The infiltration of Oro Valley (by sporting good stores that is)

Oro Valley has gone from having none to soon being bombarded with sporting good stores. Recently a Sports Authority and a Big 5 sporting goods opened in Oro Valley, and by next year we'll also be seeing a Dick's Sporting Goods at the new Oro Valley Marketplace. One of the things I've always liked about Oro Valley is the small town feel on a slightly more upscale note. When it comes to sporting good stores, we have our specialty store for athletic wear and shoes, All About Running and Walking. Even though there's going to be more selection at bigger stores, this particular business will continue to have a faithful following as they specialize in customer service and they're very involved in the running community. Still many Oro Valley residents are worried about the impact these bigger stores will have on our local independent businesses as well as the Oro Valley community.

Oro Valley is an extremely active community. The main thoroughfare of Rancho Vistoso Blvd is perfect for running, walking and cycling. There's even a few races that are held in or make their way through the Oro Valley area, like the El Tour de Tucson bike race, which is coming up in about 2 weeks, and the Holualoa marathon and half marathon which takes place December 1. Still, with all the additions of sporting good shops recently, I'm beginning to wonder if someone is trying to tell us we're not active enough!

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Tucson's Spooky Halloween

Who says it has to be cold and windy to enjoy Halloween? It may be 85 and sunny today in Tucson but there are still lots of people who get into the spooky spirit! Included are some pictures of the great decorations that several Oro Valley homeowners used to give trick or treaters a Halloween thrill.

Not sure where to take the kids to have some Halloween fun? Though trick or treating door to door isn't as popular in Tucson as it is in other parts of the country, there are still lots of activities planned for kids to show off their scary costumes. The Arizona Daily Star featured an article that included a number of Halloween events in the Tucson area.

Hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!

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New Oro Valley Arts Blog!

Just wanted to announce that I have created a new Blog that provides information about Oro Valley Arizona's great appreciation and dedication to the local arts! Oro Valley is one of the state's leaders in public arts projects, as 1 percent of every new commercial construction budget is designated for the purchase of public art. As fast as Oro Valley continues to grow, that means a lot of new art! There are amazing works throughout Oro Valley, but they can be difficult to locate if you're not familiar with the area. The Oro Valley Arts Blog is my attempt to make this easier for viewers by posting articles about the various pieces of artwork in Oro Valley and providing directions to each piece. I'm currently working to create an Oro Valley map that points to each piece of artwork so that readers can print a copy of the map and begin their art tour of Oro Valley. The Oro Valley Arts Blog will also include information about upcoming events in the art community, so make sure you check it regularly to see what new and exciting things are coming up. As always, feel free to post comments if you like, but most of all just enjoy!

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Economic Development Finally Catching up with Oro Valley Population Growth

Oro Valley is slated for massive economic development in upcoming years as large retail centers are moving in to accommodate the town's continued rapid growth. Over 2 million square feet of space is currently designated among three main retail centers in the Oro Valley area, providing more variety for consumers and more sales tax revenue for the town's government. Although Oro Valley is just 6 miles North of Tucson, this planned development is welcome news for residents that want to shop locally rather then head into the city for more retail and dining options then are currently available. Oro Valley, made up of nearly 45,000 people, is not isolated by any means. Several grocery stores, including Safeway, Fry's, and Trader Joes, are located in Oro Valley, as is Target, Pier One, Home Depot, Pet Smart and Office Max. Still, retail shops and restaurants are limited compared to much of the city. All of these new retail centers are located off Tucson/Oro Valley's main North/South thoroughfare Oracle Rd, which provides easy access to those coming from the Catalina area (North) or the rest of Tucson (South).

Currently near completion is the Oracle Crossings Center, 260,000 square feet of space where tenants include Kohl's Department Store, Sprouts Farmers Market and Sedona Patio and Leather. Restaurant's include Carrabba's Italian Grill and Peter Piper Pizza.

Just up the road is Steam Pump Village, about 300,000 square feet, targeting home decor and furnishings. Current tenants are Studio C by California Design Center, Carpet One Floor & Home and Chili's Grill and Bar, while future tenants include Sunset Interiors & Design Studio, Steinway Piano Gallery and an outdoor amphitheater. Also under construction is a Wingate Inn, with completion scheduled for early 2008.

The largest of the new developments is Oro Valley Marketplace, which will consist of nearly 800,000 square feet of space. With Phase One expected to open in September 2008, tenants will include Cost Plus World Market, Linens' n Things, DSW Shoes, Best Buy and CineMark movie theaters. Restaurants will include Keg Steakhouse & Bar, BJ's Restaurant and Brewery and Olive Garden.

Other smaller centers are also planned, with most consisting of a mix of retail and office space. Springhill Suites by Marriott is slated to begin construction in October in the Mercado del Rio Center, just one block west of Oracle Rd. Springhill as well as Wingate Inn will offer great lodging alternatives from Oro Valley's pricier resort Hilton El Conquistador .

Although there is frusturation from many Oro Valley residents regarding a Wal-Mart Supercenter being an anchor store for the Oro Valley Marketplace Center, the overall consensus is that retail growth and development is welcome in the town. Oro Valley residents are excited about having more choices so close by, and all the opportunities that come with the development.

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Tucson Real Estate Sales Strongest in NW

As the Tucson Real Estate market continues to stabilize after the volatile conditions of 2004-2005, Northwest Tucson appears to be drawing the most real estate activity. According to Tucson Associations of Realtors June 2007 statistics, Northwest Tucson had nearly a quarter of all listings sold , about 1,779 listings. Of the 7,417 active home listings for June, approximately 27% were located in Northwest Tucson, with an average price of $347,165. Also high is Northwest Tucson's number of Days on Market at 73, which was 9 days above the city's average of 64 days.

What's contributing to Northwest Tucson's high numbers? Northwest Tucson, including the towns of Oro Valley and Marana, continues to be one of the top "hot spots". These areas experienced rapid growth from 2003 thru 2005, and many of the homeowners that purchased during this time are now selling with the hope of benefiting from the vast appreciation that occurred. As Oro Valley and Marana continue to grow, new home builders continue to offer unbeatable incentives to draw tempted buyers into the area. And, many of Tucson's prime Retirement Communities are located in Northwest Tucson, contributing to the large influx of new residents each year.

There are still plenty of homes for sale and plenty of deals to be had in Northwest Tucson. As the area continues to add more restaurants, shopping and other amenities, more people will consider choosing Northwest Tucson as their new home.

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