$438,401Average Value$187Average Price per Sq Ft35Homes For Sale
A slowly growing Tucson exurb in the open desert
Picture Rocks is named for the hundreds of Hohokam petroglyphs inscribed into its desert boulders around 1,000 years ago. For much of this community, little has changed since then. Open desert full of cactus and wildlife continues to define this northwestern exurb of Tucson, much of it untouched by suburban development. Lower than average property prices and dry weather alike have attracted retirees just as spacious property sizes have long appealed to horse owners and nature lovers. Though Picture Rocks may have a “high desert” feel, both the big city and suburban shopping conveniences are just a short drive away.
High desert forms residents' back yards
Homebuilders made initial forays into Picture Rocks during the 1960s and 1970s, however growth has slowed and it is now home to 9,500 residents. Manufactured homes and site-built homes alike vary in year of construction from the 1960s to the early 2020s, and the priciest properties tend to be located close to Saguaro National Park or in the Tucson Avra subdivision at the city’s southwestern edge. Main thoroughfares like Manville Road tend to be paved, while residential lanes are often not and are maintained by the homeowners themselves. The desert forms an expansive back yard for most of Picture Rocks’ residences, and it’s not uncommon to encounter coyotes, tarantulas and other creatures of the Sonora Desert. Picture Rocks’ median home price of $270,000 is significantly below the Tucson median, but the average home value nearly doubled from 2020 to the start of 2025 as Picture Rocks and Tucson’s other exurbs have attracted attention for their competitive prices.
Vast national parks preserve hundreds of thousands of pristine desert
Picture Rocks may itself feel like a massive nature preserve due to its wide-open desert, and it shares this wealth of nature with neighboring parks. The Saguaro National Park is defined by an abundance of saguaro, the nation’s largest cacti, and preserves 92,000 acres of Western landscapes while offering 165 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails. Within this park, millennium-old petroglyphs tell the story of the ancient Hohokam civilization, which vanished a century before the Spanish arrived in Arizona. An access point to the Ironwood Forest National Monument, which preserves another 129,055 acres of Sonoran landscapes and Hohokam archaeological sites, sits at the southwest edge of Picture Rocks. For a laid-back outdoor outing, the family-owned Funny Foot Farm offers guided tours of its menagerie, which houses capybaras, kangaroos, goats, warthogs and many other animals.
Retail options lay just beyond Picture Rocks' borders
Though largely natural in character, Picture Rocks is not far away from modern shopping and dining amenities. Just beyond this exurb’s northeast frontier, Twin Peaks Road is home to the local Safeway supermarket and a handful of eateries with specialties varying from pizza to Mexican cuisine and Chinese takeout. This road, together with the neighboring Silverbell Road, offers access to several more shopping centers, grocery stores and food outlets as they converge on Tucson.
Marana High is experiencing a rebirth
Picture Rocks’ students attend the Marana Unified School District, which scores a B-plus rating from Niche. Marana High School is currently undergoing a restoration project to beautify its aging infrastructure and better accommodate its growing student population. The school already offers dual enrollment programs with Pima Community College to help students prepare for their collegiate futures, while the school also offers CTE programs for career-minded learners.
Keeping safe in Picture Rocks
Picture Rocks receives a CAP Index score of 1, indicating a minimal risk of crime. However, it also contends with serious flood and wildfire risks. Picture Rocks formed a fire and medical district in 1977 to help residents combat natural disasters. This is the desert and the area gets about six inches of rain a year and temperatures in the summer often hover above 100 degrees.
Highway access to Tucson
Major roads like Interstate 10 provide access to Tucson within a 25-mile drive and Tucson International Airport within 32 miles. The nearest hospital, the Carondelet Marana Emergency Center, is situated along Interstate 10, which sits just beyond Picture Rocks’ eastern boundary. Along with the local retail and construction industries, healthcare is among Picture Rocks' largest fields of employment.
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
Ana Holcomb,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Tucson International
62 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Picture Rocks
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Picture Rocks, Tucson sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Picture Rocks, Tucson over the last 12 months is $292,968, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Special financing for this property with Seller! Qualify for a 4.6% interest rate with 3.5% down. Brand NEW manufactured home with many upgrades! Seller offering $5,000 towards Buyer's closing costs. 2'x6' walls giving this 4 bdrm 2 bath home extra insulation. Open floor plan, uncommon Huge walk in kitchen pantry, beautiful new kitchen and appliances, large island/breakfast nook features quartz
Special financing for this property with Seller! Qualify for a 4.6% interest rate! Fresh - brand new home with an open floor plan, modern cabinets, custom backsplash. This kitchen has a very large walk in pantry, oversized island / breakfast bar with quartz counter top and SS appliances. A 3 bdrm 2 bath home that is Move in ready! Bring your toys or RV. No HOA! Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and
NO SHOWINGS TILL 4/30/2025. Country living at its best in this well maintained home on a large 1.03 acre lot. This 3 BD/2 BA/Den/1,568 Sq.Ft home offers an inviting floorplan w/family room w/wood-burning fireplace, dining area & laundry room. Kitchen has plenty of cabinet & counter space, breakfast bar, propane range & pantry. Primary suite has a walk-in closet, shower & storage. Den can be used
---- SCHEDULE A SHOWING ONLINE AT: ----Move in special $500 off 1st full month's rent and 2nd full month's rent, $1000 total, if lease is signed for move in on or before 5/16/25!Enjoy what nature has to offer at this charming and secluded manufactured 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the heart of the Tucson Mountain District, near Saguaro National Monument on over an acre of
Nestled near the breathtaking Saguaro National Park, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom manufactured home offers a serene retreat with stunning mountain views. The property boasts spacious living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and cozy bedrooms designed for comfort. Imagine waking up to the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and enjoying peaceful evenings on the patio, surrounded by nature's
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ana Holcomb,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
9,739
Median Age
46
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,450
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,202
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88%
College Graduates
15.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.5%
% Population in Labor Force
48.4%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
102°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
