Casas Adobes - Tucson, AZ

Outer Casas Adobes is a subdivision of the unincorporated community of Casas Adobes in Tucson, Arizona, a community that began as a wide spread of land used by cattle ranchers between the early 1900s and 1920s. In 1923, a man named Maurice L. Reid arrived in Tucson in search of a cure-all for tuberculosis. Reid bought an area of ranching land and began farming citrus trees and date palm trees, which served as the humble beginnings of the citrus industry in Tucson.

In the 1940s, a man named Sam Nanini arrived on the scene and oversaw the development of three subdivisions. While there are no museums or art scenes in the immediate community, Casas Adobes Plaza, a shopping center also developed by Sam Nanini in the 1950s, features early Italian sculptures, fountains and statues, as well as an authentic Mediterranean observation tower.

When it comes to dining out and enjoying a fun night on the town, Outer Casas Adobes residents live within minutes of some of the best restaurants and hot spots in Tucson, with several establishments located around the intersection of East Ina Road and North Oracle Road.

When locals are hungry for some tasty American fare, they head over to Wildflower North Oracle Road. This popular eatery serves a nice selection of new American cuisine, with delectable menu items such as grilled grouper and shaved prime rib sandwiches smothered in brie cheese and horseradish aioli. Wildflower also features an outdoor patio with comfortable seating and heat lamps for those cool desert nights.

When you've got a craving for Chinese food, you can't go wrong with China Phoenix Restaurant, also on North Oracle Road. Open seven days a week, with dim sum Saturdays and Sundays, China Phoenix is the place to be when it comes to authentic cuisine served in a friendly and relaxing environment. If you're ready to add a little variety to your palate, signature dishes such as duck feet with oyster sauce and chicken feet with black bean sauce can get you out of your food comfort zone. If you prefer to stick with traditional fare, the chicken chow mein and beef chop suey are top contenders.

For Mexican fare, locals recommend Villa Mexican Food on West Ina Road, a popular establishment that's been in business for over 20 years. Villa Mexican Food patrons keep coming back for more of the authentic Mexican cuisine made with only the freshest ingredients. Popular dishes include the cheese enchiladas smothered with sour cream and served with beans and rice, as well as red peppers served in fresh flour tortillas. Be sure to save room for dessert because you can't leave without indulging in Villa Mexican Food's signature flan.

If you're looking for the perfect night spot to socialize with your best buddies over drinks and appetizers, look no further than the Stadium Grill and Bar on West Orange Grove Road. With a friendly staff, live music, and nightly drink specials, this neighborhood watering hole makes for an enjoyable evening.

Local beer connoisseurs recommend Thunder Canyon Brewery on North La Cholla Boulevard; this popular establishment can serve you the perfect brew. Thunder Canyon pairs handcrafted beers made in its own brewery with signature appetizers created to bring out the flavor in each sip, for a true winning combination. Popular favorites include Catalina chicken fingers breaded with pale ale batter and Brewhouse hot pretzels, complete with house brew mustard and paired with specialty beers such as Fruit Beer, Deep Canyon Amber and Stout.

Walking and biking are common practices within the Casas Adobes community, as the streets are safe for bikers who adhere to the rules of the road, and the neighborhood provides multiple sidewalks and walking trails in adjacent parks. Residents do not hail cabs, and ride services such as Lyft and Uber do not operate legally in Tucson, however, residents and visitors in need of taxi transportation can reserve rides with B. Express Cab Company of Casas Adobes.

Residents of Casas Adobes can park on the street for free in designated areas, but must adhere to the specific times stated on parking enforcement signs. Residents of certain gated communities such as Casas Adobes Terrace are typically not allowed to park on the residential streets within their immediate areas, however, temporary parking permits may be provided in certain situations.

Outside of the immediate community, drivers also utilize standard parking meters throughout Tucson. When traveling outside of the community, drivers access Interstate 10 off West Cortaro Farms Road and State Route 77 for convenient commuting, as well as use Cholla Boulevard, West Orange Grove Road and East Ina Road.

The Oro Valley and Recreation Department oversees multiple parks within the Outer Casas Adobes community that are free to enter and provide multiple amenities. Families often visit Sunset Point Neighborhood Park on North Star Grass Drive, as it features a playground, picnic area and softball fields.

Christopher Columbus Park on North Silverbell Road features a dog run and a beautiful picnic area surrounding a small lake, making it the perfect location for dogs and their owners. Fitness enthusiasts enjoy Meadowbrook Park on West Sandbrook Lane, as it provides amenities such as 0.23 miles of walking paths, basketball courts and a softball field.

Popular annual events include Paint in the Park, a family-friendly event held in Tucson Mountain Park that features painting exhibitions by local artists, as well as Wake Up With the Birds, a guided bird tour through Agua Caliente Park on East River Road.

The cost of living in Outer Casas Adobes exceeds the Tucson average by approximately 6 percent, with an average monthly rental rate of $647 for a one-bedroom residence. Gas prices in the area are approximately 9 percent lower than the national average, and bus fares into the city center range from $0.50 to $2. Outer Casas Adobes residents typically pay around $3 to $5 for domestic or imported beers at the local bars, however, prices can fluctuate.

Outer Casas Adobes residents live within minutes of multiple retailers, grocers and specialty shops located on or around North Oracle Road. When shopping for groceries and household items, locals have several options in the area, including the Walmart Neighborhood Market at the Estrada de Oro Shopping Center, Dollar Tree and Albertsons market, located just off of North Oracle on North La Canada Drive.

For fresh fruits, vegetables, natural cheeses and baked goods, Outer Casas Adobes residents live within close proximity to St. Philip's Plaza Farmer's Market on North Campbell Avenue, as well as Sprouts Farmer's Market on North 1st Avenue.

Local specialty shops include Sia Botanics, an innovative skincare retailer specializing in organic skincare products such as facial creams, anti-aging serums and natural soaps. For affordable and stylish couture, locals recommend Fresh Produce, a women's boutique in Casas Adobes Plaza, also on North Oracle Road. Fresh Produce specializes in unique, comfortable fashions designed to flatter and enhance all types of figures.

For high-end apparel and merchandise, local shoppers often take a short trip west into the Catalina Foothills community and visit the La Encantada shopping plaza on East Skyline Drive. With lovely architecture, an exclusive wine lounge and high-value retailers such as Coach, specializing in upscale handbags and accessories, Brooks Brothers Menswear and Kate Spade New York, specializing in high-end fashions, a shopping day at La Encantada is a truly enchanting experience.