Acacia Trails Marana, AZ

Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino established the Mission San Xavier del Bac west of Tucson in 1700. A separate settlement was soon founded downstream from the Santa Cruz River, near what is now the Acacia Trails neighborhood. Hugh O'Conor, Tucson’s founding father, authorized the construction of a military fort near Acacia Trails’ western border in 1775. In 1885, the state founded the University of Arizona, further aiding the growth of the area. The rise of agriculture on Tucson’s outskirts during the latter half of the 20th century also contributed to Acacia Trail’s growth.

Acacia Trails lacks museums or an art scene, but you can visit nearby Pima Community College’s West Campus to enjoy many cultural opportunities. The college’s Center for the Arts complex hosts dance and theater performances from students and outside troops. Or, stroll through the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery to admire pieces from regional, national and international contemporary artists.

Acacia Trails’ location away from Tucson’s urban core means it has the feel of being somewhat remote. You won't find many restaurants here; however, residents can enjoy good quality dining at a few great locations. Slice into a porterhouse, t-bone or ribeye steak at Lil Abner’s Steakhouse for hearty food in a rustic setting. Once operated as a stagecoach shop, Lil Abner’s huge portions, cold beer and live country music make for a classic Tucson experience.

Tucson’s Mexican food rivals the nation’s best. Like most neighborhoods, Acacia Trails’ proffers appealing Mexican options for when the craving strikes. Las Ollas Mexican Café serves Sonoran classics with a unique twist. Head here for carne seca or fish tacos, served with fresh guacamole. Las Ollas offers several discount menus, including a happy hour menu and a “recession buster” menu with rock bottom prices.

If you wake up craving delectable breakfast fare, stop by Bisbee Breakfast Club. Fill up on breakfast specialties including huevos rancheros, baked oatmeal and breakfast burritos the size of a baby. Don’t leave without snagging a sticky bun or slice of cream pie: customers rave about the restaurant’s bakery items.

Acacia Trails residents typically drive to greater Tucson for an evening out; the neighborhood’s bar options are minimal. If you want to stick close to the neighborhood, head to The Station Pub and Grille. The slightly upscale atmosphere and great drink specials keep its chairs filled. Catch a game on one of the bar’s many TV screens, or rock out with the Station’s live music, DJ and karaoke.

While primarily a Vietnamese restaurant, the bar at Miss Saigon Bar and Grill pours innovative cocktails. Sip their "Antioxidant Intoxicant," a frozen blend drink of pomegranate vodka, guava juice and tapioca pearls. The bar entices patrons with live music on weekends.

You can most easily navigate Acacia Trails by car or bicycle. You will not need to pay for a parking spot, and most businesses in the neighborhood have parking lots. Drive less than 5 minutes east, and you can access Interstate 10, a major Tucson freeway great for reaching downtown or heading to Phoenix. If you would rather not drive, Tucson’s Sun Tran offers one bus route — Route 411 — through Acacia Trails, though service can be inconsistent. You can also choose to have someone else drive: several local taxi companies serve the Tucson area, including Acacia Trails. Summon an Uber for another option; now available in Tucson.

If you favor emission free transit, grab your helmet and hop on your bike. Tucson loves cycling, and signs advising drivers to share the road with cyclists adorn the roads here. Acacia Trails' natural beauty makes for a gorgeous ride. However, cycle carefully; there are no bike-only lanes here, and traffic on Acacia Trail’s major arterial roads can be heavy.

Acacia Trails encompasses two lovely parks, both of which welcome children and allow dogs on leashes. In fact, Crossroads at Silverbell District Park houses a dog park for the four-legged residents of Acacia Trails to enjoy. Human visitors can burn off energy on the park’s soccer and baseball fields or borrow a book from the park’s public library. Covered play structures and picnic areas provide respite from Tucson’s strong sun. Use of Crossroads at Silverbell District Park remains free. Saguaro National Park protects the saguaro, the nation's largest cacti and a striking feature of Tucson’s landscape. To view these impressive plants up close, visit Saguaro National Park, which borders Acacia Trails. You can hike the park’s extensive trail system, which offers options for all ages and skill levels, or attend a nature talk to learn more about the saguaros and their ecosystem. Park visitors must purchase a daily or weekly park pass.

The beauty and remoteness of Acacia Trails comes at a price: cost of living here outpaces that of greater Tucson. Rent in the neighborhood, which averages $904 for a one-bedroom unit, surpasses rates found elsewhere in Tucson by around 30 percent. A beer will set you back about $3, which remains in line with Tucson prices. Gas prices in Tucson please residents at roughly 8 percent below the national average, and bus fare from Starr Pass to Tucson’s center costs $1.50.

Shopping opportunities pop up sporadically throughout Acacia Trails, except for Arizona Pavilions Shopping Center, which houses several national retail chains in one concentrated spot.

For all your cycling needs, stop by HMS Bikes. Here you can rent or buy a bike, or also get some accessories or repair items.

Grocery options in Acacia Trails include a Fry’s and Costco. The nearby town of Marana, a 15-minute drive from Acacia Trails, hosts a farmers market offering fresh produce from local growers.