Drexel Heights: an overlooked suburb on the cusp of rezoning

Pima County staff recommended approval last week for a rezoning application covering 180 acres in Drexel Heights that would shift parcels from single-family residential to mixed-use zoning.

The timing aligns with rising demand for affordable entry points in the Tucson market as prices in central neighborhoods push past $400,000 and buyers seek options closer to the airport and I-19 corridor.

Proximity to established routes and programs

Drexel Heights sits between Ajo Way and Valencia Road, with direct access to the Santa Cruz River multi-use path that runs from downtown to the Tucson Mountains. Residents already use the nearby El Pueblo Library branch and the Pima County Health Department’s mobile clinic stops along Drexel Road for routine services.

The area also borders the Mission Manor neighborhood, where the city’s 2024 Complete Streets pilot installed new sidewalks and bike lanes connecting to the Tucson Mall transit center.

Current listings show median sale prices at $272,000 through June, according to the Tucson Association of Realtors multiple listing service, with 14 properties under contract in the past 60 days at an average 18 days on market.

Timeline and next moves for investors

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to take up the rezoning on August 12. If passed, building permits for townhomes and live-work units could be filed by October, with first certificates of occupancy possible in late 2027.

Buyers scouting the area should check the Pima County Planning and Zoning website for the final staff report and attend the August hearing to track any last-minute changes to density limits or height restrictions.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.