Green Valley, Arizona is a city near Tucson, and it has a large population of older people. The town attracts those from every part of the country hoping to enrich their lives through Arizona's climate, food, and amazing scenery in their golden years. Movoto can tell you what the vibe of the area will be like before you decide to move. 

How Much Will I Pay and Who Lives Here?

There are two zip codes here, and each one has their own demographics and price ranges. Zip code 85614 has a median home price of $169,900 while 85622 sports a higher price tag at $210,000. There are single family homes on the golf course with smart home technology and villas or apartments for more affordable options. The homes here all well kept in Spanish styles. In both zip codes the city is overwhelming white at 93 percent or more. Indian people make up about 2 or 3 percent of the people, depending on your area. The population also has more females than males at about 54 percent. Only about 25 percent of the people here aren't college educated, with 15 – 20 percent of people having a masters degree or higher. The average income is between $30,000 and $75,000 a year, and the average age is about 70. About as many people here live in one person households as married couples and non-family households. 

What Is Green Valley Best Known For?

This city of about 24,000 people is best known for being a retirement community, and a very active one at that. Leaving a job can be extremely difficult, even if a person has grown tired of the day-to-day routine. Choosing a place that's specifically made for the productive and energetic members of society can make the transition a lot easier. The trails and canyons of the nearby Santa Rita Mountains call to the athletes of the world with cycling and hiking. There's also a lot of  opportunities here to relax at the luxurious country club or play a few rounds for fun and sport at the golf course. With three golf clubs here alone, you'll be sure to find one where you fit. For those who don't want to spend their days at the country club, there are groups, activities, and volunteer opportunities everywhere you look. In addition you will meet a great variety of people here, with the chance to befriend younger couples with children. Green Valley has two small elementary schools for the people who make their living in the local businesses. You may even want to work with kids as a substitute teacher or after-school counselor. 

What Is the Culture in Green Valley?

Staying social, healthy, and busy are extremely valuable qualities to the residents here. Between the farmers market that bustles in the fall and winter months, the local shopping opportunities and the clubs of the area, you're likely to find a group of people that you want to spend time with. Bird watchers can see interesting species in Madera Canyon, just a 20 minute drive away. Tanagers, warblers, rare sparrows and juncos make taking walks more interesting and exciting. There are also desert tours you can take like through the Hacienda de la Canoa. This particular activity gives you the full history of the area in living color, and imparts the sense of adventure that once defined the West. That same sense of discovery is still alive if know where to look, even if the actual laws have tightened up considerably. Another way people stay active is through their local food. Just outside of Green Valley, you can visit Arizona Cactus Ranch, where you can buy prickly pear fruit spread, bars and even nectar. You can pick some up to experiment with in your own meals as it makes a great barbecue rub, or you can find the specialty during August and September at the local restaurants when they're in season.

 

How Is the Quality of Life Here?

Overall, the quality of life in Green Valley, AZ is quite good. This is in major part of the city's dedication of supplying a variety of things to do for its residents. The people here don't all love the same things, but they do all love doing, making and living life to the fullest. It's the amount of choice and the different viewpoints that open people up and keep their minds engaged with new ideas. The air quality here is excellent, which also contributes to people's health, and the weather here will definitely stave off the chilly winters that you may have known if you come from a harsher climate. The heat can help decrease common bouts of cold and flu which can lay people up for weeks at a time. One thing to be aware of, though, is that water sustainability may become a larger issue within the next decade, but currently it's not a major problem for the residents.