NexMetro Opens 25th Build-to-Rent Community in Phoenix Market

NexMetroAvilla Foothills Expands Housing Options in Growing Northwest Valley
 
SURPRISE, Ariz. (June 17, 2026) – NexMetro Communities, a national leader in cottage-style build-to-rent (BTR) home neighborhoods, this month is opening Avilla Foothills, a new 108-home luxury rental community in Surprise, Arizona. Located on a 9.3-acre site at 12350 N. Cotton Lane, the gated neighborhood expands housing options in one of the fastest-growing areas of the Phoenix metro region.
Avilla Foothills features a collection of single-level, mostly detached homes designed to offer residents more space, privacy, and flexibility than traditional apartment living. The community includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with private entrances, front porches, and private backyards, along with upscale finishes and onsite professional management.
The continued growth of the Northwest Valley, combined with rising home prices and evolving lifestyle preferences, is fueling demand for housing options that provide the comforts of a single-family home without the responsibility of ownership.
“For a growing number of residents, renting is not a compromise; it is a strategic lifestyle choice that offers flexibility, convenience and access to a high-quality home environment without the burdens of ownership,” said NexMetro’s Regional Managing Director, Phoenix and Denver Jared Geisler. “Avilla Foothills delivers the space and privacy of a home with the simplicity and reliability of a professionally managed community, while helping meet the growing housing needs of Phoenix’s Northwest Valley.”
Community amenities include a resort-style pool and spa, outdoor kitchen and barbecue grills, landscaped open spaces, covered parking and optional garages, along with a 24/7 maintenance team, pet parks and no breed or size restrictions for pets.
Located near Loop 303 and major employment corridors throughout the West Valley, Avilla Foothills offers convenient access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and recreational opportunities throughout Surprise and its neighboring communities. Pre-leasing is currently underway, and early tours are available at Avilla Mystic in nearby Peoria.
Designed to serve a range of residents, including families, young professionals, and retirees, the community provides a neighborhood setting with modern features and flexible living options.
“The Northwest Valley continues to attract new residents, employers and investment, creating strong demand,” Geisler said. “Avilla Foothills reflects NexMetro’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality purpose-built rental home neighborhoods in locations where people want to live, work and build community.”
Avilla Foothills is part of NexMetro’s growing portfolio of more than 60 communities completed or underway across the Sunbelt, including markets such as Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Denver, Tampa, and Atlanta. The company continues to expand throughout the Phoenix region, with another Valley community scheduled to open later this year.
For more information about Avilla Homes neighborhoods, visit AvillaHomes.com. To learn more about Avilla Foothills, visit AvillaFoothills.com.



Foodie Films at the Fox The Summer!

Foodie FilmsTucson, AZ (June 17, 2026) — Movie lovers can now enjoy a delicious new way to experience classic films at the Fox Tucson Theatre. This summer, four beloved movie favorites come to life through specially curated food pairings created by some of Tucson’s favorite culinary partners. Guests can enhance their screening experience with themed dine-in offerings inspired by each film, available as an add-on when purchasing tickets online ($ 10 pp). From handcrafted chocolates and French pastries to deli classics and wine-country antipasto, each pairing is designed to complement the story on screen and make moviegoing a truly immersive event.

FOX FOODIE FILMS LINEUP

Foodie Films

Willy Wonka – June 28. 2pm

The Movie: A sweet boy from a poor family dreams of finding one of five golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bar wrappers, which will admit him to the eccentric and reclusive Willy Wonka’s magical factory. One after another, tickets are discovered by ghastly children – but will the lad find the last remaining one and have all his dreams come true?

Add on “Pure Imagination” Tucson Chocolate Factory Confectionery Box – $21.00
Golden Ticket Mini Chocolate Bar
Fizzy Lemon Caramel Bonbon
Violet Berry Bonbon
Salted Caramel Bonbon
Chocolate-Covered Caramel Popcorn Cluster
Caramelized Cacao Nibs

 

Foodie Films

When Harry Met Sally – July 11, 7:30pm.

The Movie: In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore, and in the company of their respective best friends, Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher), attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them.

Add on the “I’ll Have What She’s Having” meal from Kneller’s Delicatessen – $32

Corned Beef Sandwich. On house-made rye bread piled high with tender, succulent corned beef, with crunchy coleslaw and a generous schmear of zesty Russian dressing. Served with Potato Egg Salad and house pickles.

 

Foodie Films

Ratatouille – July 19, 2pm – Dine in from Le Macron French Pastries

The movie: Ratatouille follows Remy, a highly gifted rat who dreams of becoming a master chef. Separated from his family in Paris, he forms an unlikely alliance with Linguini, a clumsy kitchen garbage boy. Remy secretly cooks exquisite dishes by pulling Linguini’s hair from underneath his chef’s hat, proving anyone can cook.

Dine in Movies!
Add on a specially curated Le Macaron Treat Box fil worthy of Chef Remy – $26

 3 assorted French macaron
2 delicate éclair halves
1 handcrafted artisan chocolate
1 dreamy petit tiramisu
1 buttery petit French croissant

Foodie Films

Sideways – August 1, 7:30pm

The Movie: Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray.

Add on a curated antipasto experience created by Los Milics – $38
Glass of Los Milics reserve label wine
Artisanal Cured Meats: A selection of savory, pre-sliced salami and delicate prosciutto.
Signature Cheeses: A robust, sharp white cheddar paired with a nuanced, herb-crusted goat cheese.
Thoughtful Accompaniments: A vibrant mix of buttery Marcona almonds and mild Castelvetrano olives, served alongside rustic crostini and a sweet dried fig spread.

The Fox Tucson Theatre enlivens Tucson, fostering community growth and connections by shaping exceptional, live arts experiences in a celebrated setting. The “Crown Jewel of Downtown” makes memories, makes connections, and makes Tucson proud. Programming includes exciting year-round live entertainment from the top entertainers in the US, as well as community-produced events, classic movies, family programming, and more. Beautifully restored, the historic 1930’s Art Deco theatre Fox has become an important symbol of the resurgence of a thriving city center and continues to contribute to the economic growth in the region. The Fox Tucson Theatre is located at 17 W Congress. Fox Fan Seats! Are offered for most shows for only $20 to $24 (includes tax) – first- come, first-served, as they sell out fast.  For additional information please visit foxtucson.com  or call the box office at 520-547-3040.  Follow the Fox – get the scoop on shows, events, movies and more!




Pima County Taiwan Mission Opens Door to Semiconductor Investment

Taiwan Mission
Members of the Southern Arizona delegation and their Taiwanese hosts flash the University of Arizona Wildcat “WC” sign during the trade mission to Taiwan.

TUCSON, ARIZONA (June 16, 2026) — A Southern Arizona delegation returned from Taiwan with new semiconductor, education, and government partnerships and what Pima County officials describe as multiple qualified leads for potential business investment in the region.

Representatives from Pima County, the City of Tucson, the University of Arizona, and the Arizona Commerce Authority traveled to Taiwan from May 23 through June 4. The mission focused on attracting semiconductor suppliers, technology companies, and startups while strengthening workforce, research, and academic partnerships.

According to a memorandum prepared by Pima County Economic Development Director Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, the trip generated multiple qualified economic-development leads for Pima County. The companies were not identified, and the County did not disclose potential investment or employment figures.

County officials said follow-up is underway with local, state, and international partners to turn the leads into business recruitment and expansion opportunities.

The delegation focused on semiconductor activities that complement Southern Arizona’s existing economic base, including supply chain services, testing, packaging, and assembly. Officials also explored opportunities involving optics and photonics, aerospace and defense technology, startups, research, and workforce development.

Among the organizations visited was Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, one of the world’s largest semiconductor assembly and testing companies. Delegates discussed potential partnerships involving the SPArK initiative and possible expansion opportunities.

SPArK is an international academic-industry partnership focused on talent development in areas including photonics innovation, co-packaged optics, advanced semiconductor packaging, and three-dimensional heterogeneous integration.

The delegation also visited Kuan Yuan Technology Park, part of the Hsinchu Science Park, and heard presentations from Phison Electronics, Rayvatek, and other companies interested in learning more about Pima County and Tucson.

Several startup companies participating in meetings in Kaohsiung were described as seeking entry into the U.S. market through Arizona.

New agreements with Kaohsiung

The trip resulted in two new agreements involving Pima County, Tucson, and Kaohsiung, a major industrial and port city in southern Taiwan.

Pima County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Matt Heinz, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai signed a sister-government agreement on May 31.

The agreement calls for cooperation in economic development, smart-city innovation, education, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, talent development and public-private partnerships.

A separate memorandum of understanding with the Kaohsiung City Education Bureau establishes a framework for faculty and student exchanges, academic seminars, shared educational resources, and collaborative research.

The two agreements build on a six-party semiconductor partnership signed in Pima County in March by Pima County, Tucson, the University of Arizona, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Kaohsiung City, and National Sun Yat-sen University.

The University of Arizona and National Sun Yat-sen University are exploring student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and semiconductor-related training programs. Officials also continued discussions about creating a Talent and Innovation Hub in Pima County to connect education, research, workforce training, startup recruitment, and business expansion.

The delegation participated in the Computex and Innovex technology conference in Taipei, where Arizona representatives promoted the state to Taiwanese companies seeking access to U.S. customers and markets.

While Arizona’s largest semiconductor manufacturing investments remain concentrated in the Phoenix area, Pima County is working to position Southern Arizona as a complementary location for testing, packaging, optics, research, specialized suppliers, and workforce development.

The newly signed agreements do not guarantee that a company will establish operations in Pima County. However, the County’s identification of multiple qualified investment leads indicates that the Taiwan mission produced potential recruitment prospects that extend beyond ceremonial relationship-building.