Moving to Tucson, AZ

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Tucson At-A-Glance

A large number of people think so! Between 2012 and 2022, more than 129,000 people moved to Tucson, which represents a population growth of nearly 5 percent in the last decade! New residents are attracted to Tucson’s year-round sunshine, charming neighborhoods, youthful energy, and outdoor adventures.

Tucson offers many of the same perks as its big brother Phoenix: lots of sun, warm winters, and affordable living. But Tucson one-ups Phoenix in a number of ways: it’s more historical, has more of a small-town feel, offers better access to nature, and is cheaper. Thanks to the University of Arizona, Tucson has a youthful edge, with all the hip bars, restaurants, and shopping you’d expect of a college town. Tucson is also a cultural melting pot, with American Indian, Mexican, and Anglo influences infusing its culture. 

Big City Amenities Along With a Quiet Lifestyle

Tucson is Arizona’s second largest city, even with a slower growth rate than Phoenix. The upside of living in Tucson is you’ll get the amenities of a big city with a much quieter lifestyle. 

The city is home to 549,382 Tucsonans. With an area of 238 square miles, Tucson has a population density of 2,308 persons per square mile, which makes it less dense than many other cities of comparable size.

Much of the area’s action revolves around the University of Arizona, which is the city’s second largest employer, as well as tourism. According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, the Tucson region led a rebound in the hospitality industry in 2021, posting a 77 percent year-over-year increase from $1.3 billion to $2.4 billion in overall direct travel spending. 

Tucson is a safe city which is why there are a large number of winter residents (snowbirds) who make their way down from harsh winters to enjoy the mild weather in the area. You can’t go wrong with incredible weather, sunny skies and zero of the white stuff. 

Tucson: One of the Nation’s Most Innovative Business Centers

The region in Arizona is becoming one of the nation’s most innovative business centers, in part because of the Sun Corridor, a transformative economic development organization connecting the area between Tucson and Phoenix. According to their website, “The organization has helped to drive significant business investment into the Tucson and Southern Arizona region through primary job creation (over 54,000 jobs), resulting in an economic impact of $32 billion.”

Aside from the University of Arizona, the aerospace and defense sector is another significant contributor to the economy in Tucson. Research and development, transportation, warehousing, renewable energy, high-technology and mining are also major industry players when it comes to Tucson’s economy. 

Unemployment rate: 3.2% (as of January 2023)

Average weekly wages for all industries: $1,019 (as of May 2021)

Tucson’s Greatest Strength? Relatively Affordable Housing

One of Tucson’s greatest strengths is its relatively affordable housing market. The median home value in Tucson is $308,650, which is 20 percent below the U.S. median value, according to Redfin. The median price per square foot in Tucson is $201, up 1.3 percent since last year. Over the past 5 years, Tucson has become one of the hottest housing markets with year-over-year increases in home prices. “With a near-perfect climate, plenty of industry, and countless outdoor activities, Tucson is a great alternative to living, working, and investing in a big city,” reports Roofstock

Tucson is a relatively affordable place to live with a decent cost of living. On average, the cost of living in Tucson is cheaper than 86 percent of all cities in the U.S. Renters in Tucson will also have an easy time finding affordable housing. The median rent in Tucson is $1,262 per month, which is 26 percent lower than the national average. Over the past year, rental rates in Tucson have increased by 4.0 percent. 

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Land the Neighborhood of Your Dreams in Tucson 

Tucson is known for its diverse neighborhoods that will help you discover what the city is all about. From quiet cul-de-sacs to hidden gems, these are the best places to settle down in:

Dunbar Spring

Vibrant with a deep connection to culture and history, Dunbar Spring is a great spot for young professionals looking for an eclectic place to call home. Plus, with the Dunbar/Spring Neighborhood Association, you can have the chance to make your own mark on the evolution of Tucson.  

Civano

Civano is the locale for those looking to enjoy the outdoor scenery and natural beauty. Brightly colored homes and trees line the streets along with gorgeous mountain views and bike trails aplenty. Green architecture, friendly residents and a quiet place to live and work is the appeal in Civano. 

Downtown

Of course the downtown area offers a bustling city experience with plenty of dining, shopping, and museums all within a safe walking distance. Downtown is ideal for young professionals who want a pulse on the daily action happening all around them.  

Sam Hughes

Don’t let the quiet vibe of the Sam Hughes neighborhood fool you, this up-and-coming area is attracting those who enjoy brewpubs and outdoor activities. Its close proximity to the University means it attracts plenty of students but is equally appealing to young families raising children. 

Armory Park

The charm of Armory Park is in its exquisite and eye-catching Spanish architecture. You’ll enjoy the proximity of central Tucson as well as a relaxed urban vibe. And there are plenty of eclectic businesses to shop along 6th Avenue. 

Traffic is Not a Big Problem in Tucson

Traffic is not as big of a problem in Tucson as it is in many other U.S. cities. According to a survey conducted by INRIX, the average commuter in Tucson spends 23 hours in traffic each year, which costs roughly $385 per driver, a lower amount than average among US cities.

However, when compared with other cities in Arizona, you may find yourself navigating traffic jams, especially if you have to brave Interstate 10 on your daily commute. The good news is that in many parts of Tucson, including the downtown and University areas, you can bypass driving altogether and walk to many dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. 

Tucson is Home to Crowning Achievements in Education

The University of Arizona isn’t the talk of the town for nothing. Not only is it ranked one of the top 20 public research universities nationwide, but University of Arizona faculty include five Nobel Prize winners. It has a #1 ranked Geology Department, ranked #3 in the nation for physical sciences research and has more NASA grants for space exploration research than any other university. 

In addition, Tucson is also proud of the achievements of its primary and secondary schools. You can choose from 229 public schools in 17 districts in Pima County and 84 charter schools. Tucson is also home to two of the best high schools in the nation. 

Tucson Weather: Bring Your Sunglasses and Tanning Lotion

If hot weather isn’t your thing, you might want to think twice before moving to Tucson. Tucson winters are warm, with an average temperature of 53 degrees. Summers in Tucson are hot, with an average temperature of 86 degrees. The average temperature in Spring is 69 degrees and the average temperature in Fall is 71 degrees.

Don’t worry too much about packing your umbrella. Tucson only sees 52 rainy days per year on average and has an average annual rainfall of 12 inches. Tucson is relatively dry, with an average annual relative humidity of 38. And don’t forget to bring your sunglasses and tanning lotion! Tucson gets an average of 286 sunny days, more than much of the rest of the country.

Summer average (June – Aug): 99℉ high, 75℉ low

Winter average (Dec – Feb): 67℉ high, 43℉ low

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Tucson

In recent years, Tucson has solidified its reputation as a prime destination, these are the 10 unmissable things to do here:

  1. Visit the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, which is an art gallery, botanical garden, natural history museum, zoo, and aquarium all in one. 
  2. Take a drive along the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, which is one of the most picturesque drives in Southeast Arizona. 
  3. Plan a day trip along Sabino Canyon and don’t forget to pack a swimming suit! The area is home to cresting mountains, deep canyons, and trails that lead to swimming holes.
  4. There’s much to see at the University of Arizona, but a favorite among many is the Poetry Center, which houses one of the largest collections of poetry in the country.
  5. Catch a flick at the Loft Cinema, which has been a Tucson treasure since 1972.  
  6. Witness a magical sunset from Gates Pass, a favorite place to witness the violet, rust, and rose-colored magic. 
  7. Stop by the Mission San Xavier del Bac or “White Dove of the Desert.” After exploring the church and small museum, you can feast on fry bread offered by members of the Tohono O’odham tribe. 
  8. Observe planets, nebulae, galaxies, and stars at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, which houses the most varied collection of astronomical instruments in the northern hemisphere. 
  9. Enjoy a concert at the historic Hotel Congress, home to a vibrant music scene that has featured local, national and international acts. 
  10. Get your picture taken at the Mural Walk, a public art mural that is 130-feet-wide and 30-feet-tall. 

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