Everything You Need to Know About Living in Tucson, Arizona
Table of Contents
For many people, Tucson Arizona is the perfect hometown. Tucson is a big town with a small-town vibe with plenty of culture, and the cost of living is very low. However, the city is unique, so it can take some getting used to. If you’re considering moving to Tucson, there are a few things you should know first. To see if the city is right for you, check out this helpful guide.
A Quick Overview
Tucson Arizona is the second-largest city in Arizona. The population of Greater Tucson or Tucson metropolitan is 1,093,777, ranks fifty-fourth in US, yet it retains a casual, small-town feel. This southwestern city is situated within a valley in the Sonoran Desert, so it is filled with stunning geographical features and wildlife. The area is known for its hiking, birding, and biking opportunities.
This region is located roughly 60 miles north of the Mexican border, so it has a very strong Hispanic influence. Mission architecture, tacos, and Dia de Los Muertos celebrations are all a popular part of the city’s culture.
In addition to its unique Southwestern culture, the town is also popular for affordable and practical reasons. The region is home to the University of Arizona, so it is ideal for people with careers in science, medicine, technology, and engineering. The low cost of living, welcoming neighborhoods, and affordable housing all make the city popular for people raising a family or retiring.
Learn About the Town's Culture
The city has a reputation for being outdoorsy, relaxed, and laid-back. The town has a very large artistic community. They are home to multiple orchestras, art museums, book publishers, and theater companies. The city’s close-knit community hosts a variety of festivals, including the Tucson Folk Festival, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, the Fiesta de los Vaqueros, and the All Souls Procession Weekend.
One of the region’s most unique features is its food. The city is the first UNESCO-recognized city of gastronomy in the United States. This international award praises the city for its distinct food traditions, unique culinary arrangements, and diversity of food options. You can find a variety of cultures and cuisines, but the region is mostly known for its Sonoran-style food. One of the town’s signature dishes is the Sonoran hot dog. This hot dog is wrapped in bacon, grilled, served on a bolillo, and topped with beans, vegetables, and jalapeno salsa.
Discover Career Opportunities
The city has many different job options. The average annual pay for resident’s ranges from $29,000 to $84,000, and both full-time and part-time jobs are available. Their biggest employers are the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, and the Davis Monthan Air Force Base. These employers focus on research, science, training, and manufacturing. The region also has the nickname “Optics Valley” due to the 150 companies that design and manufacture optics systems. Overall, there are plenty of opportunities for people in STEM fields.
The region’s other major employers include a variety of healthcare, retail, and government organizations. If you have special education in medicine or law enforcement, you will find plenty of job listings. Due to the town’s focus on retail and food, there are also opportunities for people without any higher education or focused training.
How Much Are Living Expenses?
One of the most popular things about the region is its low cost of living. The city has a 91.6 cost of living index which is significantly lower than the national average of 100. The region’s cost of living is particularly low when it comes to healthcare and housing. These areas have a cost-of-living index that is roughly 20 points below national averages.
In general, the city is cheaper than usual for transportation, groceries, health, and housing. However, keep in mind that utility costs and entertainment costs may be equal to or higher than national averages. Compared to surrounding areas, the city is quite affordable. For the most part, Arizona has a cost-of-living index higher than the rest of the USA. Tucson is one of the only affordable parts of the state.
What Are the Residents of Tucson Like?
For the most part, this town is a fairly young city. 85% of the residents are under the age of 65. The city is a popular place for families and college students, so about 20% of the population is under the age of 18. Though the town’s number of seniors is a little lower than nearby regions, it is still popular among older residents. The city is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
The region is a little more diverse than other nearby locations. Roughly 69% of the population is white, 44% identify as Hispanic, 5% are Black, and 3% are Native American. The town has higher than average rates of Native American and mixed-race people. 80% of the town is middle-class or higher, and 30% are college-educated.
Explore the Housing Market
The region has a robust housing market. Currently, the average price of a house is around $305,000. This price will get you a decent single-family home. Luxury homes are around a few million while fixer-uppers tend to be about $130,000. Housing prices are on the rise, and industry experts say the city is currently in a seller’s market.
The city’s housing has a lot of great options to choose from. The area is mostly single-family homes. The region’s southwestern style greatly influences the region’s architecture. Most homes are ranch, Spanish colonial, pueblo, and Mediterranean houses. Residences tend to be mid-sized and only one or two stories tall. However, closer to the town center, you can find some condos, townhomes, and other multi-family options. The city’s housing also includes some mobile and manufactured homes.
What's the Weather Like?
Ask a local what the weather is like, and the first word out of their mouth will be, “Hot.” The region is known for having a hot summer and a very mild winter. Average summer highs reach around 100 degrees Fahrenheit while average winter lows reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As a desert town, the region is fairly dry. It gets about 10 inches of precipitation each year. The town is mostly dry during the winter, but starting in June, it has monsoon weather. This results in intense rain showers and thunderstorms. Typically, the rains drop off by September.
For the most part, people in town enjoy the weather. Though it is certainly warm, the region is ideal for people who want to spend time outdoors. Snow almost never falls, and it rarely gets below freezing. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, and in the summer, there are plenty of pools to swim in. One of the great things about the town is that it is an average of 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix. The surrounding mountains help trap moisture and coolness in the region.
Learn More About Healthcare and Schooling
The city’s healthcare is very reliable. Due to its proximity to the college, there is a strong focus on medical research and innovative healthcare. The Banner-University Medical Center Tucson is one of the top-ranking hospitals for geriatrics and nephrology. Some other reputable hospitals in the region include Carondelet St Mary’s Hospital and Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital. However, like the rest of Arizona, the city’s healthcare does score a little lower for patient satisfaction. Compared to national averages, patients are less likely to feel like doctors in their city communicate with them and explain treatments well.
In general, the region has a reputation for quality schooling. There are hundreds of public, private, and charter schools in the region. Their schools are typically very highly rated. Three schools in the region, Basis Tucson North, Basis Oro Valley, and University High School are ranked in the top 25 schools nationwide. There are also quality higher education options. The city is home to the University of Arizona which is the second biggest university in the state. It also has community colleges and branch campuses for nearby schools like Northern Arizona University.
Should You Worry About Crime Rates?
Tucson city’s crime rates are a little higher than national averages and state averages. The majority of crimes in the town are related to property crimes, not violent crimes. Roughly 4 out of 1,000 residents have been a victim of a violent assault. Meanwhile, 29 out of 1,000 residents have experienced a theft.
If you’re concerned about crime, it will be important to choose your location wisely. Most crime is in the central part of the city around the intersections of Interstate 10 and Interstate 19. The areas with the lowest amount of crime are Sabino Springs, Casa del Oro, Saddlebrooke, and Tanque Verde.
Which Neighborhood Should You Move To?
Different parts of the city have their own distinct vibe. Depending on your preferences, you might find that one neighborhood suits you better than another. Explore this list to learn a little about the region’s main neighborhoods.
Armory Park
This neighborhood is situated just outside of downtown. It’s ideal for those who want to live in a historic district with a lot of unique architecture. The area boasts brick sidewalks, Craftsman bungalows, and Barrio-styled homes.
Barrio Santa Rosa
This neighborhood is usually categorized as “up and coming.” It’s very close to historic Barrio Viejo with many beautiful old adobe homes and iconic Tucson restaurants. The region is very walkable and has plenty of public transportation options. Right now, many of the homes are fixer-uppers but new development projects are launching along 6th Ave.
Casas Adobes
This region is situated to the north of the city center. It is often referred to as the oldest suburb of the main city. It contains many mid-century modern homes and high-end shopping malls. Technically an unincorporated community, this neighborhood is almost big enough to be its own town.
Catalina Foothills
This is another popular suburban area. It tends to be very quiet and has great schools. Compared to some other nearby suburbs, Catalina Foothills is fairly dense. There are plenty of parks, restaurants, bars, and shops. Some regions are walkable, but most will require a car.
Civano
This unique master-planned community was created to be a sustainable living community in the 1980s. It is perfect for people who want the convenience of suburban living but do not like cookie-cutter homes. The houses tend to have an interesting blend of Pueblo and ranch architecture, and most lots feature large porches. This neighborhood was designed to foster a sense of community. Homes are centered around small clusters of parks, trails, and shops, so you really get to know your neighbors.
Hillcrest at Wingate
This neighborhood is a popular choice for families. Homes tend to be mid-sized and a little cheaper than other parts of the city. It is quiet and pedestrian-friendly, but it is still in a very central location. Compared to some parts of the city, this neighborhood is especially clean, well-maintained, and safe. Many people who live in this area work at the nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Miramonte
This charming neighborhood has plenty of character. It is filled with adorable historic homes situated along winding streets. Many small parts are nestled through the area, and a major bike thoroughfare runs right through the neighborhood. This region doesn’t contain a bunch of entertainment options, but it is loaded with practical conveniences like grocery stores, libraries, and gas stations.
Oro Valley
Oro Valley is one of the more affluent suburbs of the area. It is very spread out, and most homes sit on larger parcels of land. The residents in Oro Valley skew slightly older than the rest of the city. This area does not have a lot of nightlife, but it is known for its resorts, golf courses, and country clubs.
San Clemente
This part of the city is popular among young professionals who want to be homeowners. It tends to be a little more liberal than the surrounding areas, and it contains a lot of parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The area is fairly dense with a lot of single-family homes. Most houses tend toward Mission-style architecture.
Sam Hughes
Outside of the luxury suburbs, Sam Hughes is one of the priciest neighborhoods in the city. Its homes command a high price due to their stunning features and convenient location. The neighborhood is filled with beautiful, ancient mesquite trees shading adorable bungalows and historic estates. It is very walkable and is quite near both downtown and the University. If you’re a sports fan, this is the neighborhood for you. It is home to the venues where the University basketball and football games are held.
Tanque Verde Valley
The Tanque Verde Valley is in northeast Tucson. It is bordered by several massive parks and nature reserves, so it is an ideal spot for nature lovers. This region is a little remote, but it does have a few schools, restaurants, and shops. Homes in this area tend to be modern homes or ranch-style homes. Many properties are on larger lots, and there are some farms and ranches in the region.
Shadow Hills
This neighborhood is one of the most scenic parts of the region. From your home, you can expect to see lovely desert plants and rocky features. This area also has an excellent location for people who want peace and quiet but enjoy the excitement of downtown. The neighborhood is a little to the north of downtown, so it’s a short drive to reach entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops
West University
As you can probably tell from the name, this is one of the most popular spots for students. It is very close to the college campus, so it is ideal for students or university employees. The area does tend to be a little rowdy. However, if you love the hustle and bustle of city living, this can be a great spot. The SunLink Streetcar makes it easy to get around, and you’re right next to downtown.
Things That Surprise People When Moving to Tucson
As you can see, there are all sorts of fantastic things about living in Tucson. However, if you’re not from the area, living in the town can be pretty surprising. Here are a few things to keep in mind before settling on this town.
- Don't underestimate the heat. Temperatures are about 90 degrees Fahrenheit for 143 days of the year. Residents joke that the region's winter only lasts two weeks.
- Real estate prices are on the rise, so the city's reputation for having affordable housing might not last much longer. Tucson just had its average home price reach above $300,000, so you might want to hurry and lock in a lower cost while you can.
- Due to the way the highway system is set up, traveling east to west or north to south can be tricky. If you have to commute to work, take this into account when buying a home.
- The city doesn't have many big entertainment venues. You will need to plan on driving to Phoenix for big concerts or sports games.
- The town's airport is great, but keep in mind that most airlines don't have a lot of direct flights to it. Expect to need a connecting flight if you are traveling.
- You'll probably need a car to get around. Keep in mind that the city is very spread out.
The Best Things About Living in Tucson
Why are so many people moving to Tucson and visiting Tucson? There are some major perks associated with living in this area.
- Say goodbye to chilly temperatures! You can enjoy relaxing on your porch or walking in nature year-round.
- The stunning nature in the area cannot be beaten. The region is home to beautiful parks and preserves like Saguaro National Park, Finger Rock, Sabino Canyon, and Tumamoc Hill.
- The city's diverse culture means you have dozens of delicious food styles to choose from. Sonoran hot dogs are always popular, but you should also try other iconic city favorites like freshly roasted coffee, cheesy elotes, and spicy noodle bowls.
- If you want a roomy home, the city is a great option. It's very widespread, so you can easily find homes that feature spacious rooms and a big yard.
- The wide range of community events and cultural organizations means you never need to be bored. There is always something going on in the city.
- A robust job market and a low cost of living make this town a budget-friendly option. Most residents do not need to worry about excessive rent, limited jobs, or pricey groceries.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Tucson Arizona is an excellent place to call home. If you love a relaxed environment with a variety of outdoor activities, this town is the place to be. It has something for everyone, so families, young professionals, and seniors will all enjoy the region. Just like anywhere else, moving to Tucson does have some considerations. Those who are concerned about safe neighborhoods or walkable environments may need to pay close attention to the area they move to.
If you are considering moving to Tucson, it is a good idea to speak to a local real estate agent.
We can help you find the right corner of Tucson to call home. 😀
GIVE US A CALL @ 520-775-3400 FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
Contact Tyler Ford
Get Social
