Welcome to Green Valley
Green Valley is a premier retirement and active adult community where the tranquil beauty of Southern Arizona's Sonoran Desert meets exceptional amenities designed for active living. Located just 20 miles south of Tucson on Interstate 19, near the base of the Santa Rita Mountains and along the western side of the Santa Cruz River, Green Valley offers residents an affordable lifestyle in a stunning natural setting that's more lush and verdant than first-time visitors typically expect.
Founded in 1964, Green Valley is a vibrant retirement community and gateway to historic Southern Arizona, attracting active adults and retirees who appreciate the warm climate, laid-back atmosphere, and comprehensive recreational opportunities. The community is uniquely structured around Green Valley Recreation (GVR), a non-profit organization that provides members with access to an extraordinary array of amenities and activities across the entire valley.
What to Love
About 300 days of sunshine annually for year-round outdoor living
More than a dozen recreational facilities offering swimming, fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, and a variety of social and learning options
Championship golf courses and exceptional birding and hiking opportunities in the Santa Rita Mountains
Access to 15 recreation centers with fitness facilities, hobby areas, woodworking shops, and multipurpose meeting rooms
A perfect blend of affordable desert living and comprehensive active adult amenities
Local Lifestyle
Life in Green Valley centers around active engagement and community connection in a spectacular desert setting. Residents can hike or bike along miles of picturesque trails, or explore the depths of underground caverns, all while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Santa Rita Mountains. The community's unique structure allows residents to participate in over 120 clubs and activities, from traditional pursuits like golf and tennis to specialized interests like woodworking, lapidary, and photography.
Green Valley is a bustling retirement community, offering numerous amenities for active seniors, such as public courses like Haven Public Golf Club, Quail Creek Country Club, San Ignacio Golf Club, and Torres Blancas Golf Club. The area's proximity to natural wonders like Madera Canyon, famous for world-class birdwatching, and historic sites like Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, ensures residents have endless opportunities for exploration and learning.
Dining and Shopping
Green Valley's dining scene reflects the area's rich Southwestern heritage while accommodating the sophisticated tastes of its residents. Brindis Bistro has been getting glowing reviews from everyone as a delightfully original Mediterranean/Middle Eastern bistro-style restaurant with their own wood-fired oven where they make Turkish pida and bake their own baklava. Ragazzi Italian Restaurant has proudly been serving the community with the best in Northern Italian Cuisine for over 25 years, featuring superb dishes that have transcended generations.
Local favorites include Findley's Restaurant, 1989 Bake House, Taco Giro, and Mountain View Cafe & Bakery, offering everything from hearty American fare to authentic Mexican cuisine. Manuel's Mexican Restaurant has been consistently good for decades, serving traditional dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and tamales with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Shopping needs are met at Green Valley Village, featuring retailers like Sears, ACE Hardware, several boutique clothing stores, and dining options. The area includes more than 300 shopping, dining, and retail outlets, ensuring residents have convenient access to everything they need without traveling far from home.
Things to Do and Entertainment
Green Valley offers an exceptional array of outdoor and cultural activities that take full advantage of the area's natural beauty and year-round pleasant weather. Outdoor enthusiasts love this place because there is plenty of hiking, cycling, and birdwatching spots in the area. The nearby Madera Canyon is renowned as a world-class birdwatching destination, while Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers cave tours and hiking trails for those seeking adventure.
Golf enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with multiple championship courses throughout the valley. Popular courses include San Ignacio Golf Club, Haven Golf Course, Quail Creek, Canoa Ranch Golf Club, and Torres Blancas Golf Club, each offering unique challenges and stunning desert vistas.
GVR members have access to multiple swimming pools, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, an outdoor amphitheater, community gardens, and picnic areas. The community's social calendar is filled with educational lectures, professional entertainment, fitness classes, and special interest clubs that cater to virtually every hobby and interest.
Beyond recreation, Green Valley serves as a gateway to Southern Arizona's rich cultural heritage, with easy access to historic Tubac, the Mission San Xavier del Bac, and numerous other attractions that showcase the area's fascinating blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences.
