Tucson, Arizona
What It Is Like to Retire in Tucson
Tucson, Arizona (population 542,000, elevation 2,375 ft.) has been one of the fastest growing retirement communities in the country for a long time, and with good reason. Like Anacin, it offers a combination of ingredients to solve retirees problems - it is warm in winter, blessed with sunshine almost 300 days per year, has beautiful surroundings, and has ample land for development. At 233 performing arts dates per year, it also has one of the nation’s highest numbers of arts performances. It retains a distinctive relaxed, western flavor (Tombstone is nearby), and it celebrates outdoor life due to its climate and location. The University of Arizona has a large and beneficial impact on the city. The downtown has many areas and is undergoing careful redevelopment. Photo of bottom mountain with flowers by Molly Brady. See our Blog article: "Why We Retired in Tucson", contributed by Harv, which has generated many member comments. Go to our mini-guide to Arizona retirement for even more.
Where to Retire in Tucson and Home Prices
The housing choices for retirees are among the most varied and economical of any place in the U.S. There are over 25 adult retirement communities with more built every year. Mobile home parks are plentiful and offer a low cost housing alternative. There are many condos and private homes in neighborhoods that are perfect for retirees. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median selling price of a home in Tucson was $381,600 during the 3rd quarter of 2023.
What Is Special about Tucson
The long list of what makes Tucson special, other than it caters to retirees, includes the Saguaro National Park, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (the state's 2nd most popular tourist attraction, Grand Canyon being #1), more than 25 adult retirement communities, University of Arizona, and is the gateway to the mountains and Mexico. Tucson gets high marks for environmental sustainability. It is also bicycle friendly, has an award-winning public bus system, and is above average in walkability when compared to other communities.
What Is Not Special about Tucson
Traffic can become intense, the summer heat is oppressive, dry heat is better than humid, but when anyplace gets over 100, it's hot!
Who Will Like Retirement in Tucson
Tucson attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a bustling city in the beautiful state of Arizona. Many are attracted to the outstanding array of retirement community choices that are available.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is vital and diverse. It is primarily driven by health care, education, hospitality services, manufacturing, retail, professional and scientific (high-tech is very big here). But businesses are leaving the area for more tax friendly locals. This creates a greater tax burden on residents.
Climate and Physical Environment
Tucson is located in the Sonoran desert in southern Arizona, 60 miles north of Mexico and 120 miles from Phoenix. It 's on the Santa Cruz River, which is a dry river bed for most of the year. Tucson is surrounded by 5 minor mountain ranges and the Coronado National Forest is northeast. Most of the year is dry, with the rains mostly coming in summer. Average July high is 101, January low is 42.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are many festivals throughout the year, such as the Rodeo Parade, Tucson Meet Yourself, Folk Festival, All Souls Procession, etc. The University of Arizona has an art and a photography museum. The Tucson Museum of Art concentrates on the arts of the Americas. The Arizona-Sonoran Museum is non-traditional and focuses on animals and plants of the desert. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Opera Company are important culturally, as is the Arizona Theatre Company.
Crime
Crime in Tucson tends to be higher than the national average. City-Data reports in 2020 that the overall crime rate was 397.7, compared to the national average of 245.8 More recently, In 2022, Neighborhoodscout.com lists Tucson in their Total Crime Index as a 5, with the score of 100 being the safest. Bestplaces.net had separate numbers for violent crime and property crime in Tucson: violent crime is 37.5. (The US average is 22.7) Tucson property crime is 83.2. (The US average is 35.4).
Medical facilities
There are at least a dozen hospitals in Tucson, at least there were until some of them had to shut down because of operating costs and other financial issues...
Transportation
Tucson International Airport Amtrak Sun Tran (award-winning public bus system), Old Pueblo Trolley, Biking – there are many trails and Tucson is bicycle-friendly, but there in NO integrated transportation system in and around the city. If you need to get somewhere you must have a vehicle. Traffic has become a nightmares. Tucson's walkability is about average compared with other cities.
Comments on "Tucson"
Patricia McDougall says:
There is no date on this description of Tucson retirement. Specifically, the double the average crime rate. That could have changed since this was written. Going to check other sites to see if I can determine current info, but would be good to know when this was written. Thanks.