Saddlebrooke AZ: For an Active, Social Retirement

If a physically and socially active lifestyle top your priority list for a great place to retire, consider SaddleBrooke Ranch. This large masterplanned community located in northwestern Tucson offers a beautiful environment set against the Santa Catalina Mountains. Thoughtfully planned and built by Robson Resort Communities, the community offers countless amenities for its residents to live, learn and enjoy.

What Is the Demographic Profile?

Compared to the rest of Tucson, SaddleBrooke’s demographic characteristics describe a largely Caucasian community whose median age is 67. Ninety six percent of residents were white and 83 percent of them were over 55 as reported in the 2010 Census. Its 2010 population numbered 9,614 with 4.907 households with an average household size of 1.96. The predominant kind of family within SaddleBrooke is a married couple with no children at home.

SaddleBrooke is an upscale community where the Census Bureau estimates the median income of residents was $68,821 in 2014, nearly twice the median of Tucson residents, at $37,149. Many of the people living in SaddleBrooke are retired, and just 26 percent of residents still work, whose commutes average 43 minutes. Their education levels are high. Over 50 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Most of the people who live in SaddleBrooke own their homes, and just four percent rent. The Census Bureau estimates that the median value of the 5,628 homes within SaddleBrooke reached $350,200 in 2014, significantly over the city of Tucson’s median value of $133,500. Most of the homes within this community are single-story detached homes. Eight percent are used as second homes - not surprising, since the Tucson metro area sees an influx of visitors during its mild winters.

What Is the Culture?

Robson Resort Communities started this massive development in 1987 as a luxury, resort-oriented lifestyle community. Their communities typically have an authentic country club atmosphere with a complete range of amenities inside the community that appeal to upscale buyers. SaddleBrooke is no exception. It has three championship, private golf courses, a luxurious clubhouse, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness center, a performing arts center, and a creative arts center. Over 100 clubs, classes and organizations are part of the social fabric of SaddleBrooke. You'll find casual and fine dining within SaddleBrooke Ranch set inside the MountainView Clubhouse. 

SaddleBrooke, AZ is a socially active and involved community. Clubs include a dining group where members explore different restaurants throughout the Tucson area, clubs whose members hail from states like California, Colorado, or the New York City area. You’ll find horseback riding, golf, pickle ball, table tennis and tennis clubs that appeal to the physically active.

One of the social groups is the IWish Club, made up of residents who provide a helping hand to SaddleBrooke residents who need some assistance. There’s even a Linda Club whose only membership requirement is that your first name is Linda. Clubs that appeal to more cerebral activities include Mah Jongg, the writing and the trivia clubs.

Outside of SaddleBrooke, AZ, you’ll find even more enriching experiences, from the natural beauty of the adjacent Santa Catalina Mountains and the recreational opportunities they offer, to the nearby University of Arizona’s (UAs) venue of student and public programs. The sports program at the University, its theater and performing arts program, and guest lectures provide year-round opportunities for locals.

Pima Community College is within an easy drive of SaddleBrooke and offers for-credit and non-credit courses for local residents. Two public libraries are a short drive away at the Catalina Public Library and the Oro Valley Public Library where you can volunteer.

How Is the Quality of Life?

SaddleBrooke Ranch made it onto the Where to Retire list of the top 100 masterplanned communities in the U.S. Before constructing it, Robson communities went through a meticulous planning process to ensure a high quality of life for all its residents, from the open spaces and recreation areas to the homes themselves.

Most homes in SaddleBrooke are single-story with no basements. Prices range from $160,000 to $800,000, and in size from 1150 to over 4000 square feet. Since they’re relatively new, they offer better energy efficiency than other homes within Tucson, where half the homes were built before 1984 and half over that year. The median year that homes in SaddleBrooke were constructed is 1999.

Besides an impressive array of quality homes and activities, SaddleBrooke residents have easy access to nearby shopping and health services. The Oro Valley Hospital, built in 2005, has 146 beds and offers a full range of medical services. The Oro Valley Marketplace has national retail anchors, specialty stores, movie theaters, restaurants and services. You’ll find upscale shopping at La Encantada, Plaza Palomino and St. Philip’s Plaza that hosts a Farmers’ Market on Sunday mornings.

Crime within SaddleBrooke is negligible thanks to roving patrols and its entry gates. According to securitygauge.com, SaddleBrooke Ranch is 58 percent safer than other places within the U.S. The community is served by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and fire protection by the Golder Ranch Fire Department, who has a station within SaddleBrooke.

What Is SaddleBrooke Best Known for?

SaddleBrooke, AZ has more tennis courts than any other place in Tucson, and an active tennis club. They play on 13 courts, and residents can sign up for organized play with other members who have the same skill levels. Periodically, they hold tennis tournaments. Outside of tennis, everyone knows that SaddleBrooke has some of the most stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, particularly in the spring when the mountainsides are covered with wildflowers.