Meritage Homes: Quality and Unbeatable Incentives
Meritage Homes consistently ranks as one of our favorite builders to work with, and they recently won best builder in Southern Arizona. They offer a range of homes from 1,300 to over 2,500 square feet, with prices generally falling between the low $350s and mid-$400s in Marana. Their communities in Continental Ranch (Summerstone) and Gladden Farms (Fieldstone and Chaperel in Rancho Marana) are highly popular.
Meritage specializes in spec homes, which means floor plans and finishes are pre-selected. This approach saves buyers thousands of dollars by bypassing expensive design center upgrades. A standout feature of Meritage homes is that they include all appliances—Whirlpool washer, dryer, refrigerator, gas range, oven, microwave, and dishwasher—making them truly move-in ready.
Current Incentives (as of video recording, subject to change):
- 2-1 Buy Down Program: First year at 2.99% interest, second year at 3.99%, and years 3-30 locked at 4.99%. This can save homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars annually, with the option to refinance if rates drop further.
- Closing Cost Contribution: Meritage offers 1% of the purchase price towards closing costs, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
For instance, their 1,326 sq ft Turquoise floor plan in Continental Ranch starts around $361,000, while a similar 1,327 sq ft Carnival floor plan in Gladden Farms can be found for nearly $20,000 less, starting at $341,990. We've found that this price difference often comes down to location and proximity to downtown Tucson.
Lennar: Diverse Options, Including NextGen Homes
Lennar offers homes in the Gladden Farms area, with prices typically ranging from the mid-$350s up to the mid-$460s, and even some larger options nearing $490,000. Their floor plans include both single-story and two-story designs, catering to various family sizes and needs.
One of Lennar's unique offerings is their NextGen® Home option, which includes a private suite with its own entrance, bedroom, laundry, bath, kitchenette, and living room. This is an excellent solution for multi-generational living or as a dedicated guest space. Their Julian floor plan, a 2,700 sq ft, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, is a prime example of their NextGen offering, priced just under $490,000.
Current Incentives (as of video recording, subject to change):
- Interest Rate: 3.99% for FHA or VA loans (years 1-30).
- Closing Cost Contribution: $7,000 towards closing costs.
Lennar's communities in Gladden Farms are particularly appealing due to their proximity to a brand-new K-8 STEM school opening soon, adding significant value for families.
Richmond American Homes: RV Garages and Larger Floor Plans
Richmond American also builds in the Gladden Farms area, typically offering homes in the mid-$400s, with some options exceeding $500,000. Their homes tend to be larger, and they uniquely offer floor plans with RV garages, a rare and highly sought-after feature for many buyers.
For example, their 1,910 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath Copper floor plan with an RV garage is priced just under $520,000. They also offer larger 5-bedroom, 3-bath, 2,630 sq ft two-story homes with a three-car garage for around $545,000, such as their Moonstone floor plan.
Current Incentives (as of video recording, subject to change):
- Interest Rates: 4.99% for FHA/VA loans, 5.5% for conventional loans.
We always encourage clients to use their online mortgage calculators to understand monthly payments, as living within that budget is key.
D.R. Horton: Diverse Communities and Amenities
D.R. Horton has a strong presence in Marana with three communities on the west side of I-10: Sorro Bloom, Coronet at Gladden Farms, and Barnett Village in Rancho Marana. They offer a variety of floor plans, from smaller 1,331 sq ft homes to expansive 2,431 sq ft options.
- Sorro Bloom: Located closer to town, about 20 minutes from downtown Tucson. This community features a pool, exercise area, dog park, and clubhouse. Prices range from $384,900 for a 1,331 sq ft Amber floor plan to over $500,000 for larger homes.
- Coronet at Gladden Farms: This community offers a beautiful setting within Gladden Farms, boasting its own community pool, gym, and clubhouse—amenities not found in other Gladden Farms communities. Homes here are often more affordable than Sorro Bloom, with options around $350,000 for a 1,330 sq ft Amber floor plan, and two-story homes like the 2,227 sq ft Kate floor plan around $423,000.
- Barnett Village (Rancho Marana): This community is nearing completion, with limited homes remaining. Their 1,909 sq ft, 5-bedroom, 3-bath Parker floor plan, ideal for larger families or those needing office space, is priced around $419,000.
Current Incentives (as of video recording, subject to change):
- Interest Rate: 3.99% interest rate with money towards closing costs. Appliance packages are typically negotiated separately.
"We recently helped a wonderful family purchase this 5-bedroom floor plan in Barnett Village, and it worked really well for them, offering ample space for an office and children's rooms."
Marana Community Amenities & Lifestyle
Marana's west side, particularly the Gladden Farms area, is designed for an active and convenient lifestyle. These master-planned communities are packed with amenities that enhance daily living.
