Ten Reasons to Live in Tucson, Arizona
Eclectic Downtown
Downtown Tucson offers an abundance of activities, businesses, delicious restaurants, artwork and nightlife. Best of all, the Tucson Streetcar offers transit to and from many destinations downtown with affordable fares connecting you to the University of Arizona. Downtown is made up of four districts, each boasting a dose of culture and unique flair. Everything anyone could possibly dream up can most likely be found in Tucson’s eclectic downtown.
Outdoor Adventure
For outdoor aficionados, Tucson is THE place to be. Situated along the Sonoran Desert, five mountain ranges encompass the area creating hiking trails for all levels. Likewise, nearly 1,000 miles of bike paths placed Tucson on Bicycling magazine’s top cycling cities in the nation for multiple years. Golfers also have their share of greens from which to choose, with more than 40 courses throughout metro Tucson. For a game of golf with a twist, try Topgolf Tucson. The Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a system of paved pathways that are ideal for biking, horseback riding, walking or skating.
Melting Pot of Arts
Tucson is an ideal blend of everything Southwest, including Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American heritages. The arts are also appreciated throughout the metro area. In fact, American Style Magazine ranked the city as No. 20 of its top 25 arts destinations list for big cities, and the Wall Street Journal has named it a mini mecca for the arts. These accolades are all bestowed with good reason, as Tucson boasts more than 200 artistic groups, over 30 regional museums and its own ballet, theater, opera and symphony companies.
Diversity in Education
The Tucson metro area has world-renowned colleges and universities, and public, private and charter schools that prepare students, no matter the age, for the workplace and beyond. Home to two high schools that rank in the top five nationally, Arizona’s policy allowing school choice enables parents to choose the school culture that fits their family. Once students graduate high school, and for adults looking to earn a degree, they have access to the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.
Foodie Mecca
Looking for a unique find or the latest food trends? Twenty-three miles of Mexican food is just one example of how Tucson embraces food. Foodies in search of a nice sit-down meal, or something on the go, have their pick of American, Mexican, Italian and, of course, Southwest fare, among many others. The foodie craze is so alive and well in Tucson that UNESCO designated the locale as a World City of Gastronomy.
Access to Quality Health Care
When residents are feeling under the weather, they have access to some of the best physicians, specialists and nurses in the nation. From emergencies and surgeries to maternity and pediatrics, hospitals and clinics throughout the region provide patients with exceptional medical treatment. The University of Arizona and Banner University Medical Center have formed a partnership for research and teaching up-and-coming medical professionals. The University of Arizona Cancer Center gives those battling various forms of cancer a place to seek treatment close to home.
Affordable Diverse Housing
The Tucson area is known as one of the most affordable places to live on the West Coast. Speaking of living, Tucson boasts great curb appeal and diversity in home lifestyles. Residents can choose an urban lifestyle downtown or live on several acres in the metro area. Renters and homeowners will find apartments, a diversified range of single-family abodes and condos all within price range, no matter the budget or style.
Military Friendly
Home to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard and Western Army Aviation Training Site, the Tucson metro area appreciates and supports its troops. The U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson sector monitors more than 200 miles along the border.
Events
In 2017, Tucson was designated as a IFEA World Festival and Event City and with good reason. This honor is bestowed to communities that show the best leadership, and festival and event partnerships. There is never a shortage of ways to spend some down time in greater Tucson. Most weekends (and some weekdays) have events and festivals taking place. World-renowned events such as the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and El Tour de Tucson bring visitors from all parts of the world. Specially themed events during holidays, parades, street fairs and celebrations of Tucson’s culture are just a sample of the hundreds of events that people flock to each year.
Sense of Community
Locals are always happy to help their neighbors. Aside from residents’ welcoming disposition, a volunteer spirit runs deep here. With the largest number of non-profits per capita, there are numerous ways to give back.
By Sarah Lancaster