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Rio Rico, AZ

Population: 18,589
livability score shield 63

Key findings

  • Rio Rico has a Livability Score of 63/100, which is considered below average
  • Rio Rico crime rates are 31% higher than the Arizona average
  • Cost of living in Rio Rico is 7% lower than the Arizona average
  • Rio Rico real estate prices are 31% lower than the Arizona average
  • Rental prices in Rio Rico are 13% lower than the Arizona average

Best Places to Live in and Around Rio Rico

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Compare Rio Rico, AZ Livability

      vs

      What do the locals think about Rio Rico?

      67%Family friendly 0%Public transit is accessible 8%Walkable to grocery stores 25%Yards are well-kept 0%Lots of parks 17%Walkable to restaurants 42%Friendly neighbors 50%Safe at night 67%Pet friendly 8%Streets have sidewalks 75%A quiet area 42%Sense of community
      Based on 12 votes from AreaVibes users. See all Rio Rico poll results.

      Rio Rico Real estate & Rental prices

      See Rio Rico real estate or rentals

      Rio Rico Demographics

      Population18,589 Median Age32.5 Have Kids (under 18)59%
      See more Rio Rico demographic data

      Top Rated Schools in Rio Rico

      Name Grades Students Proficiency
      Coatimundi Middle School6 - 8390n/a
      Mountain View SchoolKG - 5369n/a
      San Cayetano Elementary SchoolPK - 5505n/a
      Calabasas SchoolPK - 8840n/a
      Rio Rico High School9 - 121,134n/a
      Pcjted - Rio Rico High School9 - 12n/an/a
      See all Rio Rico schools

      The best places in Arizona

      Here are the best places to live in ArizonaSee the best places to live in & around Rio RicoTop 10 cities in Arizona with the best education systemThese are the 10 most affordable cities in Arizona

      Rio Rico Reviews

      Write a review about Rio Rico Tell people what you like or don't like about Rio Rico…
      Rio Rico, AZ- Excellent Place to Live
      Attractions10/10
      Community10/10
      Nightlife6/10
      Dining9/10
      Shopping9/10
      Best decision I made 30 years ago was to move to Rio Rico, AZ. I grew up back east and the winters can be brutal. Now I get to enjoy good winter weather and summers while hot often bring rains to liven up the surrounding desert. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets are part of life in this unique part of Arizona.

      Rio Rico and the surrounding areas have lots of history, cultural diversity and can't be beat. We have lakes, bird watching, dark skies to view the stars, local wineries and plenty of open spaces.

      Housing is affordable and you can purchase land at excellent prices.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Mar 27, 2019
      0 0
      You must see it to believe it
      Attractions10/10
      Community10/10
      Nightlife4/10
      Dining7/10
      Shopping9/10
      Rio Rico definitely is a small town, but it is one well worth checking out. With elevations from 3500' to 4000', we have some of the best year-round temperatures in the state. Nestled among several mountain ranges, the scenery is amazing, and, during monsoons season, the area is greener than you'd ever imagine a desert could get. As we have plenty of open space, there is still the wildlife you'd expect to see in the Sonoran desert.

      If you are into nightclubs and fancy restaurants, Tucson is only an hour away. The Sonoita/Elgin wine country is less than an hour's drive away as well. We have several nice restaurants, but our nightlife is star-gazing and listening to the coyotes howl, rather than partying at a club. Tubac offers great shopping, art galleries, events, etc. and is only 10 minutes away.

      We are a small, close and diverse community where your kids can still go out after dark or play in the front yard. Housing is incredibly affordable, which is why many people retire to the area. And, yes, we are near the border, which makes going across the line to shop, eat, go to the dentist, etc., very easy. And it is the safest place I've ever lived!
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Mar 04, 2019
      1 0
      Rural to Small Town Living with a "Close to the Border" Twist
      Attractions5/10
      Community5/10
      Nightlife4/10
      Dining5/10
      Shopping3/10
      Sigh. I just read a Rio Rico review that must have been written by someone eager to sell property. I have lived here for over 11 years, after moving from Tucson. I am glad I moved, because I sought more space and privacy, and a lower cost of living. Let me also add that I grew up in the Southwestern United States. The mountain views here can be beautiful, there is still plenty of peace and quiet available, and living is relatively inexpensive. Many lots are larger so that even when this sparsely developed area becomes more developed, there will still be some breathing room, and space for wildlife. However, I would hardly call living here luxurious, unless one spends all one's time in nearby Tubac and its resorts, or builds a mini palace. Rio Rico's population is about 20,000, and it has the expected amenities for a town that size: a small supermarket, a small pharmacy, a few restaurants and bars, a vet, a health clinic, an auto shop, and other basic services. It's just rural to small town living with a "close to the border" twist. The housing and job market here was terribly depressed by the economic downturn in 2008, and it took a decade for the area's livelihood to return. Those considering relocation here should also realize that if you are not Hispanic, you will be the minority in this county.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Sep 23, 2018
      1 0
      Relax in Rio Rico
      Attractions10/10
      Community8/10
      Nightlife7/10
      Dining7/10
      Shopping9/10
      Rio Rico Arizona is a unique place. While maintaining the beauty of the land, this city is known for its luxurious qualities. I love that you can experience a royal lifestyle while soaking in the simplicity of the local land. It is like living a resort lifestyle. Homes in this city are highly sought after because of Rio Rico's atmosphere and proximity to Mexico.

      The food in the area is a must try and even attracts those from bigger cities. After enjoying some legendary food, I suggest that horseback riding or even visiting a local park is on the list. Anything that you need can be found in this city.

      I love the simplicity of Rio Rico Arizona. This is a beautiful location and maintains the relaxing type of lifestyle. Although it is not ideal for a family with young children, it may be a choice along with those who want to slow down and enjoy that there is simplicity in their lives.
      • Anonymous
      • May 10, 2018
      1 -3
      Source: The Rio Rico, AZ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the 2016 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
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