To Pool or Not to Pool

Summers in Southern Arizona can be tough. The weather warms up significantly and while the long days of sunshine are great, the heat can be a lot. So what to do? One option is to put a pool in your yard! As a homeowner, whether to buy a home with a pool or install a pool in your backyard is a big decision!

It’s tempting to imagine the aesthetics of a beautiful blue pool in the yard. It’s perfect for summer parties but it’s important to do your due diligence as a homeowner.

Be sure to budget for monthly pool maintenance. It’s important to keep your pool clean and at the correct chemical levels so it’s safe to use. There are also weekly chores that need to be done, including checking the basket for debris, skimming the surface, and vacuuming. Also keep in mind that during the summer months, the heat causes more water evaporation so anticipate an increase in your water bill.

Make sure to talk to your insurance agent about how a pool is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. There are a few different options based on your insurance. This is also an important question if you’re thinking about adding a pool to your yard after you own your home. If you have detailed questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Fairfield Homes agent!

Another consideration is safety. With pets and young kids, it’s important to budget and understand Arizona laws regarding fences and gates around the pool to make sure that everyone stays safe. In Arizona, above and below-ground pools must be surrounded by a fence or gate at least five-feet high that doesn’t have any openings more than four inches in diameter. There are some great local Tucson companies that will install high-quality fences that will enhance your yard design.

There are many advantages to installing a swimming pool in the backyard! For one thing, it’s great for kids! During the summertime in Arizona, kids don’t want to be anywhere except the pool. Anyone with a pool immediately becomes the destination house in the neighborhood!

Swimming pools are a great way to keep people of all ages active and engaged. It’s great for socializing, leisure,  and has many health benefits like stretching, low-impact exercise, and is great for rehabilitation. Swimming is one of the most popular outdoor activities! Studies show that swimming burns more calories per hour than walking or biking. Pools are also calming and peaceful.

What a great excuse to have barbeques and bond with your neighbors! Plus, swimming pools in Arizona can be used almost year-round so the cost per use goes down quickly and significantly.

The bottom line is that a swimming pool in Southern Arizona makes a lot of sense. The weather is perfect for it, it’s the ideal playground for kids and family pets, and it’s a feature that increases the resale value of your home. Of course, think through the details and what makes the most sense for your home and your family when making a big decision like this.


It was February 14, 1912, when President William Howard Taft strode into the Oval Office and signed a bill that amended Arizona Territory into the State of Arizona. Though it took a simple signature to enact statehood, the actual efforts to get here were long and arduous.

While February 14th is nationally known as Valentine’s Day, Arizonans know that on this day in history Arizona completed the 48 conterminous United States in the union.

How did this union begin?

The entirety of present-day Arizona belonged to independent Mexico in 1821. When expansionists spread out West, conflicts over territory arose, leading to the Mexican-American war which spanned from 1846 until 1848.

When the dust settled, Mexico ceded 70% of northern Arizona to the U.S. The land was considered a territory of New Mexico, but later it became its own Arizona Territory under the Confederacy. A couple of decades after the Civil War, residents petitioned for Arizona’s statehood several times, but to no avail. A big reason was population. People were dubious about the viability of the desert land, but that all changed.

The population boomed

From a first look, the desert environment gave doubts to its productivity. Yet, copper mining was Arizona’s premier industry and satisfied a rapidly growing market. Cattle, cotton, citrus, and more agricultural interests brought in homesteaders to develop farming economies. Arizona held the powerful five C’s: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate.

Gradually, more people recognized the Arizona climate was not only worth developing, but its environment was cleaner than other states and a warm respite from the harsh winter conditions.

Once the widespread availability of refrigeration and air conditioning developed, more people called Arizona home. A far cry from its population of 217,000 people in 1912, Arizona is currently home to 7.2 million people today.

So, Why February 14th?

Bad luck and better timing: It took some time for Taft to feel secure in the constitution of the state. But, when he ultimately decided to sign the statehood papers, planners hoped he would ratify Arizona on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12th. Unfortunately, Taft was out of town and everyone considered the 13th to be bad luck, so the signing was pushed back to February 14th — the day to commemorate love and admiration.

We admire our great state, and all over Arizona, visitors and long-time residents alike can uncover new, exciting opportunities here — from historical landmarks to expansive hiking trails. There’s an adventure for anyone.

Ready to ring in the celebration of Arizona’s 110th anniversary by calling it home?

At Fairfield Homes, we create gorgeous semi-custom and custom homes blended with the natural landscape and optimized for grand views of the Tucson terrain in every direction. Speak with an industry expert today to discover your home options!

Sources:
https://legallegacy.wordpress.com/2019/02/14/february-14-1912-arizona-joins-the-union-as-the-48th-state/
https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/arizona
https://kjzz.org/content/19682/did-you-know-it-took-arizona-49-years-become-state

Undoubtedly, Tucson presents a wide range of opportunities to pique your interest. But, it’s also nice to get out and take an adventure beyond city limits for the day. You don’t need to travel too far or spend the night to enjoy all of the fun activities around Tucson. Discover a mixture of history, nature, and fun goodies on these day trips.

Mount Lemmon / Summerhaven

An hour’s drive, about 30 miles north of Tucson, brings you to Mount Lemmon and Summerhaven. This “Island in the Sky” completely transforms from a desert terrain of cacti and mesquite trees to a winter wonderland of leafy ferns and pines the farther you travel up the scenic byway.

Many people come to Mount Lemmon to hike, stargaze, picnic, ski, snowboard, sled, and snowshoe. During the winter season, the quaint community of Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon is the place to stay warm with its cozy cabins for renting and the delicious fudge from the Mt. Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop.

Desert Belle Cruises on Saguaro Lake

Two hours from Tucson, sail away on the Desert Belle Tour Boat for a 90-minute cruise where a coastguard-certified captain will share interesting facts on the history and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert.

The serene experience is highlighted by the magic of this teardrop-silver and shimmering lake, towering canyon walls, the fountain of knowledge, and refreshments. Desert Belle serves alcohol, soda, and water for the humans on board, and popcorn for feeding the ducks during the excursion.

Desert Belle offers different cruise experiences, including ones with live music every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Wine Cruises and Narration Cruises.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Spelunking for everyone! A closer, 30-minute drive from the heart of Tucson, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open daily for cave tours. After venturing the caves, you can embark on many different adventures like hiking, biking, or horseback riding the trails of the Sonoran Desert.

Picnic for the day and grab a refreshment from the nearby Terrace Café & Shop. This historic, limestone structure features spectacular views of the rolling desert landscape to enjoy while trying delicious recipes and a tasty selection of craft beers and wine.

Tombstone

The authentic spirit of the old west lives on in the city of Tombstone, AZ. This one-hour trip from Tucson will transport you back to the wild wild west. After getting its start as a silver mining claim in the late-1870s, the settlement boomed into an entertainment hub of opera, theaters, dance halls, and brothels.

Put your cowboy hats on, dust off your chaps, and walk the dusty, wooden boardwalks of this famous town. Numerous shops, restaurants, and saloons line the walkway. And, you’ll leave with your own personal experience and history of the “Town Too Tough to Die.”

Sonoita Vineyards

Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest running commercial vineyard and winery in the state of Arizona. An hour from Tucson, situated in the rolling hills in the Sonoita-Elgin area of Southern Arizona, this Winery offers many award-winning wines crafted from native grapes—all for your tasting pleasure.

The views from the winery are unparalleled along with a great ambiance that complements the tasting experience. With selections for every taste—dry, sweet, dessert—there’s wine in store for you and great history about the vineyard’s beginnings.

Tucson is a beautiful place to put roots down with a plethora of ventures to embark on. Make Southern Arizona your charming abode with the help of Fairfield Homes. We’ve been in the business of building custom and semi-custom homes for over two decades, and we know just how to blend beautiful architectural structures without disturbing the stunning natural landscape. Get started on finding your perfect-fit homesite. Contact Fairfield Homes today.


Holiday plans in place, check. Guests arriving, check. But, oh no, what about the house?! Prepping for the holidays tacks on unwanted stress—there’s no doubt about that. With proper planning, you can enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family without any worries. From now until New Year’s, get a jumpstart on your resolutions with these holiday-home tips.

1. Use Seasonal Scents

Welcome your guests with the aroma of the season. Pine, spices, and sweets galore, your holiday candles’ scents add an extra dimension to your holiday extravaganzas. 

2. Clean the Floors

The more you do in advance to prepare your home for foot traffic and activity, the better. Once you catch any dirt from the top of furniture and shelves, move on to cleaning the floors of dust and debris. There’s nothing like welcoming your guests with the sparkle of immaculately clean floors!

3. Clean Out the Fridge

Leading up to the event, it’s key to clear out your kitchen and refrigerator to make room for holiday dishes. Begin by tossing out expired food and freeing up space by condensing items into smaller containers. Take this opportunity, while your fridge is being emptied, to wipe down the shelves and drawers.

4. Transition the Decor

As we pass from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s, there’s certainly no shortage of excitement between those few weeks. And, each holiday tends to have its own set of decorations. Prepare to take the turkey figurines down in lieu of reindeer figurines come December 1st. From then on, check back on this list before setting up your winter decorations.

5. Dress Up Your Entryway

The first place your guests will see of your home is the entryway. Spread holiday cheer to everyone who walks into your home with themed decor. For Christmas, consider setting the nearside table with a miniature Christmas tree, family photos, and jolly garland. These decorations help set the tone for what guests can expect the more they venture inside.

6. Prep the Guest Room

If you plan on inviting guests to stay in your home during the holidays, they’ll need all of the comforts of home for the duration of their trip. Make sure that the room is tidy, and outfitted with a cozy bed, a well-lit lamp, and a dresser for clothing.

7. Prep the Kitchen

A holiday-ready kitchen is key to a successful holiday get-together. This is where people are gathering, food is being made, and messes are likely to happen. Get a head start on shopping for groceries, cleaning necessary cookware for the day of, and clearing tabletops for the expected heap of food.

8. Stock Up On Essentials

From ensuring the heating is up to par to providing essential items for overnight guests, it’s always important to assess your home and prepare for as much as you can. Some items to always have on hand are paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and toothpaste. In addition, cleaning out the fireplace beforehand can make the cold winter nights much more enjoyable.

Building and customizing your home to fit your vision is exactly what we do. With Fairfield Homes, you’ll build a top-end, quality home on one of the most beautiful sites in Southern Arizona. Enjoy the best desertscape views now and for your next holiday celebration. Contact us today to get started!

 


Every home needs a great outdoor living space, especially in the stunning presence of the desert and beautiful sunshine weather Arizona has to offer. Your outdoor area is the perfect place to enjoy nature, relish the best temperatures throughout the day, spend time with friends and family, and engage in entertainment.

Every detail counts to make your outdoor area match and complement your household’s lifestyle. There are plenty of things you can do to begin transforming your backyard into the ideal spot for entertaining and relaxing year-round, but first, consider a few factors to determine how you can best amplify your outdoor experience.

What’s the Purpose?

Having a functional and serene outdoor space encourages and provides the opportunity to spend more time outside. When you’re looking to achieve the ideal outdoor space for you, the key to breaking down how you would like it to function depends on your lifestyle and what activities are important to you. Ask yourself what the purpose of your project is, how you want to use your patio, and plan accordingly.

  • – Do you plan on hosting dinner parties outside?
  • – How many guests do you typically entertain?
  • – Does your outdoor area need to be kid or pet-friendly with a separate area just for them?
  • – What activities do you and your guests enjoy?
  • – Would you prefer a quiet space to relax and unwind?
  • – Would you prefer sun or shade?
  • – Are there any arrangements you would like to make with your landscape?

Consider the Layout

Take a walk outside. An important point when it comes to designing your space is to consider the layout you’ll be working with.

  • – How much space is available?
  • – Are there existing elements?
  • – What can you add or remove?
  • – How can you position elements in optimal ways?

Determining the position of your patio space, orientation, and outlook will help plan out your course of action. Make note of components you’d like to see in specific placements, such as a pool to the right side, a fire pit to the left side, and a spacious outdoor kitchen underneath your covered patio. Once you visualize where you would like these elements to go, creating your ideal space will come easily. It’s also important to note where the sun rises and falls in your backyard because sunlight levels can affect the comfort of you and your guests.

Establish the Ambiance

The final step in creating the perfect outdoor environment lies in a pleasant ambiance. There are many ways to decorate your space and give it a touch of personality where people can enjoy themselves and make memories. Anyone can have a backyard, but not everyone can have a welcoming outdoor living space.

With Greenery

Brighten things up with greenery—plants unfurl fabulous foliage and beautiful blooms to delight in. Arizona does not typically have a green color palette due to the sandy desert landscape, but there are many options beyond the natural saguaros and cacti to adorn your backyard—Baja Fairy Duster, Desert Lavender, and Flame Honeysuckle being a few of the colorful flora you can add to your scenery.

With Water

Add a cooling element to your landscaping design. Ponds, fountains, water statues, and waterfalls are all attractive options that add sound, texture, and movement to your outdoor living space. A birdbath feature could also bring in visiting wildlife.

With Fire

Gather around a fire pit for a sense of closeness. When the temperature outside drops, a fire pit will warm you and your guests up during those cool nights. Arrange chairs around the edges, and enjoy the flickering, crackling show with family and friends.

With Lighting

Illuminate the beauty of your outdoor area during the nighttime. Adding or upgrading lighting makes it possible to stay outside longer and emphasizes the features that make up your yard.

Fairfield Homes is Southern Arizona’s most highly sought-after home builder, delivering the utmost luxury and quality in-home while showcasing the natural desert beauty all around. Our floor plan options feature gorgeous indoor-outdoor living designs, such as a private, covered patio option, with enough space to make your ideal outdoor living area a reality. Get started today!


Monsoon season — it happens every June 15, but did you know it wasn’t always like that? Back in the olden days, people considered the monsoon to arrive after three consecutive days with dew points of at least 55 degrees. Forecasters decided to set dates, now June 15 through September 30, to allow us to focus on what a monsoon brings. Keep reading to discover interesting facts you should know about the monsoon season.

  1. There are nearly 500,000 lightning strikes during a monsoon

Take cover or stay indoors during monsoons. Watching the crackle and pop of lightning from afar may seem like a beautiful, natural spectacle, but it is also very dangerous. Most lightning strikes occur more than three miles away from the center of the thunderstorm, with the farthest strike recorded 15 miles away.

  1. Monsoons can cause dust storms

In Arizona, during monsoon season, it is common to see a wall of dust that reaches hundreds of feet in the air. The high winds caused by the thunderstorm lift large amounts of dust, creating an intense dust storm, also known as a “haboob.”

  1. Monsoons are difficult to predict

Because they have few patterns, monsoons are difficult to predict. However, researchers continue to study aspects of the monsoon to improve the forecasting accuracy of these occurrences.

  1. Arizona receives 31.5% of its total annual rainfall during the monsoon season

A large fraction of rainfall in Arizona happens during the summer monsoon months. This has its advantages, as seasonal rains make it possible for agriculture, forests, and inhabitants of the region to store water for the next dry period.

  1. Tucson received 1.62 inches of rain during 2020’s monsoon season

In 2020, Tucson experienced one of its hottest summers ever and the second driest monsoon ever. The only time the monsoon season has brought less rain than 2020 was in 1924 with 1.59 inches.

  1. The last above-average monsoon in Tucson was in 2017

Monsoon season in Tucson usually averages a total of 6.08 inches of rainfall, however in 2017, Tucson brought in a staggering 8.57 inches of rain — the highest in the state that year.

Find out how to prepare for the monsoon season by following these tips.

Shelter from the monsoon season in a home built to withstand such weather. Fairfield Homes builds quality homes with floor plans that work with the land and provide the most stunning desert views. Get started today!

 


Dining in or dining out? With the pandemic still looming, a night out at a public restaurant may not seem like an option. Although indoor dining establishments sanctioned COVID-19 protocols, people may not feel safe in a more confined space. Outdoor dining limits close face-to-face contact with enough physical distancing for a safe dining experience. For Tucson, the outdoor dining options remain limitless.

Check out the best outdoor dining spots for a safe and appetizing night out in Tucson!

Baja Cafe of Tucson

Enjoy American and Southwestern cuisine at one of three Baja Cafe locations in Tucson. Baja Cafe on Campbell (not to be confused with Ina or Broadway) offers the best shade on their outdoor patio and best breakfast in town. Baja Cafe hosts a creative menu, with classic breakfast options like “Skooby Snak,” a toasted English muffin with one egg, fire-roasted green chile, herb cream cheese, and sausage or ham and specialty bloody marys.

Brunch it up and stay cool under this shaded outdoor patio!

To see more from their menu and how they are maintaining safe distances, find their website at http://www.bajacafetucson.com/#location/

5 Points Market and Restaurant

5 Points? More like 5 stars. This farm-to-table American-style restaurant and market serves the healthiest breakfast and lunch options. Besides their remarkable food plating skills, 5 Points Market offers outdoor seating on their flora-packed patio. The surrounding flora and fauna allow for a physically distanced and fragrant dining experience.

Eat fresh and smell the roses!

Scroll through their website for restaurant or market options: https://www.5pointstucson.com/

Vivace Restaurant

Although Vivace’s indoor seating exhibits fine dining at its best, a la complimentary water for each guest and exceptionally placed utensils over a white tablecloth, the outdoor seating exceeds in comparison. The outdoor fountain takes center stage, but the breathtaking view of Tucson mountains aligned in the background catches the eye and assures a peaceful atmosphere. Making it in Business Insider’s “The 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in the US,” Vivace Restaurant will not disappoint.

Enjoy the scenery and Northern Italian selection!

Check their menu out at https://www.vivacetucson.com/menu

La Cocina

La Cocina makes you feel right at home. Guests describe this restaurant as a “nice little oasis” where people come to revel in the atmosphere. Under a shaded canopy, this beautiful courtyard restaurant delights guests with live music and various Mexican, American, or Southwestern cuisine. Several shops surround La Cocina to explore before or after your meal.

Eat out at your home away from home!

Find out more on their website at https://lacotucson.com/

Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta

Experience a happy hour like no other at Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta. This Southern-Italian style restaurant offers unique menu items, like their baked potato pizza, and specialty drinks — including non-alcoholic options apart from the customary soda. The open courtyard and fire pit add a unique ambiance unlike any other on this list. Listen to relaxing live music and keep warm under this sheltered dining establishment.

The proof is in the pizza & pasta!

Curious to know more about Proof’s eclectic menu? Discover more at https://www.prooftucson.com/menus

Union Public House

Looking for a spot for dinner but everything closes in Tucson at 9 P.M.? Good thing Union Public House stays open until 2 A.M. and continues to uphold COVID measures no matter the time of day. Don’t sweat at Union Public House because no other place feels as spacious and you won’t feel rushed to finish your meal. This expansive courtyard features a grand fountain adjacent to the live music stage. Lights hang overhead, establishing a safe and comfortable space for guests.

Take your time and look over the menu!

Browse their menu at https://www.uniontucson.com/full-menu

Fairfield Homes knows how important it is to feel safe in your own space. We can help you by creating a custom home that fits your lifestyle. Speak with one of our industry experts today to get started!  


Tucson, a desert paradise that boasts energetic retirees as well as college students, is a true hotbed for innovation, nature, and relaxation. From its eclectic downtown and interesting history to its outdoor adventure and foodie culture, Tucson has something for everyone, making it an ideal place to live or visit.

 

If you’re looking for reasons to live in Tucson, Arizona, look no further. We’ve assembled a list of all the reasons that you would want to call Tucson home.

 

Desert and Mountains

If you love the outdoors, Tucson boasts five stunning mountain ranges that surround the Sonoran Desert. These mountain ranges include the Santa Catalina Mountains, Tortolita Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, Rincon Mountains, and the Tucson Mountains. Laced with hiking trails and bike paths, Tucson is an easy choice for hikers. 

 

Golfers Greens

Avid golfers love Tucson for its wide variety of golf greens to choose from with more than 40 courses throughout the metro of Tucson. Rooted in the golf tradition founded by Cologuard Classic, a Tucson PGA TOUR Champions Tour event that’s played on the Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course, Tucson challenges every level of golfer with a wide variety of courses. All golf courses flaunt breathtaking desert and mountain views.

 

Downtown Tucson

Tucson locals love their city, and it’s obvious from the many activities and businesses available to all. Downtown is mapped out across six districts, each of them with a distinct culture and collection of unique offerings. Often called eclectic, Tucson is the perfect place to inspire creativity. The Tucson Streetcar provides transit throughout the downtown destinations, also connecting to the University of Arizona. So park and explore!

 

An Education Hub

While Tucson has gained recognition for being an ideal location for retirement, it also boasts world-renowned colleges and universities with the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, and charter schools. In fact, two high schools within Tucson have ranked in the top five schools nationally. Access to these schools means that Tucson brims with sporting events, theater performances, and so much more.

 

Foodie Heaven

Tucson locals love their food, and they celebrate it in a variety of ways. For example, the city boasts twenty-three miles of Mexican food. Of course, there are a variety of options, including American, Italian, Southwestern, and Mexican. Tucson received the designation of World City of Gastronomy from UNESCO Creative Cities Network—that’s some serious food love. The region has a history of 4,000 years’ worth of agriculture, Sonoran foods, and desert dining.

 

Quality Healthcare

Between the University of Arizona and the Banner University Medical Center, Tucson is one of the most informed when it comes to medical research and teaching up-and-coming medical professionals. The area is home to many of the best physicians, specialists, and nurses in the nation. Exceptional medical care is usually very close by.

 

Biker Wonderland

If you love to commute by bike or just go on long bike rides for fun, Tucson is considered one of the top bike-friendly cities in America by multiple news sources such as Bustle, Bicycle Magazine, and Outdoor Magazine. Travel Channel has even declared that Tucson has “more bicycle infrastructure than any city in the United States.” So whether you prefer a bike commute or a bike trail, Tucson is ready for you.

 

World-Renowned Events

Tucson boasts a number of events all year round, throughout the week and weekend! In fact, in 2017, Tucson received the designation of IFEA World Festival and Event City. This designation is reserved for communities that showcase leadership in festival and event partnerships. Tucson attracts visitors from all over the world for their events: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, El Tour de Tucson.

 

Mecca of History

The perfect blend of everything Southwest, Tucson carries the weight of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American heritages. This means Tucson is filled with art and history that represents the unique grouping of communities that have called Tucson home. Historic sites include Mission San Xavier del Bac, Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum, and Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Center & Museum.

 

Strong Community

Tucson believes in community. While locals practice caring for their neighbors, the city is actually known for having the largest number of nonprofits per capita! Tucson is a friendly place to live or visit, and most are so willing to help however they can.

 

We’ve given you 10 reasons to live in Tucson, but rest assured that there are plenty of other reasons to fall in love with this amazing city. After all, every local loves Tucson for a different reason.

 

At Fairfield Homes, we are ready to make your dream home come true! Contact us today to get started with one of our industry professionals.



 


Fairfield’s newest luxury community, Vermillion at Rancho Vistoso, is now open! The luxury Southern Arizona home builder of over 40 years introduces this gated community at the northwest corner of Moore Road and La Canada. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tortolita and Catalina mountains from your customized forever home.

There are 29 homesites available starting at $460,000 with customizable plans ranging from 2,199 to 3,795 sqft. Choose anywhere from 2 to 6 bedrooms, 2 to 4.5 baths, and 2 to 5 car garages. Also available is a wall of glass door sliders that optimize views of the picturesque Southern Arizona mountains. 

Let’s build your dream home together in the beautiful mountainous areas of Tuscon. Learn more about the Vermillion community at Rancho Vistoso today, call 1-800-830-5135 or visit fairfieldhomes.com/vermillion

Read our press release in realestatedaily-news.com.

 

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