RELOCATION GUIDE ARIZONA TUCSON
O u r S t o r y : T h e S p i r i t o f 1 9 1 2 R e a l t y
1 9 1 2 R e a l t y i s b o r n f r o m t h e h e a r t o f t h e 4 8 t h s t a t e A r i z o n a ! W e p r o u d l y c e l e b r a t e t h e h i s t o r y a n d s p i r i t o f t h i s
a m a z i n g l a n d . A r i z o n a b e c a m e a s t a t e o n F e b r u a r y 1 4 , 1 9 1 2 , s o w e l i k e t o c a l l i t o u r " s t a t e h o o d V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y . "
W e ' r e a l l a b o u t h o n o r i n g A r i z o n a ' s h e r i t a g e a n d u n i q u e c h a r a c t e r , a n d e v e r y t h i n g w e d o i s a n o d t o o u r l o v e f o r t h i s
s t a t e a n d t h e p e o p l e w h o c a l l i t h o m e
O u r L o g o a n d C o l o r s
N o b e t t e r f r a m e w o r k t h a n o u r b o r d e r s t h a t f o r m A r i z o n a i n t o a n i c o n i c s h a p e a l o n g w i t h C a r n e g i a G i g a n t e ,
F R O M G O L D T O S O L D : YOUR
REAL ESTATE JOURNEY
T U C S O N
R E A L E S T A T E
T U C S O N A Z R E A L E S T A T E C O M
CURATED BY:
• G O L F C O M M U N I T I E S
• N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N
• N E W D E V E L O P M E N T S
• L U X U R Y H O M E S
• J U S T L I S T E D
• C O M M U N I T I E S
• A G E - R E S T R I C T E D
• F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S S C A N H E R E T O V I S I T T H E W E B S I T E
Our small, client-focused team provides expert support at every stage, ensuring a discreet, trusted one-to-one client experience.
“The Easiest Call You’ll Make in Real Estate.”
When you choose us, you’re partnering with a team that has a proven track record of success.
The map, filled with real-time MLS data, highlights every property we’ve sold over 2,500 homes since 2000. This extensive experience gives us an unmatched understanding of the Tucson market, ensuring we secure the best outcomes for our clients. We take pride in answering every call personally, providing the personalized, hands-on service that makes each step of your journey feel seamless. Ranked in the top one percent of Tucson real estate professionals and supported by over 100 five-star reviews, our results speak for themselves. We take pride in answering every call personally, providing the personalized, hands-on service that makes each step of your journey feel seamless.
MISSION OUR
At Vallee Gold Team, our mission is to empower our clients, team, and community through the foundational values of Gratitude, Opportunity, Loyalty, and Dedication. We believe in expressing Gratitude for every relationship and opportunity that comes our way, recognizing the privilege to serve and contribute to others' success. We are committed to creating opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement, not just for our clients but also for our team, ensuring a future where everyone can thrive. Loyalty, to our clients and to each other, stands at the heart of our operations, fostering a trusted environment where lasting partnerships are built. Our Dedication to excellence, integrity, and cont exce valu and
GIVING BACK
Don Vallee and his team were exceptional! They stuck with us through a long repair process, always patient and professional. Once repairs were completed, they found a buyer within a week. We used Vallee Gold Team for both buying and selling a place and highly recommend them!” I was impressed with the exceptional service I received from Don Vallee. From the initial conversation to the final closing, Don and his team, provided professional, knowledgeable, and attentive support, making my home-buying experience outstanding
We appreciate your professionalism, especially in today’s world Plus, the humor and relaxed approach really helped. We trusted Vallee Gold Team. Thank you for your kind, honest, and professional demeanor.
WHAT OUR C L I E N T S HAVE TO SAY
Don Vallee is by far the very best realtor we have ever had the privilege of working with! We were planning on relocating from Oregon, and we were so fortunate to find such a wonderful person to work with! He is so knowledgeable about the area and provided us with many great local contacts. He is so patient, kind, and very expediently responsive to our myriad of questions, not only in person, but also in calls, texts, and emails. He is the ultimate professional, as is Jennifer, and the rest of the Vallee Gold Team. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe how wonderful, professional, and courteous Don and his team are! They make purchasing a home so easy and explain the process very thoroughly. Without a doubt, we highly recommend Don and his team! Thank you, Don, Kathy, and the rest of the team! We love our new home!
D O U G & M E L I S S A F O X
Don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what clients have to say.
W E A T H E R
A N D C L I M A T E
M O N S O O N
A shift in wind patterns that results in an increased amount of precipitation Results of a monsoon include blowing dust to severe thunderstorms and flash flooding.
H A B O O B
An occurrence where a thunderstorm produces a down and outward force of air, causing dust, sand and other debris to be sucked into a wall-like cloud. In extreme cases, visibility drops to zero
D U S T D E V I L
A dust-filled whirlwind resembling a tornado but are usually smaller and less intense On average, Phoenix gets 300 days of sunshine, Yuma gets more than 320 days of sunshine and even Flagstaff sees about 260 days!
WORK & INDUSTRY
NOTABLE EMPLOYERS
University of Arizona
Raytheon Missile Systems
Mayo Clinic
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
State of Arizona
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Tucson Unified School Distric
U.S. Border Patrol
University of Arizona Health Network
Pima County
Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold
U S Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca
B A N N E R H E A L T H
Industry: Health Care
Arizona Employees: 45,837
W A L M A R T
Industry: Retail Store
Arizona Employees: 36,995
A M A Z O N . C O M I N C .
Industry: Online Retailer
Arizona Employees: 32,000
K R O G E R
Industry: Grocery Stores (Fry’s)
H O N O R H E A L T H
Industry: Health Care
Arizona Employees: 13,004
T H E H O M E D E P O T
Industry: Home-Improvement
Arizona Employees: 13,000
C V S H E A L T H
Industry: Retail Pharmacies
Arizona Employees: 12,800
I N T E L
Industry: Microprocessors
Arizona Employees: 20,323 and Tech Services
W E L L S F A R G O
Industry: Financial Services
Arizona Employees: 16,302
R A Y T H E O N C O .
Industry: Aerospace and Defence
Arizona Employees: 14,700
A L B E R T S O N S
Industry: Grocery Stores
Arizona Employees: 14,500
D I G N I T Y H E A L T H
Industry: Health Care
Arizona Employees: 14,400
M C D O N A L D ’ S
Industry: Fast-Food Restaurants
Arizona Employees: 11,500
T A R G E T C O R P .
Industry: Retail Stores
Arizona Employees: 9,700
J P M O R G A N
C H A S E & C O .
Industry: Banking and Financial
Ser vices
Arizona Employees: 9,100
Arizona Employees: 12,000 A R I Z O N A ’ S T O P E M P L O Y E R S
DISTRICTS OF TUCSON
D O W N T O W N
L o c a t e d i n t h e h e a r t o f T u c s o n , t h e D o w n t o w n d i s t r i c t i s
t h e p l a c e t o b e f o r d i n i n g , m u s i c , a r t , a n d e x c i t i n g e v e n t s
T h e f r e e - s p i r i t e d v i b e a n d a u t h e n t i c c o l l e c t i o n o f t h i n g s t o
d o i n d o w n t o w n T u c s o n p r o v i d e s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o
e x p e r i e n c e s o m e t h i n g t r u l y u n i q u e
C E N T R A L T U C S O N
C e n t r a l T u c s o n i s a n c h o r e d b y t h e c i t y ' s l a r g e s t p a r k R e i d
P a r k . I t i s h o m e t o a b a s e b a l l s t a d i u m , a m p h i t h e a t e r , d u c k
p o n d , p u b l i c p o o l s , R e i d P a r k Z o o , a n d s o m u c h m o r e P o p u l a r
a t t r a c t i o n s i n c l u d e T u c s o n B o t a n i c a l G a r d e n s , Y u m e J a p a n e s e
G a r d e n , a n d t h e M i n i T i m e M a c h i n e M u s e u m T h e r e i s n o
s h o r t a g e o f t h i n g s t o d o a n d s e e
C A T A L I N A F O O T H I L L S
R i g h t a t t h e b a s e o f o n e o f T u c s o n ' s m o s t i c o n i c f e a t u r e s
t h e S a n t a C a t a l i n a M o u n t a i n s . T h i s d i s t r i c t o f f e r s
e v e r y t h i n g f r o m l e g e n d a r y a r t g a l l e r i e s , e x q u i s i t e d i n i n g ,
a n d t o n s o f s h o p p i n g , a l l w h i l e b e i n g i n c r e d i b l y c o n n e c t e d
a n d c l o s e t o n a t u r e
ATTRACTIONS & TRADITIONS
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Saguaro National Park
Sabino Canyon Hiking Trails
Mission San Xavier Del Bac
Pima Air & Space Museum
Catalina State Park
Franklin Auto Museum
Reid Park Zoo
Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block
TUCSON'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
Tucson, Arizona, boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles that reflect its diverse cultural influences and historical evolution From indigenous adobe structures to contemporary designs, the city's architecture tells a captivating story.
SONORAN (PRE-RAILROAD ERA)
Characterized by adobe structures with flat roofs, Sonoran-style buildings feature thick walls and interior courtyards
TRANSFORMED SONORAN (POST-RAILROAD ERA)
With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, new materials like brick and milled wood became accessible, leading to adaptations of traditional Sonoran designs This style often includes pitched roofs, decorative elements, and the introduction of zaguans (central hallways)
TERRITORIAL STYLE
Emerging in the late 19th century, Territorial architecture blends Sonoran adobe construction with brick coping along rooflines, symmetrical facades, and sash windows.
MISSION REVIVAL
Inspired by Spanish missions, this style features stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, arches, and bell towers, evoking a sense of historical romanticism Mission Revival architecture became popular in the early 20th century, reflecting a nostalgia for the colonial past
CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW
Popular in the early 20th century, Craftsman bungalows are known for their low-pitched gabled roofs, wide eaves with exposed rafters, and handcrafted stone or woodwork, emphasizing simplicity and natural materials. These homes often feature front porches and open interior layouts
RANCH STYLE
Dominant from the 1930s to the 1970s, Ranch homes are typically single-story with long, low profiles, large windows, and open floor plans, reflecting a casual and spacious living style
MID-CENTURY MODERN
This style emphasizes clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and integration with nature, often featuring large glass windows and open spaces to bring the outdoors in Mid-Century Modern homes in Tucson are designed to harmonize with the desert landscape
CONTEMPORARY SOUTHWEST
Modern interpretations of traditional Southwestern architecture incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and elements like courtyards and natural landscaping to harmonize with the desert environment These homes blend modern design with traditional elements, creating a unique aesthetic.
SPANISH
COLONIAL
Tucson boasts a rich collection of Spanish Colonial Revival residences, reflecting the city's historical ties to Spanish architecture These grand residences are characterized by their stucco exteriors, red-tiled roofs, and intricate wrought iron details, exuding timeless elegance
BARRIO-STYLE
HOMES IN DOWNTOWN TUCSON
In the heart of downtown Tucson lies Barrio Viejo, a historic neighborhood renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century adobe homes These residences, often referred to as Barrio-style homes, showcase the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural traditions
Sonoran Row Houses: Characterized by their adobe construction, these homes typically feature flat roofs, parapets, with Vibrant Exteriors: Many Barrio-style homes are painted in bright, inviting colors, reflecting the area's Mexican influences and adding to the neighborhood's charm Courtyards and Zaguanes: Central courtyards provide private outdoor spaces, while zaguanes (central hallways) often lead from the front door to these courtyards, facilitating airflow and natural cooling
NOTABLE INFLUENCERS IN TUCSON'S ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
Henry C. Trost (1860–1933)
Overview: An influential architect who moved to Tucson in 1899, Trost was known for his diverse architectural styles, including Mission Revival and Prairie styles
Notable Works: Designed Tucson's Carnegie Library, now the Tucson Children's Museum
Roy Place (1887–1950)
Overview: A prominent architect whose Spanish Colonial Revival designs significantly shaped downtown Tucson.
Notable Works: Pima County Courthouse, Pioneer Hotel
Josias Joesler (1895–1956)
Overview: A Swiss-born architect who moved to Tucson in 1927, Joesler is celebrated for his eclectic buildings that blend various styles, leaving an indelible mark on the city's architectural landscape.
Notable Works: St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, Broadway Village.
Charles Bolsius (1907–1983)
Overview: An artist and designer pivotal in the Territorial Revival design movement in the American Southwest
Notable Works: His residence, known as the Charles Bolsius House or "Casa Bienvenidos," is a significant example of his work, incorporating un-stabilized mud adobe construction dating back to the 1880s.
Tom Gist (1917–2000)
Overview: A builder known for his mid-century burnt adobe homes in Tucson, Gist constructed approximately 170 homes over his 30-year career
Notable Works: Numerous residential projects throughout Tucson, characterized by the burnt adobe, a kiln-fired variant of traditional mud adobe.
Judith Chafee (1932–1998)
Overview: An architect known for her environmentally responsive designs that harmonize with the desert landscape
Notable Works: The Ramada House, Blackwell House
John W Murphey
Overview: A prominent developer in Tucson, Murphey collaborated extensively with Josias Joesler to create several residential neighborhoods that reflect the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Notable Works: Catalina Foothills Estates, El Encanto, and Colonia Solana
HIKING
Tucson is surrounded by mountain ranges and borders two national parks providing the perfect opportunity for anyone to seek outdoor adventure
Blackett's Ridge
Bridal Wreath
David Yetman
Mount Wrightson
Romero Pools
Seven Falls
Tanque Verde
Falls The Window
Tumamoc Hill
Wasson Peak
CYCLING
Tucson is consistently rated as one of the top cities for cycling in the US with hundreds of trails fit for cyclers of all different levels
Brown Mountain Trail
Fantasy Island
Mt Lemmon
Pistol Hill Trail
Ridgeline Trail
The 50 Year Trail System
The Chuck Huckleberry Loop (The Loop)
The Starr Pass Trail System
The Sweetwater Preserve
GOLFING
Set in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, Tucson is home to over 40 highly celebrated courses throughout the region It has been a home for professional golf for decades with a wide variety of courses for all experience levels to enjoy. Every March the Cologuard Classic, a Tucson PGA TOUR Champions Tour event, is played at Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course. Fans can watch up close as Legendary golfing champions go head-to-head in the scenic Oro Valley
Arizona National Golf Club
Canoa Hills Golf Course
Dell Urich Golf Course
El Rio-Trini Alvarez Golf Course
Fred Enke Golf Course
Omni Tucson National Resort
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
The Preserve Golf Club at Saddlebrooke
The Preserve Golf Club at Saddlebrooke (Oro Valley)
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Tucson Unified School District
Sunnyside School District
Marana Unified School District
Ampitheater Unified School District
Catalina Foothills Unified School District
Flowing Wells School District
Tanque Verde School District
Vail Unified School District
TOP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Basis Oro Valley (Grades 6-12)
Basis Tucson North (Grades 5-12) University
High School (Grades 8-12)
Catalina Foothills High School (Grades 9-12)
Empire High School (Grades 9-12)
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Charter schools focus more on serving a specialized population, such as performing arts students or for students who want different learning approaches that are different from traditional public schools. There are many charter schools to choose from in Tucson. To learn more about charter schools and their locations in the Tucson area visit:
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Academy of Tucson High School (Grades 9-12)
Basis Oro Valley (Grades 6-12)
Basis Tucson North (Grades 5-12)
Sonoran Science Academy (Grades K-12)
Presidio School (Grades K-12)
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
There are 50 private schools listed by The National Center for Education Statistics in the Tucson. Other options for private schools exist in nearby metro cities.
TUCSON PRIVATE SCHOOLS
The following schools were ranked by Niche.com as some of the top rated private schools in Tucson:
The Gregory School (Grades 5-12)
Salpointe Catholic High School(Grades 9-12)
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (Grades PK, K-12)
Desert Christian Schools (Grades PK, K-12)
St. Augustine Catholic High School (Grades 9-12)
HIGHER EDUCATION
Tucson is also home to the Arizona’s premier research university, the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona is ranked among the top 20 research universities nationwide.
Pima Community College is one of the largest multi-campus community colleges in the United States with traditional and online instruction for over 144 programs.
The University of Arizona Tucson College University of Phoenix Carrington College
The Catholic University of America (Tucson)
Pima Community College Northern Arizona University Prescott College
Brookline College (Tucson) Brown Mackie College
EAT. DRINK. DINE.
W h e t h e r y o u a r e l o o k i n g f o r u n i q u e M e x i c a n c u i s i n e , c r a f t
c o c k t a i l s , o r a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g p i z z a p i e , i t ’ s n o w o n d e r
f o o d i e s t r a v e l t o A r i z o n a f r o m a l l o v e r t o e x p e r i e n c e s o m e
o f t h e c o u n t r y ’ s b e s t f o o d a n d r e s t a u r a n t s . T u c s o n i s h o m e
t o s o m e i n c r e d i b l e e a t e r i e s r a n g i n g f r o m f i n e d i n i n g
e s t a b l i s h m e n t s t o c o o l a n d c a s u a l h o t s p o t s .
We are the proud to say Tucson includes a few noteworthy restaurants & chefs with distinguishments including:
B o n A p p e t i t M a g a z i n e : W h e r e t o E a t i n
T
M a r k e t & R e s t a u r a n t , L a I n d i t a , S u s h i o n
O r a c l e , B a r r i o C h a r r o
2 0 2 2 J a m e s B e a r d A w a r d S e m i f i n a l i s t s :
C h e f D o n G u e r r a , C h e f J o h n M a r t i n e z &
C h e f M a r i a M a z o n
U N E S C O ' s f i r s t U S C i t y o f G a s t r o n o m y
F o o d N e t w o r k ' s B e s t R e s t a u r a n t s i n T u c s o n :
M o t h e r H u b b a r d ' s C a f e , W e l c o m e D i n e r ,
F u s i o n S u s h i , L u c k y W i s h b o n e
We welcome you to seek out and try the variety of culinary experiences across the beautiful city of Tucson, Arizona.
D E S E R T D A N G E R S
G I L A M O N S T E R
Gila Monsters not only look like a monster, but they happen to be one of the most dangerous reptiles in Arizona If you ever spot one, just leave it unbothered and go away
B A R K S C O R P I O N
Out of the 30+ species of scorpions found in Arizona, only the Bark Scorpion is poisonous These little critters are nocturnal and travel in packs of 25-30, so if you see one, there is a good chance there are more If you are worried there are scorpions in your area, have a black light handy to help spot them
R A T T L E S N A K E
There are 17 species of rattlesnakes found in Arizona, all being venomous They typically do not strike unless threatened but still just be careful They are most active from March through October
B L A C K W I D O W A N D B R O W N R E C L U S E
The Black Widow and Brown Recluse are the only spiders in Arizona that are venomous Female Black Widows are easily distinguishable by the red or orange hourglass on their stomachs and they, like rattlesnakes, bite when they feel attacked Brown Recluse spiders are not so common in the valley
S O N O R A N D E S E R T T O A D
Also known as the Colorado River Toad, these toads secrete a poisonous slime-like fluid that is very toxic to pets like cats and dogs The only way these are capable of harming humans is if their fluids come into contact with your skin or if it is accidentally ingested The toxins produced have been known to have hallucinogenic effects on humans
J I M S O N W E E D
Weedy shrub to 4 feet with stout stems and foul-smelling leaves Leaves are large and oval with wavy edges, up to 6 inches long The trumpet shaped flowers are large (6 inches), varying in color from white to purple The fruit is a round prickly capsule to 2 inches in diameter All parts, particularly the seeds and leaves, are poisonous
C A N D E L A B R A C A C T U S
A many-branched succulent spiny shrub or tree with milky sap Branches are 3-4 inches, angled, with a white band down the middle of each side Ridges are wing-like and spiny There are tiny leaves between the spines The milky sap is poisonous Avoid contact with skin or eyes
P
O
I S O N O A K
Poison oak is a low shrub with fuzzy green leaves that appear in clusters of three The edges may have rounded or pointed tips A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by an oil found in these plants, usually treatable at home
R O S A R Y P E A
The plant is best known for its seeds, which are used as beads and in percussion instruments, and which are toxic Ingestion of a single seed, well chewed, can be fatal to both adults and children
C
A
S T O R B E A N
Grows 6-15 feet tall Large-lobed leaves are 1-3 feet across on young plants, smaller on older plants The mottled black, brown and white glossy seeds are enclosed in a spiny husk and grow in clusters on the seed stalk The entire plant, especially the seeds, is poisonous
O L E A N D E R
It grows 8-12 feet in height with narrow lance-shaped leaves 4-12 inches long They are dark green, leathery and glossy Two-3 inch flowers are white, pink, red or salmon and they cluster at the ends of branches Fruits are long slender capsules, the seeds having a tuft of hair The entire plant is poisonous
