Oro Valley, the town Barbara calls home, is located just 11 miles northwest of Tucson and is cushioned between the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains and the rugged Tortolita Mountains. The upscale community, incorporated in 1974, has a population of nearly 44,000 and is a magical place to live with incredible mountain views, a resort lifestyle and easy access to the great outdoors.
A family-friendly community with a relaxing environment drawing both retirees and winter visitors, Oro Valley is known as the “Scottsdale of Tucson”. The town is a recreational haven with miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use. The new Oro Valley Aquatic Center offers an interactive splash pad, a giant waterslide, a 25-yard recreation pool, and an Olympic Size Competition Pool among other amenities. Golf is a major sport in Oro Valley, which brags five golf courses, and the town offers a slew of other recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Oro Valley has been the recipient of many accolades for its host of recreational activities, lifestyle and as a retirement destination. Two premiere events Oro Valley hosts each year are the El Tour de Tucson bicycle race and the Tucson Marathon. Oro Valley also contributes to keeping the night skies dark by requiring low-level lighting (Oro Valley Development Standards) to preserve stargazing by residents and work at the nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory.
There are great opportunities for dining and shopping in Oro Valley. The Oro Valley Marketplace is a retail development including several restaurants, shops and movie theaters in the northern part of town near Ranch Vistoso. A concert series is held at the Marketplace every month and Oro Valley offers a variety of cuisine. The Casas Adobes Plaza offers upscale shopping near Ina and Oracle Roads and La Encantada is an outdoor shopping center at Ina and Campbell offering high-end retail.
In addition to retail sales, the local economy is fueled by business and tourism. Oro Valley’s Innovation Park has become a hotbed for the growing high-tech and biotechnology fields with businesses such as Ventana Medical, Sanofi and Honeywell Aerospace. Oro Valley has a variety of resorts, golf, and event venues making it a destination for vacations and weddings. Golf Digest rated the Golf Club at Vistoso as one of the Best Public Courses and The Stone Canyon Club course is currently ranked #33 of the “Top 100 Residential Courses” by Golfweek. Reflections at the Buttes is a popular wedding venue as are The Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort and the Golf Club at Vistoso.
Oro Valley is home to three zip codes (85755 to the north, 85737, and 85704 to the south) and is served by the Amphitheater School District. There are several private schools and charter schools in the area as well. The new, first-class Northwest Oro Valley Hospital serves the medical needs of the community. Oro Valley also boasts the La Cholla Airpark, a private airpark, which doubles as a residential community consisting of 122 lots. Transient planes are permitted to land with prior permission on the 4,500-foot-airstrip.
Arizona’s famed sunsets are a daily enjoyment for residents of Oro Valley. As the sun sinks into the west, the shades of purple, pink and fuchsia playing on the Catalina Mountains hearkens back to the phrase “for purple mountain majesties” in America the Beautiful. The locals often say, “When the mountains are pink, it’s time for a drink!”
Contact Barbara today for a successful real estate experience in Oro Valley!
Oro Valley’s Golf Courses:
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