Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

Gated & Golf Specialist

Oro Valley AZ Area Guide

Oro Valley is dubbed as the “Upscale Tech Mecca” of Southern Arizona and has a median household income that is nearly 50% higher than the U.S. median. It is located 110 miles from the state capital of Phoenix and six miles north of the Tucson city limits. Oro Valley is located in Pima County and has a population of nearly 44,000 people.

In recent years Oro Valley has received recognition from several magazines. In 2008 it was named #44 on the list of ‘100 Best Places to Live and Launch a Business’ by Fortune Small Business Magazine, Family Circle named it as one of the top ten best towns for families in America, and Nick Jr. Magazine rated Oro Valley as one of the “Ten Most Playful Towns in America” in 2004. The town is approximately 34 square miles and has an expanding park system, an endless supply of outdoor amenities, upscale retail centers, and is known as one of the most affluent communities in the Southwest.

Oro Valley History

Originally the Oro Valley was home to several Indian tribes including The Hohokam tribe and the Apache. Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the area and established forts beginning in the late 16 th century. As Americans began to settle into the Arizona Territory in the 19 th century ranching began to flourish here, and even more settlers came during the Gold Rush. Today the area has attracted a variety of country clubs, golf courses, and resorts, and is home to 10 major technology firms.

Oro Valley Parks and Recreation

Major parks in Oro Valley include James D. Kriegh Park (which has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, recreational fields, and racquetball courts), the Canada del Oro Riverfront Park (featuring tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, and equestrian trails), and the West Lambert Lane Park (home to a nature park with scenic hiking trails). Other recreational sites include the Naranja Town Site which will eventually be the largest recreational park in Southern Arizona, the Catalina State Park, the Coronado National Forest, the Linda Vista Trail, and the La Cholla Airpark.

Oro Valley Events

There are plenty of exciting events that take place here in Oro Valley each year including the Oro Valley Festival of the Arts, El Tour de Tucson bicycle race, the Tucson Marathon, the Cactus Speed Classic and the Arizona Distance Classic. The community also hosts the Arizona Biennial, Primavera Cooks!, and the Summer Classic Movie Series at Fox Tucson Theatre.