Oro Valley 81 Exceptional
Oro Valley Livability #3 ranked city in Arizona#1,103 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Oro Valley

PROS
  • Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

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What's it like Living in Oro Valley?

Oro Valley, Arizona is a mid-sized city with a population of 45,303 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Oro Valley is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The Oro Valley population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 54, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Oro Valley is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Oro Valley, Arizona could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Oro Valley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.

The livability score in Oro Valley is 78/100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. This is a great score, as Oro Valley ranks well in multiple categories! Oro Valley is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Oro Valley ranks very well for crime (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Oro Valley does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Oro Valley shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 33 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Oro Valley, the unemployment rate stands at 2.35%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Oro Valley schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 71%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Oro Valley an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Oro Valley has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Oro Valley is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Oro Valley come in at $330,400, which is 86.8% higher than the Arizona average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oro Valley, the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 8.6% higher than the Arizona average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Oro Valley

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Compare Oro Valley, AZ Livability

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      Oro Valley transportation information

      Statistic Oro Valley Arizona National
      Average one way commute27min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.3%76.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.8%10.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%2.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%2.0%2.8%
      Working from home11.7%5.7%4.6%
      Source: The Oro Valley, AZ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).