Catalina

Catalina’s small-town flavor and majestic mountain views appeal to people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

History

Located 12 miles north of Tucson, the town began in the 1870's as the Rail N Ranch, a working cattle ranch. In 1959, Lloyd W. Golder III purchased the ranch and renamed it the Golder Ranch. In 1949, E. B. Garner and his wife bought 112 acres of the land and a year later began selling parcels which later grew into the town of Catalina, named for the surrounding Catalina Mountains. Today, this quiet hamlet is experiencing mild growth with a steady influx of families and retirees, along with the addition of new strip malls.

Business & Industry

In the absence of a local incorporated government, the Greater Catalina/Golder Ranch Village Council is composed of elected volunteers, and functions as a community forum for residents. The Catalina area is largely rural but evolving toward a more suburban setting as new developments move into the area. Local retail trade and services support the large numbers of winter residents attracted to Catalina from November through April.

Statistics

• Population: 7,751
• Incorporated: No
• County: Pima
• Elevation: 3,120
• Total Area: 13.0 square miles
• Average July High: 101
• Average January Low: 37
• Average Yearly Precipitation: 13.04 inches
• Median Household Income: $37,482
• Median Age: 39
• City Sales Tax: 0%
• Cable Internet Service: No
• Fiber Optics: No

Activities & Attractions

Catalina is home to the world-renowned Miraval Life in Balance spa and to Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center, one of the largest living Earth eco-replica laboratories in the world, located north of town. Outdoor recreation is outstanding in nearby Catalina State Park and Coronado National Forest, with camping, hiking and equestrian trails. Trails around Catalina provide easy access to the Sutherland Wash, Romero Creek and the Canada del Oro Wash.