Catalina Foothills vs Oro Valley (Phoenix, Tucson: condo, townhouse, college)

[suaz]

I'm trying to decide where to move. I'm single and close to retirement. Other than price, what are the pros and cons of both areas? I hope you can help me to decide.

[RCN55]

Have you considered a 55 plus community?

[suaz]

They seem to be so far away from everything.

[JGMotorsport64]

Catalina Foothills. Oro Valley is just Pretty Phoenix.

The Foothills have such character and variety in housing stock, and you're still pretty close to Midtown. A benefit of Oro Valley is that it's newer and has more of the traditional suburban offerings like Targets, Walmarts, Safeways Kohls etc. Oro Valley is, however, a considerable distance from Midtown Tucson and is only connected via a very heavily trafficked road.

The Foothills are more connected and have better road access, however as with all of Tucson and Pima County unincorporated, those roads are really bad. It also has La Encantada, which is arguably the most upscale area of Tucson. The patio at Blanco is killer, you can't beat those views.

Oro Valley is more conservative the Foothills are more liberal. Both are populated heavily in retired age people. The Foothills tends to attract College Professor types, Oro Valley attracts more Conservative retired people.

That's all I can think off the top of my head, what factors matter to you?

[Saguarogirl507]

We bought a condo in the foothills and love it!

[Raven_on_a_Coyote]

I like the foothills since it seem closer to nature.

[MeltedChez]

Oro Valley has a more suburban feel. Catalina Foothills is more urban.
OV has more big-box anchored strip malls. CF has the high-end shops, galleries and boutiques.
OV is close Catalina State Park for hiking/biking. CF is close to Sabino Canyon.
Both OV and CF have fabulous views of mountains and Tucson.
OV is newer and growing. CF is older and established.
Both have a good selection of restaurants.
Both have farmer's markets, but I think St. Philip's (CF) is much nicer.
OV has more golf courses.
OV is about 30 minutes closer to Sky Harbor. CF is closer to TIA.

Sun City Oro Valley is a large 45+ community located off Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Close to shopping & resturants in OV.

[bonita128]

We are looking to downsize and will be moving to a condo or townhouse. Please let me know which developments you recommend in the foothills.

Thank you very much!