Sahuarita

HISTORY

This small community began as a ranch. Its name comes from the Spanish word meaning "little Sahuaro cactus." In the early days, Sahuarita served as a stagecoach stop, and then became a station for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The town has a good school system, a low crime rate, and easy access to Tucson. A growing number of master planned communities are near Sahuarita, including Rancho Sahuarita, Quail Creek and Madera Highlands.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Home of the Santa Cruz Valley Pecan Company, the world's largest pecan grove, Sahuarita is on the verge of a growth spurt. Several new businesses have already located to the Quorum Business Park, including a 60-unit Holiday Inn Express. The majority of residents travel to Tucson or nearby Green Valley for employment, shopping and services.

STATISTICS

• Population: 7,425
• Incorporated: 1994
• County: Pima
• Elevation: 2,844
• Total Area: 15.2 square miles
• Average July High: 101
• Average January Low: 31
• Average Yearly Precipitation: 10.62 inches
• Median Household Income: $53,194
• Median Age: 38
• City Sales Tax: 2.0%
• Cable Internet Service: Yes
• Fiber Optics: No
• (information current as of 6/2004)

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Sahuarita is best place in Arizona to pick up delicious pecans and learn about the local pecan grove, the largest one in the world. Madera Canyon, not far away, is a great place for hiking and bird watching. Many people from Green Valley and Tucson go to Sahuarita each year to enjoy the Barbershop Harmony Annual Show and the Annual Sahuarita Lake Triathlon.