Green Valley, Arizona

What It Is Like to Retire in Green valley

Green Valley is one of the larger active adult communities in the world. It is actually a collection of developments and communities located in extreme southern Arizona. The population was 22,616 (2020 census),  and growing. Surrounded by copper mines, and near the hiking and birding areas of the Santa Rita Mountains, Green Valley is an unincorporated retirement community composed of approximately 60 Homeowner Associations.

Where to Retire in Green valley and Home Prices

There are several developments within Green Valley. In fact there are 59 different home owners associations. Most, but not all are age restricted. According to Zilow.com, the median home value in Green Valley was $290,837 in mid-2023

What Is Special about Green valley

Green Valley offers good value for the money in terms of the housing and amenities offered. It also has a moderate winter climate, although periods of hard freeze can occur.  Because of its size the range of its activities and the range of people to meet is more extensive than most other active adult communities.  The non-profit Green Valley Recreation is quite extraordinary, operating 13 different recreation centers with golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, etc. It also provides many opportunities for the arts and entertainment. One of its attractions is that its facilities and programs allow people from different communities to mix.

What Is Not Special about Green valley

More than 80% of Green Valley is age restricted, so if you don't meet the age requirements this may not be the place for you. Green Valley is below average in walkability when compared to other communities, though golf carts are legal to be driven in the street and are a common alternative to walking.

Who Will Like Retirement in Green valley

People who want a warm winter and love the desert will like Green Valley.  Golfers, group activity enthusiasts, and people who like the outdoors will feel at home here.  GVR (Green Valley Recreation affords members a chance to learn & play the fastest growing sport in the country, Pickleball! Many residents also use number of tenis courts, and of course biking year round.  It is obviously the community is popular with retirees, as the median age is 74.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Primarily retirees and tourism as the large majority of residents and snow birds are retired.

Climate and Physical Environment

Green Valley is in a basin below the Santa Rita Mountains located in the southwest United States.    The area is known as a haven for snow birds during the winter months as a result of it's warmer temperatures.  The dry warmer climate is also a popular for those seeking relief from arthritis. January's average temperature is 52 degrees,  with July's average about 88 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Green Valley has a modicum of entertainment.  Tucson and the U of A is just a short drive away with some excellent entertainment.  Number and variety of restaurants is somewhat limited near Green Valley.  Just south of Green Valley is Tubac which is known for it's art culture and fine shopping and dining. There are numerous state parks, national monuments, and wildlife museums in the area. The Arizona-Sonora Desert is not to be missed.

Crime

The area is primarily comprised of retirees with more than 80% of Green Valley being age restricted.  The general lack of a younger population spares Green Valley from the majority of "nuisance" type crimes, drugs and violent crimes commonly found in most cities. Additionally, the area has one of the largest Auxiliary Sheriff patrol forces in the country with over 120 volunteers,  mostly made up of retired law enforcement professionals.

Medical facilities

While there are many medical offices and facilities in Green Valley, Tucson offers a number major hospitals along with the University of Arizona "teaching" hospital.

Transportation

An Interstate 19 runs through the middle of the community. Tucson International Airport is 23 miles.  There is a some local bus service.

Valuable Links

Green Valley Chamber of Commerce

Wikipedia for Green Valley

Green Valley