Is Tucson a Good Place to Live?

Tucson, Arizona, has for long enjoyed the reputation of being one of the best places to live in the U.S. This is also the reason why many people choose to move to the Old Pueblo instead of any other city. Yet, you can’t just pack up your bags and move there with your family in tow. There are several factors that determine whether Tucson is a good place to live or not.
Safety
Despite being considered a peaceful city, Tucson has a high crime rate. Property crimes and vandalism are quite common here. However, staying within the city limits pretty much guarantees that you are safe. There are some areas that are strictly no-go, especially after the sun goes down. Most of the neighborhoods where the working class resides are home to shootings and other criminal activities on a regular basis. Still, there are some areas which are completely safe and there is no risk involved in living there.

Pollution

In terms of pollution, Tucson is one of the best cities to live. The American Lung Association has named Tucson as one of the least polluted cities in the U.S. The air in the city is considered cleaner than in other major cities like Las Vegas. Therefore, the risk of respiratory diseases and problems is much lower here. People suffering from asthma and other breathing disorders will feel much better living in Tucson because of the superior air quality. This is also one reason the city is among the leading ones to retire in.

Cost of Living

Given the state of the economy, you need to consider the cost of living in a city before deliberating moving there. When it comes to cost of living, Tucson is one of the best options. The cost of living here is 10 percent lower than the national average. From accommodation to tobacco to clothing, most of the things you require are available at lower prices in Tucson. No wonder Men’s Journal ranks it as one of the most desirable places to live in. The one chink in the armor is the cost of education, which is considerably higher than in other cities.

Employment

The cost of living in Tucson may be low but the job market is not so good. The national average for decline in employment opportunities is 32 percent but Tucson has a decline of over 40 percent. This means that the number of jobs on offer here are lower than in most cities across the US. You should only consider moving if you have any prospects or are relocating after being hired. The service sector remains the best employment industry, with jobs in fulfillment services and direct delivery being high-paid.

Quality of Education

Education in Tucson is expensive but the quality of education on offer here is up to par. You can choose to avoid the cost by sending your kids to a public charter school. There are some great charter schools where the standard of education rivals that of any private facility. Getting quality education for your kids up till 12th grade is not difficult at all, the cost being the only drawback. As far as higher education is concerned, Tucson is home to the famous University of Arizona, considered one of the top educational institutions in the US.
Tucson is a great place to live healthily. There are some drawbacks, but on the whole, it is a good place to live.