$506,670Average Value$358Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Historic barrio next to Downtown Tucson
Just a stone’s through away from Downtown Tucson is Barrio Viejo, a historic neighborhood located in one of Tucson’s Historic Preservation Zone. “Both renovations and new construction have to go through historic approval,” says Anne Ranek, a local Real Estate Agent with Tierra Antigua Realty. She says that locals are drawn to the area’s “history, the character of the homes and the quality of construction”. New development plans in Barrio Viejo – which literally translates to “old neighborhood” in Spanish – must meet the historic preservation standards set forth by the city before any building can begin. This neighborhood is sometimes referred to as “Barrio Libre”, which translates to “free neighborhood” – this alternate name comes from the fact that the area is known for its cultural diversity. One such site of cultural importance is the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, which is housed in Arizona’s first-ever synagogue. Just north of the neighborhood are several other museums, as well as the Tucson Convention Center and Tucson Arena.
The Barrio Viejo Neighborhood is one of the most famous places in Tucson, Arizona.
Barrio Viejo is filled with historic 19th century structures that give a vintage vibe.
In the first synagogue built in Arizona, Barrio Viejo's Tucson Jewish Museum is a special place.
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Adobe homes and Sonoran-style rowhouses
“Barrio Viejo is an old, Hispanic neighborhood – there are a lot of adobe homes and Sonoran-style rowhouses,” Ranek says. “Homes often have stucco on the outside, really tall ceilings and thick walls for climate control.” Colorful facades, heavy wooden doors, hand-crafted lintels and arched windows are all typical characteristics of the barrio’s distinct adobe-style architecture. It’s not unusual to find restored or modernized interiors occupied by local businesses as efforts continue to preserve and revitalize the neighborhood. However, there are a handful of newer townhomes and modern condo units that were recently built in this area. Most homes here are priced between $300,000 and $925,000, but there are a handful of larger, historic properties that cost closer to $1.2 million and up.
Vintage accents, such as lanterns that hang above doorways are often seen in Barrio Viejo.
Some Barrio Viejo homes have been re-built to mimic 19th century pueblo-infused architecture.
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Residents hike at nearby Tumamoc Hill
“Tumamoc Hill is a 5-minute drive from the barrio,” Ranek says. “It’s a University of Arizona research area that people will hike in the early morning and late afternoon – it’s a good workout because of the steep hills and it’s incredibly beautiful.” Adjacent to Tumamoc Hill is Sentinel Peak Park, also known as “A” Mountain, another popular hiking spot. “The Loop is also really important; it’s about a 120-mile bike ride,” Ranek adds. The Tucson Loop winds through the city and surrounding Pima County area, stretching all the way out to nearby national parks and mountains. Also near Barrio Viejo is Santa Rosa Park, which has scores of sports fields and picnicking areas in addition to a substantial recreation center.
Barrio Viejo residents often challenge themselves at Tumamoc Hill, a very popular hiking spot.
Residents enjoy the scenic mountain views in every direction at Sentinel Peak Park.
Santa Rosa Rec Center near Barrio Viejo gives families an outlet to play in the cool AC.
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Shoping at the Mercado District
Residents can find a couple of local dining options within the barrio: “We have Exo, which is a coffee shop during the day and becomes a mezcal bar called Bar Crisol at night,” Ranek says. Residents can also dine at El Minuto Café, a Mexican restaurant from the 1930s specializing in Sonoran-style dishes. However, just outside the neighborhood is one of Tucson’s most popular commercial areas: “You can cross underneath the highway, and you’re in the Mercado District, a newer shopping district with shops surrounding a central courtyard,” Ranek says. “There are restaurants and stores, you also have a farmers market and a flea market there, and it’s all within walking distance.” Ranek also adds that proximity to Downtown Tucson means proximity to numerous other dining options, retail centers and event venues.
El Minuto Cafe has been serving Sonoran staples in Barrio Viejo since 1936.
Students and professionals gather at Exo Roast Co and Bar Crisol in Barrio Viejo.
Unique, Ethiopian cuisine is enjoyed at Cafe Desta in Barrio Viejo.
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Adjacent to popular museums and event venues
Only a couple blocks north of the barrio, residents can explore Tucson’s museum district. “We are home to some great museums – there’s MOCA, which is the Museum of Contemporary Arts, and there’s also the TMA or the Tucson Museum of Art,” Ranek says. “Mission Gardens in Menlo Park, located in one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the country; the Mission Gardens uses original seeds and harvesting techniques to understand which plants are most drought resistant.” Ranek also adds that the city is currently working on renovating the barrio’s Teatro Carmen, which opened in 1915 and was one of the first theaters in Tucson.
Open in 1915, Teatro Carmen, was the first Spanish-language theater in Barrio Viejo.
Downtown Tucson is walkable from Barrio Viejo, with abundant entertainment, retail and dining.
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Students served by the Tucson Unified School District
Students here are served by the Tucson Unified School District, which receives an overall B-minus rating from Niche. Young learners can kickstart their education at Safford K-8 School, rated C-minus, or the B-rated Carillo K-5 Communication and Creative Arts Magnet School, located within the neighborhood itself. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students can also attend Drachman Montessori K-8 Magnet School, another public magnet school that has a B-minus score. For secondary students, Tucson High Magnet School (THMS) is a B-rated institution that offers magnet programs in visual and performing arts as well as technology.
Tucson High Magnet School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson, Arizona.
Safford serves children in grades K-8 in Tucson, Arizona.
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Access to TUGO Bikeshare stations
According to Ranek, the barrio and city of Tucson are very pedestrian-friendly: “Everybody’s always out walking around, which you don’t always see in cities anymore,” she says. Multiple TUGO Bike Share stations are located in and around the barrio; locals can unlock and use bikes from these stations after purchasing a pass online or at a kiosk. The area is also home to Sun Tran bus lines and light rail stations, which are part of the Sun Link streetcar. Interstate 10 runs adjacent to the neighborhood and acts as the border between the barrio and the Menlo Park area.
TUGO Bike Share has a variety of access points in Barrio Viejo.
Sun Link Street Car travels on the edge of Barrio Viejo, and passes by Interstate 10.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gabriel Nevarez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sentinel Peak Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Armory Park
Picnic Area
Amphitheater
Community Center
El Parque De Orlando Y Diego Mendoza
Rosendo S. Perez Park
Playground
Community Center
Sentinel Plaza Gateway Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Jardin Cesar Chavez
Picnic Area
Parque De Orlando y Diego Mendoza
Picnic Area
Trails
Santa Rosa Park
Transit
Airport
Tucson International
17 min drive
Bus
Cushing & Main
Bus
Main & Simpson
Bus
Main & 17th St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Barrio Viejo
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Barrio Viejo, Tucson sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Barrio Viejo, Tucson over the last 12 months is $504,460, down 21% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
TAR Home Winner! Walk into Equity in the Barrio, Beautiful Desert Coastal-themed home offering the perfect blend of historic charm & modern updates in the highly sought-after Barrio Viejo. The front facade is the original 1900's old adobe, preserving its timeless character. Newly updated kitchen & bathrooms complement the home's charm, while beautifully low-maintenance landscaping with desert
Nestled in the heart of the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood, this rare corner lot home near the famous Elysian Grove Market, blends timeless Barrio charm with modern convenience. Built in 1984, this one-of-a-kind residence embraces the character of Old Tucson while offering the comfort of newer construction. ✅ Prime Location - Walking distance to top-rated coffee shops, restaurants, and
Two detached homes on One lot in downtown historic neighborhood. There is a shared backyard and parking is on-street. Main house has 1 bedroom/1bath with 2 flex-use rooms, washer hookup in the laundry room, secluded patio behind the home, covered front porch, and has Zoned AC/Heat. . Guest house, is a 1 bedroom/1 bath with Central AC/forced air heat, washer hookup on covered back porch. Both
Tucked into a sweet cul de sac of vintage and modern construction, this is a rare opportunity. Stunning architecture by Studio Caban and concete block construction by Innovative Living, this home will impress with its unique design, intimacy and privacy, yet incredible light. Skylights and walls of glass make this home absolutely translucent. Polished concrete flooring, dual showers in the
Welcome to a beautifully remastered gem in Barrio Viejo, one of Tucson's most cherished historic neighborhoods. This thoughtfully renovated home offers 2,082 square feet of modern living while preserving its historic charm. Step inside to discover soaring ceilings, custom wood windows, and elegant concrete overlay flooring throughout.The heart of this home is a stunning kitchen featuring a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gabriel Nevarez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
982
Median Age
36
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,586
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$76,485
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.5%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
35.2%
Advanced Degrees
14%
% Population in Labor Force
70.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
102°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
95/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
69/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
60/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.