what is it like to live in tucson arizona

Thinking most moving to Tucson? The Old Pueblo is known for its desert sunsets, cactus-filled landscapes, sunny days, and cowboy civilisation, but it's so much more than that! Wondering what it would be similar to relocate to South Central Arizona? Here are 15 things to know nigh living in Tucson!

An Affordable City with Steady Growth

With a cost of living that's vi% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the land average, Tucson is an affordable place to alive in Arizona. Housing costs are too 25% lower than the national average with median home prices around $132,200 and median rent prices effectually $772. Merely you lot'll have to act fast if you're planning to purchase a home in Tucson, as it's currently a hot seller's market. Since it is one of the more than affordable cities in Arizona, it's no wonder why Tucson has grown by nearly 5% in the last decade! And as part of the Arizona Sun Corridor—the sprawling metropolitan area connecting Tucson to Phoenix—the metropolis's expansion is predicted to continue at a momentous rate!

Everyone's a Mutiny Hither

As the domicile of the Academy of Arizona, Tucson'due south collegiate pride runs deep. With just over 45,000 students and 15,000 employees, it'south like shooting fish in a barrel to see how Tucson can all the same feel like a college boondocks even with a total population of 548,073. Plus, the touch on of the university is obvious amidst the local task marketplace to the bespeak that Tucson has even been named a top city for emerging tech. Whether your dream is to piece of work closely with NASA, spend some time in the Poesy Center, or attend medical school, there'southward a program at the U of A for everyone. If yous're living in Tucson only aren't attention the university, don't worry—you'll be inducted into the school spirit every bit before long as you yell your first "Carry Downwardly!" And you'll get lots of practise during football, basketball, baseball, and soccer games throughout the year.

Great for Snowbirds & Retirees

Information technology'due south not simply students who call Old Pueblo home! Warm weather, sunny skies, and little to no snow each twelvemonth are all reasons why snowbirds like to alive in Tucson. These factors are too what make this city a great place for retirees! With lower independent living costs, a variety of outdoor activities for older adults, and no tax on Social Security benefits, Tucson is a popular place to retire in Arizona.

Be Ready for Unique Seasons

One of the biggest changes for people moving to Tucson is the seasons. In general, the best fourth dimension to visit Tucson is from Nov to March, which is when you'll nearly likely experience heavy traffic from snowbirds and tourists. In the summertime, yet, you'll get some relief, as this is the off-season. That said, don't expect Tucson'southward 286 sunny days a year equally much during the summer. Monsoon season takes identify from mid-June to the cease of September and can bring thunderstorms, high winds, and fifty-fifty dust storms—and don't forget about the scorching desert estrus and 100-caste days when the storms articulate!

Bank check out this great timelapse video of monsoons effectually Tucson to see for yourself!

Downtown Is a Hot Destination

The revitalization of the Rio Nuevo District and the development of the SunLink streetcar has helped transform a once-stagnate urban center center into a hub for the arts, business, and entertainment. Stop by Congress Street each month to attend second Saturdays and see a concert, try a new nutrient truck, or peruse what local artisans have for sale. Attend the annual HOCO Fest, a music festival that likewise features guest lectures, fine art installations, and more. Bank check out shops and restaurants made from shipping containers at the Mercado San Agustín Annex, where you can sip on a craft beer at Westbound or sample vegan burgers and spicy fries at Beaut Burger. Some other fun affair to do in Downtown Tucson is to stroll through the Former Boondocks Artisans, where you can find vintage clothing, organic eats, and contemporary art!

Swoop into Tucson's History

Though information technology wasn't officially incorporated as a city until 1877, Tucson has a long, rich history dating all the way back to the ancient Hohokam Indians. Today, the city is filled with historic sites where residents can learn about Spanish, Mexican, and American influences, as well as nearly the modern-day native peoples of the Tohono O'odham Nation, all of whom have helped shaped Tucson into what it is. Visit the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum (known as Quondam Pueblo) to see the adobe walls that gave birth to the urban center. Check out San Xavier del Bac Mission to view the incredible Spanish-Colonial compages and hear more about the mission'due south Franciscan roots. Spend an afternoon at the Arizona History Museum to observe exhibits about Tucson's Wild Westward roots. Or head to the Tohono O'odham Nation Cultural Middle & Museum to learn more virtually the local indigenous history and civilisation.

Outdoor Recreation Galore

When it comes to Tucson attractions, exploring the area's broad open spaces and natural beauty are some of the best things to practise. Hit the trails or go horseback riding at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Check out unlike Sonoran Desert habitats and expedition through 21 acres of native plants at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Go camping, practice archery, or refine your birdwatching skills at Tucson Mountain Park. Visit Reid Park Zoo to meet Squirrel Monkeys, Bearded Dragons, and African Elephants. Head into the Santa Catalina Ranger District to brand your way up Mountain Lemmon for incredible views of the valley. Yous tin can also find some of Arizona's all-time golf courses and tournaments in Tucson!

A Dog-Friendly Metropolis

Moving with your four-legged friend? Tucson is ane of the best U.S. cities for dogs! Not only can you explore the amazing trails surrounding the metropolis, merely you lot can also have some bonding fourth dimension at 1 of the many Tucson dog parks like North Six Avenue Dog Park, Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, or Majestic Heart Park! Leash upward your pup before heading to i of Tucson'due south farmers markets, or visiting local parks like Catalina Park and Armory Park. Be certain to hit upwardly all the domestic dog-friendly patios throughout town, too, at The Boxyard, Arizona Beer House, Baja Cafe, and many more!

It'south Non All Desert

While the cacti, exotic birds, and horned lizards of Saguaro National Park are what many think of when imagining Tucson, there's more to meet and practise than that! Discover luxury shopping at La Encantada with stores like Anthropologie, Brighton Collectibles, and Williams-Sonoma. Or get deals at stores similar Calvin Klein, Levi's, and Adidas at Tucson Premium Outlets. Have your picayune ones toMini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, recognized equally one of the best things to exercise in Tucson with kids. See over 150 planes at the Pima Air & Infinite Museum—another family favorite. Acquire about Latin-American, Western, Ethnic American, and Asian art at Tucson Museum of Art. Or stop by Casa Moving-picture show Bar, where you tin can watch a documentary or play trivia while sipping on a glass of wine.

Enjoy Living in a Bike-Friendly City

With excellent atmospheric condition and 131 miles of car-costless paths available via The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, information technology'southward easy to see why Tucson is ane of the top cycling cities in the U.South. If you don't have your own bike, the Tugo Bike Share program provides affordable access to bikes at over 40 stations across the city. Those interested in competitive biking tin sign up to exist one of the 6,000 people participating in the annual El Tour de Tucson or bring together in the bike races at the Mt. Lemmon Gravel Grinder. Not interested in route or competitive biking? The local desert thrilling and nature-filled terrain for mount bikers!

Don't Forget to Look Up

The Sonoran Desert might be known for its epic sunsets, but what happens when the sun goes down is every bit breathtaking. Expansive night skies and minimal light pollution make the desert constellations some of the best things to come across in Tucson. Discover unbelievable stargazing right in your backyard or take a Galaxy photography course and watch a lunar eclipse livestream at the Academy of Arizona'due south Mt. Lemmon Heaven Center. You can too head virtually an 60 minutes outside of the city to Kitt Peak National Observatory, 1 of the peak stargazing spots in the U.S., where yous can attend evening stargazing programs.

A Festival for Every Season

Festivals and cultural events are some of the top things to do in Tucson for tourists and locals alike! Commemorate the passing of loved ones by making a mask, designing a puppet, or creating an alter for the Dia de los Muertos-inspired All Souls Procession Weekend. Be part of the Tucson Festival of Books—the 4th largest book festival in the U.S.—and compete for literary awards, access 300 writer presentations, or play with kids at the literary circus. Take hold of your cowboy chapeau, boots, and get ready to remember Tucson's rodeo roots at the ix-day La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. Or stop by the largest and oldest gem show in the earth, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Evidence, to appreciate one-of-a-kind fossils or buy world-course jewelry.

Home of the Chimichanga

Accept you ever wondered who invented the chimichanga? A favorite fun fact about Tucson is that the El Charro Café—ane of the oldest continually-operating Mexican restaurants—is cited as the birthplace of the chimichanga. Acquire about how Tia Monica Flin accidentally dropped beefiness tacos into a frying pan and, in an try non to curse in front of children, created this Mexican food staple. Visit i of the three standalone locations of El Charro Café in Tucson to sample Reynosa Chicken, Fresh Corn Tamales, and, of course, the famous chimichangas.

All Hail the First U.S. Capital letter of Gastronomy

How do y'all become named a World City of Gastronomy and added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network? Have a long history of quality nutrient! While Tucson's desert location makes this accolade unexpected to some, the honor is unsurprising to those who know virtually the region's 4,000-year history of agriculture. Have a Marana Gastronomy Tour to learn near the ancient Sonoran foods and their influence on today's cuisine. Looking for some of the all-time places to eat in Tucson? Bask a boozy brunch with Poblano Verde Beni, Guac Toast, or Monte Cristo at Prep & Pastry. Social club authentic Neapolitan-inspired pizza at Fiamme Pizza. Or caput to Tumerico to sample plant-based Mexican food on a bill of fare that changes daily!

At that place's Nightlife for Everyone

Tucson also has lots of fun things to do after night! From casual breweries to packed higher clubs, in that location's a nightlife feel for all interests. Get in bear on with honky-tonk culture at The Maverick with live country music and trip the light fantastic toe lessons. Feel a unique night out with telescopes and galaxy-themed cocktails at the solar-powered Heaven Bar. Stop past LGBTQ favorite IBT's for dancing, karaoke, and drag shows every week. Visit Hi Fi to hear the latest DJ spin, see live music, go dancing, or try an adult shake. Or if y'all're looking for something a piffling different, attend a comedy show, come across Mexican movie theater, or catch a touring concert series at the Trick Tucson Theatre.

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