| Reasons you might want to be living in Tucson, Arizona? Tucson is recognized for its desert landscape and the mountain backdrops surrounding the metro area. It offers a casual lifestyle, strong cultural history and affordable costs of living. Last, but not least, Tucson is a place where you can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon. Learn more about Tucson AZ |
Biased List of Reasons to be Living in Tucson Arizona
Clients frequently ask us “How did you decide to live in Tucson Arizona?”
From our perspective, Tucson, Arizona, is a city rich in history and culture, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. It offers stunning desert landscapes, iconic Saguaro cactus, and a vibrant Mexican American heritage. With that said, it is not a surprise that anyone with a taste for Southwestern cuisine will find it a paradise.
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Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona and home to the University of Arizona. U of A is a contributor to its youthful energy and educational prowess. Five mountain ranges surround the city and create a distinctive backdrop for residents.
Tucson’s climate is warm and sunny, making it a haven for those seeking to escape colder climates. The history of Tucson spans Spanish, Mexican, and American influences.
Top 5 Answers to “Reasons to Live in Tucson Arizona”
1. Mountains –
If you feel you are home anytime you see mountains, you’ll be completely captivated in by Tucson. Five mountain ranges surround Tucson and the most scenic is the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Catalina foothills are one of the most sought-after places to live in Tucson.
2. Sunsets –
The combination of the Sonora Desert landscape and Mountain creates amazing sunsets. Tucson is a place where you can end each day with artistic sunset. Vivid colors, wispy clouds and shimmering rays of sunlight. Simply magnificent!
3. Reasons to Live in Tucson – Weather to Fit Your Lifestyle
This can only be a pro in the pros and cons of living in Arizona. Especially Tucson. What can be bad about lots of sunny days? We have them – 300 days a year. That means lots of outdoor recreation!We can get over 100 degrees in the summer months, but the rest of the year is fantastic. Warm days, cool evenings and lots of sunshine is part of a Tucson lifestyle. Oh, I probable said that already. See how Tucson ranks against other popular Arizona cities and Tucson’s monthly high and low temperatures.
4. Sunshine! –
In Tucson, you won’t get the cloudy day blues. Tucson boasts 300+ glorious days of sunshine. Clear sky, a few puffy clouds, and the sunshine. What else could you want?
5. Fresh Air –
Tucson rankings in the top cities with clean air. It is one of the 5 Cities with the Best Air Quality in the U.S. (2013). It ranked #1 for cleanest metropolitan areas in the country for 24-hour particle pollution (American Lung Association – 2013) and one of the Top 25 cleanest county’s (Pima) for Year-Round Particle Pollution (American Lung Assoc. State of the Air 2015).
For Active Residents
6. Bikers Heaven –
In 2014, Bustle placed Tucson #7 among the 10 Best Cities in the U.S. For People Who Love to Ride. Tucson ranked #12 in the Bicycle Magazine’s list of America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities (2012). Outdoor Magazine gave it to honor of Best Road Biking City in 2010. Tucson has over 100 miles of surface trails for biking and running.
7. Runner’s euphoria –
Miles and miles of surface trails make Tucson a dream come true for cyclist and runners. Runners can choose from flat trails to steep winding trails. The mild weather (start early in the summer) means you can go for a run every day. There are also organized marathons, 1/2 marathons and 5ks throughout the year.
8. Hiker’s Dream-
There are many great hiking trails within the city limits. And the mountains and foothills provide a chance to hike and explore. No need to drive an hour!
9. Golfer Paradise –
Perfect weather and lots of challenging courses give golfers the opportunity to play. Join a country club or tee it up on one of the daily fee courses. But play away!
10. Swimming –
With 350+ days of sunshine, Tucson is a great place for swimmers. Community pools and aquatic centers abound. Both aquatic athletics poolside lounging is easy to find.
11. Rock Climbing –
Remember the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson? Well, they make every rock climber’s heartbeat faster.
Being Out and About in Downtown
12. Food Scene –
After all that exercise, you’ll be happy to know that Tucson’s food scene continues to excel. Especially Downtown. You will be in for a treat with the number of downtown dining spots. No matter what your food fix is, you will find it in Tucson, AZ.
13. The University of Arizona –
The University of Arizona is a Pacific Conference powerhouse. You name it, they play it! And play it well. Basketball, Football, Baseball, Tennis, Softball.
14. Mexican Food –
This is already covered in “food scene”. But the choices of Mexican food are limitless in Tucson. And we mean real Mexican Food. From the lighter Sonora style, street tacos, and burritos with lots of cheese.
About the Area
15. Summer Monsoons –
The monsoon season is from early July to mid-September. When conditions are right, clouds build up over the mountains in the early afternoon. Then around 2 to 3 PM, it rains. Actually, it can pour. But not everywhere. One block can have a downpour, and across the street, the sun is shining. After the rain, more sunshine and a beautiful sunset.
16. NO Natural Disasters –
Tucson and Southern Arizona aren’t known for natural disasters. During the monsoon season, there will be “sheet” flooding in some areas. But NO hurricanes, tornadoes, haboobs, earthquakes or floods.
17. Fewer Bugs –
Tucson’s elevation and dry climate make it a poor habit for bugs. Yes, there are gnats in the spring and occasional fly, but the mosquito is almost non-existent.
People And Places
18. Nice People –
Tucson is one happy place. Residents love it here and want to show everyone why. With few cloudy days and 300 days of sunshine, how could anyone be blue?
19. Close To Other Great Places –
7 hours to San Diego and Sea World, 7 hours to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Palm Springs 5.5 hours. Grand Canyon 5 hours. 4 hours to Rocky Point in Mexico. There are lots of interesting places to visit within hours of Tucson AZ.
20. Winter Skiing on Mt. Lemmon –
Yes, you can be skiing within 1 to 2 hours of Tucson during the winter. Mt. Lemmon, as an elevation of 9,200 ft has black diamond ski runs. Mt. Lemmon is also a popular summer getaway. With the elevation, the temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees cooler.
Reasons to Live in Arizona – Tucson’s Desert Scenes
21. Desert Vistas –
Not only is Tucson surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, but it is also in the Sonora Desert. The desert views are special. And the sunsets are spectacular.
22. Stargazing –
Tucson observes low light pollution rules, unlike Phoenix. That means the stars are in your face. Also, since most evenings are crystal clear one can see the stars with the naked eye.
23. 4th Largest Book Festival in the USA –
Be sure to mark your calendar every spring for the Tucson festival of books. It is the 4th largest book festival in the USA! Book signings! Tucson is also the home of the largest Gem and Mineral show in the world. Another annual event to see is the Tucson rodeo in February each year.
It’s Easy and Interesting
24. Easy Access Around Downtown –
The Tucson Streetcar system launched in 2014. It provides easy access throughout the downtown area. Park your car, buy a pass and see the sites. It’s easy!
25. Colorful Architecture –
The central neighborhoods of Tucson have homes dating back to the early 1900’s. Artsy bungalows, row houses, cottages, adobe, and ranch-style homes populate the historic areas of Tucson.
26. Comfortable Casual Living –
Tucson is pretty “laid” back. Yes, businesspeople wear suits and ties. During the winter months. Summer is Friday casual all the time.
Last, But Not Least – Affordable Cost of Living and Neighborhood Housing Market
27. Affordable Home Choices –

Affordable housing and the cost of living is lower than most other cities of its size.
- The cost of living in Tucson is 5% lower than the Arizona average.
- The cost of living in Tucson is 8% lower than the national average.
- Tucson housing cost is 22% lower than the national average.
Oro Valley is a community north of downtown Tucson that has received recognition as a great place to live. The town of 50,000 residents has outstanding amenities and public facilities.
And a Few More Pros and Cons for Good Measure
1. No Fast-Paced Living. Let’s get this straight. Tucson isn’t New York, Chicago or Los Angels. Phoenix is a much faster pace place. So, if you want to be on the fringe of a nervous breakdown, Tucson may not be for you.
2. No Freeways. There is only one freeway in Tucson, AZ. The I-10. It runs from the northwest to southeast side of Tucson. Travel in Tucson is on surface streets with a 45 MPH limit. Guess what? Traffic moves well.
3. Resort Destination. Tucson is a winter resort destination. Visitors and snowbirds flock to the area. That means lines in the restaurants, more cars in the parking lots and traffic on the streets. But guess what! Nobody cares.
Reasons to Live in Arizona – Tucson Anyway
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Considering Your Dream Home in Tucson, Arizona?
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Conclusion on Reasons to Live in Arizona (Tucson AZ)
Although not mentioned in our list of “Reasons to Live in Arizona”, cultural events take place throughout the year. Even in summer. These annual events are a big part of life in Tucson.
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