Living in 85746 - Tucson, Arizona

The Complete Guide to 85746 - Tucson, AZ

The 85746 zip code covers the Drexel Heights area of southwest Tucson. This is one of the more affordable sections of the Tucson metro with a mix of ranch homes, manufactured housing, and some newer subdivisions. The area sits between the I-19 corridor and the Tucson Mountains. Tucson Estates, a large community on the western edge, has a community center and golf course. Valencia Road is the main commercial corridor. San Xavier del Bac Mission is accessible to the east. The neighborhood has a working-class character with a strong community identity. Sunnyside Unified School District serves the area. For first-time buyers and families looking for affordable housing in the Tucson area, Drexel Heights and surrounding neighborhoods are solid options.

The 85746 zip code falls within Tucson in Pima County, covering a population of approximately 42,000 residents. The median age of 30 reflects a younger, more transient population base that may include students, young professionals, and young families.

Housing in 85746 spans a median home price of $260K, with median rental rates sitting at $1,050 per month. The relatively affordable rent-to-income ratio makes this zip code particularly appealing for renters who want access to Tucson's amenities without the premium pricing found in adjacent areas. School-age families in 85746 are primarily served by Sunnyside Unified School District (rated C+), which provide solid educational foundations with a range of program options.

Real Estate Market in 85746

ZIP 85746 carries a $260K median, below Tucson's $320K city median - which flags this as a value zone within the city where your dollar stretches further. ZIP-level pace data is not published at this granularity; the city and county pages carry the latest verified pace figures for the broader market.

The rent-versus-buy math in 85746 is worth examining. At $1,050 monthly rent and a 4.8% annual rent-to-price ratio, an illustrative mortgage payment of roughly $1,315/month (principal and interest, assuming 20% down at a 6.5% 30-year fixed rate) runs higher than renting, which is typical for appreciating markets where buyers are paying for future equity growth rather than immediate cash flow savings. The median age of 30 in this zip skews young, meaning higher turnover and more inventory cycling through the market - good for buyers who want options.

School Districts Serving 85746

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