Homes for Sale In Gladden Farms, Marana AZ

Scenic Gladden Farms, Marana AZ, is located about 20 miles north of downtown Tucson, a few minutes drive west of I-10 and Tangerine Farms Road. Tangerine Farms Road connects with Tangerine Road at I-10.  (Intersection of I-10 and Tangerine) 

Residents and visitors enjoy a short 5 minute drive along beautifully maintained medians, spacious bike lanes, and cultivated walkways.  The entire roadway is well lit, and kept impeccably landscaped.

Gladden Farms, Marana AZ, is a master-planned community.  (A master-planned community is a development built according to plan specifications that includes homes, apartments, commercial buildings, educational facilities, and community parks, etc) 

Low pricing on single family residences in the area present a wonderful opportunity for home buyers. It's easy to fall in love with the beauty of the area. New homes are being built, parks are being improved, future expansion and development areas are being planned.

Community living is prime.  All in all, there are over 35 acres of lush greenbelts and parks, criss-crossed with 5 miles of paved biking and walking paths, smooth enough for rollerblading, wide enough for wagons and strollers!  Greenbelts are huge - play a game of soccer, football, catch, tag with your dog, or set up a blanket and picnic!  It's a community for adults, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, bicyclists, and families!

You can read more about the master planned community of Gladden Farms below:

Part 1 of A Pictorial Walk Along the Pathways of Gladden Farms features a sampling of photos covering five miles of trails that criss-cross over 35 acres of greenbelts, gardens, parks, orchards, and pathways.

Part 2 of A Pictorial Walk Along the Pathways of Gladden Farms takes you through the eyes of a child, photographing some of the many parks and fun things for children and families to enjoy in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ.

Part 3 of A Pictorial Walk Along the Pathways of Gladden Farms will show you that living in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ isn’t just for children.  I’m also going to briefly describe some of the community amenities within a half mile, as the crow flies.  Gladden Farms, Marana AZ is truly an up-and-coming community, a great investment in yourself, your family, and your pocketbook!

Looking for three bedroom homes for sale in Gladden Farms?  Follow this link to learn more about housing for sale and new construction opportunities.  Here's a link to my own premier listing! Always remember to take a buyer's agent along when visiting a new home site.  Site agents work for the seller, and there is no discount for you to show up un-represented.  Call today for more information about new construction homes for sale in Marana and Gladden Farms!

Upcoming 2012 Marana and Gladden Farms Events

Upcoming 2012 Marana and Gladden Farms Events

Movie in the Park at Gladden Farms

December 7, 2012 6:00 movie start

Stonegate Park

Showing:  Elf

Provided:  Free hot chocolate and popcorn.  Bring your chairs and blankets for a great evening under the stars!

Holiday Display Contest at Gladden Farms

The HOA is taking votes for the best decorated homes in Gladden Farms from December 3 to December 20, 2012.  One vote per household.  Cast online at http://www.gfcalifestyle.com/ by going to eforms or by calling the Association office at 682-1357.

Town of Marana Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting

December  1, 2012 4-8 pm 

Marana Municipal Complex.

Tree lighting at 5:45 with the Mayor 

Provided:  Local performers, Vendors, Hot Air Balloon Glow weather permitting, Cocoa, Cookies, Kids crafts and Mrs. And Mrs. Santa Claus

Koats for Kids, Food for Families to benefit Marana Youth and Families 

Ongoing Drop off locations: Arizona Youth Partnership, Marana Health Center, Marana Community Center, Marana Park & Recreation, Marana Municipal Bldg

Sponsored by Arizona Youth Partnership Teen Outreach Program 

For more information http://www.azyp.org/

Have a Marana VOICE!  Your chance to vote:

Heritage River Park is expanding

The Town of Marana has recently purchased 28 acres

Take a survey to tell them what you would like to see at Marana Heritage River Park http://maranaheritagepark.questionpro.com/

Winter Fitness

Join the Pima Aquatic Club – year round swim team for ages 5 and up

5 pm. To 7 p.m. at Wade McLane Pool by the Marana High School

12000 W. Emigh Road at the Marana High School

Contact Bruce Rock for more information PACBruce@live.com or 520-837-9275.

Lose weight with your Gladden Farms Neighbors!

Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

 Call Debra for more information 579-1710. 

Free support group. Check the group out on Facebook…just search Lite N UP.  

Marana Farmer’s Market

Ongoing:  Tuesdays from  3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

13395 N. Marana Main Street.

2031 N Meteorite Trail, Sun City Oro Valley Active Adult Community Home

2031 N Meteorite: Click to see lots of photos!

Welcome home to this well-loved Santa Cruz model located in beautiful, Sun City Oro Valley.  This is an active adult community with most residents 45+, and no permanent guests under 19.

The home is loaded with distinctive features from the wood flooring, remodeled and updated
kitchen, to backyard laden with citrus. You'll enjoy the open floor plan with airy space in both the combination dining/living room areas, and the great room/eat in kitchen/kitchen area. There is no carpeting in this home!

Upgrades in the past four years include all new kitchen appliances, hardwood and staggered tile flooring,  fans in garage, garage cabinetry, air conditioner, hot water heater, garage door opener. Guests can enjoy their own private, split-bedroom plan with nearby guest bath.  The Murphy bed and combination desk and drawer system stay with the home.

Enjoy your covered back patio, with wide privacy belt on this generous lot of .19 acres.  Professional landscaping includes drip system and Tangerine, Navel Orange, Grapefruit and Fig trees.  I love the Santa Catalina views from the sides and front of the home.

If you'd like to see this home, please contact me at Cara@SWDesertHomes.com or 520-909-2988 (text or call)

Additional furnishings are available through separate invoice.

Affordably priced at $222,900

Snail Mail or Email - What's in Your Business Plan?

Snail Mail or Email - What's in Your Business Plan?

We get a LOT of junk mail.  Our in-boxes are filled with spam and flyers and advertisements on a daily basis. For those of us more techno-savvy- there are filters and auto-generated disbursement into folders, but the general public - well we get it all in one plain online mailbox.

And then there's the good ole US Mail.  Our mail boxes are filled with newspaper flyers, credit card solicitations, and BILLS!  And…lately, LOTS of political STUFF.

So which way do you take your "advertising" as an agent?  Or, as in my case, which way do you distribute your monthly or quarterly-let's-stay-in-touch pamphlet sent out to your SOI? (sphere of influence)

Persuasive arguments currently favor "green", and there are lots of new companies that will help you create and distribute your monthly, bi-monthly, etc. news blurb for a fee.  Are they actually read?

Others submit that in this day of automation, a hand-written card, or personally written newsletter is warmer, more intimate, less likely to end up in the circular file.

So, which way do you go and why? I'd love to hear your comments and opinions.  Is there a best way to reach out and touch someone with your business information and current news?

Tohono Chul - Things to Do in Tucson, AZ

Have you discovered Tohono Chul Park, just off Ina and Oracle?  A real-life oasis - hidden in the middle of stores, shopping, restaurants and retail buildings - it's your desert escape for serenity and rejuvenation.  

Wondering what IS Tohono Chul?  Tohono Chul is a botanical garden where "nature, art, and culture connect". Easy to find near the intersection of Ina and Oracle in Tucson, AZ, Tohono Chul offers desert walks, guided tours, concerts, gift shops, events, dining, and relaxation.

One of my favorite spots within Tohono Chul is the Hummingbird Garden outside of the Tohno Chul Park Tea Room.  Enchanting!!

You may have seen my earlier blog on the Night Blooming Cereus. Events like this are common, in fact they have calendars with classes and talks held on an almost daily basis.

Tohono Chul is also in need of volunteers.  To find more information, visit their website and ask about opportunities to help!

I gave my mother a gift subscription - membership at the park for a year last Mother's Day.  If you haven't had the opportunity, give yourself a gift and visit this getaway escape nestled within the bustling city of Tucson, AZ.

Ever Have One of Those Days...

...when you just need a cat nap???

Looking for Horse Property for Sale in Tucson, AZ???

This 1975 ranch has it all.  Three bedroom, two bath property offers custom touches and home comfort.

Sprawling ranch on 4.77 acres provides basics and so much more for your beloved horses.

Imagine driving down the lane of your new home:

Panoramic views of the Catalina & Tucson Mountains on a huge private lot at end of cul-de-sac with natural desert setting.

Two 12 x 16 Stalls with runs in custom Barn with tack room,

5 fenced turnouts w/shades and commercial misting.

Hay and Feed Barns,

2 Arenas, one with Cuttin' Critter training device.

Security gate completes this private residence and ranch.

Stay tuned for more photos and information on this wonderful horse property for sale in Tucson, AZ.  

Minutes from shopping, convenience and more, this listing simply beckons you home!

$357,900 | MLS: 21210828

10000 N Orange Ranch Road, Tucson, AZ 85742

To Search Horse Properties for Sale in Tucson, AZ and throughout Arizona, visit: www.cara.LongRealty.com

To Mound or Not to Mound

To Mound or Not to Mound

Our "builder" landscapes in and around Gladden Farms are pretty boring. Our yards are rock (ok...crushed stone) and a basic slope away from the house. Then the builders endeavored to put several small bushes in too confining of a space so that when they grew, the yard would be overcome. Top that with some kind of fast growing tree filled with thorns. Then, times that by 1000 or so and you have Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ.

Yes, that's "spec" desert landscaping.

We are luckier than many of our neighbors. We don't have the spreading, creeping, all-consuming ground cover that will even grow up walls and posts. And don't get me started on what that looks like when the irrigation system is faulty...

Anyway, for some time, I've been wanting to put my mark on our generic rock yard, in an inexpensive way of course. So, this week, I ordered more gravel to match the crushed stone we have. I asked them to bring some dirt along too, but I didn't ask for enough. It's cooled down to the high 80's and low 90's now so we are able to venture outside.

Well the dirt didn't beGIN to make a "mound" so I went off to Lowes Home Center with my daughter. We picked up 12 bags of the cheapest top soil and some crushed granite that looked like sand. After spreading that all out, I had a small rise going. So, later that evening I went BACK to Lowes Home Center with my husband and picked up another 12 mixed bags.

Well, my "statement" garden just didn't have the height nor the presence to make itself much seen, but I was done buying dirt by the bag. It bothers the farmer deep inside.


The next day I commenced to planting my cactus, arranging my stones, and covering it all with matching gravel. I think I can add another couple of inches of gravel, leaving a well around the cactus for catching rain water the 6 times of year we get rain.

I've learned a few things along the way.

1. It's more fun to plant flowers in dirt.
2. Raking rocks gives me blisters pretty fast.
3. TWO pairs of gloves are not enough to handle barrel cactus.
4. Neighbors are nosy - I've met several this week that I didn't know BEFORE (and I've lived here three years)
5. Even a small mound is better than no mound at all.


I do like gardening. It's just different in the SW. :)

Tucson, AZ - It's a Dry Heat - Come See For Yourself!!

Tucson, AZ - It's a Dry Heat - Come See For Yourself!!

It's April in Tucson, Arizona and the weather is fine.  No really, it is.  It's cooled down to 91 degrees already at 10 p.m.!  And remember, little or no humidity...it's a dry heat.  

The weather-folk warned us last week that coming weekend time, we would most likely be hitting triple digits.  Official reports have us at 101 or 102 on Sunday, but my car said it was 106 driving down the freeway at 5 p.m.  Amazing.

Honestly, I love Tucson, AZ.  I feel like I'm on permanent vacation.  (Even though I tend to work 6.5 days a week)  Palm trees, swimming pools, every day is a sunny day - how can you be depressed - it's a SUNNY day!!  

With the low humidity and high temps, also comes low chance of mosquitoes.  Honestly, I don't think I've gotten a single mosquito bite in the last eleven years.

And the wind...WOW!  On a windy summer day, I call that blow dryer weather.  Seriously, I used to have hair way down my back and five minutes was all it took to go from swimming pool to mad pile of frizz.

And trust me, summer is a great time to visit Tucson.  The hotels all have deals.  "Staycations" they call them.  Resorts drop their prices to $99 a night.  NICE resorts.

I moved here in June, 2000, so I'm approaching twelve years in the "Old Pueblo".  I love the rocky hills and mountains.  I love to watch people rake their gravel yards.  I adore the sunsets.  I love the town feel in a city that nears the 1,000,000 mark when school's in session and the snowbirds are here.  (Snow birds are folks that come from snowy locale to enjoy our mild winters.  Summer ducks are those that duck out to milder climates when the temperatures rise.)

If you have had one rainy spring (summer, fall, winter) in the Pacific Northwest too many; Or one record setting frigid winter in the Midwestern States more than you can bear; Or, would just like to avoid working up a sweat drying off from your shower along most the Southern and Eastern United States in summer - give us a call. 

We're here with our sun tan lotion, our aloe vera for our hands and feet, and our Ray-bans firmly seated on our nose.  We're here ready to welcome you to our town, and hope it becomes your town too.

Buying an Active Adult Community Home in Marana, AZ: Sunflower

Buying an Active Adult Community Home in Marana, AZ: Sunflower

Nestled under the tip of the Tucson Mountains near Saguaro National Park, you'll find the quiet community of Sunflower. This active adult community includes ten different floor plans within its 967 homes. Driving into Sunflower, you immediately notice the immaculate yards, well-maintained native landscaping and common grounds. Lush grass and desert gardens are framed by the views of nearby Safford Peak.

What is an Active Adult Community? Well, it's a home setting with maintenance-free living, desirable attractions such as a pool, tennis, golf, etc. and is often targeting towards people aged 55 or older. The setting allows easy access to social, recreational, and education pursuits close to your own door. Residents are responsible for their own medical, dietary, laundry and housecleaning responsibilities. HOA rules require that at least 80% of the households include a resident 55 or older, with permanent residents 19 or older.

The Master-planned community of Continental Ranch encompasses Sunflower, and has enjoyed tremendous growth and progress in the past decade. Community parks, Pima County library, shopping complexes, cinema theater -- all within minutes of your home in Sunflower Community. Other Continental Ranch amenities include office buildings, several large chain grocery stores, Urgent Care center, restaurants, and skate park. The Tucson International Airport is 30 minutes from your door. With the recently completed Twin Peaks Interchange, freeway access is 2 minutes away.

Some of the amenities at Sunflower Community include fitness center, lighted tennis courts, a heated pool, spa, clubhouse which includes computer, billiards, and rooms to enjoy games or crafts at your leisure. The Sunflower Community offers so many activities – from biking and book clubs, Card clubs like Euchre, Bridge, Pinochle, and Canasta, Golf, needlework and quilting – to hiking and travel clubs.

You can search for current homes for sale for Sunflower Community by clicking on the underlined text or visit my webpage and the search engine provided for all of Marana, Oro Valley, and Tucson Homes for Sale.

If you are relocating or retiring to the Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, or Vail area and would like a visitor’s packet, I’d be happy to send one!

Sunflower Community in Marana, AZ is just one of the many beautiful and affordable locations to live in the Grand Canyon State. Give us a visit – you’ll be glad you did.

It's About that Rattlesnake Time Again!

Temperatures are rising and the birds and bugs are waking up. Along with those familiar critters are the species no one wants to get too up close and personal with....Rattlesnakes.

Rattlesnakes in the Tucson, AZ desert can be as close as your back yard. Did you know they can climb walls? Paints a freaky picture, doesn't it.

Here's the thing...unlike on SCI/FI cable, rattlesnakes don't stalk you. They like to be left alone. More rattlesnake bites happen because they've felt threatened than through any other way. So...if you see one, keep your distance and leave them alone!

Here in the Tucson, AZ desert areas, we can expect snakes to be around until the cold weather days appear, generally late October.

With a little more research on snake bites, I've discovered that the AVERAGE snake bite "victim" is not from Arizona, and the majority of those people have actually “stepped” on the snake. So, visitors, beware!

Here's a few preventative tips:

1. Trim the brush around your property and keep it free from debris.

2. Be aware of your surroundings. I tend to be looking up at the mountains or down at the vistas when hiking...I have to remind myself to watch where I step as well!

3. Snakes love the shade on a summer day. Keep your eyes open and stay on designated pathways.

4. Sturdy, high top boots are helpful. So is a walking stick of sorts.

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5. What to do if you come across a snake? SLOWLY back away, or stay still. Most snake bites, again, are defensive.

6. Dog walkers/owners - attend Rattlesnake Classes at your local pet stores. Keep them leashed. (the dogs...., not the rattlesnake)

What to do if you’re bitten by a Tucson, AZ desert Rattlenake:

Call 911 or get urgent care within 2 hours

Remain as calm as possible to keep your pulse rate down. Keep the bite below heart level if possible

Cleanse the wound but do not flush with water. Cover lightly.

Don't use a tourniquet or ice.

Don't attempt to remove the venom.

Stay away from sodas, beer or alcohol after being bitten

Try to remember what the snake looked like so you can tell the doctor. (color, markings, etc)

I've never seen a snake in the wild, and I've done plenty of exploring. Don't let the fear of a Tucson, AZ desert Rattlesnake keep you from discovering lovely Tucson and vicinity! I am always happy to assist you in your home search or sale! Please contact me for more information on the beautiful SW Desert!

Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012

Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012

If you're a golfer, golf fan, or just like getting involved in local events raising money for local needs, the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012 might be just the thing to get involved in!

We are looking for golfers, spectators, sponsors, gift basket donations, and more -- and are gearing up for a fun day in a beautiful locale - The El Conquistador Golf Course - The Last Territory.

Please contact me for more information! I'm a member of the committee for the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012 and also have information to share regarding our upcoming Texas Hold'em Tournament and Softball Tourney as well!

Blogging with a Bad Back

Blogging with a Bad Back

Tuesday of this week (now it's Saturday) I woke up with a "crick in my back". I thought I was slouching at my blogging, buying and selling homes for sale Tucson, and didn't pay it much mind until the day progressed and I could no longer stand straight.

By the NEXT morning, when my legs started giving out with little electric shock spasms, I reviewed my options:

1. Go to a doctor and get pain meds and carry on

2. Go to a trusted chiropractor and see if there's something going on that needs fixing.

Number one was the easiest choice, believe me. But something told me that I'd better toughen up and take choice 2.

My daughter has had a friend in school for many years that I think "radiates joy". Lovely, lovely girl and family. Her father happens to be a chiropractor.

Long story short - I'm sitting with ice, or laying with ice, off and on now. It's my new profession - resting.

I'm in escrow with three deals right now but happen to have a window of time until next Tuesday. Hope that's enough.

I still can't walk.

Funny what you take for granted until it's gone.

Fortunately it's fixable - no arthritis, bone spurs, disc damage, etc.

Like Loreal says, "Because I'm worth it..."

I bet you're worth it, too.

Take care of yourselves this 2012. You're the best business proposition, the best asset, the best deal you could ever have.

And one more note...thank goodness for smart phones!

If you're looking for homes for sale Tucson, I'll be back. And, I'm really good at sending you some links to peruse right now!