Credit: J.D. Fitzgerald for the Town of Marana
When you meet someone for the first time, “where do you live?” is often the first question that comes up. It makes sense because our hometowns play an important role in shaping and defining who we are. Indeed, the places we choose to live often reflect the values we hold dear.
Marana residents have a distinctive character: they value family, shared experiences, safety, natural beauty, recreation and a healthy lifestyle. Thankfully, Marana’s leaders have done an outstanding job supporting and growing what residents value most. You’ll see this in the Town’s range of community events, health and social services, retail offerings, employment opportunities, parks, recreational sites and more.
Location, location, location
Gladden Farms’ scenic Marana location combines the best of small town, country living with proximity to all that matters, including major employers, excellent schools and the cities of Tucson, Casa Grande and Phoenix. Our residents are thrilled they can enjoy the convenience of a 5-minute drive to I-10 and the abundant green spaces, mountain views, working farms and nearby national and state parks that surround our community.
Marana receives well-deserved recognition
The leaders at the Town of Marana have ensured that our area remains a great place to live by anticipating and managing the inevitable growth needed to support it. These efforts have attracted many accolades and awards. Here are just a few:
- Marana is rated as one of the safest towns in Arizona.
- Marana Parks & Recreation consistently receives state awards for “going above and beyond” to “make a difference in their community.”
- Marana has even been named a “Top 10 Smartest City” in Arizona for its high percentage of adults with college degrees and its low high school dropout rate.
Marana promotes fun, active living!
Whether you’re into leisurely walks, dancing, shooting hoops or training for a triathlon, in Marana an active lifestyle is easy to achieve.
Did you know that Marana is connected to the Chuck Huckleberry Loop? The loop features more than 130 miles of car-free paths for cycling, walking, jogging, skating or even horseback riding, meandering through desert landscape and past parks, restaurants and historic sites across Marana, Tucson and Oro Valley. Best of all, Gladden Farms’ shared use path along the Santa Cruz River will be connected to the loop in the coming years, allowing our residents to hop on, get fit and explore lush landscapes and distinctive flora and fauna.
Marana Parks and Rec is another hometown treasure. In addition to sports, arts and cultural programs, they manage an outdoor swimming pool and splash pads, plus 12 parks that collectively offer competition-level soccer fields, tennis/pickleball courts, a skate park, basketball and volleyball courts, multi-purpose playfields, playgrounds and walking paths. The benefits go beyond fitness, delivering great opportunities to meet new friends and get out into our gorgeous surroundings.
Marana’s history is rich and varied
Our town’s history goes way back! Ancient indigenous people, most notably the Hohokam, settled in the area around 1200 B.C. They were among the first farmers and villagers along the Santa Cruz River, known for their complex system of irrigation canals and impressive dry farming skills.
It wasn’t until 1920 that the town got its name. The word “Marana” first appeared on a Southern Pacific Railroad map as a station flag. Apparently railroad workers dubbed the area “marana” — meaning dense brush — due to the area’s thick desert landscape. In 1977, the town was officially incorporated to retain water rights for current and future residents.
About Gladden Farms
Gladden Farms promotes active, joyful living. It’s a great setting to make friends, play and call home. Our new homes — attractively priced starting in the upper $200Ks — are stylish, eco-smart and perfect for young professionals, families of all sizes, empty nesters and retirees. The community features fun-filled year-round events, 830 acres of lush green space, 28 parks, miles of landscaped paseos connecting to scenic trails, 19 playgrounds, playfields, a splash pad, a dog park and picnic and BBQ areas.