Hello, from sunny Tucson, Arizona! I’m Larry, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for the most laid-back city in Arizona. I'm ready to give you all a close-up look at the top five employers in Tucson and the five neighborhoods where each company's workers prefer to rent condos, apartments, and houses.
As my family and I have discovered firsthand, Tucson is a fun, clean, safe place to live and work. And as any local will be happy to tell you, the vibe of the city is a combination of creativity, history, outdoor lifestyles, and breathtaking scenery. The Catalina Mountains are what my wife and I enjoy the most. The range is not only a gorgeous backdrop for the whole of Tucson but has served as a family-favorite hiking location for us for nearly two decades.
So, if you plan to build a career with one of the "big five" Tucson employers, check out the following guide we have put together. It offers details about multiple neighborhoods where working people can find excellent living space, no matter where they work. Our grown daughters have both chosen to remain in Tucson and raise their families here, which is a testament to what a great place the Old Pueblo is to live, work, and play.
Raytheon, in the South/Southeast Section of Tucson
Anyone looking for Tucson apartments near Raytheon, one of the city's largest and most prestigious employers, will have no trouble finding an affordable place to call home. One of our current neighbors has a grown son who has just started there and lives in a very nice complex of Rita Ranch apartments near the Raytheon main offices. The company is known for its high-tech openings in the defense and aerospace fields and is Tucson's largest private company.
Workers, like our neighbor's son, get top-notch benefits, generous salaries, and exceptional job security. The company's main offices are in the south-southeast section of the city that boasts gorgeous views. Here are the most convenient and affordable neighborhoods to rent if you have a job at Raytheon:
Rita Ranch
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,746 | $1,092 | $2,109 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,796 | $1,213 | $2,287 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,445 | $2,128 | $2,989 |
Rita Ranch apartments near Raytheon, as well as rental houses and condos, are a smart choice for people like my neighbor's son, who picked the area for its stellar school district. The place is very suburban in look and feel and is one of the best master-planned communities in the city, ideal for families. Kolb Rd. takes you straight to Raytheon in a few minutes, which makes for a stress-free commute most days. We explored Rita Ranch when we were house shopping and were impressed by the many parks, hiking trails, and local retail stores.
Civano
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,811 | $1,150 | $1,918 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,109 | $1,942 | $2,287 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,181 | $1,750 | $2,351 |
If you're in search of eco-friendly apartments near Raytheon, as well as condo and house rentals, the desert-integrated landscaping of the Civano neighborhood will wow you. My coworker lives in the area, and he loves the shady streets, community gardens, and walk-anywhere lifestyle. Plus, Raytheon's campus is just a short drive away.
Midvale Park
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,280 | $1,280 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,102 | $756 | $1,600 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,256 | $999 | $1,810 |
Midvale Park apartments near Raytheon are a savvy choice for those who value convenience and affordability. In fact, I've walked around the neighborhood when hunting for an apartment for my daughter. Midvale Park is on the west side of Raytheon's campus. There are quite a lot of single-family homes and nice apartments for rent, as well as restaurants, grocery outlets, and other retail hubs for young professionals. Plus, the commute time is virtually zero minutes, which is a huge plus for folks who dislike driving.
12th Ave. / Valencia
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $852 | $756 | $922 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,166 | $999 | $1,266 |
My wife's best friend lives in Valencia and loves her apartment. There are also houses for rent and lots of excellent restaurants, particularly some of the city's best Mexican dining establishments. Valencia Road gets you to Raytheon in a few minutes with minimal traffic. For Tucson apartments near Raytheon, this neighborhood is a top choice for newcomers to the city as well as long-time residents.
University of Arizona: In the Central/Midtown Section of the City:
There are some excellent Tucson apartments near University of Arizona, one of the city's largest employers. U of A, as I and other locals call it, is a huge player in the city's economic health. Not only is it a top-tier educational institution, but it also offers workers great healthcare coverage, financial stability, and, as my daughter learned firsthand, generous tuition reduction programs for its employees. Here are details about what our friends who work at U of A think are the best neighborhoods for renting near the school.
Sam Hughes
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,301 | $599 | $2,324 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,234 | $695 | $2,679 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,565 | $495 | $2,750 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,610 | $719 | $3,600 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,463 | $575 | $4,580 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,256 | $810 | $2,900 |
Our daughter lived in Sam Hughes for one semester during her college studies and found it to be a favorite place for faculty and staff to reside. Even younger renters can find cool bungalows and condos at decent prices within walking distance of the main campus. Sam Hughes apartments near University of Arizona boast old-school landscaping and a beloved public pool. It's a quiet, nice-looking place to rent.
West University
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,720 | $1,169 | $2,324 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,904 | $1,075 | $2,679 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,613 | $999 | $2,400 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,454 | $719 | $2,400 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,351 | $575 | $2,154 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,260 | $819 | $1,935 |
For very walkable Tucson apartments near University of Arizona, my friend Tom prefers the West University neighborhood. It's a high-energy area featuring Victorian homes as well as brand-new apartments. Residents of West University apartments near University of Arizona enjoy a short walk to the streetcar line, top-notch nightlife, and tons of cool boutiques.
Midtown
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $792 | $700 | $885 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $910 | $520 | $2,800 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,131 | $635 | $2,108 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,256 | $850 | $2,399 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,295 | $1,295 | $1,295 |
Midtown apartments near University of Arizona are very popular choices for people who want an easy commute to the university via 6th Street or Speedway Boulevard. Our entire family enjoys visiting Midtown on weekends and stopping in one of the many coffee shops, gift stores, or specialty grocery outlets. There are dozens of interesting dining options as well to satisfy my foodie wife's cravings.
Banner Health: In the Central Section of the City of Tucson
One of the premier employers in the city is Banner Health. Our son-in-law works there and, as soon as he graduated from college, found that there are numerous Tucson apartments near Banner Health for employees in all income ranges. The company offers excellent career growth and unmatched health insurance.
Catalina Foothills
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $809 | $529 | $1,529 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,053 | $599 | $2,699 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,318 | $795 | $2,295 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,730 | $849 | $2,140 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,845 | $799 | $5,643 |
Some of the best Tucson apartments near Banner Health (and Tucson Medical Center, see below) are in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood. In fact, our neighbor recently moved to a new complex of Catalina Foothills apartments near Banner Health after accepting a job offer as an administrative assistant. Yes, the rent prices tend to be higher than elsewhere in the city, but the mountain views are stunning, the schools are top-notch, and the lifestyle is quiet and sophisticated. Plus, the neighborhood is a short commute to Banner's main medical campus.
Amphi
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $800 | $750 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $910 | $679 | $1,209 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,078 | $899 | $1,399 |
Amphi apartments near Banner Health are affordable and centrally located. The commute to work is efficient thanks to the proximity of major thoroughfares. Shopping and dining options, as well as several public parks, make Amphi ideal for young people or those on a budget.
Dunbar Springs
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,100 | $529 | $2,324 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,322 | $599 | $2,679 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,731 | $495 | $3,475 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,669 | $719 | $4,823 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,464 | $575 | $4,580 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,256 | $810 | $2,900 |
Our daughters enjoy the active nightlife in this fashionable neighborhood. For others, Tucson apartments near Banner Health are an ideal choice for employees who value a short commute to the office, a vibrant neighborhood, interesting architecture, and a very historic vibe. Choose from bungalows and condos as well as Dunbar Springs apartments near Banner Health for a fun, urban lifestyle.
Flowing Wells
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,272 | $725 | $1,676 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,347 | $953 | $1,798 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,901 | $1,524 | $2,450 |
My wife's best friend owns a home in Flowing Wells and enjoys the proximity to retail stores and the I-10 corridor. Working people in search of Tucson apartments near Banner Health will also enjoy the popular neighborhood that offers value, a suburban feel, and a short commute to the office.
Davis-Monthan: In the Southeast Part of Tucson
A longtime cornerstone of the local economy in Tucson, Davis-Monthan AFB (Air Force Base) employs thousands of military and civilian personnel. There are many technical and administrative positions at the base that come with good salaries, stable career paths, and the chance for excellent professional advancement. Our neighbor who works there says that the on-base military community is quite friendly, which makes Davis-Monthan a favorite local employer among job-seekers of all ages. Here are some of the most convenient and affordable Tucson apartments near Davis-Monthan AFB.
Houghton
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,139 | $799 | $1,562 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,379 | $899 | $1,621 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,669 | $1,570 | $1,902 |
There's a good amount of urban flair in the trendy, master-planned Houghton apartments near Davis-Monthan. There are also rental homes for single families and several upscale condo rental complexes. When it comes to Tucson apartments near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, our friends who live there say that the views of the Rincon Mountains are spectacular and access to the base's main gate is a short trip.
Midtown
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $792 | $700 | $885 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $910 | $520 | $2,800 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,131 | $635 | $2,108 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,256 | $850 | $2,399 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,295 | $1,295 | $1,295 |
Our daughters lived in Midtown at different times during their college days and enjoyed the many rental options. Working people who appreciate Tucson apartments near Davis-Monthan AFB like the amenities Midtown has to offer, including dozens of cool coffee shops, lots of dining choices, and multiple grocery stores. Midtown, as the neighborhood's name implies, is a central location for most folks who work in Tucson.
Blenman Elm
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $682 | $615 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $896 | $845 | $995 |
Blenman Elm apartments near Davis-Monthan offer both prestige and a taste of local history. My wife's college friend lives here and says that there is plenty of affordable rental space among the numerous bungalows and apartment complexes. Plus, the neighborhood has a sophisticated feel, excellent dining choices, and is near major medical facilities.
Rita Ranch
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,746 | $1,092 | $2,109 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,796 | $1,213 | $2,287 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,445 | $2,128 | $2,989 |
Some years ago, my wife and I rented Tucson apartments near Davis-Monthan, even though we worked elsewhere. We found the value and quality of properties quite high. We especially liked the fact that we could jump onto Valencia Road quickly and get anywhere in Tucson rather fast. Plus, Rita Ranch schools and local parks are among the best in the city.
Tucson Medical Center (TMC): In the East/Northeast Part of the City
For healthcare workers and administrative support workers, Tucson Medical Center is a large, popular local employer that has a great reputation as a community-centered nonprofit hospital. Several of my friends work at TMC, and they're always bragging about the wonderful benefits, teamwork culture, and better-than-average pay. The central location of TMC makes it a very accessible workplace for people in any neighborhood of the city. Favorite Tucson apartments near Tucson Medical Center include the following:
Tanque Verde
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $815 | $609 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $976 | $638 | $2,699 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,233 | $814 | $2,090 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,677 | $1,317 | $1,939 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,643 | $5,643 | $5,643 |
My horse-enthusiast friend lives in Tanque Verde and loves the gorgeous landscape and seclusion. For upscale Tucson apartments near Tucson Medical Center, this neighborhood is a prime choice thanks to its spacious outdoor areas, numerous rental properties, hiking trails, and short drive to the hospital. Tanque Verde apartments near Tucson Medical Center cost a little more, but they're worth it.
Old Fort Lowell
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $853 | $595 | $1,529 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,011 | $670 | $2,113 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,260 | $850 | $2,069 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,327 | $925 | $1,813 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,643 | $5,643 | $5,643 |
Working people who appreciate a quiet, history-rich neighborhood with Tucson apartments near Tucson Medical Center will be very happy in Old Fort Lowell. My former college roommate lives here and likes the architecture, adobe homes, large trees, and serene vibe. In fact, Old Fort Lowell apartments near Tucson Medical Center are the perfect choice for people who want a short commute but also fast access to the Rillito River Park trails.
Catalina Foothills & Midtown
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $809 | $529 | $1,529 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,053 | $599 | $2,699 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,318 | $795 | $2,295 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,730 | $849 | $2,140 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,845 | $799 | $5,643 |
As noted above regarding Davis-Monthan AFB and Banner Health, the Catalina Foothills and Midtown neighborhoods are excellent choices for working people from many parts of Tucson. Indeed, my wife's best friend from college is a nurse at TMC and has lived in both Midtown and the Catalina Foothills during her decade in the city. Midtown apartments near Tucson Medical Center are centrally located and very affordable, while Catalina Foothills offers a slightly more upscale renting location along with amazing mountain scenery and top-rated schools. I've spent time in both neighborhoods and found them to be quiet, safe places where outsiders are welcome and the general feel is friendly and community-centered.
Where Will You Live and Work in Tucson?
Getting a job with one of Tucson's major employers, as my family and friends have learned, is only half the battle. The other half is finding a neighborhood that's close to work, offers value for your rental dollar, is safe, and offers lots of places for socializing and enjoying the outdoors.
