The best suburb in the Tucson area, according to data—plus, see the rest of the top 5

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Best suburbs in Tucson

The GI Bill of Rights, Ike's interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.

Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023 . But a good location comes with a cost.

A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.

What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.

Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Tucson. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.

Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Tucson.

Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

#5. Marana, Arizona

- Population: 52,542
- Median home value: $347,700
- Median rental price: $1,579

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Oro Valley (grade A+), BASIS Oro Valley Primary School (grade A+), BASIS Tucson Primary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Salpointe Catholic High School (grade A), Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (grade A−), San Miguel High School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#4. Casas Adobes, Arizona

- Population: 69,917
- Median home value: $281,000
- Median rental price: $1,383

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Tucson North (grade A+), BASIS Oro Valley (grade A+), BASIS Oro Valley Primary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: The Gregory School (grade A+), Salpointe Catholic High School (grade A), Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (grade A−)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

F8 studio // Shutterstock

#3. Tanque Verde, Arizona

- Population: 14,815
- Median home value: $526,100
- Median rental price: $2,122

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Tucson North (grade A+), University High School (grade A+), Hermosa Montessori School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: The Gregory School (grade A+), Salpointe Catholic High School (grade A), Desert Christian Schools (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

FamVeld // Shutterstock

#2. Oro Valley, Arizona

- Population: 47,053
- Median home value: $404,500
- Median rental price: $1,555

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Tucson North (grade A+), BASIS Oro Valley (grade A+), BASIS Oro Valley Primary School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: The Gregory School (grade A+), Salpointe Catholic High School (grade A), Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (grade A−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

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#1. Catalina Foothills, Arizona

- Population: 50,573
- Median home value: $560,400
- Median rental price: $1,198

- Top schools nearby: BASIS Tucson North (grade A+), University High School (grade A+), BASIS Oro Valley (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: The Gregory School (grade A+), Salpointe Catholic High School (grade A), Desert Christian Schools (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: A+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.