Once a year, Avra Valley, Arizona hosts a rather unique event -- the Avra Valley Annual Piano Burn. Organised by a local piano tuner, this event sees pianos that are beyond repair gathered together and set alight at nightfall in a spectacular bonfire that is beautiful to watch -- and makes for some amazing photographs to boot.
Avra Valley is a small settlement, known as a census-designated place, in Pima County, about 45 mins out of Tucson, Arizona
Once a year, Avra Valley, Arizona hosts a rather unique event -- the Avra Valley Annual Piano Burn. Organised by a local piano tuner, this event sees pianos that are beyond repair gathered together and set alight at nightfall in a spectacular bonfire that is beautiful to watch -- and makes for some amazing photographs to boot.
Avra Valley is a small settlement, known as a census-designated place, in Pima County, about 45 mins out of Tucson, Arizona. As of the 2010 census, Avra Valley has 6,050 residents. Like much of Arizona, it enjoys beautiful, dry, sunny weather and a fantastic outdoor lifestyle. Its proximity to Tucson provides it with relatively easy access to big city amenities, while retaining the laid-back feeling that comes with living in a small town.
The majority of homes here are owned rather than rented, which will make finding rental housing in Avra Valley a challenge -- though certainly not impossible. Whether you're on the hunt for serviced apartments or a three-bedroom house, allow yourself plenty of time to find what you need. Luckily, the cost of living in Avra Valley is significantly lower than the national median, which is great news for your budget. Be sure you crunch your numbers before you commit to your move; know what you can afford and stick to your budget. Look for rental properties with all-inclusive rental contracts to ensure there are no surprises come time to write that check. Take into account the distinct possibility that you'll have to commute out of town for your job, and leave room in your budget to cover the mileage.
Avra Valley has a range of neighborhoods, from the tiny (less than a dozen residents) to the significant (1200+ residents). Most have views of the mountains and all of them are roomy and blessed with spacious yards. Here's a quick snapshot of some of Avra Valley's neighborhoods, to help you on your way.
Avra Ranchettes: Medium-sized neighborhood, rural location. Most property is owned, but some rental housing is available. Houses are typically affordable but with good amenities and designs, and there is plenty of room to move, with houses quite spread out. Snack Shack and Valley Mart are very close by.
Blanco Estates: Blanco Estates is a medium-sized, rural neighborhood. It has a wide range of home styles and prices available, from small and cozy to large and sprawling. Rental homes in Blanco Estates are priced a bit over the median in Avra Valley, but overall crime rates are somewhat lower than in the rest of Avra Valley, so that could make it worth that extra bit of investment. Just under one fifth of all properties are rental properties so this would be worth checking out.
El Tirador Estates: El Tirador is a medium-sized, rural neighborhood at the lower end of the pricing scale. Almost a third of the properties here are rental housing, and the rental prices here are excellent, so this area is worth a look. Get your shop on at Desert Winds Trading.
Rancho del Sol Lindo: The largest of Avra Valley's neighborhoods. Rurally situated with gorgeous mountain views and lots of space. Property is mostly owned, but this area has about 15% rental housing, which is quite a few homes in a neighborhood this size. Circle S Saloon is nearby, for when you need to get out of the house for a meal.
White Fence Farms: Upmarket area with big, spacious homes. This neighborhood is large and rurally situated. If you're looking for a house with a pool in the back yard, this is the place to look. There is some rental property available, if not a lot.
Located in the desert state of Arizona, Avra Valley enjoys hot, sunny weather for much of the year. The town is located very near the picturesque Picture Rocks, also known as the Redemptorist Renewal Center, a stunning historical site of petroglyphs carved into rock faces. Picture Rocks is well renowned as a spiritual retreat, while simultaneously offering the option of an extensive hike in the Sonoran desert or a walk around the labyrinth, and is a must-see whether you're in Avra Valley for a visit or permanently. Other places to check out during your weekends are the Saguaro National Park, which offers over 91,000 acres of desert ecosystem on display in all its magnificence, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which in 2013 was ranked by TripAdvisor as the # 9 museum world-wide, and offers everything from a zoo to an art gallery and most things in between.
For some true blue desert-style adventure, go for a breakfast horse ride at White Stallion Ranch, just outside Marana -- a desert horse ride with a home cooked breakfast straight after: could there be a better way to start your weekend? Or if you're not feeling quite so energetic, go enjoy the atmosphere and spectacular views at Cayton's Burger Bistro or grab some enchiladas for lunch at La Olla Mexican Cafe. Life in Avra Valley is laid back and relaxed, and the desert has its own characteristic beauty. If you love your days hot and you don't mind sand between your toes, come and make Avra Valley your new home!
