Tucson Apartments: Top Neighborhoods for U of A and Pima College Student Renters
Hi. Welcome to Tucson! I’m Larry, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Tucson, AZ. My wife and I relocated to this jewel in the desert from the Midwest more than a quarter-century ago. Since then, we have watched Tucson grow. It has somehow, almost magically, kept that community feel and a slower-paced way of life that our neighbors to the north, in Phoenix, can only dream about. Maybe that's why so many of them spend their three-day weekends here!
Renting student apartments near the University of Arizona or Pima Community College's (PCC) two largest campuses can be a perplexing decision for a newcomer. I know. When our kids moved out on their own a few years ago, the four of us began exploring the safest and most affordable Tucson apartments near Pima Community College West and East. We also explored apartments around the main campus of the University of Arizona.
One thing that surprised us is that all the so-called "student neighborhoods" include a mix of working folks, retired people, young families, and single college students. The best thing is that wherever you rent, you can enjoy the city's clean air, lower-than-average cost of living, breathtaking scenery, and intriguing blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. That makes hunting for student apartments a real adventure.
My daughter and a neighbor's child were in search of Tucson apartments near Pima Community College East. That's where they planned to attend for two years before transferring to the U of A. My son was undecided about which school he would attend, so our search encompassed the entire city.
After weeks of driving around, doing online research, meeting with rental agents, and taking lots of notes, my wife, children, and I developed the short list below. It consists of the 12 top neighborhoods near Tucson's colleges and universities, five each for U of A, Pima Community College East, and Pima Community College West.
We hope our up-close exploration and research can help you choose an affordable, wonderful place to rent near one of the city's major educational institutions.
Welcome to your new hometown, what many of us like to call "The Sunshine Factory." Here are detailed descriptions of the best neighborhoods to rent near U of A, PCC West, and PCC East.
U of A is known worldwide for its biomed sciences, astronomy, and ecology programs. The place is huge, like a suburb in and of itself. But many of the 45,000 attendees rent student apartments near the main campus. My daughter lived in several of the many Tucson apartments near University of Arizona during her 4 years there.
She particularly enjoyed the easy and cheap public transportation, eateries, nightlife, and relatively low cost of living while residing so close to campus. Bonus: U of A is an ideal place to work. Our family has shopped, lived in, or visited people in all four of the following neighborhoods close to campus.
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,839 | $907 | $2,424 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,123 | $950 | $2,700 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,578 | $949 | $2,699 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,565 | $899 | $2,550 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,500 | $675 | $2,054 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,431 | $1,049 | $1,995 |
Consider all West University/4th apartments near University of Arizona as viable options. I've always liked the mix of student and family life here. Plus, it's easy to get anywhere just by walking. There's a unique historic charm that's rare in Arizona, with dozens of year-round cultural events, safe public parks, mom-and-pop cafés, and affordable restaurants.
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $775 | $699 | $849 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $864 | $784 | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,099 | $750 | $1,349 |
Our former next-door neighbors now live in one of the older Cherry Ave./4th apartments near the University of Arizona. When we visit them, the agenda usually includes a trip to nearby Reid Park or the Tucson Botanical Gardens, with a stop for refueling at local favorites Poco Verde Cafe and Cartel Coffee Lab.
The area is packed with cool little places and an eclectic, upbeat feel. People come from all over town to watch films at The Loft Cinema. Affordable rent makes "Cherry Fourth" a nice option for newcomers to Tucson.
3. Armory Park
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,311 | $625 | $2,424 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,509 | $560 | $2,700 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,619 | $440 | $2,750 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,511 | $625 | $3,600 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,621 | $675 | $4,400 |
Young professionals and families gravitate to Armory Park apartments near the University of Arizona and also rent homes and condos there. Our son rented here briefly last year during a corporate training program at U of A. He quickly fell in love with the unique, quaint, historic charm of the area.
Top attractions include average rental costs, tons of green spaces, and year-round community events. Cup Café at the Hotel Congress is a 1-minute walk from Armory Park and a personal favorite of mine and my wife's.
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $814 | $550 | $1,559 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,019 | $595 | $3,276 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,333 | $625 | $2,198 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,813 | $950 | $2,305 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,086 | $1,895 | $5,188 |
Though we were homeowners at the time, my wife and I lived in Catalina Foothills for 2 years and loved the place. Rents tend to be a bit higher at Catalina Foothills apartments near the University of Arizona, but the payoff is the stunning view of picturesque desert landscapes.
We locals call the place "affluent," but we still shop at the upscale mall, La Encantada. Sabino Canyon is nearby and attracts hikers and photographers from all over the world. There are many families and professionals here, with a small contingent of students.
PCC West has more than 6,000 in-person students and about five times as many online. While vocational programs are its strength, the school offers a huge range of courses, certificate programs, and degrees. Living in student apartments, condos, or houses near the campus means having quick access to classrooms and low rental expenses.
My son took CPR training at PCC West, as the place is famous for its liberal arts, public safety, and various healthcare offerings. Fortunately, there are dozens of excellent Tucson apartments near the Pima Community College West campus for those new to the city.
Menlo Park, Amphi, Tucson Estates, and Flowing Wells are the neighborhoods with the best overall value, walkability, safety, and nightlife for people of all income levels. My wife, son, daughter, and I visit all of them pretty regularly. Here are the pertinent details.
1. Menlo Park
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,037 | $849 | $1,488 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,417 | $899 | $2,022 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,195 | $1,049 | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,465 | $1,295 | $1,550 |
This family-friendly area near downtown Tucson was a favorite for us when our kids were small. Today, we still enjoy picnics and outings in the same-named Menlo Park and many other green spaces the neighborhood is famous for. People who live in Menlo Park apartments near Pima Community College West have a very short trip to the airport.
I've noticed that the area has recently changed to include a decent number of working professionals alongside the regular contingent of young families and students. Rents are affordable, and there are plenty of shopping choices. El Charro Café is a local favorite where my son and daughter like to meet with friends.
2. Amphi
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $735 | $550 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $918 | $695 | $1,209 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,098 | $895 | $1,399 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,499 | $1,499 | $1,499 |
Amphi is my favorite neighborhood in Tucson because it satisfies my history-buff interests. The name is a shortened form of "amphitheater," and the area is rich with local history. My wife used to spend her lunch breaks in the gorgeous Amphi Park, which doubles as an outdoor sports center. The schools are excellent, and the Pueblo Gardens Market attracts people from all around thanks to its generous lineup of fresh produce.
Rents tend to be a bit higher here compared to other neighborhoods. But Amphi apartments near Pima Community College West are a smart choice for newcomers who are seeking a tight-knit community that has the feel of a small, friendly town.
If you want a laid-back atmosphere, then Tucson Estates apartments near Pima Community College West are a wise choice. Affordable rent and endless recreational activities attract students and retired people.
The local golf course is a big draw, as is shopping at Tucson Estates Plaza. We eat breakfast at The Good Egg in this neighborhood after church a couple of times per month. The whole vibe is about leisure, with an emphasis on socially active outdoor living. Our retired friends own a condo here and say it's the best place they've lived in Tucson.
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $805 | $805 | $805 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,112 | $903 | $1,311 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,574 | $1,115 | $2,187 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,375 | $2,250 | $2,450 |
This area's park and community center are just two of the things residents love. And its quieter atmosphere is perfect for younger folks who want a nearby getaway from campus college life.
In fact, Flowing Wells apartments near Pima Community College West offer a healthy dose of suburban charm alongside budget-friendly rental prices. Our friends who live there like the ample retail stores and top-rated schools. While the vibe is primarily family-oriented, I like that it welcomes students as well.
The PCC East campus is bigger than West's and serves approximately 8,000 students. The focus is on career-oriented coursework, and local companies sponsor many of the school's programs. Student life at PCC East, and there are several affordable Tucson apartments near Pima Community College East that are ideal for newcomers to the area. Our neighbor took a free Python programming seminar at the school. The place is known for its environmental science, technology, and fine arts degree and certificate programs, which is one reason its enrollment is so high. Like other PCC campuses, East features affordable, safe student apartments. Here are the facts about the top 4 nearby neighborhoods.
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $803 | $549 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $965 | $611 | $2,001 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,306 | $850 | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,860 | $1,125 | $2,750 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,895 | $1,895 | $1,895 |
Nature lovers of all ages head to Southeast Tucson apartments near Pima Community College for all sorts of reasons. There's something for everyone in this friendly neighborhood. Our son lived here for a while and said it was a perfect mix of urban and suburban living.
World-famous Saguaro National Park is a short drive from the neighborhood. But you don't have to go anywhere to enjoy the area's many community events and outdoor activities. Rents are affordable, and two beloved local restaurants call the place home: Mr. K's BBQ and Lindsay's Bakery.
2. Fairgrounds
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $823 | $797 | $849 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $863 | $595 | $949 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,088 | $750 | $1,349 |
As the name implies, residents of this neighborhood are next door to the Pima County Fairgrounds, host to agricultural fairs, local art shows, and numerous other year-round events. In fact, locals who rent Fairgrounds apartments near Pima Community College East are never at a loss for something to do.
We shop at Fiesta Plaza and eat lunch at Crossroads Restaurant in Fairgrounds when visiting friends who live nearby. There's nothing flashy about Fairgrounds, but residents seem to like the area's laid-back feel and community solidarity.
3. Civano
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,549 | $1,150 | $1,612 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,893 | $1,688 | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,128 | $2,071 | $2,227 |
Unlike other neighborhoods in Tucson, Civano is a planned community. The focus is on eco-friendly, sustainable living. We visit the many gardens during springtime. While there are plenty of upscale, energy-efficient houses in the neighborhood, students who can afford the higher-than-normal apartment rents love the place. Civano Park is one of my son's favorite places. My wife gets ideas for our backyard plant arrangements from Civano's community gardens.
4. Rita Ranch
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,571 | $1,481 | $1,612 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,914 | $1,688 | $2,021 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,123 | $2,071 | $2,193 |
Rita Ranch is known for its family-friendly lifestyle, but there are students, single people, and retired folks there as well. The feel is completely suburban, and you can almost watch the place grow from year to year. We frequent Coyote Trail Park for hikes and picnics in the cool months.
The Rita Ranch Marketplace, Dave's BBQ, and other local establishments make the area an ideal spot for students who want the benefits of living in a suburb with quick access to Tucson's urban neighborhoods. There are plenty of affordable Rita Ranch apartments near Pima Community College East for young people who appreciate a safe, relaxing place to live.
One final suggestion: Consider doing an in-person or virtual walk-through of Tucson neighborhoods that catch your interest. The city is a wonderful place to get an education, start a career, rent property, own a home, or vacation. Talk to locals, check out a few restaurants, spend an afternoon in a park, or attend an outdoor concert. We love our city and are confident that you will feel the same way once you get a taste of it. Feel free to use all the ApartmentHomeLiving.com tools to learn as much as you can.
