Tucson, AZ
One of the most livable cities in the American Southwest, Tucson, AZ appeals to all who desire a moderate, dry climate, lots of sunny days, and plenty of desert wilderness. Although the town was slow to grow until the mid-20th century, it's now a major industrial and outdoor recreational hub, and its residents love to immerse themselves in the wildly diverse culture. The greater Tucson area is now home to more than 900,000 people, but there's still a mid-size town feeling that becomes evident the moment you arrive.
Known locally as Old Pueblo, the city is famous for its combination of Western and Mexican culture. It's all about cowboys, barbeques, and love for the desert Southwest. However, you don't have to wear spurs to become one with the locals. If you work in the industries of banking, high-tech, real estate, or manufacturing, you'll find the job opportunities are virtually endless.
If you're a recreationist and love the outdoors, Tucson beckons with open arms. Bike paths are everywhere, and beyond the city's outskirts are thousands of square miles of desert to be explored by ATV or on horseback. The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is a popular destination for those who love to explore the outdoors on a horse saddle. Mount Lemmon is a pretty easy hike, and from the summit, you get an incredible view of the cityscape. At Tucson Mountain Park, you can enjoy bird watching, archery, and tent camping.
Until recently, the downtown area was pretty stagnant in terms of retail development and entertainment venues, but the downtown core is now quite a hotspot. Outdoor concerts, new shopping centers, and an upgraded public transit system have really transformed the central business district. Festivals are ongoing throughout the year and include special events for kids. Did you know that Tucson is home to one of the largest book festivals in the world? Here's another fun fact: the city boasts the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, one of the oldest and most renowned gemstone festivals in North America. Not far from downtown is the University of Arizona, and you'll soon find that the most popular t-shirt in town features the word "Wildcats".
The city prides itself on its low cost of living. Home prices are well below the national average. Currently, the city is more of a seller's market when it comes to real estate, but home buyers generally find just the property they desire if they do a fair amount of comparison shopping. The metro area continues to expand, and this means plenty of new residential construction, especially apartments and condos.
The weather in Tucson can be fickle. True, the city has sunshine about 350 days per year, but inclement weather with lots of thunder and lightning cool many afternoons. High winds are common during these cloudbursts, but after a good drenching, the sun comes back out. Summer temps can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and in winter, the temperature rarely drops below the freezing mark.
You'll love moving to Tucson is you believe in the freedom to self-express. All are welcome here, and once you settle in, your biggest problem will be scheduling time for all of the exciting things to see and do in this culturally diverse metropolis.