Do you want to live in Tucson? This Arizona city is more than just the home of the University of Arizona and the famous Sonoran Desert.
Tucson is a vibrant city in the Southwest with a slew of amenities. It is in Pima County and is Arizona’s second-largest metroplex.
This city is unique because it is home to a significant institute and thriving arts, music, and food scene. However, with over three hundred days of sunshine annually and breathtaking desert scenery, most of the metropolis’s top attractions will take you outside.
However, each advantage has a corresponding weakness. There is no perfect location for everybody.
As a result, we created a comprehensive article discussing the city’s edges and drawbacks. It will enable you to envision significant consideration before deciding on Tucson as your new home.
List of Contents
Is Tucson, Arizona, A Good Place to Live In? The Beautiful Desert City
The Good Side
The Better Warm Weather
Living in Tucson allows you to take advantage of the warm weather, sunny skies, and little to no snow.
People from the north prefer to relocate here because of the benefits. Snowbirds are individuals who migrate from the northern to southern parts of the country due to winter colds.
This location is also ideal for retirees due to the abundance of outdoor activities. Additionally, there is no need for them to shovel piles of snow on their doorsteps during the snow season, making their lives easier. With more places to visit and a variety of fun activities, there is something for everyone here.
The Wonderful Outdoor Areas
The warm weather in Tucson will allow you to enjoy the benefits of having an abundance of outdoor spots to go hiking, biking, trekking, or other leisure activities. You can have a lot of space in the city and enjoy natural beauty at its best.
The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is a local favorite for weekend exploration. It is also challenging to skip hanging at Kitt Peak National Observatory, a well-known educational and tourist destination. Everyone will appreciate the breathtaking panoramic high mountain views from this observation deck.
You can take your kids to Reid Park Zoo for a new experience. In addition, after an encounter with wildlife, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is an excellent place to learn about Tucson and Arizona’s history.
Whatever you desire, know that the metropolis will provide it for you.
A UNESCO Gastronomic City
Tucson became the first-ever UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States in 2015, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Mexican and Native American influences heavily influence its culinary cuisine, and it retains the 4,000-year tradition of cooking.
The area has delectable restaurants, including Tito and Pep, a local favorite in midtown. Then there’s Zemam’s Too, which serves an authentic African meal.
The Wyatt Earp Benedict from Baja Cafe will get your day started right. Meanwhile, The Parish on Oracle Road will provide you with the best creole cuisine without requiring you to travel long distances.
If you enjoy Craft pizza, an art form in and of itself, Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink takes it to the next level. The 5 Points Market & Restaurant, on the other hand, can satisfy your organic diet.
There is ample evidence to support and sustain the city’s desert gastronomical culinary scene, supported and maintained by UNESCO.
It Is Not Dull Here
Whether you want to devour a day exploring the city limits or go out for a night in the town, Tucson is the place to be.
The city hosts several daytime events and an evening chilling spot that will never make your day boring. There are so many events here all year that it is difficult to choose just one.
The Oro Valley Music Festival, the Annual Roasted Chile Festival, and the Tucson Greek Festival are all annual events. The LGBT community is also well-represented in Tucson, which hosts a Tucson Pride Parade and Festival.
When the sun sets, you can head to the bustling downtown area and explore the lane of wine bars to high-energy dance clubs with distinct options. Good Oak Bar, Barrio Brewing, R Bar, and Union Public House are among the local favorites.
So, whether you enjoy devouring your day unwinding or going straight for an evening of music, drinks, and dancing, Tucson has it all.
Risk-Free From Natural Disasters
Another advantage of relocating to Tucson is the low likelihood of experiencing a natural disaster.
There is a slight chance that the metropolis will subject you to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. As a result, hurricanes and tornadoes are unlikely to occur anytime soon.
If there is a heavy downpour, expect to flood the area. However, due to the warm weather in Southern Arizona, the possibility of a natural phenomenon occurring here is ruled out. Therefore, it is among the American cities that are safe to dwell in when we deal with weather conditions.
The Bad Side
Crime Is on The Rise
Living in Tucson is a beautiful experience, but you should be aware of the rising crime rate.
Its violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average. It has a total annual criminal record of 23,840. You will get a chance from 1 in 141 to become prey to violent crime.
Despite increasing criminal records, the city is still 6 percent safer than other American cities. This area also has safer neighborhoods, such as Sabino Springs, Saddlebrooke, Alta Vista, and Fairfield.
Meanwhile, the worst neighborhoods to live in are Barrio Hollywood and Mitman, which have high crime rates.
Congestion Is a Primary Issue
Like most cities in the Southwest, Tucson experiences heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. One primary reason is that it lacks a crosstown freeway.
Expect this desert city to be significant, with limited mass transit, so you will need a car to get around. However, the daily commute in the metroplex is only 24.4 minutes, compared to the national average of 26.1 minutes, so that’s a plus.
Another reason for the increased traffic is the high volume of winter tourists flocking to the area. So, if you are going to move here, bring a lot of patience with you so you can still relax even though you are getting stuck on the road for a matter of time.
What Is the Cost of Living in Tucson, Arizona? Cheaper Community in The Southwest
The Good Side
Living Cost Here Is Inexpensive
Living in Tucson allows you to spend less on the basic costs of living here than in other similar cities in Arizona. The overall cost of living is only 91.6 percent of the national average. Other determinants, such as transportation, groceries, utilities, and housing, are below average.
The primary indicator is also the home value, which is only about $271,800. Compared to other cities, it is the best deal because a family of four can live comfortably with only $3,000 per month. Also, you can spend only $1,798 on your total monthly bill if you live in town.
Meanwhile, a simple bus fare is only $1.75 for a one-way ticket when using public transportation. A monthly pass is also only about $44.
So, if you live in a luxurious city, relocating here will undoubtedly save you money, and you will also have extra money for other things.
The Housing Market Is Unquestionably More Affordable
Acquiring your dream home is more accessible in Tucson because the average median value is lower than in other American cities. The median housing market cost is $271,800, with a monthly rental fee of around 617 for a studio apartment.
Hearing these prices is a shocking surprise, especially if you happen to be living in a luxury city where the lease is around $2,000 per month. However, if you believe that the average median house is less expensive, there are still neighborhoods in the city that are significantly less expensive.
The median home value in Highland Vista Cinco Via is $197,650, with a monthly lease of $622. Then there are the Menlo Park residences, where you can buy a home for only $145,838, and the average monthly rent is only $645.
Another community that will entice you is Northwest Tucson, where purchasing a home will cost you $157,200, and the monthly rental fee will be $838. While less expensive, these places may offer the same amenities and benefits as those in the city center.
Tucson Is a Healthy City
Living in Tucson allows you to take advantage of lower medical costs while keeping fit and healthy.
The metropolis’ average medical cost is lower than the national rate. The median health insurance here is only $235 per month. Meanwhile, Tucson Medical Center was seventh in Arizona for its outstanding performance in five procedures/conditions.
It is also among the healthiest cities in America, which contributes to its lower-than-average cost. It has the best air quality in Arizona and is the cleanest metropolitan area.
Because of the high concentration of bikers in the area, especially on weekend mornings, you can stay fit and motivated in this city. And the cherry on the top is that, in 2010, Outdoor magazine named Tucson the “Best Road Biking City.”
The Bad Side
High Taxes Is Not Ideal
One disadvantage you may encounter is that you will pay more in local taxes in Arizona’s second-largest city than in most other parts of the state. Tucson’s combined sales tax is 8.7%.
The metroplex has the country’s third-highest average property tax rate, at 1.016%. This high rate drives the city’s overall high local tax burden. Another factor to consider is its utility and high communications taxes, reaching as high as 13.2%.
So if you are filling your suitcases to move in here, ensure that you understand that you need to pay a little extra for your taxes.
Why Work in Tucson, Arizona? Robust Job Market
The Good Side
Tucson’s Growing Job Market
Tucson’s job market is on the rise. Over the last few years, the statistics have risen by about 2%. There is also a projected 33.1% increase. The average Tucson resident can receive an average salary of $71,275 or an hourly rate of $28.
Because of the city’s diverse industries, there is a wide range of job opportunities here. The University of Arizona is one of Tucson’s largest employers.
Following the larger employers are the defense contractor Raytheon and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Aside from that, the leisure and hospitality industries provide employment possibilities in Tucson.
The presence of large corporations such as IBM, Honeywell Aerospace, and Ventana Medical Systems is also a significant opportunity because they can provide employment opportunities for Tucson residents and others.
The Diversified Industries in The City
Tucson’s diverse industries contribute to its high economic rankings. Aerospace and defense research, development, and manufacturing are essential components of the town’s economy.
This metropolitan area is also a leading authority in astronomy, aerospace, optics, and medicine. It is no surprise that there are numerous drivers capable of improving its financial situation.
The presence of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is one of the best contributors in this field. The industry contributes more than $1.5 billion annually to the economy.
With this strong economy, education, health care, and social assistance have the highest percentage of employment here, with over 59,959 people, accounting for approximately 25.8% of the pie.
The Bad Side
Job Hunting Is Extremely Competitive
Living in Tucson is an excellent choice due to the abundance of jobs in the metro area and the high average salary. However, if you want a better job here, you may need to upskill because competition is fierce. People are migrating to the area, nearly doubling the population each year.
As a result, those relocating will need to find a decent job to live comfortably. This excellent environment breeds a competitive workforce, for which you must prepare.
That summarizes all the benefits and drawbacks you should consider before packing your belongings and moving to Tucson.
We hope we made you smile in this article as much as we love writing this one for all of you.
Tucson is a lovely community with distinct advantages and common drawbacks. However, the fact that people prefer this desert town to anywhere else in Arizona makes the city even more appealing.
Thank you very much!
