Living in Oro Valley, AZ
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to Oro Valley, AZ? Explore our complete guide to living in Oro Valley, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Located in northern Pima County directly at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oro Valley is known for its stunning Pusch Ridge mountain backdrops, great golf resorts, high safety ratings and upscale desert living. Whether soaking in the golden sunset over Pusch Ridge while sipping craft brews on a dog-friendly patio or heading out for a morning hike through the saguaro-dotted trails of Catalina State Park, living in Oro Valley offers breathtaking Sonoran Desert beauty with an elevated, active twist. Just 3 miles north of Tucson, this master-planned community of 50,173 has earned a reputation as one of Arizona’s most pristine areas. Upscale subdivisions and golf course enclaves (median home value $442,413) wind past desert greenways, high-tech research parks and world-class resort amenities. Oro Valley is a magnet for active retirees, growing families and a great place for engineers, particularly those looking for safety, great schools and endless year-round outdoor adventures.

Top Reasons to Move to Oro Valley, AZ:

• Safety Is a Priority: Oro Valley offers outstanding safety standards. Regularly named the safest city in Arizona, the town’s proactive police department, well-lit streetscapes and community watch groups give residents total peace of mind. Families of all ages love that kids can safely ride bikes, neighbors can walk along desert trails at dusk, and crime rates remain among the lowest in the Southwest.
• World-Class Recreation: Outdoor enthusiasts are surrounded by paradise – Oro Valley averages 300-plus days of sunshine every year! Spend an afternoon enjoying the immediate access to Catalina State Park for hiking and horseback riding along the Santa Catalina foothills. Get in some exercise along the multi-use paved Cañada del Oro River Park or enjoy the two Olympic-sized pools, splash pad and giant water slides at Oro Valley Aquatic Center. The town is also home to Naranja Park – complete with multi-use fields, a pump track and an archery range – alongside championship golf courses like The Views and El Conquistador Golf.
• A Thriving Tech Corridor: Beyond its resort-style appeal, Oro Valley packs a punch when it comes to innovation in Southern Arizona. Known as a regional bioscience center, the town hosts global biotech leaders like Roche Tissue Diagnostics and Icagen, alongside major facilities at Oro Valley Hospital. Oro Valley is also a great place for engineers looking to launch their careers. High-paying corporate and medical careers allow local professionals to work right in their own backyard.
• All About Community: Variety is the spice of life in Oro Valley, with a fantastic selection of regional flavors and entertainment offerings. Residents love soaking up the Arizona sun at popular patios like Noble Hops, Bottega Michelangelo and Charred Pie. Deemed one of the world’s best botanical gardens, Tohono Chul offers the opportunity to explore native plants and art galleries and enjoy a meal at the garden bistro during an afternoon visit. Kids will love playing at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul or traveling through time at Steam Pump Ranch. The Oro Valley Marketplace is a massive open-air shopping center that hosts seasonal artisan markets. The community comes together regularly at events like Second Saturdays at historic Steam Pump Ranch, the Heirloom Farmers Market at Oro Valley and a variety of seasonal arts festivals and concerts throughout the year.
• Effortless Commuting Into Tucson: Navigating the region is fast and simple. Positioned directly along Oracle Road (AZ-77) and La Cañada Drive, residents enjoy an easy 20-minute drive into the University of Arizona campus, downtown Tucson cultural districts and major regional healthcare networks, with fast connections to Interstate 10. When it’s time to get out of town, Tucson International Airport (TUS) is just 22 miles away.