Last Updated on December 20, 2021 by Kim Labriola
First impressions of Milagro Cohousing Community
The first time I visited the Milagro Cohousing Community, it had rained the previous day so the creosote scent was intoxicating. Mmmmm, creosote is the most amazing desert scent.
The walk from the parking area to the homes is highlighted by beautiful paths through natural desert landscape and lush gardens. With such a great first impression, you can see how I fell in love with this unique west side Tucson community.
Homes for sale in the Milagro cohousing community
Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com
Milagro Community Details
Milagro was built in 2003, after about a decade of planning. The word milagro means miracles in Spanish. Which is fitting for a community of 28 homes that sits upon 43 acres, tucked against the Tucson Mountains in the western part of Tucson. Thirty-three of those acres are undeveloped natural open space desert, accessible to all. Most of the homes have amazing views of mountains, desert, and/or the city. All this is located only 6 miles and a short 15-minute drive to Downtown Tucson.
The homes are clustered around a centralized grassy circle, with paths that lead toward the homes. The covered parking area is separated from the homes by another pleasant meandering pathway.
The homes in Milagro cohousing community are built of locally sourced adobe blocks, which have been left exposed on the interior and the exterior, lending a warm texture to the homes. The homes vary in size from 1,400 to 2,700 square feet, from 2 bedroom up to 4 bedroom homes, and each home has 2 or 3 levels. Each unit comes with either 1 or 2 carport spaces or garage spaces.
The neighborhood has been featured in Time Magazine and has won several awards including one from the Arizona Planning Association.
Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com
What exactly is Cohousing?
“Cohousing is community intentionally designed with ample common spaces surrounded by private homes. Collaborative spaces typically include a common house with a large kitchen and dining room, laundry, and recreational areas and outdoor walkways, open space, gardens, and parking. Neighbors use these spaces to play together, cook for one another, share tools, and work collaboratively. Common property is managed and maintained by community members, providing even more opportunities for growing relationships.”
– Cohousing Association of the United States
Green Features at Milagro
Sustainability is top priority for the Milagro cohousing community. The homes use passive solar techniques with thick, well insulating, stabilized mud adobe as the main building material. On-site rainwater harvesting was designed by expert Brad Lancaster to water vegetable gardens, fruit, and shade trees. Solar hot water heaters are used in the homes and for the common house. Many of the homes and the common house also have solar photovolteic systems. There’s electric vehicle charging stations too.
The homes in Milagro are located on a road called Gaia Place. Fittingly, In Greek mythology Gaia was the mother goddess who presided over the earth.
It’s all about Community at Milagro
This community is all about their community. Community events are organized regularly, including happy hour, games, movies, and holiday celebrations. On weekends they often have community meals in the common house with members taking turns cooking in teams.
Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com
How is Milagro different from the typical neighborhood?
Milagro is considered a townhome community. The homes are privately held, including the lots, patios, garages, carports, and storage units that belong to each unit.
The community spaces are commonly owned by everyone in the community. This includes driveways, parking lots, the workshop, pathways, the common house, the common house patios, the swimming pool, laundry facilities, and 33-acres of open space.
The residents of Milagro are expected to contribute to and participate with the community in some way. Residents are encouraged to participate in community meals, serving on committees, and/or assisting with community maintenance.
Amenities at Milagro
- Saltwater, solar heated pool
- Basketball hoop
- Playground with swings
- Common House
- Library room
- Kid’s playroom
- Community kitchen
- Community solar oven
- Laundry room and drying yard
- Hiking trail
- Covered parking
Drone video link of Milagro Cohousing community
Take a look at this drone video of Milagro Cohousing by Brian Stark.
5 favorites about Milagro Cohousing community
- Fruit and vegetable gardens on site, yum!
- The tight-knit community atmosphere
- The salt-water pool
- The Common House with weekly community meals
- The beauty of the mud adobe block construction, exposed inside and out.
Contact us today by filling the form below or call/text at 520-975-8956
Related Articles
Rob Paulus Architects: Green and Modern
If you’re looking for a super cool, modern, eco-friendly home in Tucson look no further…
Raising Chickens in Tucson – Something to Crow About!
“Reprinted from the Pima County Master Gardener Sonoran Seasons Newsletter – Dec 2019” Raising chickens…
Milagro Cohousing: Here it’s all about Community
First impressions of Milagro Cohousing Community The first time I visited the Milagro Cohousing Community,…