Greetings from Tucson, Arizona! I’m Larry, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for the Old Pueblo, and I’m here to give you an insider's view on this one-of-a-kind desert community where past, present, and future are part of the everyday experience.
Indeed, Tucson is a city where rugged Southwestern tradition and modern creativity blend together in a soothing, harmonious way. Adobe residential houses from the city’s Spanish colonial era in the Barrio Viejo neighborhood (a National Historic Landmark district) sit in the cool shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains. And that's just for starters. Blocks away, the University of Arizona serves as an international center for space-exploration technology.
Below are details for anyone looking to visit Tucson or call the place their home. My family and I want you to know the basics about the city's history, rental cost, home-buying situation, neighborhoods, restaurants, transportation, and must-see sites.
I'm excited to serve as your guide to this incredible city filled with friendly people, many of whom have come from all over the world to make a new life, find a job, or just enjoy a unique vacation experience.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Tucson
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $962 | $595 | $2,424 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,077 | $619 | $3,049 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,411 | $599 | $4,017 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,771 | $549 | $5,343 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,588 | $499 | $7,063 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,330 | $799 | $2,900 |
Must-Know Historical Information
The coolest thing about being a full-time, long-term resident of Tucson is being able to wander through the city's unique neighborhoods. In areas like Barrio Viejo, my wife and I enjoy Sunday morning walks as we take in the nineteenth-century feel of the area and view its sun-baked avenues. Tucson is unlike any other US town or city precisely because of its amazing history. One example is the gorgeous sedimentary rock formation at the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Long ago, long before it was a US-owned outpost, the town was a Spanish presidio. And thousands of years before that, it was home to the Tohono O'odham people, most of whom were farmers residing on the banks of the Santa Cruz River. Before European migrants arrived, Tucson was already a thriving place that boasted a mixture of cultures, climates, and geological formations.
My friends and I have spent plenty of lazy weekend afternoons exploring the Spanish Colonial architecture of the area, like the Mission San Xavier del Bac, known around the world as the "White Dove of the Desert." The place has been part of the local scene for 230 years and still serves as a spiritual center for the entire city. My daughter is an amateur historian who likes pointing out that this city was once part of the Mexican nation up until the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. In fact, it was the last piece of land to become part of the first 48 states of the US.
Living Space: Renting and Buying
Our family has lived, worked, and attended school here in the Old Pueblo for more than two decades, and watching the real estate market in Tucson change has been a fascinating thing. My wife and I quickly discovered that Tucson is much more affordable than Phoenix or any of the huge coastal cities. In fact, it's still a hidden gem. Just one example:
My sister has resided in the historic Sam Hughes area for almost 20 years. It's one of the most beautiful spots in the city, is close to the university, and oozes with old-world charm. Two-bedroom bungalows in the area can be a little pricey, but don't let the sticker price shock you. Nearly all other neighborhoods in Tucson come with much lower rental prices.
People I work with who have recently arrived from Seattle and California feel like housing and rent prices are a real bargain. But locals realize that those nationwide price increases did not spare Tucson. In fact, as more US residents choose to relocate to the Southwestern desert, you need to be smart about finding a roof over your head. That tip applies to first-time buyers, renters, and older folks looking for upscale properties.
Speaking of the higher-end market, our friends who live in the Catalina Foothills tell us that the entry point for properties with cityscape views is around $650,000. A well-kept burnt adobe house in Midtown will attract multiple offers at the $410,000 mark and not stay on the market long. Lesson: There's a ton of price variation among the city's micro-neighborhoods.
The bottom line is that Tucson is one of the few cities in the West where families can buy a new, spacious home for under $450,000. However, prices have been rising in recent years as more people flock to the town's historic charm and trendy vibe. In general, the architectural styles are unique, and the entire real estate layout is very low-density compared to typical Midwestern and East Coast cities. Expect high cooling expenses for the hot summers but modest prices overall for buying and renting. Here's a quick, random look at some local rental and ownership prices:
One-bedroom apartments in the Downtown/University area are typically moderately priced when available, while a two bedroom or three bedroom rental in Oro Valley will likely run a little higher. For buyers, a typical single-family home in Midtown or on the East Side comes with an asking price of between $350,000 and $450,000. On the high end of the local market, a luxury house in the Catalina Foothills goes for $650,000 to $1,200,000.
Most Popular Neighborhoods
My family and I have lived in the Old Pueblo for many years. What we love most about that city is that each neighborhood comes with its own feel and personality. Our experience, particularly when house-hunting and apartment-shopping, is that each area boasts a unique version of the desert lifestyle. For instance, my boss lives in the Sam Hughes Historic District and regularly mentions the tree-lined streets, mission-style bungalows, and overall feeling of being in Old Mexico.
When I take weekend walks there, I feel like I've stepped back in time even though the modern University of Arizona campus is nearby. Sam Hughes is a place where people ride bikes under the shade of old Palo Verde trees and ride their bikes to and from Flora's Market to pick up fresh produce.
People who prefer a more urban lifestyle tend to fall in love with Barrio Viejo, one of the most photogenic sections of Tucson. My daughter has taken hundreds of photos of the brightly colored row houses on adobe-style homes that feature huge wooden doors and unique architecture. When we first moved here, we rented a house in Barrio Viejo and always felt as though we were in a European village. There's plenty of downtown nightlife nearby, but the thick walls of adobe homes protect residents from outside noise and summer heat.
For those who dream of cityscape views of Tucson at night, streets lined with saguaro cactus, and living at elevation, the Catalina Foothills neighborhood is the place to be. Homes here are priced higher than elsewhere in Tucson, but the views are worth it. Plus, if you're an outdoor enthusiast like my wife and me, you'll appreciate the area's proximity to the trailheads of Sabino Canyon.
Back closer to the center of town, Armory Park is a favorite neighborhood for Tucsonans who want to be near the Sun Link streetcar and prefer historic architecture with a large dose of urban energy. Other beloved neighborhoods include Ventana Canyon, with its gated communities, and Winterhaven, an area famous for mid-century charm and quiet surroundings.
Long-time locals we know always brag that Tucson is a place where there's a neighborhood for every taste and income. They're right. This gem of a city in the middle of the Sonoran Desert is one of the nation's best-kept secrets, whether you're a college student, young professional, growing family, single adult, or retired person. It took my wife and me a few months to catch on to the fact that Tucson is a fun, relaxing, affordable place to live that comes with dozens of hidden amenities. No matter the neighborhood you choose to call home.
The Restaurant Scene
My wife and grown children have been here long enough to understand that the whole Tucson food scene is not just an extra benefit of everyday life; it's a central part of being a local. My personal experience is that no one truly understands this town until they appreciate its food culture. In fact, Tucson was the first "UNESCO City of Gastronomy" in the US.
Whenever my wife and I have a slow day, we head to the Fourth Avenue area and enjoy a snack and cup of excellent coffee at the Cup Café at Hotel Congress. This is a locally owned spot famous for its "cast-iron" eggs. The walls are jammed with historic photos and memorabilia, and the menu is all about the city's desert roots.
On holidays and birthdays, our entire family likes to meet up at El Güero Canelo, our favorite place to enjoy Sonoran hot dogs, a treat that includes a bacon-wrapped dog topped with jalapeño salsa, tomatoes, onions, and pinto beans. It's a meal in itself for sure. Some of our neighbors who have moved away always mention that what they miss most about Tucson is not the breathtaking sunsets or magnificent hiking trails but the aroma of mesquite-grilled food items from roadside vendors on South 12th Avenue.
Here's a cheat-sheet of 5 must-try local favorites and spots where we have enjoyed them:
1. As noted above, the Sonoran Mexican is a specialty of the house at El Güero Canelo. It's our family's favorite dog.
2. For Southwestern fusion-style "prickly pear glazed ribs," head over to the Silver Saddle Steakhouse. I've never seen this item anywhere else outside of Mexico.
3. For the best artisanal-style Heritage grain bread, follow my daughters' advice and check out Barrio Bread (Don Guerra).
4. For a memorable fine dining experience, the mesquite-grilled steak is my personal favorite, and Tito & Pep is the best place in town to get it.
5. One of my co-workers introduced me to a top-notch classic diner that serves an amazing "cast-iron breakfast." It's called The Club Café.
Local Transportation
Soon after we moved to Tucson, co-workers and friends taught us about the city's slower pace of time, a phenomenon unknown on the East Coast. To get around, you don't always need a car. Just ask my sister, who has lived near the Rillito River for five years now and rarely gets behind the wheel of her SUV on weekends. Instead, she uses The Loop, Tucson's network of car-free, paved paths that connect the whole city. It's 131 miles long and is one of the town's coolest transportation amenities.
For folks who prefer staying in the center of the metro area, the Sun Link Streetcar gets the job done. When our daughters were attending college, they rode on the enclosed, air-conditioned line to get to classes, shop on Fourth Avenue, and visit downtown night spots. My own experience with Sun Link is that it's a time-saver; users can park their cars and get around several districts without having to use their own vehicles. My wife has long been a fan of the local bus system, known as Sun Tran, an economical way to get almost anywhere in and around town.
I visit the Foothills and suburbs like Oro Valley pretty often for my job, so a personal vehicle is a must. Fortunately, the traffic situation here is not nearly as congested as in Phoenix. However, because there is still no cross-town freeway, expect some rather long waits at red lights on Speedway Blvd during traditional rush-hour times. People we know joke that the name "Speedway" is a major misnomer, and that's probably true. But you know what? Even a sluggish workday commute in scenic Tucson isn't that bad when you can enjoy mountain views while listening to the radio on your way to and from work.
Final Thought
Sure, Tucson can get pretty hot in the summer, but so many other factors more than make up for it. What my family has learned as long-time residents is that the city offers a rich history, affordable living options, unmatched natural beauty, a unique culinary scene, and neighbors who are always happy to stop and chat.
