Marana, AZ sits on the northwest side of Tucson and is only about 90 minutes south of the capital of Arizona, Phoenix. The town is bisected by Interstate 10, an east-west highway that takes a sharp turn north here and heads up to Phoenix and then out to Los Angeles. By land, Marana, AZ covers a total area of 121.4 square miles, starting on the line between Pinal and Pima counties and just north of the Tucson city line.
This former farming and ranching community has become a suburb of Tucson and a top spot for retirees. Thanks to the nearly perfect weather and explosive growth in Arizona, Marana has experienced positive developments in housing, recreation and amenities that have made this town one of the most desirable in the area.
Marana is home to about 35,000 people, equally split between men (51%) and women (49%). The town is certainly a retirement destination, and a majority of Marana residents are 40 years old, or older (58%). The population age distribution is balanced by 18 to 29-year-olds (21%) and those under 18 (21%). And, as expected in this older community, 46% of households consist of married couples without children. This is followed by families (19%).
Marana is a fairly white-collar town, with the majority of residents having earned a bachelor’s degree (62%) and many with graduate degrees (18%). Though there are many retirees or others who are not currently in the labor market (46%), about 50% of the residents of Marana are actively employed. The most active employment sectors are education and health care (27%) Marana is home to the Marana Health Center, a new, world-class health care facility serving the north Tucson area. Following education and health care, the next largest employment sectors are retail (14%) and professional services (11%). Of those that are employed, 44% of households earn over $75,000 while 30% fall in the middle range of $30,000 to $75,000.
As far as getting to work, improved public transportation is coming to Marana, but for now nearly everyone commutes in their own private vehicle to work (78%). In addition, a significant portion of the population work out of their own homes (11%).
Generally, Marana boasts a low crime rate and is very safe town to live in. Most of the reported crimes are burglaries and thefts, as well as auto thefts.
Marana, though a new town and just coming into its own, has a lot of natural attractions to work with. As an outdoor-oriented community, Marana is proud to host one of the most unique national parks in the country, Saguaro National Park. The park has 150 miles of maintained hiking trails, as well as many shorter walking trails that guide visitors through the Sonoran Desert landscape found only in the desert Southwest. Visitors can walk among the hundred year old sentinels of the desert and learn about all the life that can be found in this seemingly sparse landscape.
Marana also puts on several town festivals throughout the year including the Star-Spangled Spectacular, with a celebration under the stars at the Arizona Pavilions. The event draws 10,000 people from the greater Tucson area. Marana hosts music in the park events and a camping event where you can camp in a park in your own town and stargaze with your neighbors.
Marana may be a new town, but archaeologists have found evidence of human inhabitation here from 4,200 years ago. A visit to the Old Pueblo Archaeology Center amazes with its evidence of perhaps the earliest farmers on the continent. At certain times, anyone can sign up to help dig and contribute to the history of the area. Marana is proud of its ancient past and is a terrific place for people of all ages to learn more about the history of North America.
While Marana hosts musical events, many held outdoors, there are also plenty of nearby opportunities for concerts, theater or just live bar music. Tucson is just a short drive down the road and because it is home to the University of Arizona, Tucson enjoys a vibrant culture of art, music, theater, and of course, food.
Residents of Marana enjoy a highly rated quality of life, in part because this is a newer community, with 94% of homes in Marana built after 1990. In addition, Marana is a community of residents, not renters, with 89% of homes being owner occupied.
Marana is in a prime location, and thanks to the annexation of retail areas near Interstate 10, there is also easy access to shopping and restaurants, without having to go to Tucson. The most popular restaurant is the Texas Roadhouse, which serves steaks and BBQ. All the major national stores also have locations in Marana, including Costco, Target, and Home Depot.
Marana, with its focus on enjoying the outdoors, its safety, affordability and access to dining and shopping, is a prime location for retirees and families alike, and there is a healthy mix of both.
Easily the one thing that Marana is known for its outstanding outdoor lifestyle. From Saguaro National Park, to hiking the Tortilla Mountains, to golfing at one of the six courses in town, residents of Marana take full advantage of the near-perfect weather.
And with its close proximity to Tucson, residents of Marana, AZ can enjoy a near perfect lifestyle, balancing work and play. Whether taking a weekend hike, playing a round of golf or enjoying some live music or gourmet food, Marana has easy access to all the best things in life.
