Sierra Vista sits in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, at the northern edge of the Huachuca Mountains and just east of the San Pedro Riparian area. The city serves as a regional service and retail center, and its economy is closely linked to Fort Huachuca — the large U.S. Army post located at the city’s northwest edge — which shapes housing demand, rental patterns and the workforce profile. Sierra Vista’s combination of mountain access, moderate climate (compared with lower Sonoran Basin cities) and lower housing costs relative to much of Arizona make it an attractive option for families, military personnel, retirees and remote workers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Recent portal snapshots indicate mid-$200Ks to low-$300Ks for typical Sierra Vista home values in 2024–2026. National listing sites report average/median home values near $295K–$320K depending on the exact month and dataset, with some month-to-month variation and modest year-over-year movement in 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Price-per-square-foot in local listings is often in the mid-$150s to high-$190s per ft², which converts to approximately $1,650–$2,100 per m² (conversion: multiply $/ft² × 10.7639). Use these ranges as a starting benchmark — micro-markets and lot/view premiums push some areas well above or below these averages. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
| Year | Approx. Median Sale Price (USD) | Approx. Price per m² (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $165,000 | $1,050 |
| 2017 | $175,000 | $1,115 |
| 2018 | $190,000 | $1,210 |
| 2019 | $205,000 | $1,305 |
| 2020 | $230,000 | $1,465 |
| 2021 | $255,000 | $1,625 |
| 2022 | $280,000 | $1,785 |
| 2023 | $300,000 | $1,915 |
| 2024 | $310,000 | $1,980 |
| 2025 | $300,000–$320,000 | $1,915–$2,040 |
Notes: the table synthesizes historical medians and recent portal snapshots to show the broad 10-year trajectory: steady appreciation through 2020–2023, then moderation and more mixed outcomes in 2024–2025. For transactional decisions always request block-level comps from the MLS. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Across the 2016–2025 period, Sierra Vista’s housing demand was shaped by three consistent forces: (1) military employment at Fort Huachuca, (2) steady regional population flows (in-migration from higher-cost Arizona metros and retirees), and (3) the supply of buildable parcels constrained by terrain and environmental overlays near Ramsey Canyon and the San Pedro corridor. These factors produced comparatively steady appreciation, but lower volatility than many Arizona Sun Belt boom towns. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Principal demand drivers (summary):
The market cooled selectively in 2024–2025 as mortgage rates rose and as listings increased, but compared with some statewide markets the adjustment was milder because of the steady base of military-linked demand. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Converting common U.S. metrics provides a consistent international view. If local listings show prices near $160–$190 per ft², that corresponds to about $1,720–$2,040 per m². Premium neighborhoods, large-lot properties or houses with exceptional mountain views often trade at higher per-m² rates; older small homes or mobile-home parks trade well below. Treat price-per-m² as a sanity check rather than the sole valuation metric. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Sierra Vista is composed of several identifiable micro-markets. Below is a high-level map of value tiers and common characteristics:
More affordable areas (typically): large swaths of Sierra Vista Southeast, older ranch-style neighborhoods, and townhouse/condo pockets near retail corridors tend to offer the lowest entry prices. These areas are popular with first-time buyers, military families and value-seeking households. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
More expensive areas (typically): neighborhoods along the foothills and north/upper-elevation sectors (for example, The Villages at the Foothills and some Ramsey Canyon/foothill locations) command premiums for views, larger lots and proximity to outdoor amenities. Properties adjacent to conservation lands or with acreage (including some Hereford and Palominas parcels) also trade at higher price points. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Safety and infrastructure also follow these patterns: denser central corridors have the best access to schools, grocery and services, while foothill/upper-elevation areas offer quieter streets and better microclimate but require slightly longer drives to retail nodes.
Overall crime metrics for Sierra Vista are moderate and comparable to similarly sized U.S. cities. Neighborhood safety often varies by block: areas with high owner-occupancy and newer subdivisions show lower crime incidence, while rental-dense corridors have relatively higher incident counts. For infrastructure, the city’s recent general-plan update (Vista 2040) highlights investment in transportation, parks and drainage — useful context for buyers who care about future road improvements and new amenities. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Practical infrastructure tiers:
Below are compact profiles for four neighborhoods we recommend expanding into full pages later. Each block contains the key selling points, market tendencies and buyer profiles.
The city’s commercial core — municipal services, civic amenities, and a concentration of retail and medical offices. Housing here is mixed: older single-family homes, small apartment buildings, and some infill. Buyers seeking walkability to shops and short commutes to jobs will find this area convenient; prices are mid-range but vary by property condition and lot size.
Why consider: walkability, healthcare access, shorter commutes.
A scenic foothills community with newer subdivisions, panoramic mountain views and a reputation for quieter streets and better microclimate. Homes here generally command a premium per m² compared with the city average because of elevation, views and larger lot sizes. Family buyers and second-home purchasers often target this micro-market. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Why consider: views, newer construction, outdoor access.
Broad and diverse, the Southeast sector contains affordable single-family homes, townhomes and emerging subdivisions. This is where entry-level buyers and many military families shop because of value and proximity to retail and schools. Expect a range of product types and prices. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Why consider: affordability, convenience, school access.
Housing immediately adjacent to or serving Fort Huachuca is highly influenced by military rotations and base hiring. Rental demand is steady; resale patterns follow personnel flows. These neighborhoods are essential for anyone whose household is linked to the base. Safety perceptions are generally favorable due to base security and active community oversight. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Why consider: steady rental demand, workforce proximity, short commute to the base.
Sierra Vista should be evaluated as a set of local micro-markets rather than a single homogeneous city. For both buyers and sellers, the following short checklist helps narrow options and set expectations:
Additional practical steps: check planned infrastructure projects in the Vista 2040 General Plan to anticipate road and park improvements that may influence future values. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
This page synthesizes data from national listing portals (Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com), local market pages and city planning documents. Portal figures (Zillow, Redfin, Realtor) provide current median/average valuations and price-per-square-foot snapshots; the City of Sierra Vista’s general plan and local mapping tools provide planning and infrastructure context. The 10-year price trajectory is an illustrative synthesis built from these sources and interpolated where month-by-month series are not directly available. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}