Exploring Green Valley, Arizona
Are you ready to retire in style? If you’re on the hunt for balmy weather along with some impressive views and statewide tax benefits, Arizona is a great place to consider for your retirement relocation. Within this paradise is Green Valley. Nestled along the western banks of the Santa Cruz River, Green Valley offers breathtaking natural scenery, a laid-back lifestyle, and incredible perks to make every day feel like a vacation. It is a haven in an age restricted, affordable, and vibrant community you can call home.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
One of the biggest draws to Green Valley is its delightful climate. Trading in the cold winter weather for generally warmer weather has been a longtime practice for retirees across the nation. Having more sunny days than you can count and minimal rainfall, this desert oasis boasts a warm, dry climate that's perfect for those looking to make that trade.
Birdwatching
A Mexican Jay in Madera Canyon, Arizona
Green Valley and the surrounding areas are recognized for excellent birdwatching opportunities, attracting avid birders from around the world. A popular spot within the town is a 4-plus acre Sonoran Desert botanical garden - Desert Meadows Park. Located along the Anza Trail and maintained by volunteers of the Green Valley Gardeners, this park is a hotspot with sightings of Gambel’s Quails, White-winged Doves, Broad-billed Hummingbirds, Vermilion Flycatchers, and more.
A large Turkey Vulture in Madera Canyon, Arizona
If you’re up for a challenge, you may want to head out to Vault Mine Loop. This 6.2-mile loop trail features a steep terrain and potential wildlife sightings - aside from the birds – including wild turkeys, deer, lizards, and even bears!
Ready to hit the birdwatching jackpot? Just a short drive from Green Valley, Madera Canyon is a world-class birdwatching destination due to its incredible biodiversity. It is a hotspot for both resident and migratory birds. The varied elevations and distinct microclimates create a dynamic environment that supports over 250 bird species, making it a captivating location for birdwatchers of all levels. Whether you're captivated by the vibrant hues of wildflowers, the array of bird species, or the tranquil ambiance of the forests, Madera Canyon epitomizes the extraordinary ecological diversity flourishing in the heart of the American Southwest.
Golf Enthusiasts Rejoice
While Green Valley itself houses about 8 golf courses, there are over 12 golf courses available within a 20-mile radius of the town, including Tucson and Tubac, and catering to players of all levels.
Canoa Ranch Golf Club is highly rated and considered one of the best public courses in the area. Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, Canoa Ranch Golf Course offers panoramic views of Elephant Head and Green Valley, making for an enjoyable and memorable experience for players of all skill levels.
San Ignacio Golf Course
Golfers looking for exclusivity can head to San Ignacio Golf Course. Dating back to 1989 and surrounded by the Madera Canyon mountains, this golf course offers spectacular views, which transforms into a magnificent pink at sunset. San Ignacio provides an 18-hole, par 71 course designed by Arthur Hills. Sitting at an elevation of 3,000 feet, it also offers cooler temperatures than other courses in the area.
Other noteworthy golf course destinations in the area include Haven Golf Course, Torres Blancas, the Country Club of Green Valley, and Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. An abundance of well-maintained courses and proximity to other top golf destinations has solidified Green Valley’s reputation as an excellent spot for golfers.
Hiking
Green Valley has a limited number of hiking trails within the town limits, but it serves as an excellent base for accessing some of the best hiking destinations in Southern Arizona. The trails within the town are relatively short and easy, offering the occasional hiker trails ranging from 0.3 to 2.3 miles. Some of these include the Green Valley Trail, Camino Azul, and Madera Canyon Trail. These trails offer convenience and are perfect for those residents looking to enjoy an effortless hike.
Madera Canyon, Arizona
Avid hikers can find their match at the Vault Mine Loop. Sound familiar? It also happens to be one of the top birdwatching destinations previously mentioned. Steep inclines, loose rocks, and weather conditions make the Vault Mine Loop trail a popular destination. Likewise, Madera Canyon offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and the famous Santa Rita Lodge, where you can find guided bird walks. Whether you’re hiking the Super Trail, which is 3 miles long, or the Old Baldy Trail, 6.5 miles long, you’re sure to find beautiful canyon scenery throughout.
Other nearby hiking destinations include Catalina State Park with over 9 miles of trails through the Santa Catalina Mountains, and Saguaro National Park’s numerous desert hiking trails featuring the Rincon and Tucson mountains with iconic saguaro landscapes.
The sunny weather and the natural beauty of Southern Arizona have set the perfect stage for a wide variety of golf courses, some of the best hiking trails, world-renowned birdwatching, picnicking experiences, and an array of other outdoor activities to fulfill your needs.
Recreation and Culture
The town of Green Valley offers a plethora of activities and cultural experiences to keep you entertained and engaged. You can start your week off right with a visit to the Green Valley Farmers Market, where you can stock up on fresh produce, handcrafted goodies, and enjoy live music every Wednesday.
For a dose of arts and culture, the Community Performance & Art Center (CPAC) is the place to be for dance performances, music concerts, theater shows, and captivating art exhibits. Dive into the rich history of the region with a tour of the Historic Hacienda de la Canoa, where you can explore the fascinating stories of days gone by.
If you’re looking to stay active, socialize, and take full advantage of your new life here, Green Valley Recreation, Inc. (GVR) has you covered. With over 100 clubs, classes of all kinds, and organizations catering to every interest imaginable, this exclusive membership is only available in designated areas. Your GVR membership gives you access to 15 recreation centers, 13 pools and spas, 6 fitness centers, 30 meeting rooms, concerts, comedy, leisure education, and so much more! From pickleball and line dancing to photography and volunteering, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Your New Home Awaits
Green Valley is an unincorporated community situated between the Sierrita and Santa Rita Mountains. Unlike planned retirement communities, such as Robson Resorts, Green Valley is a collection of over 130 smaller Home Owner Associations (HOA), making each HOA a distinct and unique neighborhood.
Aerial view from Esperanza Blvd.
Architectural styles and home sizes vary from million-dollar spreads to one-bedroom villas, catering to anyone looking to downsize and save, or to finally indulge in a spacious empty nest. Green Valley has a home for every taste and every budget.
As if a vibrant lifestyle for your retirement wasn’t enough, an additional perk of retiring in Green Valley is its affordable cost of living. Median home costs are lower than state and national averages, making it easier to find your dream retirement home without breaking the bank. Plus, with a sales tax of around 9% and Arizona income tax rates ranging from 2.9% to 4.59%, you'll have more money in your pocket to spend on the things you love.
Healthcare
Rest assured, your health and well-being are in good hands in Green Valley. Located off Interstate 19, Green Valley Hospital is a full-service, acute care hospital serving the Green Valley community. The 3-story hospital spanning over 21.5 acres features an emergency department with a heli-pad, an intensive care unit, 44 private rooms, a surgical suite, complete imaging, and everything else needed to serve more than 50,000 residents in this beautiful town.
With easy access to additional top-rated healthcare facilities in nearby Tucson, such as Northwest Medical Center and Healthcare-Tucson, you can retire with peace of mind knowing that quality care is just a stone's throw away.
Ready to Explore the Possibilities?
With its warm climate, affordable living, recreational amenities, and proximity to Tucson, Green Valley checks all the boxes for a dream retirement destination. Say goodbye to stress and hello to the good life in this charming Arizona community. Get ready to start your next chapter in Green Valley. Contact us today to begin the search for your forever home!
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.