Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city behind Phoenix, the state’s capital, and that means it provides a number of benefits for residents. Whether you’re interested in finding historic homes with unique architectural styles, or you want to discover community gardens and HOAs, Tucson has something for everyone. Here are a few Tucson neighborhoods you might want to look into if you’re thinking about moving to the city.
Armory Park – Best for families
Armory Park is a neighborhood seemingly of two minds. Not only does it have unique art and music exhibits, but it also offers a variety of upper-class restaurants, like breweries and sushi hangouts. It’s the perfect combination of a residential district and an affluent neighborhood, making it a great choice for families who are on the cutting edge of style.
Dunbar/Spring – Best for a sense of community
Dunbar/Spring, also colloquially called Dunbar Springs or Dunbar Spring, is a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets and plenty of culture to enjoy. This neighborhood is especially well-known for its sense of community and its artistic opportunities, such as the Dunbar Pavilion and the Whistle Stop Depot, both of which host a number of events throughout the year. Through strong revitalization efforts from community leaders after the turn of the century, Dunbar/Spring has been able to reduce crime and improve the neighborhood to become a strong community area.
Menlo Park – Best for Tucson history
Menlo Park is potentially the most historic neighborhood of Tucson. The small farm in this area at the base of Sentinel Peak is seen by some as the origin of Tucson itself, and the Spanish Colonial Revival style is common. In Menlo Park, you can find trails by the nearby Santa Cruz River and the Tucson Mountains, making it a great place for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. Plus, the public plazas throughout Menlo Park offer the convenience of city life, with plenty of eateries and outdoor activities available.
Barrio Viejo – Best for architecture
Barrio Viejo, which translates directly to “Old Neighborhood,” is, suitably, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tucson. With lots of unique architectural styles, including plenty of unique adobe homes, this historic community attracts many architects and artists. Barrio Viejo is a walkable neighborhood with great proximity to downtown and is easily accessible by bike.
Barrio Hollywood – Best for those who love Old Tucson
Many people in Barrio Hollywood feel a deep sense of pride for Tucson, and it’s common for residents to have lived in the area for decades, or even for their entire lives. Redevelopment and sweeping changes are likely to be a bit further in the future than in many of the other areas of Tucson, which has kept housing costs low and cultural identity strong. This area is best for people who don’t mind that change will likely not occur in the area for many years to come.
Barrio Kroeger Lane – Best for nature lovers
This niche neighborhood, also sometimes spelled Barrio Kroger Lane, is a great place for people who love nature. This residential neighborhood is within walking distance of a number of parks and other green locations. Barrio Kroeger Lane is bordered by Sentinel Peak on its western edge, as well as the Santa Cruz River channel, making it a great neighborhood for people who love nature.
South Tucson – Best for diversity and culture
South Tucson is its own city directly south of Tucson, but its small size and proximity to Tucson means that it can be seen as a neighborhood in its own right. The area has been heavily influenced by Hispanic culture, especially Mexican culture. There is plenty of diversity, and the variety of Mexican eateries is a huge draw for tourists. Though it’s fairly small, with a population of around 5,000, it’s a bustling neighborhood with plenty of love for families.
Old Fort Lowell – Best for all ages
Old Fort Lowell is often considered one of the best places to live in all of Arizona. You can discover an urban feel, with lots of restaurants and coffee shops, as well as a suburban feel, with lots of parks and greenery. This is exactly why it’s one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Tucson. It’s the perfect neighborhood for anyone from young professionals to retirees.
Julia Keen – Best for affordability
Julia Keen is a dense suburban area with lots of restaurants and parks. One of the biggest benefits of the Julia Keen neighborhood is its affordability and close proximity to Downtown Tucson. Residents of this neighborhood enjoy access to the benefits of the city, without the increased rent prices. Julia Keen is also close to popular attractions including the Reid Park Zoo.
Short-term rentals in Tucson
If you’re thinking about moving to Tucson, you may want to try a short-term rental first. A short-term rental in Tucson can help you get a feel for a specific neighborhood before you commit to a long-term lease. Great areas to consider short-term rentals include Downtown Tucson and Julia Keen, which are near many attractions, easy public transport, restaurants, shopping, and walkable points of interest.
Frequently asked questions about living in Tucson
What are the safest neighborhoods in Tucson?
Most downtown neighborhoods in Tucson are very safe. If you’re interested in safety, you should look up Tucson’s safety and security ratings for that specific neighborhood, as safety can sometimes vary block-by-block.
Is Tucson a good place to retire?
Many retirees choose to live in Tucson, as it’s widely reported as one of the best places to retire in Arizona. If you’re planning to retire in Arizona, Tucson’s relatively low cost of living, combined with the fact that it’s generally much cooler than other large cities, such as Phoenix, make it a great place for many retirees.
How expensive is the cost of housing in Tucson?
Tucson has had a widely fluctuating home market over the last few years. You may be able to find an apartment at an extremely good price or you may need to pay slightly more for a great home. You can expect the average apartment price in all of Tucson to be around $935-$1,450, depending on the area and your space needs. The most expensive neighborhood in Tucson is Sam Hughes, with a one-bedroom apartment coming in at around $1,100. The least expensive neighborhood is Julia Keen, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment coming in as low as $750.
What is a good salary in Tucson?
The average salary in Tucson is $42,517, which means that if you earn more than that, you’re likely doing well for yourself. However, as you’ve seen, there are many different neighborhoods with a variety of affordability levels. If you’re living in a neighborhood that’s less expensive on average, you’ll be able to get a great place with a lower salary. If you’re living in a more expensive neighborhood, you’ll need to earn more to live comfortably in that area.
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