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Palo Verde

Palo Verde

Suburban Neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona

Pima County 85716

$341,413 Average Value
$244 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

Mid-century homes sit inside a square-mile grid

Named after the trees that bloom a vibrant yellow in April, Palo Verde is a square-mile grid of family homes about 4 miles east of downtown Tucson. The neighborhood was largely unpopulated until the years following World War II, when returning veterans and their families put down roots in Tucson’s fast-growing suburbs. Today, many of these 1940s and ‘50s-era homes still stand, surrounded by desert cacti and the trees that give the community its name. Palo Verde’s four borders are made up of Speedway Boulevard, Grant Road, Country Club Road and Alvernon Way, commercial thoroughfares that provide easy access to grocery stores, big box retailers and Tucson staples like Frank’s, which has been serving up classic American breakfasts with a Mexican flair for about 50 years. Just up the street are the Tuscon Botanical Gardens, widely considered to be one of the country’s best. In other words, Palo Verde is a residential enclave flanked by urban conveniences and tourist destinations; residents can walk their dogs on quiet streets and, within the same day, tour world-class museums. Or hike mountain trails just outside the city. “I recommend Gates Pass Trailhead,” says Nicole Brule-Fisher with RE/MAX Professionals, a Tuscon native who’s worked in real estate for over 20 years. “When you get up to the top there are these remarkable views to the west. It’s glorious.”

Classic red-brick homes are typical of Palo Verde.
Classic red-brick homes are typical of Palo Verde.
Frank's is breakfast and lunch by day, and Francisco's serves dinner in Palo Verde.
Frank's is breakfast and lunch by day, and Francisco's serves dinner in Palo Verde.
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Adobe, Pueblo Revival and post-WWII ranch-style construction

Along with elegant trees, Palo Verde’s streets are lined with adobe, pueblo revival and mid-century brick ranch-style homes. Although most were built during the late 1940s and early ‘50s, some date all the way back to the ’30s when prominent Swiss-born architect Josias Joesler called the neighborhood home — in fact, a few of his projects still dot the gridded landscape. Prices range from approximately $350,000 for a three-bedroom brick ranch-style to $675,000 for an updated Spanish-style home with a covered patio. However, prospective buyers will also find investment properties in need of a fresh coat of paint for under $150,000. Due to their age and southern Arizona’s dependably sunny weather, the vast majority of homes don’t have attached garages. Instead, pickup trucks sit under porticos. Towering Saguaro Cacti, which can grow to be over 60 feet tall and live 250 years, cast distinctive shadows across Palo Verde’s quiet streets at twilight.

Most Palo Verde homes have at least one to two carports.
Most Palo Verde homes have at least one to two carports.
Adobe-style homes from the 1940's are found in Palo Verde.
Adobe-style homes from the 1940's are found in Palo Verde.
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Career and Technical Education at Catalina High School and the University of Arizona

Palo Verde students can enroll in public schools within the Tucson Unified District. John B Wright Elementary, Doolen Middle and Catalina High all have a C or higher from the educational review site Niche. Catalina first opened its doors in 1957 and features amenities like tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool and a skate park, all of which are open to the public. Famed singer Linda Ronstadt graduated in the ‘60s, and the high school is also known for its career and technical programs. In 2024, Catalina hosted the SkillsUSA’s Region 6 Construction Competition, where Southern Arizona teens competed in categories like plumbing and cabinet making. A few minutes from Palo Verde is The University of Arizona’s central campus. “The University is really the nexus of our community…The campus is huge and one of our largest employers,” says Brule-Fisher. “Even with a metropolitan area of just over 1 million people, we’re still a university town,” she adds, referring to U of A’s impact on the Tuscon area as a whole.

Palo Verde residents can hop on Speedway Boulevard and make their way to UArizona, minutes away.
Palo Verde residents can hop on Speedway Boulevard and make their way to UArizona, minutes away.
Catalina High School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson.
Catalina High School serves grades 9-12 in Tucson.
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Roadside food stands and shopping along the neighborhood’s four borders

Along with Frank’s Restaurant on Pima Street, which has a long list of loyal customers (one of which famously decided to propose at table 12), Palo Verde residents can visit area staples like El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart, an informal roadside stand where tomatoes and onions are cut fresh daily. Head past the Garden District to stop by grocery stores like Fry’s and Trader Joe’s or shop at Whole Foods on Speedway Boulevard. The Loft Cinema’s shining marquis is just across the street; it first opened as a movie theater in the ‘60s and, since 1978, has hosted an annual “Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadow cast performance.

El Sinaloense is a food truck that makes Sonoran hot dogs, a Tucson specialty.
El Sinaloense is a food truck that makes Sonoran hot dogs, a Tucson specialty.
Those wanting fresh foods can easily find them at Whole Foods near Palo Verde.
Those wanting fresh foods can easily find them at Whole Foods near Palo Verde.
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Everything from opera to hockey in downtown Tucson

An ever-evolving calendar of entertainment options lie just beyond Palo Verde in Downtown Tucson. The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, named after the “Different Drum” singer and former Palo Verde resident, hosts Arizona Opera performances and touring A-list comedians. There’s also the Tucson Convention Center where fans can cheer on local hockey teams like the University of Arizona Wildcats and Tucson Roadrunners. The city is home to annual festivals like the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair, where more than 400 artisans sell their wares, and Tucson’s All Souls Procession, inspired by Dia de Los Muertos. In March, the Tucson Festival of Books draws visitors to U of A’s campus when the college’s 40,000-plus students are away on spring break. Palo Verde neighbors also take care to organize smaller-scale community events outside the city. There’s a plant swap in March and “Art in the Gardens” in April; some residents open up their yards as a place for local artists to display their work.

Palo Verde is not far from downtown Tucson.
Palo Verde is not far from downtown Tucson.
The Loft Cinema is an art-house movie theater located in Palo Verde.
The Loft Cinema is an art-house movie theater located in Palo Verde.
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Botanical gardens, zoo animals and golf courses

The Tucson Botanical Gardens are within walking distance for many Palo Verde residents. Open October through May, the onsite butterfly garden is home to dozens of species and come summer, dogs are welcome to explore the five-and-a-half-acre expanse along with their owners. A few miles to the south of the neighborhood is the Reid Park Zoo, a not-for-profit destination that features more than 500 animals including everything from poison dart frogs to African Lions. Also within Reid Park, residents will find Hi Corbett Field, which serves as the University of Arizona’s baseball stadium and locals can book tee times at the 18-hole Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course. Meanwhile, kids enjoy the playground and swimming pool at Himmel Park, where they can also stop by the Himmel Park Library. Not too far from the neighborhood, explore the 60-plus miles of hiking trails in Tucson Mountain Park. Or climb up Sentinel Peak (aka "A" Mountain) to watch the sunset over the city.

The gardeners have it great at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
The gardeners have it great at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Children have a blast at the Reid Park playground, which features many unique areas to play.
Children have a blast at the Reid Park playground, which features many unique areas to play.
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Sun Tran public transit, Amtrak and the Tucson International Airport

Tucson’s Sun Tran public transit system make commuting into the city relatively painless; pick up buses along major thoroughfares like Speedway Boulevard or Grant Road. Alternatively, ride the Sun Link Streetcar (Tucson’s light rail) from the University of Arizona into Downtown Tucson and the Mercado District. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited line stops in Tucson on the way from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Those who prefer air travel can head to the Tucson International Airport about 10 miles — or 20 minutes — from Palo Verde. Six airlines fly to 20 nonstop destinations. The Tucson Medical Center, a 641-bed nonprofit facility, is 3 miles from Palo Verde. Residents can also seek care at the Banner-University Medical Center, a University of Arizona teaching hospital.

SunTran runs along main thoroughfares in the Palo Verde neighborhood.
SunTran runs along main thoroughfares in the Palo Verde neighborhood.
Crosswalks are easily accessible across the Palo Verde neighborhood.
Crosswalks are easily accessible across the Palo Verde neighborhood.
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Sara Caskey
Written By
Sara Caskey
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 Jennifer Bury, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Tucson International

20 min drive

Bus

Pima & Palo Verde

Bus

Grant & Palo Verde

Bus

Country Club & Seneca

Bus

Speedway & Howard

Bus

Grant & Rita

Bus

Country Club & Speedway

Bus

Country Club & Pima

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Palo Verde US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$331,500
Median Single Family Price
$337,500
Median Townhouse Price
$420,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$244
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Last 12 months Home Sales
49
Months of Supply
2.70
Median List Price
$347,250
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,104
Median Year Built
1952
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,955
On par with the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Friday, Apr 25
    12:30 - 2:30pm

    3737 E Pima St, Tucson, AZ 85716

    $499,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,732 Sq Ft
    • 3737 E Pima St
    • New 17 days ago

    Experience the allure of classic Santa Fe architecture in this unique central Tucson home, nestled in the desirable Palo Verde neighborhood. This distinctive residence seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern amenities1000 sq. ft. additional attached area with endless possibilities from guest quarters private space for visitors, in laws, Wellness gym area or potential rental income.The

    Erick Quintero Tierra Antigua Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Bury, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,303
Median Age
37
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,985
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,275

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.4%
College Graduates
37.9%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
102°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

78 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

56 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

42 / 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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Reviews

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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
Palo Verde