Tubac : Arizona

Tubac Arizona is an ancient Spanish presidio, or fort, that is now a working artists' community. Tubac was one of the first stops on the Camino Real, the Royal Road from Mexico to its settlements in California. This community in the high desert of Arizona is extremely scenic and offers exceptional recreational opportunities. The streets of the town are lined with old adobe homes and many interesting shops.

There are several good restaurants here, even though the town has only 1,200 people (but growing at 25%). There is a community center and a small library. Outdoor activities like golf, birding, hiking, and mountain biking are world class. Peña Blanca Lake is about 30 miles away. The Tubac Festival of the Arts is an annual affair that is not to be missed.  Tubac is located in Santa Cruz County. Photo of St. Anne's courtesy of Frederick D. Nichols in the public domain. Antique map of Tubac in the publich domain.

Here is a practical mini-guide to Arizona retirement

There are several active adult communities in the affluent Tubac area. They tend to be upscale and expensive, reflecting the desirability of living in this idyllic community. All the homes are in the southwestern adobe style. At 62, the median age of the population is older than in most places (indicating it is a popular retirement location). As of mid 2014, the median list price of a home varied between $150,000 and $300,000 (due to the small size of this community, any reporting is quite volatile).  Zillow reported the median list price was $380,916 in early 2021.

Working Artists Colony. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Tumacacori National Historical Park. Historic old Town. More than 30 art galleries and working studios. Tubac Festival of the Arts. Gateway to the mountains and Mexico. World class birding. Excellent golf is available at the Tubac Golf Resort and The Rio Rico Resort

The summer heat is oppressive, even at 3800 feet. Other than Tucson, it is very far away from the rest of the U.S. It is a very small town and the average age is old. Unemployment is very high.