Where to Live in Tucson Without a Car

Tucson has a reputation for being extremely livable without owning a vehicle. However, this isn’t true for the entire metropolitan area. Some parts of Tucson are ideal for living a car-less life, while others will still require motorized transportation. Fortunately, most of Tucson is considered bike-able. There are bike paths that extend throughout the metropolitan area, along with a reliable public transportation system. Some of the core bike paths that make moving around the city easier are: Rillito to the north, Santa Cruz to the west, Mountain Avenue which runs north-to-south and multiple bike lanes throughout central streets. Bus routes also run throughout the entire city, and a streetcar connects the major districts of central Tucson. Both of these options have places for you to store and transport your bicycle. Deciding where to live in Tucson without owning a car depends on finding walkable neighborhoods with excellent public transportation. Most people who decide to live without a vehicle decide to rely on a bicycle, making bike-friendly areas. Tucson has a hard earned reputation for catering to bicyclists, so there’s already a culture in place of drivers being aware of those on two wheels.

Walkable Neighborhoods in Tucson

Residing in a walkable neighborhood decreases your need to even use public transportation. While real estate without these neighborhoods is often higher than other options, not being reliant on a vehicle is a large part of the appeal. Below are some the uniquely walkable neighborhoods in Tucson:

• Armory Park Formally on the National Register of Historic Places, this area is located downtown near the Military Plaza and was once home to the armory. Having been around since 1873, Armory Park became close to the city center of Tucson. This makes the area incredibly walkable, with bars, coffee shops and restaurants within range of many housing options. This historic neighborhood also features attractive Victorian and Greek Revival architecture.


• Barrio San Antonio. Located west of Main Avenue in Downtown Tucson, this small neighborhood features two public art projects that have won national awards along with family-run Mexican restaurants. A vibrant community garden also fosters a community of urban farming. All of these elements are enhanced by having bike lanes on the major streets of the area.


• El Presidio. This is the birthplace of Tucson, with many of the buildings dating from 1860 to 1920. Many of these businesses and homes in this area strive to preserve the historical significance of the area. El Presidio was the first neighborhood in the area to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. There are seemingly endless coffee shops, restaurants and offices all within a small walkable distance. Choosing any of these walkable neighborhoods will start you off on the right off for living in Tucson without a car. If you don’t mind relying on a bicycle and public transportation, many other neighborhoods in Tucson lend themselves well to a life without a vehicle.

Overall Cost of Transportation in Tucson

The cost of transportation in Tucson is worth considering for anyone looking to live here, whether reliant on a vehicle or otherwise. Numbeo has researched the cost of getting around the city:

• One-way bus or streetcar ticket: $1.50
• Monthly pass for public transportation: $41.00
• One gallon of gas: $2.13
• Taxi start: $2.74
• Taxi 1 male rate: $2.70

Living without a vehicle would likely mean buying a monthly pass. However, that pass pays for itself within one tank of gas or a few taxi trips. For those still debating living with or without a car, you’ll also need to factor in your monthly car payment, insurance costs, maintenance cost and estimates for unexpected repairs.

The Ease of Biking in Tucson

Tucson is a relatively small and flat city, when compared to many other biking cities (such as Portland or Seattle). The downtown districts of Tucson are where most people drawn to bicycling spend much of their time. The condensed area takes care of most people’s regular needs and provides plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore. The University of Arizona nurtures a culture of alternative modes of transportation. Many college students cannot afford the expenses of a vehicle, and the city around the college has adapted to cater to that demographic. Most major streets have bike lines that help protect bicyclists. Motorists are also accustomed to being aware of pedestrians and those on bikes, reducing a major concern of anyone trying to live without a vehicle - safety. Part of the reason why biking is so easy in Tucson is because of the condensed stores and shops that take care of your needs. Some of the well-known places that enhance the easy of biking in Tucson are:

• Food Conspiracy Co-op. An excellent location for grocery shopping. Many of the groceries are sourced locally and there are plenty of organic options.


• Exo Roast. A small coffee shop with fresh roasted beans.


• The Screening Room. An independent theater that’s known for showing independent movies. It’s located downtown, making it accessible without a vehicle. The Screening Room also hosts the Arizona International Film Festival.


• 5 Points Market and Restaurant. An excellent restaurant located in Armory Park. It’s a place you can grab a meal and get some grocery shopping at the same time. With reliable Wi-Fi and a great atmosphere, it’s a cornerstone of the area.


• St. Vincent De Paul. A massive thrift store in Armory Park with a constantly changing inventory that allows those relying on alternative transportation to get the things they need at a great price.

Take Your Pick of Many Neighborhoods

Tucson has a well-earned reputation as being a great place to live without having to rely on a vehicle. If you live in the right neighborhood, you can live a fulfilling life with minimal usage on a bicycle. The further away you get from the central neighborhoods, the more you’ll be reliant on public transportation, a bicycle or friends with vehicles. Are you interested in pursuing a life without a car in Tucson? We can help you find a home in the perfect neighborhood for you.