What people say about OV
Published on May 09, 2025
By Dave Perry
To put a cap on Oro Valley’s year-long, 50th anniversary celebration, which officially ended in April, we set up a table at Steam Pump Ranch on April 12, and asked three questions of Heirloom Farmers Market guests.
What do you love about Oro Valley?
What would you like to see happen in Oro Valley over the next 50 years?
How would you describe Oro Valley to people who don’t live here?
Over the span of several hours, we greeted visitors from England, Edmonton, New York City, Wyoming, Washington state, and Charlotte. Plenty from Oro Valley, of course, but also Tucson, Catalina, and several couples from SaddleBrooke. “We’re neighbors and customers, because we buy everything” in Oro Valley, said SaddleBrooke resident Bill Stroup.
To a person, they all love Oro Valley.
They love its open space. The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center. The Saturday Farmers Market. Catalina State Park. Steam Pump Ranch, and its history. The town’s welcoming environment. Cycling, and paths.
“Unique small businesses with an emphasis on art,” said Amy McDonald.
Its “safe and secure vibes,” said new resident Alan Pennington.
“Low crime,” said George Long.
They love Oro Valley’s cleanliness. Its hiking trials. Public events. Outdoor swimming. Sun Shuttle, the public transportation service. Birds. Cacti. “Amazing” parks.
Its emphasis on “building community,” said Elizabeth McIntyre.
Friendly people; “I want to meet everyone,” said Autumn Adams, age 5.
“No pretense,” said Marc Snow. “Low key.”
Good roads. The library. Law enforcement; “I love the stealth police,” said a visitor. The shopping. Sunshine, Peacefulness.
“Easy, slower living. Kind people,” said Annette AuBuchon.
“It’s because there are animals,” Autumn Adams said. “Bunny rabbits. Snakes.”
“I love it because of the trucks,” said her brother Henry, age 2.5.
“I like the weather,” said Carlos, age 9. “I like my friends.”
“Everything,” said Holly Harris, who hiked to Romero Pools that morning. “It’s easier to say what I don’t like.” Which is ... “nothing.”
“Scenic, gorgeous, friendly community,” said Eileen Goode, who was among many cyclists at the farmers’ market.
“It’s gorgeous,” said Susan Heydenberk, who drove up from Kinney Road. “I do love it up here.” And, she believes, the grocery shopping – with Trader Joe’s and Sprouts in Oro Valley, and Natural Grocers close by, gives her “the best bang for your buck.”
“We just love it all,” said Sandy and Ernie Schrieber of Edmonton. The Canadians are wrapping up a 3-month stay this year, playing golf and riding bikes.
And, of course, the mountains, and views of them. Everyone loves the mountains.
The next half-century
Over the next 50 years, people want Oro Valley to preserve and save more open space. Maintain paths for cycling and hiking. Develop more outdoor opportunities.
“Continuing to do such a good job,” said Judy Stroup of SaddleBrooke.
“Less people,” said one visitor.
“More restaurants and local businesses,” said Megan Chavez.
“More businesses, shopping and restaurants at the OV Marketplace,” said Norma Kennedy.
“I’d like to see the OV Marketplace expand and become what the original view for it was,” said Amanda Swiniuch, who’s needing to move to greater Phoenix in June for work and is “so sorry” to be leaving.
“Get more kid-friendly things. Maybe a water park,” said Jamie Larr.
“Keep it historic, not overdeveloped,” said July Wojciechowski of Charlotte, visiting Canyon Ranch.
“Enough growth!” said Kate Ball.
“Balance between growth and preservation,” said a guest.
“Marketplace!” exclaimed Oro Valley resident Marc Snow. “A bustling, vibrant town. Better timed (through the use of artificial intelligence) traffic” management.
“Keep up the quality of maintenance and clean environment. More outdoor festivities,” said Annette AuBuchon.
“Stop so much building!” said Sue Devaney.
“A certain amount of growth is good,” said one guest.
“You don’t want it to get overrun,” said a guest. “You don’t want to suppress growth, but ...”
“Continue balance between commerce/business and recreation,” said a resident.
“More restaurants and stores,” said Amanda Gelatt. “More family-friendly places.”
“I don’t want it to get more crowded,” Holly Harris said. “It’s perfect the way it is.”
“Less development, in view of water resources,” said one visitor from Catalina. “Protect public lands.”
“Progress, but keep the mountains,” Linda Seppala said.
“Controlled growth. Preserved nature,” said Elizabeth McIntyre.
“Keep the rooflines low and the houses scaled to maximize the natural mountain views,” said a resident.
Harris would like to see more adult gatherings that don’t involve drinking or kids. “I don’t have kids,” she said.
“I’d like to get more family entertainment options,” countered Amy McDonald.
How would they describe Oro Valley
“Oro Valley is a beautiful community with excellent schools, the charm of a small town, and conveniences of the city,” Amy McDonald said.
Oro Valley is “the most beautiful natural environment where people are kind and helpful to welcome newcomers,” said Renee Beaudoin. She and her partner Alan Pennington just moved to Oro Valley from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. “We’ve really been fortunate; our neighbors coming over to say ‘hello.’”
“We love these mountains,” Beaudoin said. “When we’re hiking and biking, it feels like a dream right now.”
“You need to see it to believe it,” Pennington would say to people who have not been to the community.
“Try it. You’ll like (love) it!” said Norma Kennedy.
“A perfect community for families,” said Judy Stroup.
“It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever lived,” said Jamie Larr.
“It’s too hot,” said one resident, tongue in cheek and smiley face next to her comment. “Don’t come here.”
“Oro Valley is the most beautiful place in the world, a home of warmth and respite, relaxation and inspiration,” said one resident. “The sun is motivating, awakening and magical.”
“A big valley that’s beautifully surrounded by rugged mountains,” said Sue Gibb of Chelan, Washington. “It’s warm. And friendly people.”
Her husband, Michael, won an OV hat when he spun the prize wheel.
“I will wear this proudly,” he said.
If you enjoyed this story, you might also enjoy the latest “This is Oro Valley” podcast episode, which is based on the same interviews. It’s entitled “50 and Flourishing: What visitors and guests say about OV.” Listen at OVAZ.gov, Apple Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify.