Catalina Foothills, Arizona
Encyclopedia
Catalina Foothills is a census-designated place
(CDP) located north of Tucson
in Pima County
, Arizona
, United States
. Situated in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains
, Catalina Foothills had a population of 53,794 at the 2000 census. Catalina Foothills is one of the most affluent communities in Arizona and the U.S., with the 6th highest per capita income in Arizona
, and the 14th highest per capita income in the U.S.
of communities with a population of at least 50,000. The Catalina Foothills community includes some of the Tucson metropolitan area's most expensive homes and land, and has the highest median property value.
for cattle grazing. Beginning in the 1920s, John Murphey, began purchasing property north of River Road in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Murphey originally planned to develop 10 housing subdivisions with large lots. Murphey’s vision for the Catalina Foothills community was low-density residential development, on lots designed for maximum privacy, preserving existing desert vegetation, the natural terrain, and mountain views. In 1928 Murphey bought a 7000 acres (28.3 km²) tract of land north of River Road between North Oracle Road and Sabino Canyon
in a federal land auction.
Around the same time, Josias Joesler
, a Swiss architect
, was retained to implement John Murphey’s vision. Residential development in the Catalina Foothills began in the 1930s, and Joesler designed a number of the homes.
In 1931, residents of the Foothills organized the Catalina Foothills School District to serve the local school-aged population. Murphey sold the school district the land for the first school building near East River Road and North Campbell Avenue, and Joesler designed the first school building. This building continues to house the school district’s administration.
In 1936, Joesler and Murphey completed the building of St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church at the corner of Campbell Avenue and River Road, which was then the main entrance to the Catalina Foothills Estates. The church is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Mission architecture. The land for the church was donated by Murphey, and Joesler donated his services for its design. The congregation paid only for construction.
The Catalina Foothills’ population continued to expand, as development continued northward on the Oracle Road corridor, and eastward along the Ina Road/Skyline Drive corridor. In 1963, the Skyline Country Club was established. In the 1980s, both La Paloma Resort and Ventana Canyon Resort were established.
While the Catalina Foothills community supports a population exceeding 50,000, most of the neighborhoods maintain a low-density and suburban character.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the CDP has a total area of 44.6 square miles (115.5 km²), of which, 44.5 square miles (115.2 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (0.27%) is water.
of 2000, there were 53,794 people, 23,948 households, and 15,590 families residing in the CDP. The population density
was 1,209.5 people per square mile (467.1/km²). There were 26,372 housing units at an average density of 593.0/sq mi (229.0/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.35% White
, 1.21% Black
or African American
, 0.49% Native American
, 3.24% Asian
, 0.09% Pacific Islander
, 1.73% from other races
, and 1.88% from two or more races. 7.55% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 23,948 households out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples
living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.76.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 19.9% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 31.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $65,657, and the median income for a family was $82,675. Males had a median income of $61,697 versus $37,077 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $42,006. About 2.4% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
of the Coronado National Forest
. Popular attractions for residents and visitors in the Santa Catalina Mountains
include:
The Catalina Foothills is also home to La Encantada
, the largest upscale shopping center in the Tucson metropolitan area. Stores include Tiffany & Co.
, Louis Vuitton
, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn
, Williams Sonoma, and Tommy Bahama
.
The Catalina Foothills community also forms the core of Tucson's resort corridor. These include the Hacienda del Sol Resort, Westin La Paloma Resort
, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
and Canyon Ranch Resort.
The Foothills area is also home to the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
near the intersection of North Swan Road and East Skyline Drive. Built by artist Ted DeGrazia starting in 1951, the 10-acre (40,000 m2) property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and features an eclectic chapel, an art gallery, and a free museum.
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP) located north of Tucson
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
in Pima County
Pima County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*74.3% White*3.5% Black*3.3% Native American*2.6% Asian*0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.7% Two or more races*12.4% Other races*34.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Situated in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains
Santa Catalina Mountains
The Santa Catalina Mountains, commonly referred to as the Catalina Mountains, are located north, and northeast of Tucson, Arizona, United States, on Tucson's north perimeter. The mountain range is the most prominent in the Tucson area, with the highest average elevation...
, Catalina Foothills had a population of 53,794 at the 2000 census. Catalina Foothills is one of the most affluent communities in Arizona and the U.S., with the 6th highest per capita income in Arizona
Arizona locations by per capita income
Arizona has the twenty-ninth highest per capita income in the United States of America, at $20,275 . Its personal per capita income is $26,838 .-Arizona counties ranked by per capita income:...
, and the 14th highest per capita income in the U.S.
Highest-income places in the United States
-100 highest-income places with at least 1,000 households:This is a list of the 100 richest places in the United States with at least 1,000 households. This is the most common list used for referring to the richest communities in the country, as it eliminates any places with insignificant populations...
of communities with a population of at least 50,000. The Catalina Foothills community includes some of the Tucson metropolitan area's most expensive homes and land, and has the highest median property value.
History
The history of the modern development of the Catalina Foothills dates back to the early 1920s. Prior to that time, the Catalina Foothills area was primarily federal trust land and open rangeOpen range
Open range may refer to: vast areas of grassy land that is owned by the federal government.*Rangeland, vast natural landscapes*Open Range, the 2003 Western movie co-starring, co-produced, and directed by Kevin Costner...
for cattle grazing. Beginning in the 1920s, John Murphey, began purchasing property north of River Road in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Murphey originally planned to develop 10 housing subdivisions with large lots. Murphey’s vision for the Catalina Foothills community was low-density residential development, on lots designed for maximum privacy, preserving existing desert vegetation, the natural terrain, and mountain views. In 1928 Murphey bought a 7000 acres (28.3 km²) tract of land north of River Road between North Oracle Road and Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area for residents and visitors of Southern Arizona, providing a place to walk, hike or ride. Minutes away from the...
in a federal land auction.
Around the same time, Josias Joesler
Josias Joesler
Josias Thomas Joesler was a Swiss-American Tucson, Arizona architect.Born in 1895 in Zurich. Joesler’s architectural legacy would come to articulate the romantic revival Tucson style of the first half of the 20th century....
, a Swiss architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
, was retained to implement John Murphey’s vision. Residential development in the Catalina Foothills began in the 1930s, and Joesler designed a number of the homes.
In 1931, residents of the Foothills organized the Catalina Foothills School District to serve the local school-aged population. Murphey sold the school district the land for the first school building near East River Road and North Campbell Avenue, and Joesler designed the first school building. This building continues to house the school district’s administration.
In 1936, Joesler and Murphey completed the building of St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church at the corner of Campbell Avenue and River Road, which was then the main entrance to the Catalina Foothills Estates. The church is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Mission architecture. The land for the church was donated by Murphey, and Joesler donated his services for its design. The congregation paid only for construction.
The Catalina Foothills’ population continued to expand, as development continued northward on the Oracle Road corridor, and eastward along the Ina Road/Skyline Drive corridor. In 1963, the Skyline Country Club was established. In the 1980s, both La Paloma Resort and Ventana Canyon Resort were established.
While the Catalina Foothills community supports a population exceeding 50,000, most of the neighborhoods maintain a low-density and suburban character.
Geography
Catalina Foothills is located at 32°17′38"N 110°53′2"W (32.293990, -110.883872).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP has a total area of 44.6 square miles (115.5 km²), of which, 44.5 square miles (115.2 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (0.27%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 53,794 people, 23,948 households, and 15,590 families residing in the CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,209.5 people per square mile (467.1/km²). There were 26,372 housing units at an average density of 593.0/sq mi (229.0/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.35% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.21% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.49% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.24% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.09% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.73% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.88% from two or more races. 7.55% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 23,948 households out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.76.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 19.9% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 31.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $65,657, and the median income for a family was $82,675. Males had a median income of $61,697 versus $37,077 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $42,006. About 2.4% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Catalina Foothills is served by three public school districts:- Amphitheater Public SchoolsAmphitheater Public SchoolsAmphitheater Public Schools, also known as Amphi or District 10, is the third largest public school district in Tucson, Arizona in terms of enrollment, with over 16,000 students...
serves neighborhoods in the western Catalina Foothills, namely Pima Canyon Estates, Cobblestone Estates, and the Via Entrada neighborhood. Amphi schools serving the Catalina Foothills perform among the top in the state academically, and include Canyon del Oro High SchoolCanyon del Oro High SchoolCanyon del Oro High School, also known as CDO, is a comprehensive public high school in Oro Valley, Arizona, located north of Tucson at the base of Pusch Ridge. Established as a high school in 1964, CDO is one of three high schools of Amphitheater Public Schools and serves about 1,800 students in...
. In 2007 and again in 2010, Newsweek MagazineNewsweekNewsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...
rated Canyon del Oro in the top 5% of public schools in the U.S., one of a handful of schools in Arizona included on the list. - Catalina Foothills School DistrictCatalina Foothills High SchoolCatalina Foothills High School is a public high school, located in the suburban community of Catalina Foothills, just north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Catalina Foothills is the only high school in the Catalina Foothills School District, located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains....
serves the upper Catalina Foothills, with schools that score among the highest in the state on standardized tests, including Catalina Foothills High SchoolCatalina Foothills High SchoolCatalina Foothills High School is a public high school, located in the suburban community of Catalina Foothills, just north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Catalina Foothills is the only high school in the Catalina Foothills School District, located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains....
. Catalina Foothills High School is the only high school located in Catalina Foothills proper, and was established in 1992. In 2006, Catalina Foothills had Arizona's second highest percentage of students exceeding math, the third highest percentage of students exceeding reading standards, and the ninth highest percentage of student exceeding writing standards on the Arizona Instrument to Measure Success (AIMS) mandatory exam. - Tucson Unified School DistrictTucson Unified School DistrictTucson Unified School District is the largest school district of Tucson, Arizona in terms of enrollment. As of 2006 TUSD has more than 60,000 students and approximately 3,700 faculty members....
serves the lower and northeastern neighborhoods of the Catalina Foothills. TUSD schools that serve the Catalina Foothills include Sabino High SchoolSabino High SchoolSabino High School is located in Tucson, Arizona. It is located on the city's northeast side. Its current principal is Valerie Payne.- History :The school was established in 1972 in response to the boom of Tucson's east side in the 1960s and 1970s...
, established in 1972 near Sabino CanyonSabino CanyonSabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area for residents and visitors of Southern Arizona, providing a place to walk, hike or ride. Minutes away from the...
.
Points of interest
The Catalina Foothills area is generally defined as north of River Road, east of Oracle Road, and west of Sabino Creek. The Catalina Foothills community is bounded to the north by the Santa Catalina Ranger DistrictSanta Catalina Ranger District
The Santa Catalina Ranger District governs the Santa Catalina Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, northeast of Tucson, Arizona.- See also :* Santa Catalina National Forest* Pusch Ridge Wilderness* Arizona Trail* Sabino Canyon* Pima Canyon...
of the Coronado National Forest
Coronado National Forest
The Coronado National Forest includes an area of about 1.78 million acres spread throughout mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico....
. Popular attractions for residents and visitors in the Santa Catalina Mountains
Santa Catalina Mountains
The Santa Catalina Mountains, commonly referred to as the Catalina Mountains, are located north, and northeast of Tucson, Arizona, United States, on Tucson's north perimeter. The mountain range is the most prominent in the Tucson area, with the highest average elevation...
include:
- Sabino CanyonSabino CanyonSabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area for residents and visitors of Southern Arizona, providing a place to walk, hike or ride. Minutes away from the...
- Bear CanyonBear CanyonBear Canyon, located in the Sabino Canyon recreation area of the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona, offers views of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north. Accessible by tram or foot from the Sabino Canyon visitors' center, Bear Canyon contains such attractions as the seasonal Seven...
- Pima CanyonPima CanyonPima Canyon is a major canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, north of Catalina Foothills and Tucson, Arizona, USA. Pusch Ridge forms the northwestern cliffs of Pima Canyon, dramatically rising from Pima Creek on the canyon floor. Pima Canyon varies greatly in elevation, from above sea...
- Ventana Canyon
The Catalina Foothills is also home to La Encantada
La Encantada
La Encantada is an upscale, outdoor shopping center located in Tucson, Arizona, USA. It is owned by Westcor, a subsidiary of Macerich. It opened in 2004 as the only luxury shopping center in the Tucson region.-History:...
, the largest upscale shopping center in the Tucson metropolitan area. Stores include Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. is an American jewelry and silverware company. As part of its branding, the company is strongly associated with its Tiffany Blue , which is a registered trademark.- History :...
, Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Malletier – commonly referred to as Louis Vuitton , or shortened to LV – is a French fashion house founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. The label is well known for its LV monogram, which is featured on most products, ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes,...
, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn is an American-based home furnishing store chain with retail stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Since September 1986, when it was purchased from GAP, Inc, Pottery Barn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Williams-Sonoma, Inc....
, Williams Sonoma, and Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama is the Seattle-based manufacturer of casual, men’s & women’s sportswear, denim, swimwear, accessories, footwear and a complete home furnishings collection. The brand is owned by Atlanta-based Oxford Industries. Tommy Bahama is available at Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Sak's Fifth Avenue,...
.
The Catalina Foothills community also forms the core of Tucson's resort corridor. These include the Hacienda del Sol Resort, Westin La Paloma Resort
Westin Hotels
Westin Hotels & Resorts are an upscale hotel chain owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. As of 2011, Westin operated over 160 hotels in 37 countries.-History:...
, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Loews Hotels
-About Loews HotelsHotels:Loews Hotels currently owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the United States and Canada:-United States locations:*Loews Annapolis Hotel - Annapolis, Maryland*Loews Atlanta Hotel - Atlanta, Georgia...
and Canyon Ranch Resort.
The Foothills area is also home to the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District was the artistic manifestation and architectural constructed of Ettore DeGrazia. The property is a series of buildings scattered throughout a natural desert setting. Built in Tucson near the intersection of Swan Road and Skyline the property is now a...
near the intersection of North Swan Road and East Skyline Drive. Built by artist Ted DeGrazia starting in 1951, the 10-acre (40,000 m2) property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
and features an eclectic chapel, an art gallery, and a free museum.