Looking for the best places to invest in Tucson? Nestled in the mountains of southern Arizona, lies the lively city of Tucson. Ranking as the second-largest city in all of Arizona, Tucson is popular for its stunning desert landscapes, its many majestic Saguaro cactuses, and its vibrant and diverse cultures, bringing plenty of amazing food and art onto the scene With population rates rising in the city, paired with steady rental rates, Tucson is also the perfect place for investors of all kinds when on the search for potential new properties. However, it is an expansive city with many different areas to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list the best places to invest in Tucson and what type of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
Highland Vista Cinco Via
Where is it located?
Eight miles southeast of the city center is the neighborhood known as Highland Vista Cinco Via. Given its distance from the downtown area, residents enjoy all the extra space of the suburbs and the larger lot sizes that come along with it. Residents of Highland VIsta also enjoy all the conveniences of the city, though, with easy access to multiple grocery stores and dining options as well as Park Place Mall and Williams Center.
What types of properties are available?
The properties available in Highland Vista are B-class, single-family homes that are priced average for the city of Tucson. Many of the units available are 3-bed, 2-bath-style homes, great for both families and young professionals alike.
What other benefits are there?
This neighborhood has a multitude of benefits that derive from a prime location in the suburbs: think extra space, modern conveniences, and, most notably, great schools. Ranked some of the best in the city, the schools in Highland Vista are a huge draw for families looking to give their children the best of the best.
University District
Where is it located?
As you may have guessed by the name, University District is located in the area surrounding the University of Arizona, Tucson. Not only is it close in proximity to the university, but it is also ranked as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in all of Tucson. This, combined with its proximity to I-10, means residents of the area have the option to keep their circle small, or take advantage of quick access to the rest of the city.
What types of properties are available?
The properties available in this part of the city are largely A- and B-class, single-family homes. Layouts can range anywhere from 2-bed, 1-bath to 5-bed, 5-bath. With such a wide range of home types available, prices are quite variable as well. From below-average to above-average price tags, there is truly something for everyone in the University District. Pro tip: If you are able to find an especially inexpensive home here, you can rest assured your investment will be well protected by the desirability of the area.
What other benefits are there?
Given its proximity to the University of Arizona, the biggest perk for investors is that there will always be a high demand for residents in need of housing. Investors looking to buy property for rentals can expect solid rent prices on average for the rest of the city, and that students and faculty alike will drum up constant demand for the area.
Grant Northeast
Where is it located?
Located just five minutes northeast of downtown is the up-and-coming neighborhood of Grant Northeast. Its close proximity to the city center gives residents access to everything Tucson has to offer, while the area’s housing provides an excellent opportunity for newer investors to get their foot in the door.
What types of properties are available?
On average, the homes available in Grant Northeast are A- to C-class, single-family homes that are priced below average for the city of Tucson. There’s a large mix of historic Southwest-style homes as well as newly renovated or constructed homes. This up-and-coming neighborhood is perfect for the investor willing to put a little TLC into a property, or someone looking to buy a newly renovated home that is fully rent-ready.
What other benefits are there?
Residents of the area enjoy close proximity to not only downtown but also the Rillito River and all of the greenspace it has to offer. Most notably, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop Trail gives residents great access to the outdoors without sacrificing too much closeness to the city.
Catalina Foothills
Where is it located?
Moving a bit further outside of the city, you’ll find the suburb known as Catalina Vista. It’s a sprawling neighborhood filled with expansive properties, roughly six miles outside the heart of downtown. The popular suburb cozies right up to Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as Mt Kimball.
What types of properties are available?
The properties available in Catalina Foothills are largely A++-level properties, so it can be difficult for investors to find a reasonable entry-level price point. However, the higher home prices come with a higher rental rate, which can lead to greater returns. The neighborhoods typically come with a higher quality of living, strong sense of community, and great school options, which make them desirable areas for residents.
What other benefits are there?
Residents of the area have access to a plethora of outdoor spaces and hiking trails, as well as golf courses and all of the shops and dining options that come with living in an affluent suburb. All of this combined makes Catalina Foothills a highly desirable area and in constant demand for residents looking to embrace all the natural beauty of Arizona while still having access to all their favorite amenities.
Jefferson Park
Where is it located?
Closest on our list to downtown Tucson is the neighborhood of Jefferson Park. Just one mile away from the city center, this neighborhood is known for its proximity to everything Tucson has to offer. There’s a plethora of shops, dining and entertainment options just a stone’s throw away, but, most notably for investors, the majority of residents rent their homes. This means the area is in high demand and landlords could turn quite a nice profit.
What types of properties are available?
The properties in Jefferson Park are primarily B-class, single-family homes that are priced about average for the city of Tucson. Many of the homes are a 3-bed, 2-bath configuration, which makes the properties here great for both young professionals and families.
What other benefits are there?
The schools in Jefferson Park are ranked highly for the city of Tucson, maintaining the area’s high demand amongst families. There is also an abundance of parks and dining nearby, ensuring it remains a popular location for residents who like to keep their circle small and have everything nearby.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Tucson
Whether you’re looking for neighborhoods close to the heart of the city or affluent suburbs in near national parks, there’s a wide variety of Tucson homes, neighborhoods, and price points to choose from. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. Our Tucson team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Tucson market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Tucson Market Deep Dive.
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