Drexel Heights/Valencia West - Tucson, AZ Area Guide

The area carries the same name as Saint Katharine Drexel. She was an American heiress and philanthropist who joined the Sisters of Mercy convent in 1889. Her mission was to help impoverished black and Native Americans across the United States.

The Old Pueblo Archeology Center sits just north of the neighborhood. The museum strives to educated citizens about the importance of archeology and understanding the culture of civilizations that have passed. To the east of the neighborhood, The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum hosts an annual rodeo parade that dates back to 1925. The rodeo holds a reputation as world’s largest non-motorized parade.

Residents have access to several restaurants in the neighborhood and find no need to travel outside the area for a good meal. Locate most of the dining options along the Interstate 19 corridor and Valencia Road. Tania's Flour Tortillas and Mexican Food serves as the neighborhood go-to spot for great Mexican food. Fresh-made tortillas make for mouth-watering burritos and enchiladas. When you need a hefty breakfast to keep you going through the day, stop by for one of the breakfast burritos. Get the Machaca, which has a little bit of everything stuffed inside. The Little Mexico Steakhouse also serves great breakfast burritos, but they stand out for their excellent authentic Mexican dinner plates. Try the Little Mexico Combo, which comes with a cheese enchilada, a shredded beef taco, a red chile tamale, a chile relleno, and a generous serving of beans and rice. Round out your meal with a house margarita from the full bar. The restaurant opens every day, except Tuesdays, at 7 a.m. Another great Mexican food option, Casa Valencia, sits on west Valencia Road near the Mission Road intersection. The family-owned restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes, but they excel at their seafood combinations. When really hungry, grab the Molcohete, a tasty combination of chicken, beef, and shrimp mixed with nopales and cheese in a tomatillo sauce. The dish could serve two, so make sure you come with a friend or a healthy appetite. The Lazy V Saloon sits in the center of the neighborhood and provides residents with a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a few drinks. When you need a night out on the town, head west to the Casino Del Sol Resort. The large casino and resort contains five bars and six great restaurants.

Streets within the neighborhood have wide shoulders, but no sidewalks. Dim streets can make walking here at night a bit dodgy, so make sure to walk with a partner. Tucson remains generally considered bicycle friendly, and major thoroughfares within the neighborhood reflect that with dedicated bike lanes. Miles of trails along the Santa Cruz River make walking and bicycling safe between the neighborhood and Santa Cruz River Park.

Drexel Heights and Valencia West residents can easily access state route 86, which runs through the south portion of Tucson from east to west. They typically choose Interstate 19 for traveling north to the Tucson city center, or south to Nogales and Mexico. Commuters often choose their personal vehicles for everyday transportation, but public transportation can be a valid option with numerous bus stops along west Valencia Road and west Irvington Road. Don't plan on hailing a cab street-side here; if you decide you don’t want to drive, use your smartphone to request an Uber or Lyft ride.

Drexel Heights and Valencia West have several neighborhood parks. Most feature playgrounds and picnic areas. The largest of the parks, Winston Reynolds - Manzanita District Park, features two playgrounds. The park also contains lighted basketball and baseball fields, a soccer/football practice field, two tennis courts and two volleyball courts. Residents can reserve three of the six ramadas on the grounds, which come with four tables and a grill. The parks remain dog friendly, but pets must be on-leash at all times.

The cost of living in Drexel Heights or Valencia West lands approximately 4 percent below the national average and 2 percent lower than the Tucson average. Housing comes particularly affordable in the area, running 23 percent lower than the national average. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $554.

If commuting to Tucson via bus, expect a commute time of approximately 90 minutes. One-way fare on the Sun-Tran system costs approximately $1.50. Gas prices in Tucson trail the national average by 10 percent. You can expect to pay around $4.50 for a pint of beer at local bars and restaurants.

Everyday shopping can be done at the Safeway or Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on the corner of west Valencia Road and south Cardinal Avenue. A Wal-Mart Super Center resides on the east side of the neighborhood on West Valencia Road and south Midvale Park Road. Residents need to travel north to downtown Tucson to buy fresh produce at the Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market. The market sets up every Thursday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Arid Lands Greenhouses stocks a large variety of succulents and cacti that make a great addition to xeriscaped lawn. The owners have traveled extensively throughout desert lands to perfect their skills and knowledge on the plants that they sell. Store hours vary with the season, and the shop closes on Mondays and Thursdays.

Tucson Mineral and Gem World has been operating from the same location since 1968. The shop specialized in rocks and minerals from Arizona. They also provide education about the items in their stores for schools, hobbyists and collectors.

High-end shoppers have to travel 15 miles north to the Tucson Mall to find stores such as Macy’s and Dillards. A Nordstrom Rack location sits across the street to the south of the mall as well.