New Homes & Lifestyles

Oro Valley Offers Family-Friendly Environment

Nestled in the shadows of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the town of Oro Valley is an attractive community, offering a dynamic blend of rich history, community amenities, cultural diversity and an array of lifestyle choices for young and old alike.

Located six miles north of Tucson, Oro Valley was incorporated in 1974 and is home to over 44,000 residents, many of whom maintain second or winter homes in the community. Once considered a "bedroom" community for Tucson, Oro Valley is now recognized as a strong regional partner in Southern Arizona.

"Our town is something special," said Oro Valley Mayor Paul Loomis. "Our schools perform in the top third of the state; we have wonderful medical facilities, employment opportunities and caring involved citizens; all against a beautiful scenic backdrop that takes your breath away. Community excellence is our commitment, and we take great pride in what we continue to accomplish in achieving that goal."

Technology Employment Abounds
Dubbed the "Upscale Tech Mecca" of Southern Arizona by the Arizona Daily Star, there are more than 10 high-tech firms offering employment opportunities for a highly specialized workforce.

"When it came time to build our own facility, we considered many sites both in and out of Arizona," said Robert Green, founder and president of Integrated Biomolecule Corporation, a biotech firm. "It was clear that Oro Valley was the place for us because it provided employees the total package-a great place to live and to work. The town offers homes at all price points, from starter housing to executive homes, all in a magnificent setting. This affords our employees the opportunity to live close to our facility."

As to operating a business in Oro Valley, Green said that throughout the planning and relocation process, "Town officials made it clear we were not only welcome, but valued. This cooperative relationship continues today."

IBC is one of many employers in the biotech industry that decided to put their campuses in Innovation Park, a part of Oro Valley that has become a high-tech center. Major companies in the field such as Ventana Medical Systems and Sanofi-Aventis are also located there.

"When we acquired our Innovation Park site, we were betting that Oro Valley would become a high technology hub," said Green. "That bet is paying off."

Mountain Vistas and Artistic Creations
Oro Valley is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina mountain range that are visible from most places in the community.

According to Lyra Done, real estate broker and owner of Lyra Done Realty, it makes homes in the area an "easy sell." Done specializes in selling homes throughout the northwest portion of Tucson, including Oro Valley, and feels home buyers in Oro Valley find a solid investment in a quality environment.

"The beautiful scenery is upheld through building regulations that make sure our mountains are never overshadowed by residential or commercial property," said Done. "Our strengths-a positive family atmosphere, walking and biking trails, parks and open space-all work together to make buying a home in Oro Valley a sound purchase."

The town also actively promotes artistic creations and events throughout the community through the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC) to enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Public art pieces, such as sculptures, murals, and statues are a key element of every commercial and residential project in Oro Valley. GOVAC also provides year-round artistic and cultural events that enhance the quality of life in the community, and bring people together.

Award Winning Schools
With award-winning schools and teachers at every grade level, Oro Valley prides itself in offering some of the finest educational opportunities around. This year, two high schools in Oro Valley's Amphitheater School District-Canyon Del Oro and Ironwood Ridge-were both recognized by Newsweek as being in the top 5 percent of public schools, an honor received by only 10 other schools in Arizona.

Regionally, Monica Nelson, principal of Coronado K-8 school, was placed in the top 1 percent of Arizona's principals, according to state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne.

"Our schools are consistently among the best in the nation, academically and athletically, due to the excellent educators and wonderful families that keep moving to our town," said Vicki Balentine, Ph.D., superintendent of Amphitheater Public Schools. "This community provides a safe environment for learning, which allows our faculty, staff and students to excel."

Demographic Mix
Young families, active older adults, high-skilled professionals-this is the demographic mix that blends Oro Valley together. With numerous country clubs and resorts, public parks and artist communities, it's no wonder why Oro Valley is being seen as an attractive spot to settle down for people of all ages and interests.

Sun City in Rancho Vistoso will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year in Oro Valley. The newest residential neighbor, Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, offers resort-style living in the only continuing care retirement community in the Tucson area.

When it's time to play, the Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort has it all. One of the largest resorts in the Southwest region, it offers 45-holes of championship golf on three different courses and attracts national tennis events including the Copper Bowl, the leading junior tennis tournament in the country, due to its 31 lighted courts and professional staff.

The public park system in Oro Valley gives residents a place to relax and meet with their neighbors. Three major parks allow Oro Valley access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, recreational fields and connections to equestrian trails along the Cañada del Oro, one of the most scenic and remote areas in the Catalinas.

A diverse population, employment opportunities, tourism and quality family lifestyles have all combined to make this a community of excellence. Recently named one of the "Ten Most Playful Towns in America" by Nick Jr. Family Magazine and "America's Top-Rated Smaller Cities" by Grey House Publishing, small town values, active outdoor living and upscale lifestyles blend seamlessly to enhance life in Oro Valley.