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Tucson Business Connection 2002

The Triple Crowns of Southern Arizona

by Patricia O,Connell

I've lived in Tucson most of my adult life. We raised our children in the same house and lived in an East Side neighborhood since the late '60's. Throughout the years, we have talked about moving - when the plumbing needed updating or it was time to repaint - but we've never followed through.

So, when an old college roommate of mine, University of Arizona class of '65, called and said that she and her husband had decided to sell their home in Grosse Pointe and move to Southern Arizona, I was doubly excited. Helen asked me to "scout" for them before their arrival in a month, and I knew that this would also be an opportunity for me to look for us.

That challenge she gave me was to find the three finest communities in Southern Arizona, drawing a line as far south as Tubac. She spoke of "value" and described it as, " . . . a unique setting, close to amenities, readily accessible to freeways, airport, cultural events and shopping. The chosen site would have great views." Finally she said that all of that must be balanced by reasonable pricing with good resale potential.

The first thing I did was call Annette Cline of Tucson's Concept One Hundred Real Estate firm - (520)887-7540. She and I used to play a lot of softball together, and I know her professionally as the consummate Tucson buyer's broker.

I told Annette about my assignment and she graciously offered her services in Tucson, she also referred me to other agents farther south.

Annette and I began to look at communities in my backyard, so to speak, concentrating on the Tanque Verde area in the east. We then toured the Catalina Mountains, moving toward the northwest. I particularly loved Pima Canyon, a gated community high in the Catalinas near Campbell and Sunrise, but the prices were a bit above Helen's range (mine, too).

Finally we came upon Tucson Mountain Reserve. Located a mile or two south of Ina off Silverbell, it met all of Helen's criteria and then some. This is a family oriented community consisting of 3.2-acre home sites adjacent to Saguaro National Monument and the Tucson Mountains.

The first thing that struck me about the community was its beauty: high desert overlooking the Tucson Basin, remote yet so close to everything. With home sites priced in the $90's, it is a spectacular value. What's the line on their television ad? "Close to town yet a hundred years away!" And because of its location adjacent to Saguaro National Monument, it'll still look that way in another hundred years.

The next morning, having accomplished my Tucson goal, I headed south to Green Valley where I met with Kathleen Mapelsden of Brasher Real Estate - (520)625-1111.

Kathleen has been in the Green Valley area for nearly 25 years, during which time we have worked together on several charitable projects. She is not only a good friend but also knows Green Valley like few others.

Located 25 miles south of Tucson, Green Valley is known as a retirement community founded in the '60s. Its name comes from the fact it is situated adjacent to the world's largest irrigated pecan grove. During the years, the town has grown to become nationally recognized as a great golfing community with a large number of courses all located within its boundaries.

Kathleen took me to a number of subdivision throughout Green Valley and Sahuarita. But the one that got my attention was Madera Reserve, an all-ages community located in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains.

What Tucson Mountain Reserve is to Tucson, I found Madera Reserve to be to Green Valley - a secluded country setting yet minutes from schools, shopping and recreation.

Located 2.5 miles east of exit 63 (I-19), this 360-acre community has 303 home sites sitting on top of plateaus. A 19th century cemetery and two ancient Hohokam sites are within the community and are accessed by more than 3.5 miles of hiking trails, which carefully weave through the community. I was pleased to find that we were on county streets and that public sewer serves each residence. To top it off, prices for these exquisite home sites begin in the 60s.

The next morning, Susan Derlein - (520)399-4940 - of the Brasher office in Tubac met me at the Tubac Valley Country Club. As we chatted, I found out that she was, most recently, a New York-based executive. About four years of visits to check on her mother convinced Susan to move here. "My friends wondered how I could give up Manhattan. They are all finding out, one by one," she mused.

Founded by the Jesuits in the 1700s, Tubac was the first territorial capital of Arizona. Today it is a quaint artist colony punctuated by a state park and living museum. Susan showed me several articles from recent publications, including one from the travel section of The New York Times that referred to Tubac as the "Sedona of Southern Arizona." More recently, Fortune magazine's Small Business publication declared that Tubac is one of America's top 10 places for executives to retire. It is the only spot in the Southwest so honored.

We toured several communities within the area, each featuring wide-open spaces and wonderful vistas. But here I was drawn to the village itself. Just to its south, within walking distance and linked by trails, is the Barrio de Tubac. This was the third jewel in my triple crowns.

The Barrio de Tubac is a remarkable 360-acre site bordered by the old village to the north, the Santa Cruz River to the east and I-19 to the west. Its southern boundary is the village of Tumacacori, the location of a national historical site - the Mission of Tumacacori.

Currently the community is developing more than 30,000 square feet of commercial space for sale or lease, a new 20-unit upscale country inn as well as town homes and individual detached patio homes. A large lot, single-family area is also in the planning stage. Sewer and all other utilities serve these scenic properties.

In all, I had spent the better part of a wonderful week in search of Nirvana in Southern Arizona. This is a spectacular place. Sophisticated yet laid back. Where sushi meets the saddle and both are totally compatible.

My mission was accomplished. My friend will see what I think are the three most outstanding communities in Southern Arizona, and my husband and I may just be joining them.