Retiring to Tucson, renting (Oro Valley, Green Valley: rentals, houses, neighborhood)

[bevcooper]

I have read the threads on renting, but I'd like to ask for some more specific information.

My husband and I and our standard poodle will be retiring - looking for a single family house with a fenced yard and view - rent up to 1500 per month. People have recommended Green Valley, Vail, and Oro Valley. In what other areas should we be looking? (It would be nice to be close to the University, but I don't know if that would be an appropriate choice for "older" people.)

Thanks,

Bev

[coatimundi]

Almost everywhere in Tucson has a "view". We are surrounded by mountains.

The Sam Hughes neighborhood (east of Campbell, south of Speedway, north of 6th, west of Country Club) would be absolutely fine for an older couple. Most students are priced out of it, and it's very quiet. But it's a very desirable area too, so there aren't a lot of rentals and those that are there tend to be expensive. Almost every yard here is fenced though.

If you go across Country Club, there's also the Miramonte neighborhood. Still quiet and nice, but not quite as pretty and desirable as Sam Hughes. There are rental houses, but not very many. You need to stay west of Jones in that neighborhood.
There are also some nice patio home communities on the north side of town, which would likely suit you well.

But there are a ton of spots in the city that you could look at. For instance, Allen Road between Mountain and Campbell is actually a really nice area. Then there's La Madera (east of Tucson, south of Fort Lowell, west of Country Club, north of Glenn) and the Campbell/Grant neighborhood (east of Campbell, north of Grant, south of Fort Lowell, west of Tucson). And that's just the near northside. Midtown has a lot of these areas as well.

I think it would be best to look at some of what's available now, as far as rentals, get an idea of what you're going to get for your money, then narrow it down from there. But you seem fairly open, so you should have quite a few choices and can afford to be very picky.

Hope that helps.

[RichCapeCod]

Hi:

Spent February and March in Green Valley this year and will be going back Dec~April for next season. I think renting is wise for a couple of reasons. The housing market remains in a state of flux (like that's news to anyone). I suspect (who knows for certain?) prices will come down a bit more. They'll certainly be flat for some time to come in the areas you are interested in. Renting will give you time to find a location where you are really comfortable.

For the record, my wife and I found Green Valley to be a nice area, with lots to do (Green Valley Recreation is a well run operation catering to folks "our" age).

You'd be close to Tucson in Green Valley for whatever shopping you might require.

At any rate, there are a number of pleasant places to live in the Tucson area. I'm sure you find one to your liking.

Rich
Cape Cod

[Marcy1210]

I would agree with Rich. Green Valley is great for the over 55 set. So much to do, nice area, lots of friendly people. It's worth checking out.

[bevcooper]

What about proximity to a medical center?