Rio Rico, Arizona Community Highlights

HISTORY 
Rio Rico translates to Rich River in English. The community is located in Santa Cruz County north of Nogales at the confluence of Sonoita Creek and the Santa Cruz RiverWhile the Sonoran borderlands had been home to thriving indigenous cultures for centuries prior to Spanish colonists. The history of what is present-day Rio Rico begins with Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, the Jesuit Priest who dubbed the first settlements as Calabazas in 1691.

Photo 1
Its American pioneer beginnings go back to the Baca Float #3, a tract of around 100,000 acres granted in 1863 to the heirs of Luisa Maria Baca by the US Congress because of an unclear grant from the Spanish government many years before. As settlers came and went the town’s name was rechristened to “Rio Rico” by Florida real estate cowboys from the 1960s. Rio Rico, is surrounded by rugged "Sky Island" mountains and pristine Sonoran landscape. 
 
HOUSING
The median home age is 20 years in Rio Rico. 79% are homeowners vs 21% rent. Due to the community's terrain the land was subdivided into units, villas, estates, ranchettes, foothills, and tract housing. The housing on scattered lots have been built by multiple home builders and range in various architectural designs, such as ranch style, southwestern, territorial, and mediterranean. The tract housing is found in the Bella Vista, Bella Vista North, Piedras Blancas, and the gated subdivision of Desert Dawn. Remaining lots in the Bella Vista North and scattered lots throughout the community are available for new construction. 
 
PARKS AND RECREATION
Trails and paths are located on the eastside and westside of the community where the residents can walk and ride bicycles. The health club consists of a gym, lap pool, tennis courts, and childcare services. Baseball fields, soccer field, trail, ramada, and picnic areas are also at the Damon Park. Along with the Calabazas Park that accommodates a pavillion, designated picnic areas with barbecue grills.  
 
AMENITIES
The community has a supermarket, post office,  restaurants, gas stations, community medical clinic, veterinarian clinic, commuter parking lot, and various other small businesses.
 
  • Founded - 1969
  • Incorporated - No
  • Elevation - 3,857
  • Population as of 2010 - 18,962
  • Land Area - 62.3 Square Miles
  • Density - 304 People Per Square Miles
  • The Median Home Price in 2018 was $149,900
  • The Average Sale Price in 2018 was $168,298
  • Cost of Living is 11.8% Lower Than the U.S. Average

QUESTIONS ABOUT RIO RICO?

Have more questions about this community? Ask me and I'll get right back to you!
Name
Email
Phone
Message

RIO RICO Community Links