Maybe you’re dreaming of the warm, desert sunshine in Tucson in January. Perhaps you find yourself longing for the rugged landscape of Tucson, or its long growing season, wildflowers and unique wildlife.
Or maybe you just want a great place to live that’s dog friendly and has an affordable cost of living. Whatever the reason, if you’re considering calling Tucson home, there is much to look forward to.
But for all that is wonderful about the Old Pueblo, like any place, it does have its drawbacks. So here’s a closer look at a few aspects of Tucson that might make you think twice about moving here.
1. The summers are sizzlers.
It should be no surprise to you that it gets hot in the Sonoran Desert, but the extent of our summer heat might make you sweat out your decision to move here. Tucson is a card-carrying member of the triple-digit club. In the summer months, Tucson regularly rises above 100 degrees. And on average, we have 143 days a year that are over 90 degrees. The good news is, we’re cooler than Phoenix, which surpasses 90 degrees an average of 168 times a year, and a sub-alpine climate cooldown is just a short drive away to Mount Lemmon. And remember, it’s a dry heat.
2. The critters are creepy.
Tucson has more than its fair share of creepy crawlies. Think scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, lizards, black widow spiders, beetles and termites, we’ve got all of them, and much more. Don’t like bugs, spiders and snakes? When you see one, take a lesson from another of our common critters: the roadrunner, and high-tail it out of their way. You can also keep that exterminator on speed dial, just in case.
3. Tucson has a high rate of serious crime.
According to one website says Tucson is the most dangerous city in the state. With a violent crime rate of 421 incidents for every 100,000 people, Tucson’s violent crime rate is actually higher than the national average.
4. The economy isn’t great.
One economic barometer shows our unemployment rate is higher than the national average, at 6.10 percent, and our household income average is just over $37,000, far lower than the national average of $53,000. Good news is, the cost of living is low, and Tucson has even been named the most affordable city in the U.S.
5. Getting across town is inconvenient.
There’s no crosstown freeway in Tucson, which means you’ll be hitting stoplights if you’re going from the east side of the city to the west. More, we’ve been recognized for our vast numbers of potholes. So on that long drive from east to west, be sure to steer carefully. The good news? Interstate 10 will help you get speedily on your way to some parts of the city.
6. Going abroad? Expect a layover.
The old control tower at @TucsonAirport TUS #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/zCgUd1r2Tr
— 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒍 𝑱. 𝑮𝒂𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔 (@mikegaichas) February 24, 2018
Tucson International Airport, has no nonstop international flights. To nab those, you’ll have to drive two hours or catch a shuttle to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which offers 22 international nonstop destinations. On the other hand, many international destinations are just one stop from Tucson, and the Tucson airport is smaller than Phoenix, which can mean faster check-in and shorter security lines.
Where to make your life is no small decision, so it’s vital to consider both the pros and cons of the city you have in mind. With this knowledge, you can make a fully-informed decision about whether moving to Tucson is right for you.
