Blankets of wildflowers cover the foothills of the Catalina Mountains as early as February along the eastern edge of Catalina. The Arizona community tucks against the western edge of the mountains with hiking trails leading into a national forest where you'll see wildlife as diverse as black bear, bighorn sheep and mountain lion, oh my!
Catalina is an unincorporated community 14 miles north of Tucson in southern Arizona
Blankets of wildflowers cover the foothills of the Catalina Mountains as early as February along the eastern edge of Catalina. The Arizona community tucks against the western edge of the mountains with hiking trails leading into a national forest where you'll see wildlife as diverse as black bear, bighorn sheep and mountain lion, oh my!
Catalina is an unincorporated community 14 miles north of Tucson in southern Arizona. The community lies adjacent to the Coronado National Forest, but if you're picturing pine trees in your mind, think again. The 3,122 foot elevation is home to mesquite bosques and lush high desert. Summer temperatures are milder than many low desert areas of Arizona. Daytime heat stays right around 100 degrees in the hottest month of July, with nights dipping down as low as 70 degrees. You'll be hard-pressed to find a snowflake in Catalina during the winter. If you do, it will disappear in the blink of an eye. Winter days are usually suited for taking a hike in the national forest in temperatures that hover around 60 degrees. Once a rural area, new development in the 14-square mile community has Catalina's population density around 550 people per square mile.
The majority of homes are free-standing single family homes, but you'll find mobile homes, duplexes, 3 bedroom apartments and two bedroom apartments in Catalina as well. Start your search up to six months in advance as rental property turnover is low. You'll find the largest selection when looking for a house rent during the summer months when winter visitors have left the area. Contact a property management company three to six months in advance to get a feel for when a rental that suits your needs may be available. Homes for rent are leased on a first-come, first-served basis so submit an application early to avoid losing out to another tenant. Be prepared to provide proof of income, two forms of identification and some good references.
Catalina can be roughly divided into four main poles consisting of the Northwest, Northeast, Central and Southern portions of the city. Luckily each area has several different neighborhoods within it, so you should have plenty of options when searching for the perfect place to call home.
Northwest Catalina
Bonanza Heights: Set in the far northwest corner of Catalina along the western side of Oracle Road, this neighborhood consists of commercial buildings with a few single family homes tucked into the desert along dirt roads. Bonanza Heights is home to 77 north Marketplace which hosts a weekly Farmers Market.
Frenorda Haven Estates: This neighborhood consists of about 20 mobile and freestanding homes situated on dirt cul-de-sacs in the northwestern part of Catalina.
Lariat Estates: Directly west of Frenorda Haven Estates, Lariat Estates consist of single family homes and mobile homes on large desert lots with mature foliage.
The Lariat Estates: This neighborhood sits just to the east of the Catalina Neighborhood Park and Recreation where you'll find swimming, fitness and tennis facilities. Homes are single family homes on desert lots.
Northeast Catalina
Miraval Blocks: Just behind the Miraval Resort, this neighborhood of luxury homes has million dollar views of the mountains with price tags to match. The resort has private villas for rent or purchase. Other homes in the neighborhood have five or more bedrooms and square footage in the 4,000 to 6,000 range.
Mountain Vista Estates: This neighborhood of single family homes sits on lots of one acre or more. Homes in this area were mostly constructed in the 1990s or later and have three to four bedrooms with sizes exceeding 2,000 square feet. The neighborhood has a desert feel and some homes have equestrian setups.
Oro Heights: This neighborhood lies west of Mountain Vista Estates. Mature mesquite trees and other drought-tolerant foliage give this neighborhood the feeling of living in a mesquite bosque. Lots exceed one acre in size and the single family homes were primarily built between 1970 and 1990.
Samaniego Estates: Situated directly south of Oro Heights, Samaniego Estates is similar in housing and lot size to Oro Heights. Horses and other livestock are kept by some residents in this neighborhood.
Central Catalina
Twin Lakes: In the heart of Catalina just south of Mainsail Boulevard, Twin Lakes has a urban city feel. Homes are set on lots less than .25 acre with paved streets, water and sewer to all homes.
Twin Lakes Mobile Estates: Southwest of Twin Lakes, Twin Lakes Mobile Estates has mobile homes set on large lots with horse privileges.
Rail Ranch: On the west side of Oracle Valley Road, these one acre and larger properties are tucked in among the mesquites and natural desert. Most properties are fenced for dogs or horses.
Vista Las Catalinas: This neighborhood is just behind the commercial businesses on Oracle Road. Lots are .25 to .5 acres in size. Homes include single and double wide mobile homes and freestanding houses about 1,000 square feet in size.
Golder Ranch Commercial Center: Set at the corner of Oracle Road and Hawser Street, Golder Ranch Commercial Center is where you'll find groceries, banking, haircuts and restaurants. The land behind the commercial center itself has just a few free-standing homes about 1,500 square feet in size tucked into the mesquite desert, some down dirt roads.
South Catalina
Ranch Acres Estates: Against the western boundary of Catalina Regional Park, lies this neighborhood which features horse-friendly acreage with homes and mobile homes in a mesquite bosque.
Chaparral Acres: Rectangular acres with horse set-ups feature homes between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet.
Black Horse: Just north of Chaparral Acres, you'll find rental homes in this neighborhood with four to five bedrooms and more than 2,000 square feet.
Garden of Eden: Immediately north of Black Horse, spacious homes on large landscaped lots are sized at 2,000 square feet or more. Most homes are landscaped with desert-friendly plants and do not have fencing.
Except for neighborhoods lying adjacent to Oracle Road, expect to drive your car up to 7 miles to get to grocery stores, the bank and other commercial services. Public transit runs down Oracle Road, connecting to routes in the city of Tucson. Catalina Regional Park stretches along the eastern side of the community, providing trails for hiking and access to the Coronado National Forest perfect for the outdoor types!
