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Barrio Viejo

Barrio Viejo

Suburban Neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona

Pima County 85701

$506,670 Average Value
$358 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tucson High Magnet School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson, Arizona.
Safford serves children in grades K-8 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.
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.
Sun Link Street Car travels on the edge of Barrio Viejo, and passes by Interstate 10.
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Hayley Simms
Written By
Hayley Simms
Kristen Rademacher
Photography Contributed By
Kristen Rademacher
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

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

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$515,000
Median Single Family Price
$499,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$358
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Months of Supply
11.20
Median List Price
$499,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-23%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
278
Median Year Built
1949
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,712
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,645
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    9 - 11am

    508 W 18th St, Tucson, AZ 85701

    $699,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,318 Sq Ft
    • 508 W 18th St

    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

    Waco Starr Long Realty Company

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  • Friday, Apr 25
    10am - 4pm

    449 S Elias Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

    $318,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,100 Sq Ft
    • 449 S Elias Ave

    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

    John Sweeden Habitation Realty ERA Powered

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Barrio Viejo
Gabriel Nevarez
Real Broker
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