Situated in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona, Tucson is a mid-sized city that has popped up in conversations surrounding the best places to live in America.
In a time where many of the best known urban areas in the USA have gotten too expensive for the average person, many have broadened their search in an attempt to find hidden gems.
Tucson’s secret is starting to get out. Michael Eckhardt Tucson knows all about what makes this city special, as he moved there years ago to attend the University of Arizona, remained after graduation, and never left.
His example is telling, as many college towns have a scene that appeals mainly to young people, making it a tough place to connect with as one gets older.
Below, we’ll run down just a few of the reasons why people keep choosing Tucson over many other amazing places to live in America.
1) It is home to the University of Arizona
Out of all the assets that Tucson has, being home to the University of Arizona is one of its biggest. The presence of many thousands of young people gives this place an energy that other cities in the state lack.
Because of them, this city has nightlife, hip cafes, events, and a vibe that makes this city an exciting place to live.
As a major university on the national stage, you’ll be able to watch collegiate sports of the highest caliber, and with a robust arts faculty, campus also boasts assets that will appeal to those that love culture.
2) Nature is easy to access
In heavily urbanized areas of America, accessing wilderness areas often requires jumping in a car and traveling for hours on end.
In places like Tucson, though, the beauty of the Sonoran Desert lies less than a half an hour from the city center.
The entirety of the metro area is encircled by five separate mountain ranges, making this city a paradise for hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers.
Located upwind from major centers like Phoenix and with nothing but desert surrounding it, the air is also very clean, a fact which enable you to get healthier than you have ever been in your life.
3) There is an abundance of sunshine
Do you suffer from blue moods during the winter months? Move Tucson to the top of your relocation list, as this city records sunshine 350 days of the year.
Compare that to the east coast, where stalled low pressure systems can cause overcast conditions for days or even weeks on end, and there is no contest when it comes to the best place to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
With mild winters and low humidity to go with its sunshine, Tucson scores very well when it comes to its climate.
4) There is plentiful local produce
Tucson is uniquely positioned in that it is a stone’s throw from Yuma County, the nation’s third-largest producer of fruit and veg.
This guarantees a steady flow of fresh food throughout the year, a supply that is only bolstered by the fields of California and Mexico.
One of the favorite pastimes of locals is attending farmers markets – shortly after arriving, you’ll see why.