Oro Valley, Arizona
Population: 29,700
Located in Pima County
Oro Valley is in northeastern Pima County, six miles north of the Tucson city limits. The valley was formed by the Santa Cruz River joining Gold Creek in the Catalina Mountains. It sits at an elevation of 2,620 feet and covers nearly 24 square miles. Oro Valley was incorporated in April 1974 and is now home to a four-diamond resort hotel, the Sheraton El Conquistador. In addition to the El Conquistador, some of Oro Valley's larger employers include the El Conquistador Country Club, Oro Valley Country Club, Husky Nozzle, Town of Oro Valley Government, Canyon Del Oro High School, Vanguard Automation, Selectide, Fry's Food Stores and Smitty's. Entertainment, shopping and activities are available in town or in the Tucson metropolitan area. Just east of Oro Valley is Catalina State Park. These pine-covered mountains were called La Iglesia, or the church, by the early Spaniards for the cathedral-like appearance. They are part of the 9,000-foot Mount Lemmon which is the southernmost ski area in the United States. A short drive from Oro Valley is Picacho Peak State Park. The park is the site of Arizona's only Civil War battle which took place in April 1862, when troops from the Union's California Volunteers encountered a detachment of soldiers on guard duty from the Confederacy's Texas Volunteers. The State Park, opened in 1968, provides hiking trails that lead to the summit of the majestic peak, as well as camping, picnicking and other facilities. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum houses animals indigenous to the Sonoran Desert and is considered one of the finest zoos in the world. There is also a museum, botanical garden, aquarium, and mineral collection on display. Old Tucson Studios, an Old West themed attraction, was originally built as a movie set for Arizona in 1939 and is still used to film movies and television shows. Saguaro National Monuments East and West preserve the giant saguaro cacti. Spectacular views and scenery are found on hiking trails and picnic areas. The San Xavier Mission, built in the 1700's is one of the oldest American churches still in use. Not only is it an excellent example of Mission architecture, it also offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Southwest. Just north of Oro Valley is the world-famous Biosphere 2, a three-acre model of the earth's ecosystem. In 1993, four men and four women emerged from the sealed, self-contained science experiment, after living there for two years. Daily walk-through tours are available between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find homes for sale in Oro Valley Arizona
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Oro Valley's Premier Real Estate Agent
Suzanne Bernard-ParnellABR, CRS, GRI, LTG, e-PRO, SRESLong Realty Company
Also visit: Marana |
