Area Information

The Sonoita - Patagonia - Elgin Community

This is a rich multi-cultural community with strong family values. For much of its past, the area was devoted mainly to cattle ranching and now is predominantly horse country. One of the oldest and largest area ranches, the Babacomari Ranch (www.babacomariranch.com), continues as a working cattle ranch today. Most notably significant of the community is its diversity of people. The common thread holding the people together is an appreciation of the special beauty of this countryside.

The view is of wide open grasslands surrounded by a half dozen mountain ranges, part of the Coronado National Forest. Pronghorn antelope, three species of quail, three lakes for fishing and some of the nation's finest birding spots are in the immediate area. The 5,000 ft. elevation provides a climate offering four seasons. Summer day temps average 85-95 degrees cooling down to the mid 60s each evening. Winter brings occasional “frosting” snowfalls lasting a day or two; the sun shines nearly 340 days per year. Annual rainfall is approximately 20", half falling during the summer monsoon season, July and August.

The Fairgrounds in "downtown" Sonoita hosts the County Fair, horse racing, horse shows, and many more functions, with an emphasis on the southwest lifestyle. All of the daily necessities, including churches, a bank, a library, mini-markets, plus two of Arizona's "Top 100" restaurants are located in the area. Supermarkets and department stores are an easy 35 miles away in either Sierra Vista or Nogales. Sierra Vista has campuses of both Cochise College and the University of Arizona plus Fort Huachuca - the Army's principle communications center. Nogales is the Santa Cruz County seat and a major border crossing for trade and tourism with Mexico. The Patagonia-Sonoita-Elgin area has been designated "The Mountain Empire"; take a look at this unique region by visiting its website at www.patagoniaaz.com.

All the opportunities of a city are within easy reach without disturbing the benefits of the rural atmosphere and environment of the area. Just 50 miles to the north, Tucson, with its rich history, offers concerts, theater and opera, museums (from art to airplanes), championship golf, the world famous Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Biosphere II, and the main campus of the University of Arizona.