title and lender fees and typically run 3% of the cost of the home. For example, if you buy a $200,000 house, your closing costs will be around $5k-$6k.
Use your money to buy down your interest rate. Rates were around 3% in February 2022 and now they are hovering around 7%. You can buy down your interest rate to make your monthly payment more affordable.
December is here and the holiday spirit is in the air! I know quite a few people who are new to Tucson so I’ve compiled my list my top 10 family-friendly holiday activities in Tucson in the month of December for them to learn about (and for even you natives out there who may not know about some of these awesome events!) Enjoy!
1. Tucson Holiday Ice (Ice Skating in Downtown Tucson)
Bring the family out to the Tucson Convention Center to ice skate to get in the holiday spirit! The rink is open now until January 8, 2023. Tickets can be purchased online and skate rental is included in the fee. Cost is $12-20 per person. Visit www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/tucson-holiday-ice for more information.
2. Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada Mall
Discover all the holiday wonder at La Encantada with their Enchanted Snowfall event on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from now until December 23rd. A snow machine will get you into the holiday shopping mood, as well as free hot cocoa provided by Blanco. Santa Claus will make an appearance on Friday, December 23rd from 5:30pm-7:30pm!
3. LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens has been doing the Festival of Illumination for over 30 years now with over 3,000 illuminarias places around the garden. There are six zones of illiminarias, including a 50′ light tunnel and choreographed cypress trees. It runs every night from 5:30pm-9:30pm and the cost is between $26-$40. Please visit www.tucsonbotanical.org/event/lightsup for more information.
4. Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo
Holiday magic returns with the Reid Park’s Zoo Lights event. There are thousands of lights, shows, Santa, and snow in the arctic zone. The event runs everyday from December 2nd-24th (note that it is not open on December 4th) and then there are encore dates everyday December 26th-30th. The event is between $8-$12 and it runs between 6:00pm-9:00pm. Please visit www.reidparkzoo.org/zoolights for more information.
5. “Elf The Musical” Presented by Arts Express
Based on the beloved holiday movie, this hilarious musical is fun for the entire family. After all, the best way to spend Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. There are performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 2nd- December 18th and tickets are $40 per person (group rates are also available). Please visit www.arts-express.org/elf to see exact showings that are still available to buy tickets and for more information.
6. Ballet Tucson presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”
Ballet Tucson and The Tucson Symphony have partnered up for this wonderful tradition of bringing the Nutcracker Ballet to Tucson. The music, dancing, and costumes are top-notch and the story is enchanting and sure to get you in the holiday spirit. It will be held in Linda Ronstadt Musical Hall on 260 S. Church Ave, and the performances are Thursday, December 22nd, Friday, December 23rd, and Saturday December 24th. Tickets are between $40-$100. Please visit www.BalletTucson.org to purchase tickets and for more information.
7. Winterhaven’s Festival of Lights
This popular Tucson tradition began in 1949 and is still going strong today. It is located in Tucson’s historical neighborhood, “Winterhaven,” located between Tucson Blvd. and Country Club and Fort Lowell and Prince. You can walk through the neighborhood or hay rides are available for a fee. It is open nightly from 6:00pm-10:00pm from December 10th- December 26th. The cost is a donation to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Please visit www.Winterhaven.org for more information.
8. Christmas Express at the Marana Pumpkin Patch
Open on Friday, December 9th, Saturday, December 10th, and nightly from December 16th-23rd, this event is perfect for the entire family. The $20 admission includes Holiday Lights Trail Ride, Playland Area, Farm Animals, Jumping Pillows, Mini Diggers, Mini Tractors, Honey Bear Spinner, Trikes, the Super Slide, Coranado Swings, Cyclone Swings, and Corn Flyers. Please visit www.maranapumpkinpatch.com to purchase tickets and for more information.
9. The 4th Avenue Winter Street Fair
Bring your Christmas shopping list with you and attend the annual 4th Avenue Street Fair! There are many unique artists and vendors selling merchandise at this event, as well as entertainment and food. It is located on 4th Avenue in between 6th Street and 8th Street is open at 10:00am-dusk on Friday, December 9th, Saturday, December 10th, and Sunday, December 11th. Please visit www.fourthavenue.org/fourth-avenue-winter-street-fair for more information.
10. Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Holiday Nights is a tradition for Tucsonans. Who doesn’t want to see an illuminated desert wonderland? Walk down illuminated pathways, listen to live music, and enjoy sipping hot cocoa in the desert with your favorite treats! Still need to shop for Christmas? The museum shops offer unique gifts that will be sure to please that special someone in your life. The event is $6-$20 and is open to members on Saturday, December 3rd from 5:30pm-8:30pm, and to the general public on Friday, December 9th, Saturday, December 10th, Friday, December 16th, and Saturday, December 17th (also 5:30pm-8:30pm). Please visit www.tohonochul.org/holiday-nights to purchase tickets and for more information.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Are you thinking or buying real estate in Tucson? Call me, Alexis Burrows. 520-869-3176.
Yes, you can try to “For Sale By Owner,” but you will find that hiring a Realtor will create even more value by not only getting you more money for your home but reducing the stress that’s involved with selling such a huge asset.
Hire someone you feel comfortable around because you are going to be spending a lot of time with your realtor.
Hire someone who communicates well (your agent shouldn’t go mia for a while!)
Hire someone who knows the market you are selling in well. Your agent will also help you establish your asking price by presenting comparable properties that have sold or are for sale now in your area.
You and your agent will settle on a fee they will charge to sell your home. This includes paying the agent that brings a buyer for your home.
Your agent will gather information on your home to input it all into the MLS.
Your Realtor will help you with disclosures and legal documents. An example of something you will have to disclose is the age of the roof.
Your agent will provide professional photography, and will professionally market your home.
And this brings me to my next point, staging. Your realtor will give you tips on how your home will show the best.
The Staging Your House For Sale Phase
The declutter and depersonalize phase. Take down personal photos, organize your closets, throw away junk. Moving is a good time to purge!
Move some of your furniture to a storage unit or put it in the garage to make your home look minimal.
Spruce up the yard with fresh potted flowers, blow off dirt from the patio, and throw away any junk you may have on the side of your house (ps- no judgement- we all have that area in our yard that looks like a junk yard!)
Make the beds look nice and cozy, put fresh flowers in the kitchen, dress your table, buy fresh towels and pillows. I recommend buying from inexpensive stores like Target, TJMax, and Home Goods.
Be sure to make your house smells good. I recommend plug-ins that use essential oils, candles, and sachets.
Get your house professionally cleaned and detailed. The kitchen is very important because buyers will look inside cabinets. Bathrooms are really important too.
After the staging is complete, a photographer and videographer will come and take photos that will be on the mls, zillow, realtor.com, etc.
The Showing of Your Home Phase
Your Realtor will begin marketing your property by putting a for sale sign on your property and blasting your property on the internet.
Most likely, a lock box with the key inside will be installed for buyer’s agents to access your home and you will put showing instructions on the MLS- for example, “no showings before 4pm,” or if you have a dog, you might want to say, “please give an hour notice, owner has dogs.” You can be as specific as you want with your showing instructions.
It is ideal that the seller has a plan on where the pets will go during a showing.
Your Realtor will most likely do an Open House the first weekend your house is on the market and subsequent weekends your house stays on the market.
The Offer Acceptance Phase
When you get an offer that meets your approval, for example, your asking price and close of escrow (which basically means when the title of the home will be transferred to the buyer), you accept. You can also counter offers that you receive. You don’t have to accept the first offer you get.
The buyer also gives “Earnest Money” to hold your house.
After the offer is accepted, the buyer goes into a “Due Diligence” period where they read and understand the disclosures, hire professional inspectors to inspect the home. Typically in a residential sale this period is 10-days.
After the inspections are complete, the buyer’s real estate agent will send your listing agent a list of repairs with a document called the BINSR. You’ll have 5 days to respond and to whether or not you’ll honor those repairs or honor some of them or none. The buyer can cancel the contract if you do not honor all of the requested repairs.
After the BINSR has been negotiated, If the buyer is financing the home, an appraisal will be done for the lender so the lender can be sure the property is worth what the buyer is paying for it.
The Close of Escrow Phase
After the buyer’s contingencies are met (meaning- the home appraises at value and the buyer’s financing is approved), the title company prepares a Closing Disclosure (also known as the “CD,” like balancing all of the money and pay outs. An example of payouts include paying the old mortgage debt, the real estate agent’s commissions, and balances out prepaid taxes.
The title company will have all of the title transfer paperwork, as well as all of the paperwork from the lender signed with a notary with both the buyer and seller.
The buyer will do a “Final Walkthrough” of the home to ensure all of the agreed upon repairs have been taken care of.
The deed will get recorded and as soon as it’s recorded with the recorder’s office it can take up to 24-hours to receive your funds into your bank account.
The cooler weather is approaching and the first day of Fall is today- September 22nd! It’s time to enjoy some family-friendly activities! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite 10 things to do with the family in Tucson around this time of year.
1. The Gaslight Theatre
The Gaslight Theatre
The Gaslight Theatre’s Wizard Of The Rings- Running September 1st -November 6th, the Gaslight Theatre’s spook-tabular Fall show is a spoof of the trilogy, The Lord of the Rings! It is appropriate and fun for the whole family and it even has an audience favorite, the Gong Show Olio after the show! There are group rates available and shows Tuesday-Sunday with multiple shows on weekends. The food and drinks served at the show are from Tucson’s Little Anthony’s Diner, which is perfect for the whole family. For more information, go to Gaslighttheatre.com
2. Oktoberfest in Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon in the Fall- Photo credit- Bill Morrow
Oktoberfest in Mount Lemmon- 4 weekends beginning the weekend of September 17th and 18th through the weekend of October 8th and 9th. Festivities are 12:00pm – 4:30pm. Enjoy fabulous German food and authentic German music performed by the John Prokop Band. There are games for the kids and dancing! For more information, go to Skithelemmon.com
3. Apple Annie’s
Apple Annie’s
Apple Annies- If you are up for a little trip East of Tucson, Apple Annie’s Fall Pumpkin Celebration in Wilcox is open on the weekends beginning September 24th and ending October 30th. Apple Annies has a 12-acre pumpkin patch and opportunities to pick your own produce and sunflowers. There is also a corn maze on site, hayrides, and the country store offers a lunch menu including homemade pies. The corn maze is $7-9 per person and the pumpkins start at $.69 a pound. For more information, go to appleannies.com
4. Glowing Pumpkins
Glowing Pumpkins
Glowing Pumpkins- Glowing Pumpkins is an open daily event (excluding Mondays and Tuesdays) that runs September 23rd- October 31st from 6:30pm-10pm. It is located on the Northside of the Tucson Mall. You walk it at your own pace and it typically takes between 30-60 minutes. Some of the pumpkins themes are Superheros, Dinosaurs, Sea Creatures, just to name a few. There is a gift shop and snacks. Price for admission is $20 but there are group rates available. For more information, go to https://glowingpumpkins.com
5. Marana Pumpkin Patch
Marana Pumpkin Patch
Marana Pumpkin Patch- The Marana Pumpkin patch is open Thursdays-Sundays from October 1st-October 30th and is fun for the entire family! Admission includes jumping pillows, diesel train rides, the farm playground, trikes, petting zoo, the super slide, mini diggers and tractors, pig races, and tractor rides out to the 50-acre pumpkin patch. There is also a corn maze and rides like the coranado and cyclone swings. Pony ride and the zip line are also available on the grounds for an extra fee. The pumpkins are available for $.50 a pound. For more information, go to Maranapumpkinpatch.com
6. Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
Lavender Farm- Life Under The Oaks Lavender Farm is located just outside of Tucson in the town of Oracle. The farm is open on Saturdays and Sundays and they have organized events. On October 1st, there is pumpkin painting, and on October 29th, they have a witch festival where you come dressed up like a witch and make various witch crafts. The scenery is beautiful and you won’t want to miss the Lavender farm this time of year! For more information on events, go to https://life-under-the-oaks-lavender-farm.square.site/shop/events/12
7. Old Tucson’s Night Fall
Old Tucson’s Night Fall
Nightfall at Old Tucson- NIGHTFALL returns to Old Tucson after a 2-year hiatus for its 30th Anniversary with an exciting new format! Nightfall is open Thursdays-Sundays starting October 6th and ending October 30th. “This year’s event is a fully immersive experience that combines terrifying mazes with classic stunt shows and a town full of characters that you can interact with throughout the night. You can choose to uncover their secrets, help them with their problems or just enjoy a show at the Grand Palace. How you choose to experience this story, from family-friendly to fully-frightening, is up to you.” For more information, go to nightfall.com
8. Boo at the Zoo
Boo At The Zoo- Come dressed up in a costume and enjoy safe trick-or-treating! The event is held on October 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. Boo at the Zoo is a Tucson family favorite with kid-friendly activities like games and crafts and even a show. Ghoul at the zoo is even available for guests 21 and over. Gate opens at 5:30pm and the event ends at 8pm and tickets must be purchased ahead of time and are $11 for members and $13 for non-members. For more information, go to https://reidparkzoo.org/event/boo-at-the-zoo-2022/
9. Tucson Meet Yourself
Tucson Meet Yourself
Tucson Meet Yourself- October 7th 8th, 9th is a Festival in Downtown Tucson celebrating the many diverse cultures from around the world. There is food, music, dancing! This tradition started in the 1970s and has grown to be one of Tucson’s most notable events. The mission: “Our mission is to research, document, interpret and present the living traditional arts and expressions of everyday life of the folk and ethnic communities of the multi-national Arizona-Sonora region.” For more information, go to tucsonmeetyourself.org
10. The All Soul’s Procession
Dio De La Muertos Parade
Tucson’s All Soul’s Procession- A beloved yearly event in Tucson since 1990, Dia de Los Muertos is a weekend with events honoring the dead. People show up to this experience with South-of-the-border traditions in countless ways. You can wear a costume to the parade or just attend the events in your street clothes. November 4th & 5th there is an All Souls Benefit Concert Series at the MSA Annex. November 5th is the Procession of Little Angels at Armory Park, and November 6th is the All Souls Procession and Ceremony on the Westside. For more information, go to allsoulsprocession.org
Do you want my blog content directly to your inbox? Subscribe!
Are you thinking about buying or selling real estate in Tucson, AZ? Please feel free to contact me to go over your needs: alexisburrowshomes@gmail.com. 520-869-3176.
The Tucson area is nestled between 6 mountain ranges. The Catalina Mountains to the North, Rincon Mountains to the East, Santa Rita Mountains to the Southeast, Huachuca Mountains to the South, Tucson Mountains to the West, and Tortolita Mountains to the Northwest. The sky is almost always clear in Tucson and Tucson has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The sunrises over the Rincon Mountains and sets behind the Tucson Mountains. Tucson’s landscape is also beautiful because it is located in the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by cactus, which makes Tucson very unique to the rest of the United States. The saguaro cactus is the symbol of the American West and Tucson is flooded with them. Be sure to check out my blog post all about the cacti you may see in the Tucson area. Tucson also has low pollution, lending itself to beautifully clear skies. It does not rain often in Tucson so you can see the sky with very little cloud cover most of the time. Tucson is the perfect place if you enjoy star gazing at night. There is a world-famous star gazing observatory Southwest of Tucson called Kit Peak. Kit Peak is “the largest, most diverse fathering of astronomical instruments in the word.” In fact, in 1972 dark sky ordinances went into effect in an effort to provide standards to keep Tucson dark for the observatory and its residences. You can even see the Milkyway Galaxy from downtown Tucson at night!
2- The Cost of Living
A lot of people move to Tucson after selling a home elsewhere in the United States and are able to put down a large downpayment or even pay cash when they buy a home. Tucson is roughly 10% less expensive to live in compared to Phoenix and is roughly 10% less than the national average. Check out Bestplaces.com and compare Tucson to the rest of Arizona to see that Tucson falls below the state average in grocery, health, ultilities, housing and transportation. Tucson is also bike-friendly and has extensive bike routes and paths, including “The Loop.” Tucson also has no tax on Social Security benefits, which makes Tucson a hot spot for retirees. Tucson is also home to some larger companies like Raytheon, Caterpillars Hexagon Mining and Amazon that have reputations for being high paying. Davis Monthon Air Force Base and The University of Arizona also provides many jobs to Tucsonans. The minimum wage as of April 2022 is $13 an hour and is scheduled to increase to $15 by 2025.
3- Weather
Tucson has sunshine almost year-round and the weather in Tucson is perfect 7 months out the year, and when I say perfect, it is typically between 65 and 80 degrees during those months. The other 5 months out of the year (May-September), the temperature can be in 100s, but Tucsonans just adjust their schedules to get outdoor activities done in the early morning or evening during those months. You can hike, bike, golf, or ride horses before the 100-degree temperature hits or wait until the monsoon cools of the city. The monsoon is a short rainstorm that comes through parts of the city between June and September and it really cools off the entire city. The 7-month perfect weather lends itself to people who love outdoor activities. It snows every few years in Tucson and ski valley up in Mount Lemmon gets snow during the wintertime and the temperature up there is 20-30 degrees cooler so it is a perfect escape during the summer months!
4- Entertainment
Tucson is a college town and home to the University of Arizona and with the University comes all of the college sports. The “Wildcats” have an excellent football, basketball, and baseball team which draws in large crowds of fans. The arts scene is incredible and there are several local theatre companies that put on Broadway-quality musicals and plays done by talented Tucson locals. Broadway in Tucson brings in professional traveling theatre groups. The University also has plantetarium, and dance and theatre performances in their theatres on campus. Tucson is also known for its live music scene and many restaurants offer live music. Also, with Tucson being a college town, 4th Avenue and downtown also has really cool boutique shops, restaurants, and bars and you can get around this area on Tucson’s street car. Tucson’s Old Town Artisans is where you can find vintage clothing, organic food and contemporary art. There are also a lot of art museums, and Tohono O’odham and Hokokam native historical sites to visit. Tucson has golf courses all over the city which attracts people from around the world. There are amazing caves just outside of Tucson, and the town of Marana even has sky diving. Tucson has a “Rodeo” in February and schools even close because of how large the event is.
5- Location
Tucson is the 2nd largest city in Arizona and feels more like a “big town,” while compared to Phoenix. It is only 70-miles from the Mexico border and you can be on the beach in Mexico in on less than 4-hours in Rocky Point. Tucson is also a little over 6-hours to the beach in San Diego, 7-hours to Disneyland, 7-hours to the entertainment capitol in the United States “Las Vegas.” The airport is small and low stress and actually offers direct flights to many cities. Mount Lemmon is just a 45-minute trip from the base to the top and even has skiing during the winter months. Tucson is only two hours to Phoenix, and there is a ton to do in Phoenix. Northern part of Arizona also attracts vacationers world-wide. The Grand Canyon is about 5-hours away Flagstaff 4-hours and Sedona is 3.5 hours away.
Are you thinking about buying your very first home in Tucson, AZ? Please feel free to contact me to go over your needs: alexisburrowshomes@gmail.com. 520-869-3176.
Do you want my blog content directly to your inbox? Subscribe!
You need at least 3.5% down with a FHA loan, 3% down with a Conventional loan, and 0% down with a VA loan.
There are government grants available for down payment assistance. Ask your lender. If you need a lender, I can refer you to a top professional in the business.
You need a decent credit score to approve for a home loan. I’ve seen 590 approve but the rate will be higher. You can work with a credit repair specialist to improve your credit score.
Expect to pay around 3% of the home in closing costs. Closing costs include the fees are the fees the bank charges for taking out a loan, title insurance, and escrow fees to change over the title.
Did you know that you don’t pay for your Realtor? Your Realtor is considered the buyer’s agent. The seller of the home negotiates a rate with the listing (seller’s) agent and the seller pays the buyer’s agent and the listing agent.
Question #2- How Do I Make An Offer On A Home?
After you get pre-approved with a lender and set a budget, you hire a Realtor to show you homes. Hire a Realtor with experience, good communication skills, knowledge of the market you are buying in, a good attitude, trustworthy, and someone who doesn’t push you into purchasing a home.
When you find the home you love, have your Realtor run comps on the property that way they can guide you on what an appropriate offer may be. Your Realtor will share what knowledge they have on the home itself and if anyone else is interested, that way they can set you ip in a position to have the winning offer.
You will sign a purchase contract with your Realtor outlining turns such as purchase price, down payment, concessions (this is what you ask the seller to pay for), when the close of escrow will be, and how long the offer is good until.
You can make offers on homes site unseen and never sign a physical piece of paper. Everything can be done electronically, even signing legal paperwork! Just make sure that your Realtor is tech-savvy for this convenience. In Real Estate, “Time is of the essence,” and everything is time sensitive and documents signed electronically is a big time saver when you are in a time crunch.
Question #3 What Happens After My Offer Is Accepted?
When your offer gets accepted, you will deposit your earnest money with the escrow company. Your earnest money is the good faith monetary value that ensures that you are serious about buying the home. You will then be in the period of “Due Diligence,” which is also known as the inspection period. Your Realtor will give you recommendations on inspectors and will facilitate the whole process.
After your inspection period is over (usually about 10-days after contract acceptance), your Realtor and you will write a “wish list” of repairs and the seller will have 5 days to respond to whether or not they will honor all or some of the repairs. This is also when you can ask for concessions/money from the seller to fix a problem instead of them actually fixing something before the close of escrow.
If the seller response is unsatisfactory, you can cancel the contract and you will get your earnest money back. The only money you would be out is the money you paid the inspectors to investigate the home.
If the seller response is satisfactory, the transaction continues. If using a loan, your lender will have an appraisal done to make sure the home is worth the amount they are lending to you.
If the appraisal comes up short, your Realtor can renegotiate the purchase price. If the home appraises at value, the loan gets approved and the loan gets clear to close and the documents will be sent to the title company. The title company will make sure there are no liens on the home and will issue the title insurance and get the loan and title documents signed so you can get the keys to your new home!
When using a lender, the whole process from offer acceptance to close of escrow is around 30-40 days.
Are you thinking about buying your very first home in Tucson, AZ? Please feel free to contact me to go over your needs: alexisburrowshomes@gmail.com. 520-869-3176.
Do you want my blog content directly to your inbox? Subscribe!
The Catalina Foothills, simply referred to as “The Foothills” by Tucson locals, is on the North side of Tucson, on the Southern side of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Foothills is considered anything North of River, East of Oracle Road and West of Sabino Canyon Road. The Coronado National Forest is the Northern boundary of the Foothills. Development of the Catalina Foothills began in the 1920s and prior to that, the area was Federal trust land and was used as open grazing for cattle. This affluent area features some of the most expensive homes in land in all of Arizona. The housing in the foothills is unique, ranging from some of the oldest and most charming homes in all of Tucson, to affordable condos and townhomes, to modern/contemporary dwellings.
The Santa Catalina Mountain Range is Tucson’s most famous mountain range with its spectacular peaks and it is home to Mount Lemmon and Sky Valley, the Southern-most ski resort in all of the United States. The Catalina Foothills neighborhood has incredible hiking, spectacular resorts and golf courses, amazing restaurants, upscale shopping, famous art galleries, and awesome views of the city and mountains because of its elevation. The Catalina Foothills is also home to the highest-ranked public school in all of Arizona. This article will touch upon all of these amenities.
The Catalina Foothills has amazing hiking trails that attract hikers and sight-seers from all over the world. Click on the links to view maps, pictures and information about the hikes.
Luxury hotel and spa in The Catalina Foothills, La Paloma
The Catalina Foothills has three of the most famous golf courses in all of Southern Arizona. Click on the links to find out more information and how to book a round of golf.
The Foothills has some of the most luxurious resorts in the state. Click on the links to find out more information on what amenities each resort offers.
According to Niche.com, the Catalina Foothills School District ranks best overall district on all of Arizona. There are 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and one high school in the district. The Foothills also has private and charter schools. Click on the links below to find out more information about each individual school.
There’s no doubt about it that the Foothills has some of the best restaurants in all of Tucson. Click on the restaurant names to view the menus and check availability to make a reservation.
Southern Arizona has a rich arts culture and some of the most famous art pieces are located in galleries and museums in the Catalina Foothills. Learn about the galleries by clicking on the links below.
Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in the Catalina Foothills? Please feel free to contact me to go over your needs: alexisburrowshomes@gmail.com. 520-869-3176.
Want more content about Tucson straight to your inbox? Subscribe!
The Tanque Verde Valley is nestled in the valley between where the Catalina and Rincon mountains ranges meet. The landscape is very green and lush because of the close proximity to the mountains and this area gets much of the rainfall flowing off of the mountains. There are large washes and creeks running through the Tanque Verde Valley and the two largest ones are the Tanque Verde Wash and the Bear Canyon Creek. There are several natural hot springs in the area, making the Tanque Verde Valley very unique to the rest of Tucson. Also, because the two mountains border the Tanque Verde Valley, the area has little room for growth so the population is low. Zoning ordinances require dwellings to be on larger lots which makes this area a highly desirable place to live in Tucson. The Tanque Verde Valley has become an affluent community with a rich ranching and farming history and still has a significant equestrian presence. According to the most recent census, the median household income is one of the highest in all of Arizona. The Tanque Verde Valley has amenities such as parks, above average public schools, churches, golf, hiking, restaurants lodging, and shopping. This article is going to touch upon these community amenities.
There’s no doubt about it that the Tanque Verde Valley has some of the most amazing hiking in all of Arizona. Here is a list of some great hikes in the area:
Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead-783P+Q4, Tanque Verde, AZ 85749
Seven Falls VIA the Bear Canyon Trailhead– 5150 N. Bear Canyon Rd.
Sabino Canyon Trail #23 VIA the Bear Canyon Trailhead– 5150 N. Bear Canyon Rd.
Agua Caliente Trailhead– 3798 N .Cam Cantil #3600
La Milagrosa Trailhead– 4996 N. Avenida De Suzenu
Douglas Springs Trailhead– 14306 E. Speedway Blvd.
Schools
Tanque Verde Unified School District has two elementary schools, a junior high, and a high school. All four schools in TVUSD are highly-ranked and 75% of the students have scored above average on standardized tests.
Tanque Verde Elementary (Pre-K-6)- 2600 N. Fennimore Ave.
Agua Caliente Elementary (K-6)- 11420 E. Limberlost Rd.
Emily Gray (7-8)- 11150 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Tanque Verde High School– 4201 N. Melpomene Way
Tucson Unified School District has one elementary school in the Tanque Verde Valley. Collier Elementary is a very small school and test scores are slightly above the state averages.
Collier Elementary (K-5)- 3900 N. Bear Canyon Rd.
Sabino High School- 5000 N. Bowes Rd.
The Tanque Verde Valley has one public charter school, Hermosa Montessori. Hermosa Montessori was labeled an “excelling” school, which is the highest rank that awarded by the state.
Hermosa Montessori (Pre-K-8)- 12051 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Preschools
Tanque Verde Lutheran Preschool– 8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Real Kids Preschool– 3353 N. Houghton Rd.
Hermosa Montessori Preschool– 12051 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Tanque Verde Pre-K– 2600 N. Fennimore Ave.
La Petite Academy– 8940 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Churches
Tanque Verde Lutheran Church, located at 8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd., TVLC offers 3 unique services, a Saturday 5pm service, a traditional 9:15am Sunday service, and a 10:30am Sunday contemporary service.
Desert Skies United Methodist Church, located at 3255 N. Houghton Rd., has 2 services on Sunday mornings, 8:30am and 10:00am.
Hope Church, located at 3255 N. Houghton Rd., is a non-denominational Christian church with one service at 10:30am on Sundays.
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, located at 300 N. Tanque Verde Loop Rd., has three weekend masses: Saturday at 4:30pm, and Sunday at 7:45am and 9:45am. There is also mass Monday-Friday at 8:00am.
Church of Latter Day Saints, located at 9541 E. Snyder Rd., is a ward located in the Tanque Verde Valley. Please visit https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org for more information on times throughout the week.
Rincon Mountain Presbyterian, located at 8445 E. Tanque Verde Rd., has one Sunday 10:00am service. Sunday school is at 9:00am on Sundays.
The Bridge, a nondenominational church located at 8355 E. Tanque Verde Rd., has one Saturday service at 5:00pm and two Sunday services at 9:30am and 11:00am.
Oasis Church, located at 8961 E. Tanque Verde Rd., has two Sunday services. One at 9:00am and one at 11:00am.
Golf
–Forty-Niner Country Club Golf Club, located at 12000 E. Tanque Verde Rd., is a 110-acre golf course that opened in 1961. The golf course was designed around a wooded riverbed and has beautiful Rincon and Catalina mountain views, mature mesquite, cottonwood, eucalyptus and weeping willow trees and a couple of lakes. There is a driving range on the grounds and it is open to the public.
–Arizona National Golf Club, located at 9777 E. Sabino Greens Dr., is a public golf course with a diverse 6,785-yard layout, that has been noted as being particularly “challenging.” Nestled right up again the Catalina Mountains, this course has spectacular mountain views, forests of saguaros, and nine natural springs.
Restaurants
Le Buzz– 9121 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #125
Rincon Mountain Grill– 12000 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Bear Canyon Pizza– 8987 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #335
Fortinatos– 9100 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Viv’s Cafe– 8987 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #361
The Gardens– 8991 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
The Barnyard– 11011 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Taco Giro– 9165 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Risky Business– 8848 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Firetruck Brewing Company– 9155 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #177
Viv’s Cafe– 8987 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Shopping
Safeway– 9125 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Walgreens– 8980 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
CVS– 8920 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Dollar Tree– 9135 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Lodging
In the Tanque Verde Valley there are authentic ranch-like bed and breakfasts, a large dude ranch resort, and many privately owned Airbrbs. Here is a list of some of the B & Bs and resorts:
The Casitas at Desert Springs – 9690 E. Sabino Greens Dr.
Tanque Verde Ranch– 4301 E. Speedway Blvd.
Desert Trails Bed & Breakfast– 12851 E. Speedway Blvd.
The Casitas at Smokey Springs Ranch– 1451 N. Smokey Springs Rd.
Karrel’s Double K Ranch– 3930 N. Smokey Topaz Ln.
Jeremiah Inn Bed and Breakfast– 10921 E. Snyder Rd.
Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in the Tanque Verde Valley? Please feel free to contact me to go over your needs: alexisburrowshomes@gmail.com. 520-869-3176.
Subscribe for more blog articles about real estate in Tucson, AZ.
Alexis Burrows, Real Estate Agent in Tucson, Arizona.
Did you know that the average Tucson resident receives $3500 + for a tax refund? Make that money work for you and invest in real estate! Here are 4 ways you can use your. money to work for you in regards to real estate investing:
December is here and the holiday spirit is in the air! I know quite a few people who are new to Tucson so I’ve compiled my list my top 10 family-friendly holiday activities in Tucson in the month of December for them to learn about (and for even you natives out there who may not…
