Picture Rocks, Arizona, may be in the middle of the desert but people have lived here for thousands of years. The proof is in the nearly 100 petroglyphs decorating a rock outcropping in town. Scientists date the carvings from about 900 to 1350 A.D.
The Hohokam Indians are known to have inhabited this area long before you thought about moving here! Picture Rocks is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and for much of the year provides the ideal, dry climate that many people from the colder and wetter North crave
Picture Rocks, Arizona, may be in the middle of the desert but people have lived here for thousands of years. The proof is in the nearly 100 petroglyphs decorating a rock outcropping in town. Scientists date the carvings from about 900 to 1350 A.D.
The Hohokam Indians are known to have inhabited this area long before you thought about moving here! Picture Rocks is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and for much of the year provides the ideal, dry climate that many people from the colder and wetter North crave. The summers may be quite hot -- well into the 100s -- but it's a dry heat.
What to Expect in Picture Rocks
Picture Rocks sits about 30 minutes north of downtown Tucson, and about 90 minutes south of Phoenix. Interstate 10 will easily get you to either big Arizona city. Picture Rocks is a mix of horse properties, high-end second homes and apartments complex living out near the freeway. There are not many rentals in Picture Rocks once you get into the downtown area. If you are planning a move to the area, and don't want to live near the highway, you should allow plenty of time, at least a month, for something suitable to open up. Renters can expect to pay a deposit and the first month's rent in Picture Rocks.
Neighborhoods of Picture Rocks
Considered basically a Tuscon suburb, Picture Rocks doesn't have distinct neighborhoods. Most of the rentals to be found in Picture Rocks are in the form of rental houses. Most house rental agreements are through private owners so be sure to ask if you are interested in something like a month to month rental arrangement.
There are a couple of options near I-10 such as The Springs at Silverbell that offers apartments for rent in a more traditional style complex setting. The Springs at Silverbell offers several swimming pools and a fitness center for renters.
In the same area is The Springs at Continental Ranch. This complex offers all of the expected amenities of a resort-style community. There are studio apartments for rent here, though you may need to wait until one frees up. You will generally have to sign a six to twelve month lease at these complexes and will likely have to pay an application fee.
Living in Picture Rocks
Picture Rocks is right on the edge of the big city of Tucson so it has access to all the area has to offer, yet not the hassles. You will find everything you need right in town such as groceries, gas and shopping, mostly out towards the freeway.
On Tuesdays, shop ber-locally at the Picture Rocks Open Air Market, and don't miss the market's big attraction, the German Food Station. This eclectic eatery is actually a food truck run by authentic Germans serving authentic German food. It's a big hit locally so plan on stopping by.
Picture Rocks is home to the Redemptorist Renewal Center, a well-known spiritual center and Tucson area icon. The goal of the center is to provide a spiritual respite in the breathtaking scenery of the desert to people of all faiths. The petroglyphs are located on land owned by the center. This link to the past is easy to visit and free. The petroglyphs are a great spot to bring visitors, especially at sunset to view the carvings of animals, spirals and other Native American spiritual designs.
Horse lovers will appreciate the Picture Rocks Miniature Horse Ranch. The ranch has a rescue herd of miniature horses along with dwarf goats and tons of chickens. The big draw is the owners of the ranch who, by all accounts, are kind and compassionate and ready to share many stories about the animals. This is a great place to bring kids, though big kids seem to love it also!
