Marana - "tangle" in Spanish - is a place where scenic beauty, fresh air and outdoor recreation are intertwined.
Named from the Spanish word that means ‘tangle’ inspired by the bushes workers had to hack their way through while building the railroad - ironically the name now lends itself to what how wonderful it is! Located about thirty miles north of Tucson, Marana summers are hot, and winters are warm, so don't move to Marana unless you love shorts and sandals! The most precipitation actually occurs in August, so expect to feel dried out for most of the year. In fact, Marana is one of the driest places in the U.S., averaging only 23 precipitation days per year. If you're looking for never-ending nightlife, then Marana might not be the first to look for a new home.
Finding an Apartment in Marana
Marana has a very high vacancy rate in most areas, approaching 20 percent in some parts of the city--probably because the heat is not for the faint of heart. Feel free to negotiate on the price, even if you have no trouble finding something in your price range. With this high of a vacancy rate, you could get a good deal just for asking - here's a place where you can practice those bargaining skills.
Bring a notebook or folder along with everything needed to apply for an apartment, such as credit history, employment and salary history, and any rental references that you might have. Also bring along pet records if you have any critters living with you, and don't forget your checkbook in case you need to double down on a place right then and there.
Neighborhoods in Marana
Avra Valley: Composed of small to medium homes and mobile homes, housing for rent is easy to find here. As a middle income neighborhood, you can take your time looking for the best places to live in.
Naviska: Rents are high here and vacancies are still at about 20 percent. Homes are a mix of medium-to-small houses and townhouses with a mix of renters and owners. The high vacancies mean that your search in this quiet, peaceful neighborhood will not last long. For those who have a hard time waiting, a hunt in this neighborhood is ideal!
Town Center: Medium to small sized houses and mobile homes are in Town Center, and rents are reasonable, if slightly higher than in the Avra Valley area. One plus for this neighborhood is that most homes are newer, complete with updated plumbing, appliances, and electric - who doesn't love a "turn-key" home?
N Casa Grande Highway / West Camino De Manana: This is a great area to live in. Mostly single family homes, in a medium-to-large size can be found here. The vacancy level is still fairly high (13 percent), but not as high as the rest of the city, so make sure you sign on the dotted line when you find something you want.
North Silverbell Road / West Sunset Road: The lowest vacancy rate in Marana can be found here, and the buildings are a mix of medium to large single-family homes along with some mobile homes and condos. You'll find the highest rents in the city here, so if lower price is a consideration you may want avoid falling in love with anything here.
West Pima Farms Road: A wealthy, stable neighborhood, with medium sized housing along with apartment buildings. This is a great place to look for apartments for rent. It has a ten percent vacancy rate. "Honey, I'm home!"
Life in Marana, AZ
Most of the housing in Marana is fairly new, with the majority built after 2000. This is a plus for renters, because it means up to date housing and appliances. The high vacancy rate in Marana means that you can take your time looking for housing and pick and choose from the selection, there's definitely no need to settle. Make those vacancy rates work for you and negotiate on the price when you do find the home of your dreams! You're in Arizona, so the weather is going to be hot and dry all year, so make sure not to forget the sunscreen. Marana is a tranquil place to live, but still close enough to Phoenix and Tucson if you're yearning for the nightlife. Thankfully, you'll be waking up in peaceful Marana the next morning when you need to recover.
Commuting to work
Marana is not a walking city, especially not with the hot Arizona sun beating down on your neck. Most residents have their own vehicles, so commuting to either Phoenix or Tucson is not a problem when living in Marana. You can take public transportation to Tucson if you're willing to brave the trek, since a weekday rush hour service and local "Sun Shuttle" are available.
