Oro Valley, incorporated in 1974, is a suburban town situated six miles north of Tucson, Arizona, USA in Pima County. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the town population was 29,700. As of 2005, Oro Valley had a population of 39,335. Oro Valley was the fifth fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona of any size from 1990 and 2000.^{[citation needed]} The town is located approximately 110 miles southeast of the state capital of Phoenix. Oro Valley is one of 18 towns, cities, and census-designated places in Arizona with a per capita income over $30,000 USD.

Oro Valley is characterized by scenic mountain views of the Santa Catalina Mountains immediately to the east and the Tortolita Mountains just to the north, miles of multi-use recreational paths, and vistas of the Tucson valley to the south and the city lights of Tucson. Oro Valley hosts a large number of residents from around the U.S. who maintain second or winter homes in the town.

Oro Valley also hosts the El Tour de Tucson bicycle race, the Tucson Marathon, the Cactus Speed Classic for inline skaters, and the Arizona Distance Classic. Nick Jr. Family Magazine rated Oro Valley as one of the "Ten Most Playful Towns in America" in 2004. The magazine used criteria such as schools performing in the top third of their states, favorable student-teacher ratios, general safety, library programs, and access to arts and recreation activities.

Also, in 2005 Oro Valley was named one of "America's Top-Rated Smaller Cities" in the publication by Grey House Publishing. Oro Valley was the only community in Arizona to receive a top ranking. Oro Valley was included with other communities including Hilton Head, South Carolina, Kailua, Hawaii, and Burlington, Vermont. The publication specifically noted the strength of Oro Valley's schools, medical facilities, and golf courses.