Located just twenty miles south of Tucson on the western side of the Santa Cruz River is a quaint suburb called Green Valley. Surrounded by copper mines and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the nearby Santa Rita Mountains, the Pima County location is an incorporated retirement hub boasting over 59 residential communities.

According to the 2012  U.S. Census, 72 percent of the population was over the age of 65. Many of them have been flocking to this area for the agreeable weather, affordable living (median home value is $162,200), and all the opportunities to explore the outdoors. No wonder Forbes named it as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire in 2017.

As most of the communities are age-restricted, active adults are flourishing here. Golfers, sunbathers, and those looking for an unending well of activities will feel right at home in Green Valley. The cost of living is four percent lower than the national average. There’s also an adequate number of physicians per capita, an important need for an older population.

Housing

There’s a variety of housing options in Green Valley, from apartments to condos to single-family homes. Sprawling ranch-style homes evoke historic, small-town charm while modern state-of-the-art amenities and environmentally-friendly architecture provide convenience and innovation in the golf-communities. Newly built neighborhoods can be found among established estates dating back to the 1960s with prices ranging from $50,000 to $1,425,000.

Offering such a diverse mix of luxury and affordable living opens the options of styles as well. Older homes can be found in architectural styles like Spanish Revival, Mission Revival, and Pueblo Revival, like in the neighborhoods Pasadera and Colonia Real. Newer communities can be found doing a modern version of the Mediterranean Revival, Cape Cod, and Adobe, like at The Springs and Green Valley Desert Hills, though there are various forms of architecture that can be found throughout multiple neighborhoods. Many communities have available lots to purchase, leaving options for personalizing your own style.

Notable Communities

Condo communities can be found in many neighborhoods throughout Green Valley. The Canoa Ranch neighborhood offers condos developed by Fairfield Homes. This luxury community offers views of their lake, access to an 18-hole golf course, and resort-style living. Prices are between $160,000 to $275,000. Attached style-homes can also be found at Las Campanas, The Springs at Santa Rita, Desert Casitas, and Sunrise Pointe, offering between 850 to 2,287 square feet of living space with one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached garage.

Single-family detached homes can be found in various communities throughout, each providing their own unique amenities. Legends at Santa Rita Springs, Canoa Ranch, and The Links at Santa Rita Springs all provide homes ranging from approximately 1,200 to 2,600 square feet in size and offer reasonably priced new construction or resale, depending on the neighborhood.

Recreation / Outdoor Activities

Photo courtesy of Haven Golf Course

Activities are centered around Green Valley Recreation, which is the organization serving the leisure and social needs of the age-restricted households in Green Valley. Amenities and clubhouses are open to all members regardless of which community or subdivision in which they reside providing residents with a more robust, well-rounded community. With a small annual fee, members have access to 13 recreation centers that include amenities such as fitness centers, hobby and craft areas, aerobics and dance studios, woodworking shops, and multi-purpose meeting rooms.

Green Valley is home to 13 swimming pools, scenic lakes, miles of walking and biking trails as well as tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and basketball courts. Golfers will appreciate eight championship courses and a number of courses in the surrounding area, including Haven Golf Course, Torres Blancas Golf Club, and Canoa Ranch Golf Club.

Nearby Tucson opens the options for activities exponentially with Downtown and University hosting a variety of museums and art galleries, while greater Tucson provides numerous places to hike, cycle, explore, and shop.

Dining

Photo courtesy of Jim Click Lincoln Cafe

There is an eclectic dining scene in Green Valley spanning from Mexican eateries to Chicago-style delis, fine dining to neighborhood hidden gems. A cluster of eateries can be found along South Nogales Highway, which is in the northern part of Green Valley by neighborhoods La Joya Verde, Green Valley Farms, and Colonia De Los Alamos.

Jim Click Lincoln Cafe and Twist and Shout 50’s Diner provide nostalgic charm by way of showcasing old cars and beloved classic favorite foods.

Near the Haven Green Valley West neighborhood, the 19th Hole Bar and Grille and Choice Greens are beloved for healthy options and patio-style seating.

For fine dining on oysters and escargot by Master Chef of France Graciela Lewis Lange — one of only 47 French Master Chefs in the U.S. and 400 worldwide according to Green Valley News — head to Lavender in the Green Valley Country Club Estates. A hotspot for Sunday brunch, enjoy a medley of seafood, Green Valley pecan pancakes, and La Parisienne-style omelettes.

The Community

Photo courtesy of Pecan Festival

The residents of Green Valley, when not appreciating the warm weather, are celebrating the community through various ways. The Southern Arizona Culture Fest takes place yearly and promotes artisans, cuisine, and music performances. The Pecan Festival, taking place in nearby Sahuarita, is adored by Green Valley residents as a way to give back to the community. And multiple music, art, and dance events are offered throughout the year. For a full list of events and cultural entertainment options visit the Green Valley Chamber of Commerce.