Living in Tucson, AZ - A Beautiful & Bustling Southern Arizona Hub
Arizona Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is much more than the place Jojo left for some California grass in the Beatles song Get Back. Its warm weather and beautiful outdoor scenery make it an attractive place to move to. But, its wonderful cultural heritage with Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences back it a lovely place to live. Living in Tucson is a fantastic option for families, students, retirees, or anyone looking to experience swanky living in the desert.
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We’ll break down everything you need to know about living in Tucson. We’ll walk through the basics like cost of living, population, the housing market and best places to live, as well as some of the things to do and what makes it a great place to call home. But, first, some fast facts.
Tucson is a colorful city, literally and figuratively. La Placita in the El Presidio District reflects this.
Tucson at a Glance
- Sitting at an elevation of just over 2,400 feet, the city of Tucson is situated along the Santa Cruz River about 115 miles southeast of Phoenix.
- Tucson’s total land area is almost 227 square miles.
- The population in Tucson is just over 547,200.
- The median age in Tucson is 33.8 years old.
- The name “Tucson” is actually a Tohono O'odham word, which is translated to “spring at the base of the black mountain.”
Living in Tucson - FAQ
Q: Is Tucson, AZ, a good place to live?
A: Besides the beautiful warm weather and outdoor recreation, the vibrant culture and abundance of natural and cultural history to explore makes living in Tucson, Arizona, so special!
Q: Is Tucson expensive to live in?
A: The cost of living in Tucson is more affordable than both the state and national average.
Q: Is Tucson or Phoenix better to live in?
A: The cost of living is relatively low in Tucson, while Phoenix is more expensive but has more job opportunities.
Q: What is the nicest part of Tucson to live in?
A: Some of the nicest neighborhoods in Tucson include Sam Hughes, Poets Square, and St. Cyrils.
20 Things to Know About Living in Tucson, Arizona
Is Tucson a good place to live? There’s a lot more to living in Tucson than just the weather and beautiful scenery, and the local culture is truly one-of-a-kind. With an affordable cost of living and real estate market, the activities and things to do as a resident in Tucson give it a remarkably high quality of life. To give you a better glimpse into everything the city has to offer, check out what you should know about living in Tucson.
1. Tucson Cost of Living
With a cost of living score of 97, according to Best Places, the overall cost of living in Tucson is approximately 3 percent lower than the national average and 9 percent lower than the average of Arizona. According to Best Places, Arizona has a Cost of Living score of 106.4 while the national average is at 100.
A family of four living in Tucson with one adult working would need to make at least $81,325 annually before taxes to live comfortably, while a couple with two working adults and no children would need to make closer to $51,900 annually. A person living alone in Tucson should make around $41,850 annually before taxes to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
2. Pros and Cons of Living in Tucson, AZ
Pro: Outdoor Scenery Is One of a Kind
The city of Tucson is situated in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, which is surrounded by a beautiful landscape featuring a plethora of cacti as well as vast deserts and mountains filled with animals and other plants. There are numerous plant species within the Tucson area, including the famous saguaro cactus that can be found in the Saguaro National Park.
Pro: Tucson’s Culture Is a Gem
Tucson’s cultural scene is an underrated draw, which features various festivals and art galleries that celebrate the region's Native American and Hispanic heritage. Some of these events include the All Souls Procession and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.
Pro: Solar Energy Galore
Tucson is situated to take advantage of the abundance of solar energy, as it gets 300 days of sunshine a year. This provides the city with lower electricity bills, and it also helps in its efforts toward sustainability. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy designated Tuscon as a Solar America City.
Con: Longer Travels to Major Cities
Due to its isolation, it can be challenging to travel to major cities such as San Diego or Los Angeles from the Tucson region. Phoenix is only a couple of hours away but still requires a longer trip.
Con: Summer Heat Is Not for the Weak
In Tucson, the summer heat can be a major issue as temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense summer heat means you’ll be spending the majority of your time indoors, and your electricity bills will be higher than other areas of the country to keep your home cool.
Con: Issues With Water Supply
Desert living can be challenging, and Tucson's water scarcity has been an issue for several years. Although the city has various conservation measures, the reality of living in an arid region affects daily life. You can expect the occasional advisory to conserve water and long droughts.
3. Tucson Housing Market
There is a diverse selection of architectural styles for homes available in Tucson, and some of the common types include adobe homes, Spanish colonial, revival homes, and Santa Fe style homes.
Tucson’s market has had an explosive four years or so, mirroring the rest of the country. The skyrocketing growth has cooled since its peak between 2020 and 2021, but home prices have not dropped to their 2019 levels. If you’re moving from a major metro like Los Angeles, you can expect your dollar to go further, but locals may find that their options are more limited than before.
Average home value in Tucson, AZ: $333,900
4. Apartments/Renting in Tucson
With an average rent price of just $1,300 for a one bedroom, you won’t necessarily have to break your bank account while you are renting a space. The overall cost will ultimately depend on the location you choose and how big the place is, and you can always look to studio apartments for the most affordable options!
Rents have inflated slightly over the past several years, but not to the level of home prices. Because of this, renting may be the more economical option while you save for a home. No need to rush into a mortgage with high home prices and interest rates.
Tucson has places to live for every style. Check out La Placita in downtown for a vibrant lifestyle.
5. Best Places to Live in Tucson
Check out three of the best neighborhoods in Tucson, AZ, with something to offer for every walk of life!
Sam Hughes
Sam Hughes is a laid-back area of Tucson best suited for retirees in particular where residents can enjoy more of an old-fashioned lifestyle. Its numerous entertainment venues, restaurants, shops, and wide streets make it easy to walk to wherever you want to go.
Poets Square
Situated five miles east of Tucson's downtown area, Poets Square is made of several WWII-era homes and streets named after the notable writers of Walt Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe.
There are myriad events held in this neighborhood ideal for young adults and single professionals to mingle, and one of the most popular events held in the area is the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, which takes place twice a year and features artists from all over the world every two years. For this event, hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and food trucks fill the historic street.
St. Cyrils
The homes of St. Cyrils are a highlight of Tucson’s vibrancy. The streets and homes are full of color, with a beautiful view of the Catalina Mountains. There are plenty of desert landscapes in this neighborhood with tall trees and fences made of metalwork, with old-fashioned ranch-style homes, mid-century houses, and red-wire-cut adobe homes.
Residents of this neighborhood have easy access to various family-friendly parks and recreation facilities, including Fort Lowell Park only minutes away. It features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds.
6. Tucson Public Transportation is Adequate
The Sun Tran bus service provides transportation to many parts of Tucson, including the city's outer portions with 40 routes and 13 express services.
The Sun Link Streetcar connects the University of Arizona with various downtown areas, Main Gate Square, which is located on the university's east end, and Mercado San Agustin, which is situated on the west end.
Along with app-based ride sharing, residents can also check out the TuGo Bike Share to navigate through Tucson’s streets.
It’s definitely a car-centric city, though. And you may be thankful for that, especially in the summer when you need all the air conditioning you can get.
Institutions like the University of Arizona highlight Tucson’s education systems
7. Top Notch Education Systems
Families moving to Tucson will enjoy high quality school systems, and there are several school districts located in the area to ensure your children will receive a good education. With an A-grade on Niche, the Catalina Foothills Unified School District is one of the best in Tucson and includes schools like Sunrise Drive Elementary School, Orange Grove Middle School, and Catalina Foothills High School. Other well ranked school districts in Tucson include the Tanque Verde Unified School District and the Flowing Wells Unified School District.
As for higher education options, the University of Arizona is located in Tucson, which is a public four-year university with top-flight programs including archaeology, geology, anthropology, and linguistics.
8. Tucson’s Sports Scene
The University of Arizona has had success securing national championships and providing athletes with opportunities in the professional leagues. Tucson also serves as the home of various minor-league teams. Its basketball program is a powerhouse in the college world, and its football program is on the rise with new head coach Brett Brennan in town.
The Roadrunners are an American Hockey League team that was affiliated with the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes. Another professional team that's based in Tucson is the Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League, as well as the soccer club FC Tucson, which has been leading the way in goals.
9. Tucson’s Weather is Brutal in the Summer, Beautiful in the Winter
In Tucson, the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are very mild. The season for hot weather in Tucson starts in May and ends in September. The hottest month in the city is in July, with an average temperature ranging between 77 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The season for cool weather in Tucson starts in November and ends in February. The city experiences low temperatures of around 42 degrees Fahrenheit during December with highs reaching closer to 70 degrees fahrenheit.
10. Tucson’s Crime Rate Can Be an Unappealing Factor
The crime rate in Tucson is among the highest in the nation, at 42 per 1,000 residents. It's also among the highest in the country among communities of all sizes. There is a one in 24 chance overall that someone will be a victim of either property crime or violent crime within the city.11. Job Opportunities Are More Limited than Other Metros
Even though it's the second-largest city in Arizona, right behind Phoenix, Tucson lacks a major corporation or industry. This limits job opportunities for individuals, and it can hinder economic growth. From 2022 to 2023, the total nonfarm employment in Tucson increased by 1.6 percent, while state employment went up 2.6 percent, which was better than Tucson and ranked seventh among western states. The Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Areas 3 percent increase was the main factor that contributed to Arizona's employment gains.
You’ll find Tucson has strong Southwestern and Mexican influences in its cuisine
12. Foodies Have Plenty to Love
Tucon’s Southwestern and Mexican cuisine and locally grown ingredients give it a wonderful food scene. Traditional Mexican food like tacos and tamales are popular, as well as other Southwestern favorites like prickly pear margarita. Some of the most popular restaurants in Tucson include The Parish, Aqui Con El Nene, and Noodleholics.
Tucson hosts the Meet Yourself Festival, which is designed to promote the area's diverse culture and includes lots of delicious food options like açaí bowls and even Puerto Rican cuisine!
13. Lively & Unique Cultural Experience
The people of Tucson have a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, and many have roots in Spanish, Mexican, American, and Native American traditions. The city is home to a number of museums and historical sites, such as the San Xavier del Bac Mission.
Tucson supports numerous cultural events and festivals, and popular ones include the All Souls Procession and Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase, which showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.
14. Downtown Tucson is the Place to Be
The transformation of Downtown Tucson into a center for culture and business has been the result of the Rio Nuevo District's revitalization and the construction of the SunLink streetcar. Congress Street is often filled with live music and food trucks.You can also check out local artisans' products on 2nd Saturdays. Old Town Artisans is another fabulous location to check out in Downtown Tucson, who are known for their unique offerings of clothing, art, and organic food.
You have access to some of the best stargazing in the country in Tucson. With minimal light pollution, a trip into the desert will have you seeing stars.
15. The Sonoran Desert Makes for a Perfect Stargazing Opportunity
The lack of light pollution and the expansive dark skies over Tucson make it one of the most amazing places to watch the constellations in the sky in the country, and you can find great views of the sky from your backyard or at locations such as the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter to view distant galaxies, planets, and other cosmic objects.
16. Nightlife Fun For All Walks of Life
Whether you prefer to party at a casual brewery or in a packed college club, there's plenty of nightlife in Tucson for everyone. You can dance the night away to the music at Playground Tucson, or head to The Maverick for more of a laid-back experience that features great drinks and even dance lessons. For a more unique experience, try out one of Tucson's rooftop bars such as Sky Bar Tucson.In the mood for some gambling? Desert Diamond Casino will not disappoint!
17. No Shortage of Family-Friendly Fun
When the kids are looking for fun things to do in Tucson, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to choose from. One of these fun activities is the Mini Time Machine Museum, where kids can explore a wide variety of miniature models and dioramas. You can also visit the Pima Air & Space Museum, where you can view over 400 airplanes on display.
Family-friendly activities can be enjoyed throughout the day when you visit Funtasticks, where kids can ride bumper boats, play mini-golf, or race go-karts. They can also experience gunfights in real life, take a ride on a wild west train, or explore the iron mine at Old Tucson.
18. Tucson’s Long History is Worth Exploring
Tucson's history dates back to the Hohokam Indians, and today numerous museums and historic sites are located in the city where visitors can learn more about the influence of Mexicans, Spaniards, Americans, and the modern inhabitants of the Tohono O'odham Nation.
You can learn more about the city’s history by visiting the Old Pueblo Museum. You can see the impressive Spanish-style architecture of the San Xavier del Bac Mission, which is one of the best things to do in Tucson.
19. Biking is a Common Pastime
There are plenty of opportunities for both road and mountain biking in the Tucson area, as there are over a hundred miles of bike routes and trails that are ideal for anyone. The Loop is a 131-mile network of paved paths and trails that connect the metro area to the Sonoran Desert, which offers a variety of activities for everyone, including joggers, cyclists, and equestrians. The city's bike share program, known as TUGO, makes it easy for both locals and tourists to get around the area.
20. Find the Best Fresh Produce When You Shop at a Farmer’s Market in Tucson
Locally grown, seasonal food can be found at farmers markets and small farms in Tucson and southern Arizona. These fresh markets are great for discovering local delicacies such as tepary beans, which are grown in the Sonoran Desert, as well as edible native plants, such as prickly pear fruit. You can also find regional artisan products, including bread made from mesquite flour, at these establishments. In addition to familiar ingredients, such as garlic, tomatoes, honey, and eggs, there are many other options.
The gardening season in southern Arizona and Tucson is year-round, which means that fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available.
PODS has the know-how to get you to your next home in Tucson
20. Find the Best Fresh Produce When You Shop at a Farmer’s Market in Tucson
It might be easy to decide to move to Tucson, but actually getting there is the most challenging part. With a portable moving container from PODS, you can easily pack and load your belongings on your own schedule. You can even get connected with local providers of loading and packing services to help you get the job done. Once you’re ready, you can have your container picked up and delivered to your new home or kept in a PODS storage center until you're ready.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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