Real Estate Lots for Sale

2021 Kitchen Trends You Need to Know to Build Your House in Tucson

Some elements of kitchen design are timeless. You will always want your kitchen to be functional, clean, and comfortable, for example. However, every year there are new trends in kitchen design that will inspire you to design a fresh and stylish space. 

When you are building a home in Tucson, one of the most important considerations you will make is what your kitchen will look like. That’s why our real estate development team compiled this list of hot kitchen trends for 2021. 

Quartz Countertops

Marble countertops may always be in style, but increasingly, more and more homeowners are opting for quartz. This is because quartz offers the same sleek look as marble, while being much easier to care for. You will notice that quartz countertops are quite popular with homebuilders in 2021. 

Dark Countertops

At the same time, dark countertops are also trending this year. Some homeowners are opting for a sleek, black look, while others are contrasting white cabinets with dark wood counters. This is a great way to make any of the lighter colors in your decor pop. 

Multi-Level Islands

Kitchen islands are always a popular option because it is an easy way to increase storage space. This year, the latest trend is to design islands with different levels. This opens up more possibilities for how to use the space in a functional way. 

Warm Tones

While cool tones were dominating the kitchen scene for a long time, warm tones have become to make a comeback. This year, you will see more rich browns and deep reds when it comes to cabinets in the kitchen. 

Woven Light Fixtures

This fun and funky trend makes the kitchen feel more like an island oasis. Commonly made with bamboo or rattan, woven light fixtures give a natural, contemporary, and breezy feel in the kitchen. 

Reclaimed Wood

Now that we are seeing more warmth come into kitchen design, naturally, wood follows. Reclaimed wood in particular is seeing a resurgence of popularity in kitchen cabinetry. This is a great option for a rustic feel, though you can use reclaimed wood in a modern way with certain contemporary styles. 

Slab Backsplashes

If you aren’t a fan of tiles, these types of backsplashes will likely catch your eye. Slab backsplashes use one piece of a material, such as marble, to create a seamless, clean look. 

High-Shine Backsplashes

Another popular trend for 2021 is incorporating a lot of gloss into the kitchen design for a sleek look. In particular, homeowners are opting for materials like glass for their backsplashes for a futuristic, clean aesthetic. 

Are you ready to start building the kitchen of your dreams? Here is Tucson, our real estate development team is ready to help you build your home in our gated community. Contact us to learn more about Saguaro Ranch. 

Best Hiking Trails Near Tucson

Most people who don’t live in Arizona  think “sunshine” and “desert” when they hear of Tucson. What they don’t realize is that Tucson is a hotspot for incredible hiking. 

While there are countless benefits to buying a real estate lot for sale at Saguaro Ranch, the access to these trails and the great outdoors is undoubtedly one of the best. Take a look at some of the best hiking trails near Tucson — just make sure you bring plenty of water.

Desert Hiking Tips

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Desert hiking is beautiful and unforgettable. However, the dry climate and intense heat means you need to take precaution — often in ways that differ from hikes through forests or on flat land. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind before setting off on the trail.

  1. Pay attention to climate. Desert hikes in the summer should be done with extreme caution, in the early morning. Mountainous hikes are often closed in winter. Keep the climate of where you’re hiking in mind.

  2. Lots and lots of water. Hikers are airlifted out of trails every year in Arizona due to dehydration and exhaustion. Bring more water than seems necessary and take sips throughout. Never let your mouth get dry.

  3. Limit exposure. Wear sunscreen (and pack extra), sunglasses, and a hat to prevent extra glare. For mountainous hikes, bring an extra layer — there might be snow at the top!

  4. Prepare for elevation. If you’ve never been higher than 5,000 feet above sea level, you could very well experience altitude sickness. Many hikes in Tucson go well above 7,000 feet. Take things slow, gradually increase the elevation you hike up to if you’re worried, bring plenty of water, and consider talking to a doctor before you go.

  5. Watch for wildlife. Rattlesnakes (and sometimes scorpions) are a common occurrence on the trails. Keep an eye out and as a general rule of thumb, respect all wildlife around you. Leave things better than you found it and take all trash out with you.

  6. Time it carefully. From late spring to early fall, start your hikes early. Research how long it might take you to complete the hike so that you’re done before the hottest part of the day.

Image of a gila monster found onsite at our real estate development

One other thing to keep in mind, especially right now in 2020: continue following social distancing procedures when hiking. Give other hikers ample distance, don’t get too close, bring a mask just in case and some hand sanitizer, if available.

Waterfall Trails

Waterfalls in the desert? You bet! Tucson has a number of trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls. These hiking trails are great for photo ops and even better for a quick way to cool off.

  • Tanque Verde Falls Trail: 1.8 miles, out-and-back. Rated as moderate, just 40 minutes outside of downtown Tucson.

  • Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools: 5.5 miles, out-and-back, 900 feet of elevation gain. Part of the Catalina State Park, $7 entry fee per vehicle (no more than 4 adults). No dogs allowed.

  • Seven Falls: 5 miles, out-and-back, 917 feet of elevation gain. Part of the Coronado National Forest, you can take a $4 tram up to the trailhead. A great place to take a dip! No dogs allowed.

Out of the Desert Trails

No one can deny the beauty and otherworldly nature of the desert, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of dodge. Try these trails for a blissful escape (especially in the summer).

  • Aspen-Marshall Gulch Trail: 3.7 miles, loop, top elevation is around 8,150 feet. Gorgeous aspens, wildflowers, several creek crossings, and significantly cooler than desert hikes.

  • Chiricahua National Monument: Multiple trails to choose from, slightly further from Tucson (just under 2 hours away). Unique rock formations from a long-ago volcanic event offer an unforgettable visit.

Mountain Peak Trails

Mountains are an integral part of the Tucson landscape and are a gorgeous backdrop to the city. When you want to get to the top of those peaks, these are the trails for you.

  • Wasson Peak: 7.7 miles, out-and-back but with a loop option at the end, almost 1,900 feet elevation gain. Part of the Saguaro National Park, will need to pay admission or have an NPS membership. Closed during the summer, no dogs allowed.

  • Mt. Kimball: 8 miles, out-and-back, ranked difficult. Gorgeous views at the top, but the terrain gets tougher as you go on. There are springs you can stop at for a break (or a good turnaround point if you’re not feeling the peak this time).

  • Mt. Lemmon: 9.5 miles, out-and-back, almost 3,500 feet of elevation gain. The highest peak trail in the area, you’ll reach an elevation of 9,131 feet at the top. This trail has beautiful wildflowers and is actually a great hike from April to October. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

Saguaro Ranch Trails

Image of a runner wearing sunglasses with their dog on a leash, running on one of Saguaro Ranch’s private trails.

We have miles of desert hiking trails available to homeowners in Saguaro Ranch. When you buy a real estate lot for sale with Saguaro Ranch, you’re gaining exclusive access to private trails. Plus, these trails can also work for running and mountain biking.

Building a home at Saguaro Ranch means you’re close to the action of Tucson while feeling completely removed, in a peaceful, private desert oasis. You can easily travel to any of the hiking trails we mentioned (we also back right up to the Tortolita Mountains, another great hiking locale), or you can stay close to home and enjoy our unique trail system (and then cool off at the clubhouse when you’re done). Set up a visit to look at an estate lot and enjoy the great outdoors with ease.