Called by the nickname, “the Old Pueblo,” Tucson, AZ, has become a destination for many people moving to the Southwest. From renowned restaurants to the fabulous music scene, it’s not a shock that about 543,200 people live in Tucson.
As you start your homebuying journey, there’s three key points to keep in mind – the housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sale price is $310,000, and the average sale price per square foot is $201. Or if you’re beginning your renting journey, the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Tucson is $1,295.
If those prices don’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to live, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best affordable Tucson suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 35 minutes away from the city. That way you can live nearby without paying the price of living in Tucson.
#1: Flowing Wells
Median home price: $237,000
Average sale price per square foot: $219
Driving distance from Tucson: 10 minutes
Flowing Wells, AZ homes for sale
Flowing Wells, AZ apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $237,000, Flowing Wells takes the number one spot on our list of affordable Tucson suburbs. About a 10-minute drive away from downtown Tucson, Flowing Wells is home to roughly 15,700 residents. Living in Flowing Wells, you can check out the parks along the Rillito River and visit the Tucson Petting Zoo.
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#2: Picture Rocks
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Median home price: $260,000
Average sale price per square foot: $193
Driving distance from Tucson: 35 minutes
Picture Rocks, AZ homes for sale
Picture Rocks, AZ apartments for rent
Just a little more expensive than Flowing Wells is Picture Rocks. About 35 minutes from Tucson, you can check out the exhibits at the Tucson Museum of Art in no time. Some popular things to visit in Picture Rocks include visiting the Tucson Mountain Stables and exploring the nearby Saguaro National Park. When living in this suburb of 9,600 people, you can also spend the day checking out the charming downtown.
#3: Drexel Heights
Median home price: $290,000
Average sale price per square foot: $201
Driving distance from Tucson: 20 minutes
Drexel Heights, AZ homes for sale
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20 minutes away from downtown Tucson, you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Drexel Heights. There’s plenty of picturesque and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Drexel Heights. So make sure to check out one of the many parks in the city if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: Sahuarita
Median home price: $325,000
Average sale price per square foot: $179
Driving distance from Tucson: 30 minutes
Sahuarita, AZ homes for sale
Sahuarita, AZ apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Drexel Heights is the suburb of Sahuarita. About 34,100 people live in this Tucson suburb, where you can explore the Titan Missile Museum, visit Sahuarita Lake, and check out the many parks.
#5: Valencia West
Median home price: $342,990
Average sale price per square foot: $155
Driving distance from Tucson: 25 minutes
Valencia West, AZ homes for sale
Valencia West, AZ apartments for rent
Only a 25-minute drive into the city, consider adding Valencia West to your list of Tucson suburbs to check out. With 14,100 people living in this affordable town, Valencia West is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Tucson without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Valencia West, you can enjoy a day outside at Star Valley Park.
#6: Corona de Tucson
Median home price: $349,900
Average sale price per square foot: $188
Driving distance from Tucson: 35 minutes
Corona de Tucson, AZ homes for sale
Corona de Tucson, AZ apartments for rent
A recognizable Tucson suburb is Corona de Tucson, where the home prices are $349,900. Home to roughly 9,200 people, Corona de Tucson is a great suburb to consider buying a home or renting an apartment in. Whether you visit a local park or grab a coffee at a café, there’s many activities to do and see in this suburb.
#7: Marana
Median home price: $396,249
Average sale price per square foot: $205
Driving distance from Tucson: 25 minutes
Marana, AZ homes for sale
Marana, AZ apartments for rent
Seventh on our list of affordable Tucson suburbs is Marana, which is about a 25-minute drive into downtown. With a population of roughly 51,900, living in Marana is a great alternative to city life. If you’re going to call this suburb home, plan time to stroll along the Tortolita Preserve Trailhead and explore one of the parks.
#8: Vail
Median home price: $413,180
Average sale price per square foot: $190
Driving distance from Tucson: 35 minutes
Vail, AZ homes for sale
Vail, AZ apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable Tucson suburbs is Vail. This affordable city is home to about 13,600 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of Tucson’s population while remaining only 35 minutes from the city. Make sure to add the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve to your list of places to visit once living in Vail.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Tucson and under a 35-minute drive from downtown Tucson. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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