Located near the Sonoran Desert, The Old Pueblo offers something for everyone—from young adults looking to start their careers to families looking for a safe and fun city to raise their children. Here are 16 pros and cons of living in Tucson!
Pros of Living in Tucson
With incredible restaurants, fun activities for all ages, and tons of outdoor recreation, Tucson is an exceptional city to settle down in. Check out these pros of living in Tucson!
Pro: Tucson’s Low Cost of Living
Tucson’s cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average, and lower than nearby Arizona cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale, making it a relatively affordable place to live for all age groups. In fact, the housing market offers substantial savings compared to other areas, since the average home price in Tucson is 10% lower than the national average, and the average rental rate is 9% lower. On top of that, you’ll also find savings on Tucson healthcare costs, which are 10% lower than the U.S. average.
Pro: Great Job Market
With an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national average, Tucson is an ideal destination for those looking to start or grow in their career. The University of Arizona has been named one of the best employers in the U.S. and offers plenty of job opportunities in higher education for both recent college graduates and seasoned professionals. There are also several large companies with a presence in the Tucson area, including IBM, Texas Instruments, Honeywell Aerospace, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, and Intuit Inc., which provide great options for those seeking work in other industries. Plus, Tucson is an ideal place for startups and small businesses, with business assistance resources like Startup Tucson and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation available to help them thrive.
Pro: Plenty of Higher Education Options
The Tucson area is home to several higher education institutions, so you’ll have no trouble finding the right school for you. Enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs in subjects ranging from accounting to veterinary science at the University of Arizona, one of the top colleges in Arizona. Find affordable two-year programs in business, education, and manufacturing at Pima Community College. If you’re interested in healthcare, attend Carrington College to prepare for your career in the medical, veterinary, or dental field. Or take advantage of affordable, hands-on training as a nurse when you enroll at the Arizona College of Nursing – Tucson.
Pro: Fun Outdoor Activities in Tucson
Tucson’s unique location amidst both mountains and the Sonoran Desert in addition to its year-round sunny weather provides the ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit Saguaro National Park to hike, camp, or see a saguaro cactus, the nation’s largest cacti. Spot over 1,000 types of plants while wandering through the gardens, or check out exhibits like the Earth Sciences Center at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Go hiking, biking, or horseback riding along the many trails at Catalina State Park, such as the Canyon Loop Trail or the 50-Year Trail. Play a round of golf, tennis, or pickleball at the Ventana Canyon Club & Lodge. Take in stunning views and watch for glimpses of wildlife like bobcats and Gila monsters while exploring Sabino Canyon. View exhibits like The Great Garden Express, admire flora and fauna, and attend events and classes to learn how to tend your own plants at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Or beat the summer heat with a swim at any of Tucson’s pools, such as Amphitheater Pool or El Pueblo Pool.
Pro: Vibrant Tucson Neighborhoods
Tucson appeals to residents in all different stages of life thanks to its diverse selection of neighborhoods. The lively Sam Hughes is perfect for college students attending nearby schools like the University of Arizona, while Dunbar Spring is a great option for young adults seeking low rental prices. If you have school-age children or you’re looking for a place to retire near top-notch amenities, consider moving to the suburb of Catalina Foothills to be close to outdoor recreation opportunities and highly-rated schools like Ventana Vista Elementary School and Catalina Foothills High School. And be sure to put Armory Park at the top of your list if you’re a history buff, as this area offers antique homes and access to historical monuments, such as those found within the neighborhood’s namesake park.
Pro: Tucson Supports the LGBTQ+ Community
With a perfect score from LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Human Rights Campaign’s 2023 survey, Tucson is a top destination for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Not only does the city host the Tucson Pride parade and festival year after year, but The Old Pueblo is also home to several great LGBTQ+ organizations. Southern Arizona Senior Pride responds to the needs of LGBTQ+ citizens 55 and older and their younger allies. Looking for LGBTQ+-friendly jobs or business opportunities in Tucson? Check out the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which works to foster an inclusive space for professional networking. You can also support The Lighthouse Project in Tucson, which provides services for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing housing instability. In addition to these resources, Tucson’s commission on LGBTQ+ issues works to promote the welfare of the community at the local level.
Pro: The Old Pueblo Is Family-Friendly
Finding family-friendly things to do in Tucson is a breeze with so many options! Explore hands-on exhibits and fun programs like Family Brain Boost, Art After Dark, and MyTime, which features a sensory-controlled environment for children with special needs, at the Children’s Museum Tucson. Jump around on the trampoline park, attend community events like Foster Care Family Night, or sign your kids up for summer camps at Defy Tucson. Wander through eight engaging exhibits, including Destination: Mars, The Fossil Corner, and Wild World of Bugs, at UA’s Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. Enjoy musical parodies and adaptations of beloved stories like Spider-Man, Shrek, and A Christmas Carol at The Gaslight Theatre. See animals like elephants, bears, alligators, and sloths, or ride the Wildlife Carousel and Zoo Railway at the Reid Park Zoo. Or learn about aerospace and the history of flight through exhibits like The Space Race, the Great Paper Airplane Project, and Freshwater Aircraft Carriers at the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Pro: Diverse Displays of Tucson Art & Culture
Reflecting the city’s diversity, Tucson’s art and cultural scene ranges from displays of Mexican and Native American art to lively theatre performances and more. Honor lost loved ones, view elaborate floats, and watch unique cultural performances during the All Souls Procession. Find rotating and permanent collections of oil paintings, ceramics, and other works of art showcasing native Southwestern cultures at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Explore collections that feature creative pieces by indigenous artists and attend fun events like First Thursday at the Tucson Museum of Art, one of the most popular museums in Tucson. Marvel at the beautifully painted and sculpted interior of Mission San Xavier del Bac. Check out the Tucson theatre scene when you snag tickets for plays like Blues in the Night and Dial M for Murder at the Arizona Theatre Company. Or see classic and modern shows like Romeo and Juliet and Marjorie Prime in an intimate black-box venue at The Rogue Theatre.
Pro: Unique Tucson Festivals
There’s a wide variety of festivals and events in Tucson tailored to a diverse range of interests! Celebrate Southern Arizona’s cultural traditions with music, dance, and food from local vendors at the Tucson Meet Yourself Festival. Support indie authors, attend book panels, and meet fellow book lovers at the Tucson Festival of Books. Learn about the agave plant’s cultural significance, taste agave cocktails during signature events like the Agave Fiesta, and help plant agave at Mission Garden at the annual Agave Heritage Festival. View stunning minerals and fossils, or find your new favorite piece of jewelry at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. Jam out to folk music from local, regional, and national performers, and cheer on your favorite artist during the Songwriting Competition at the Tucson Folk Festival. Or sit back for an amazing lineup of world-class jazz performers in Downtown Tucson at the Tucson Jazz Festival.
Pro: Variety of Sports Teams
If you love sports, you’ll be glad to know Tucson provides opportunities to enjoy them year-round! Root for the Arizona Wildcats (NCAA D-I) in football, hockey, volleyball, baseball, and more. Mark your calendar for the Arizona Bowl, a national bowl game that takes place at Arizona Stadium and supports local businesses in the Tucson community. Watch the Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL), the city’s professional indoor football team, at the Tucson Convention Center Arena—or come back in the winter to see the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) take the ice. Get tickets to cheer on the men’s, women’s, and academy teams of FC Tucson (USL2) at Kino North Stadium. Or promote colon cancer awareness and local youth sports by attending the Cologuard Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions event and fundraiser.
Pro: Nationally Recognized Food Scene
Because of its diverse food scene, Tucson is one of only two U.S. UNESCO City of Gastronomy-designated cities, which means you’ll never be without great options for places to eat. Try Orange & Cardamom Sticky Buns, Tofu Bahn Mi, or Birria Tacos at JoJo’s Restaurant. Check out the live oyster bar and try a Shrimp Po’Boy or Crispy Calamari Salad at Agustin Kitchen. Enjoy Mexican Street Corn, Vampiro Tacos, or a Classic Torta Sandwich from The Blacktop Grill. Looking for Mexican food in Tucson? Get shareable plates like Mini Chicken Taquitos, Spicy Tuna Hash Browns, or La Llorona Wings at El Torero. Feast on Southern-style cuisine like Pei Mussels, Beer Batter Catfish, or Grilled Ruby Trout at The Parish. Pick from a selection of diverse food options, including Escargot, Chicken Marsala, and Grilled Jalapeno Poppers, at Dante’s Fire. Or order gluten-free sweets like a German Chocolate Cake, Lemon Pistachio Sweet Bread, or Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies from Gourmet Girls.
Pro: Tucson’s Nightlife Is Electric
Tucson has no shortage of bars, clubs, breweries, and other entertainment venues for those seeking a fun night out on the town! Bring a date and sip a Jack Apple Mule, Painkiller, or Peach on the Beach under the stars at Sky Bar Tucson. Grab a martini before playing pool with friends and enjoying the retro atmosphere at The Shelter Cocktail Lounge. Support local artists and dance along to live music in Tucson from up-and-coming artists like Wyatt Flores at the Rialto Theatre. Attend improv comedy shows with friends or perfect your own comedic timing by taking an Improv Basics class at the Unscrewed Theater. Order a cocktail from the bar and dance the night away on the rooftop at Playground Bar & Lounge. Or spend the day exploring the many breweries in Tucson, like Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., which offers pale ales, sours, and other craft beers in a rustic setting.
Cons of Living in Tucson
While Tucson has plenty to offer its residents, there are also a few downsides to be aware of when moving to this desert city. Here are four cons of moving to Tucson.
Con: Harsh Summers
Summers in Tucson typically bring extreme heat and harsh weather, including haboobs (dust storms) and monsoons from June to September. However, being aware of this can help you plan properly and mitigate potential harm from these weather events. To stay cool during high temperatures, remember to hydrate, plan heat-safe activities, and wear loose, light-colored clothing if you go outside. Check out Tucson’s National Weather Service page to track the severity of storms and limit travel during these times as much as possible. Replace your windshield wipers prior to monsoon season. If you’re caught on the road in monsoon season during heavy rains, reduce your speed and avoid areas with flooding. During a dust storm, find a safe place to pull off the road, turn off all lights (including your hazards), and stay put until it’s safe to drive again. Resources like Tucson Electric Power can assist with any power outages.
Con: Tucson Public Transit Is Limited
With a low transit score, public transportation options in Tucson are relatively limited, and most residents depend on their cars to get around. That said, the city’s main bus service is Sun Tran, which runs throughout Tucson and is free to ride. For traveling around Downtown Tucson and the city’s four other entertainment districts, the Sun Link Streetcar has 23 stops near some of Tucson’s top attractions. If major public transportation options are unavailable to you, there are a few other alternatives, as well. Tucson is bike-friendly, offering plenty of bike lanes and bike trails like the Rillito River Path, as well as breathtaking scenery along The Tucson Loop. If you need to rent a bike, check out Tugo Bike Share! And for those needing to travel outside the city, state, or country, the Tucson International Airport provides a convenient solution.
Con: Harmful Creatures
The City of Tucson is home to several venomous creatures, like black widows, scorpions, Gila monsters, and rattlesnakes. Reptiles are typically found in outdoor recreation areas, like hiking trails and state parks. When you’re in these spaces, make sure to wear protective clothing and stay on trails—and if you do experience a venomous bite or sting, remain calm and seek medical attention immediately. While scorpions and spiders can be encountered on the trails, you may also find them in your yard or even your home, but you can take measures to help mitigate their presence in these areas. Pest control experts recommend keeping your yard free of clutter and sealing any gaps or cracks around your home. There are also pest control specialists like Tucson Pest Control and Rattlesnake Solutions Tucson around the city to help you get rid of these unwanted guests.
Con: Annual Influx of Snowbirds
Tucson’s mild winter climate is known to attract tourists, leading to large crowds in certain areas and increased traffic on the roads, all of which can make it a challenge for local residents to go about their daily routines. For this reason, residents may need to plan for longer commute times during peak tourist season. That said, Tucson tourism is a significant aspect of the local economy, particularly through revenue for restaurants, small businesses, and the hospitality industry. In fact, Canadian tourists alone contribute around $1.4 billion annually to Arizona’s economy!
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