Green Valley, Arizona


Green Valley, Arizona What town: Green Valley State: AZ Station: Nogales Population: Area combined with town of Sahuarita shows 50,000 but "snowbirds" (retirees) leave April - Oct and it is considerably less crowded in the warmer months. Telephone Co. Name: Qwest, Cox Electric Co. Name: Tucson Electric Gas Co Name: Southwest gas Cable Co. Name: Cox City Trash Name: Waste Mgmt or Saguaro, Saguaro is cheaper and gives you free recycle bins but only picks up once/wk City Water Name: Farmers Water Hospital Name: Several Urgent Care Clinics and primary doctors in the area, but major hospitals are 45 mins to the north in Tucson. UMC has a new children's hospital "Diamond", TMC is the other major one. Northwest and Tucson Heart are good for emergencies but will transfer you to the others for any other services. Parks and Rec.: Madera Canyon is gorgeous (oaks, pines, snow in winter, flowing creek in spring, campsites and picnic tables) and only about a 20 min drive from Continental Rd. Madera Highlands has two small playgrounds, a community pool (for residents), dog park, tennis, basketball courts, picnic tables. Quail Creek park has a large dog park, playground with swings, picnic tables. Anamax park has a community center where they offer kids clubs, classes, etc. A skate park, ball fields, large playground with swings. Some small parks are scattered around other neighborhoods and Rancho Sahuarita to the north has several large parks and playgrounds, ball fields, lake etc, all open to the public. (Pool and splash pad there is private) There are several choices for kids sports and classes in the area. AYSO practices and holds games at Sahuarita Park, Young Artists Community Ballet has dance classes on White House Canyon Rd, Sahuarita Dance and Sahuarita Cheer also have classes in the area. Martial arts and softball/t-ball also. County library is small but you can request items online and they will transport to the local branch and notify you when to pick up. They have story times for toddlers and preschoolers. Even smaller branch is near Rancho. Newspaper Name: AZ Daily Star, Green Valley News Chamber of Commerce: Green Valley, or Town of Sahuarita Convention & Visitors Bureau: Tucson EXTRA INFORMATION: Station type of work - Everything. After the FTU you can expect to start slow with some Xs on the fence, processing, checkpoint, etc... but NOG is the largest (and often busiest) station so you will gain seniority quickly and be able to go on to everything the BP has to offer other than boats! (Details include bikes downtown, tunnel team downtown, horses, atvs, grid assess, intel, disrupt, X-rays truck at checkpoint, k9, MSS (radar truck), etc) Shopping - Local stores include 2 Safeway's, Super Wal-Mart, Fry's, Big Lots, Ross, Beals, several nail salons, Supercuts, Sally's, barbers etc. Major banks and pharmacies at every exit. Many specialty type gift stores and consignment shops cater to the snowbird crowd. Eateries - Many choices, but none of them outstanding. 2 McDonalds, Burger King, Arbys, KFC, Taco Bell, Carl's Jr's, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, several Subways. Several Chinese in the area, opinions differ but none of them seem to be bad. Best liked Mexican ties between two restaurants that seem to have split from one family-owned place. They are VERY similar (although locals all seem to have a fave) and decent Mexican fare for a very low price. La Placita is a small, dark place by the freeway with a very small bar. Seems to be frequented by the older crowd, but kids are welcome. Manuel's is in an obscure spot off of any of the main roads but it is bigger, brighter and seems to be more kid friendly. Fountain out front, more room between tables inside (for high chairs or squirmy little ones to wiggle). Beware that these and many restaurants in town close early and some are closed Sun or Mon. El Charo is a Tucson chain that offers more elegant Mexican fare at a higher price. Kids are welcome but the food might be too fancy or spicy for them. They have a DJ on Friday nights with a very nice, large bar and open patio for dancing. Coach's is a small bar that many people like and it has karaoke on Friday nights. Two girls has the best pizza nearby but most people think the drive to Argenzziano's in Corona de Tucson or The Italian Peasant in Tubac is worth it for the excellent food they have there. Major chains do not exist at the moment. For Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Carraba's, Claim Jumper, Applebee's, Cheesecake Factory etc you must drive 25-55 minutes into Tucson. There are several malls in Tucson as well as specialty stores (BevMo, Trader Joe's, Sprouts). Cellular Telephone - All major carriers. Everyone seems to have the same complaint (inside the house may have rooms that aren't the best, and a few spots near the pecan groves). Local Internet Providers - Qwest, Cox Other Services - Town of Sahuarita has it's own PD, but most of Green Valley is patrolled by Pima County Sheriffs. Green Valley has several fire stations and the town of Sahuarita is served by "rural-metro" fire. Schools - The largest school district in this area is Sahuarita Unified. They have 3 primary, 1 intermediate, 1 middle, and 2 high schools. The other school district is Continental. It is very small and mainly covers Madera highlands and some rural properties on the east side of the interstate. SUSD wraps around CUSD and also provides the high school services for CUSD as they do not have a high school at this time. CUSD is a one campus situation, where district and school is on the same property. CUSD has primary in one bldg. and middle in another with playgrounds and fields in between. The campus is on the edge of state and federal lands that are rugged and remote and beautiful. SUSD is more protected physically from illegal's but it is a much bigger district and therefore a more mixed student population and they seem to have more "trouble makers" but then again they are the only high schools in the area. There are also some private and charter schools in the area. Great Expectations Academy, Digital Technology and Performing Arts, Sahuarita Christian Academy. The charter schools are free to attend (except for possibly full day kindergarten, be sure to ask). They are all very small. GEA and SCA have a few portables, while DTA is renting space from Pima Community College and is building a second campus which will be solid construction. I have heard both complaints and compliments about every school in the area, so it is totally subjective to the individual. They all seem to have a problem with budget, staff, etc. This is good reason if you have kids to rent first or try to visit the schools and area before moving. At the very least I would call each school and ask about what they have to offer your children. Note about Special Education in the area - This is an isolated if not remote area, despite the impressive 50,000 population. The local districts seem to have either little experience and/or resources for special ed or they think they can provide services but are really challenged by the fast growth in Sahuarita. (BP and Air Force have been adding to the area's pop in droves in recent years). I urge you to contact the school you think your child might attend and get as many details as you can about what they can offer your child. Even then, I would encourage you to rent first so that you are not locked into a district. CUSD really has limited resources being so small. By law they are supposed to provide anything your child "needs" in order to learn. In SUSD's case they say your child doesn't need things so that they don't have to provide them. It is very difficult to prove otherwise, and even the state compliance office can't do anything unless they break the law. It is all subjective. CUSD seems more willing to listen to parents but they are too small to lure new employees to the area, at least not those who are specialists in any area (PT, OT, etc). The charter schools do not provide special ed. If your child's needs are severe enough, you may want to consider living further south in San Cayetano SD (Rio Rico area), Vail SD or in Tucson (be very careful here, as South Tucson has a higher violent crime rate per capita than Detroit so you will really want to do your research). (I've heard Flowing Wells in North Tucson has an excellent special ed program but the commute to NOG would be over an hour easily) There is also ASDB, or Arizona state school for the Deaf and Blind in central Tucson if your child is visually or hearing impaired and the local school district agrees that your child's needs are beyond their ability to provide for. There is a parent group overseen by "Pilot Parents" that may be able to help with special ed issues. They can be reached through the Children's Clinics in Tucson. Note about life in Green Valley/Sahuarita - Most BP families are torn about living here. They love the scenery, but miss trees and greenery back home. Many choose to live in Madera Highlands because of the pecan groves in the neighborhood. The weather is mild except for summer, where families with young kids feel trapped in their homes, or get sick of living at the pool all day every day for months. Basic shopping is getting better but "fun" stores are a 45 min drive into "town" (Tucson). There is a strong community of law enforcement and public servants. One street may have 2 CBP, 4 military or military contractors, 2 educators, a sheriff or firefighter plus a few white and blue collar families. [TOP]	SPONSORS RELOCATION PROGRAM

Green Valley, Arizona

What town: Green Valley
State: AZ
Station: Nogales
Population: Area combined with town of Sahuarita shows 50,000 but "snowbirds" (retirees) leave April - Oct and it is considerably less crowded in the warmer months.

Telephone Co. Name: Qwest, Cox

Electric Co. Name: Tucson Electric

Gas Co Name: Southwest gas

Cable Co. Name: Cox

City Trash Name: Waste Mgmt or Saguaro, Saguaro is cheaper and gives you free recycle bins but only picks up once/wk

City Water Name: Farmers Water

Hospital Name: Several Urgent Care Clinics and primary doctors in the area, but major hospitals are 45 mins to the north in Tucson. UMC has a new children's hospital "Diamond", TMC is the other major one. Northwest and Tucson Heart are good for emergencies but will transfer you to the others for any other services.

Parks and Rec.: Madera Canyon is gorgeous (oaks, pines, snow in winter, flowing creek in spring, campsites and picnic tables) and only about a 20 min drive from Continental Rd. Madera Highlands has two small playgrounds, a community pool (for residents), dog park, tennis, basketball courts, picnic tables. Quail Creek park has a large dog park, playground with swings, picnic tables. Anamax park has a community center where they offer kids clubs, classes, etc. A skate park, ball fields, large playground with swings.

Some small parks are scattered around other neighborhoods and Rancho Sahuarita to the north has several large parks and playgrounds, ball fields, lake etc, all open to the public. (Pool and splash pad there is private) There are several choices for kids sports and classes in the area. AYSO practices and holds games at Sahuarita Park, Young Artists Community Ballet has dance classes on White House Canyon Rd, Sahuarita Dance and Sahuarita Cheer also have classes in the area. Martial arts and softball/t-ball also. County library is small but you can request items online and they will transport to the local branch and notify you when to pick up. They have story times for toddlers and preschoolers. Even smaller branch is near Rancho.

Newspaper Name: AZ Daily Star, Green Valley News

Chamber of Commerce: Green Valley, or Town of Sahuarita

Convention & Visitors Bureau: Tucson

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Station type of work - Everything. After the FTU you can expect to start slow with some Xs on the fence, processing, checkpoint, etc... but NOG is the largest (and often busiest) station so you will gain seniority quickly and be able to go on to everything the BP has to offer other than boats! (Details include bikes downtown, tunnel team downtown, horses, atvs, grid assess, intel, disrupt, X-rays truck at checkpoint, k9, MSS (radar truck), etc)

Shopping - Local stores include 2 Safeway's, Super Wal-Mart, Fry's, Big Lots, Ross, Beals, several nail salons, Supercuts, Sally's, barbers etc. Major banks and pharmacies at every exit. Many specialty type gift stores and consignment shops cater to the snowbird crowd.

Eateries - Many choices, but none of them outstanding. 2 McDonalds, Burger King, Arbys, KFC, Taco Bell, Carl's Jr's, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, several Subways. Several Chinese in the area, opinions differ but none of them seem to be bad. Best liked Mexican ties between two restaurants that seem to have split from one family-owned place. They are VERY similar (although locals all seem to have a fave) and decent Mexican fare for a very low price. La Placita is a small, dark place by the freeway with a very small bar. Seems to be frequented by the older crowd, but kids are welcome. Manuel's is in an obscure spot off of any of the main roads but it is bigger, brighter and seems to be more kid friendly. Fountain out front, more room between tables inside (for high chairs or squirmy little ones to wiggle).

Beware that these and many restaurants in town close early and some are closed Sun or Mon. El Charo is a Tucson chain that offers more elegant Mexican fare at a higher price. Kids are welcome but the food might be too fancy or spicy for them. They have a DJ on Friday nights with a very nice, large bar and open patio for dancing. Coach's is a small bar that many people like and it has karaoke on Friday nights. Two girls has the best pizza nearby but most people think the drive to Argenzziano's in Corona de Tucson or The Italian Peasant in Tubac is worth it for the excellent food they have there. Major chains do not exist at the moment. For Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Carraba's, Claim Jumper, Applebee's, Cheesecake Factory etc you must drive 25-55 minutes into Tucson. There are several malls in Tucson as well as specialty stores (BevMo, Trader Joe's, Sprouts).

Cellular Telephone - All major carriers. Everyone seems to have the same complaint (inside the house may have rooms that aren't the best, and a few spots near the pecan groves).

Local Internet Providers - Qwest, Cox

Other Services - Town of Sahuarita has it's own PD, but most of Green Valley is patrolled by Pima County Sheriffs. Green Valley has several fire stations and the town of Sahuarita is served by "rural-metro" fire.

Schools - The largest school district in this area is Sahuarita Unified. They have 3 primary, 1 intermediate, 1 middle, and 2 high schools. The other school district is Continental. It is very small and mainly covers Madera highlands and some rural properties on the east side of the interstate. SUSD wraps around CUSD and also provides the high school services for CUSD as they do not have a high school at this time. CUSD is a one campus situation, where district and school is on the same property. CUSD has primary in one bldg. and middle in another with playgrounds and fields in between. The campus is on the edge of state and federal lands that are rugged and remote and beautiful. SUSD is more protected physically from illegal's but it is a much bigger district and therefore a more mixed student population and they seem to have more "trouble makers" but then again they are the only high schools in the area.

There are also some private and charter schools in the area. Great Expectations Academy, Digital Technology and Performing Arts, Sahuarita Christian Academy. The charter schools are free to attend (except for possibly full day kindergarten, be sure to ask). They are all very small. GEA and SCA have a few portables, while DTA is renting space from Pima Community College and is building a second campus which will be solid construction. I have heard both complaints and compliments about every school in the area, so it is totally subjective to the individual. They all seem to have a problem with budget, staff, etc. This is good reason if you have kids to rent first or try to visit the schools and area before moving. At the very least I would call each school and ask about what they have to offer your children.

Note about Special Education in the area - This is an isolated if not remote area, despite the impressive 50,000 population. The local districts seem to have either little experience and/or resources for special ed or they think they can provide services but are really challenged by the fast growth in Sahuarita. (BP and Air Force have been adding to the area's pop in droves in recent years). I urge you to contact the school you think your child might attend and get as many details as you can about what they can offer your child. Even then, I would encourage you to rent first so that you are not locked into a district.

CUSD really has limited resources being so small. By law they are supposed to provide anything your child "needs" in order to learn. In SUSD's case they say your child doesn't need things so that they don't have to provide them. It is very difficult to prove otherwise, and even the state compliance office can't do anything unless they break the law. It is all subjective. CUSD seems more willing to listen to parents but they are too small to lure new employees to the area, at least not those who are specialists in any area (PT, OT, etc). The charter schools do not provide special ed. If your child's needs are severe enough, you may want to consider living further south in San Cayetano SD (Rio Rico area), Vail SD or in Tucson (be very careful here, as South Tucson has a higher violent crime rate per capita than Detroit so you will really want to do your research). (I've heard Flowing Wells in North Tucson has an excellent special ed program but the commute to NOG would be over an hour easily) There is also ASDB, or Arizona state school for the Deaf and Blind in central Tucson if your child is visually or hearing impaired and the local school district agrees that your child's needs are beyond their ability to provide for. There is a parent group overseen by "Pilot Parents" that may be able to help with special ed issues. They can be reached through the Children's Clinics in Tucson.

Note about life in Green Valley/Sahuarita - Most BP families are torn about living here. They love the scenery, but miss trees and greenery back home. Many choose to live in Madera Highlands because of the pecan groves in the neighborhood. The weather is mild except for summer, where families with young kids feel trapped in their homes, or get sick of living at the pool all day every day for months. Basic shopping is getting better but "fun" stores are a 45 min drive into "town" (Tucson). There is a strong community of law enforcement and public servants. One street may have 2 CBP, 4 military or military contractors, 2 educators, a sheriff or firefighter plus a few white and blue collar families.

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