Tucson, AZ City Reviews

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Tucson, AZ city reviews

  • AreaVibes Contributor reviewed Tucson, AZ
  • November 24, 2011
Tucson, Arizona - Cowtown to cosmopolitan
City rating
Recommended for Couples, Families
  • Attractions
  • Community
  • Nightlife
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
Having lived in Tucson, Arizona for nearly half a century, Ive seen it grow from a quiet cowtown to a thriving metropolis. Although I arrived long after horses plodded down dusty dirt streets, cowboys had shootouts in the local saloons and the citizenry was often on guard against Apache raids, Tucson had retained an ambience of the old west and still does today.

Tucson sits in a desert valley between four mountain ranges with the desert floor rising into foothills and the foothills rising into rugged colorful mountain peaks all around. This part of the Sonoran desert is unique to the world and is forested with majestic saguaro cactus that stand tall over a landscape that is adorned with barrel and prickly pear cactus, mesquite trees, greasewood and sage brush. Arid yet lush, the desert is home to a variety of wildlife including lizards and snakes, coyotes and bobcats, mule deer and javelina and in its upper reaches, bighorn sheep and mountain lions.

Tucson has long been a winter home for those escaping the cold winters of the north and Mid-west and although the temperature can dip down into the thirties at night in the winter, by mid morning you can expect a sunny eighty degrees. Tucson hosts endless activities and attractions. Resorts offer world class golf courses, art and historic museums are well represented, there is a multitude of hiking trails, exceptional restaurants and lively nightlife. Just thirty miles from the desert floor is Mount lemmon and very acceptable snow skiing. West of Tucson is the Old Tucson movie set that will take you back in time and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is world renowned.

Those who visit Tucson will return again and again and many will never leave.
Interesting and ever changing
City rating
Recommended for Families
  • Attractions
  • Community
  • Nightlife
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
Tucson as of now (Oct 2011) is crumbling apart. It is beautiful to visit. Gorgeous year round weather (although very hot April-September). This desert has a lot to be appreciated. Wildlife galore (no not just scorpions and lizards) LOTS of various plant life, trees, cactus and such. Great swimming, biking, motorcycling, hiking and camping spots. Saguaro National Parks both west and east are a great place to see via car, bikes, hiking, etc. If you love nature, you will love to see the Sonoran Desert. there is no place like it on earth. If you want a great nightlife, not gonna find it. If you want some delicious "hole in the wall" eating, you will get it for sure! If you want fine dining, lol. There is a large college population. In the winter a huge "snowbird" population of seniors RVing and driving. Large Mexican population too, of course. People are friendly for the most part however medical care is hit and miss. Many places are closing shops. Housing prices are a deal right now. Must have a pool for the hot months. Vail (just outside of Tucson) beautiful, cooler and fresh clean air always. Not a huge job pool either in Pima county. GREAT PLACE FOR A VISIT FOR SURE!!! stay hydrated and sun block. Even if you don't think you are dehydrated, you are, even in the winter.
  • AreaVibes Contributor reviewed Tucson, AZ
  • April 30, 2010
Basking In Sunny Tucson, AZ
City rating
Recommended for Couples, Families
  • Attractions
  • Community
  • Nightlife
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
Tucson has been my home for nearly five years now, and I continue to find a lot to love about it. The weather is sunny and bright nearly all the time, which I think rubs off on the people, who are sunny and bright too! It's not a sprawling metropolis, but there is definitely a lot to do in and around the city.

Downtown in particular has a variety of nightclubs, restaurants and bars. There are also a number of theaters, probably the most popular of which is The Loft, which shows classic movies as well as new releases, and frequently hosts movie-related special events. Within close driving distance there are no less than four large casinos, which offer frequent concerts and shows in addition to the chance to enjoy some gambling. For lovers of the old west, the infamous Tombstone is only a short drive away.

Tucson manages to offer much of the entertainment and qualities of a larger city, while avoiding many of the downsides. It's a great place to live or visit!