Living in Tucson

(as provided by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine)

Small town feel - big city amenities.
In spite of a relatively small population (850,000) Tucson, Arizona is home to two world-class spas, a prestigious Pac-10 university, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the largest private collection of aircraft in the world. The city is a study in contrasts, from urban to pristine desert to rich riparian areas. You may be surprised by the abundance of palm trees, greenery and wildlife. Conventional and alternative health facilities abound. There's a Cancer Center, a Heart Center, Children's Research Center and Dr. Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at The University of Arizona. Business is diversified, with Tucson laying claim to the title, "Optics Valley." Other significant areas include aerospace, software, biotech and teleservices. The city offers a multicultural experience. It's the gateway to Mexico, and as well, has benefited from a rich Native American heritage. In 2000, American Heritage magazine named Tucson as its "Great American Place."

Tucson, Arizona Statistics

Elevation: 2,389 feet

Population: Tucson Metropolitan Area estimated at more than 850,000

Geographical size: Metropolitan area covers more than 600 square miles

Proximity to other areas: Phoenix (115 miles); Mexico (63 miles); San Diego (420 miles); Los Angeles (520 miles); Las Vegas (399 miles)

Third-fastest-growing city in U.S., according to The University of Arizona's Eller College of Business and Public Administration

Weather: Average high temperature, 81.7; low 54.2

Quality of Life in Tucson, Arizona

All the major performing arts ‹ from resident theatrical groups to opera to ballet to symphonies

Active visual arts groups, plus TMA and many private galleries

Award-winning sports program at prestigious Pac-10 university

Spring training (only city in country to have three major-league spring training teams)

Outdoor recreation: trails and bird watching

Affordability of housing

More than 80 percent of the population has earned a high school diploma or higher

Golf: World-class resorts, courses and clubs

Superb medical facilities: Cancer Center, Heart Center, Children's Research Center and Dr. Andrew Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at The University of Arizona

Laid-back, easy-going environment

Fashions are typically casual but many charity events are black tie

Quality of Place

Temperate climate

Sun shines more than 300 days a year, with average of 12 inches of rain

Snow occasionally falls on mountains, which surround the valley on every side

Home of Canyon Ranch Spa and Miraval Life in Balance (located a few miles north of the city in Catalina, Arizona)

Great dining is a tradition: many four-star restaurants with diverse cuisine. Many enjoy a national reputation, recognized by Gourmet and Bon Appetit

Several four-star destination resorts

Beauty of the Sonoran desert mixes with greenbelt areas

Travel & Leisure readers' poll named Tucson the "friendliest city in America"

35 miles from Tucson; 9,000 feet; one ski lift/sky ride

Quality of Business

Diverse economy gives city the ability to roll with the punches

Big areas are aerospace, optics and astronomy, biotech, teleservices, environmental technology and information technology

Vibrant real estate environment

Largest private employers in Southern Arizona: University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Raytheon Missile Systems, Carondelet Health Network, TMC HealthCare, University Medical Center, Intuit, Tosco Marketing, American Airlines, IBM Storage Systems Division, Texas Instruments, Tucson Electric Power Company, Asarco Inc., Phelps Dodge Corp., Bombardier Aerospace, Northwest Medical Center, First Data Corp. Teleservices, Weiser Lock.

Local company Burr-Brown recently sold to Texas Instruments for $7.65 billion.

Tucson International Airport: 10 airlines serve TIA providing non-stop service to 13 cities and connections to more than 75 destinations. 60 daily flights.

Nation's leading metro area in job growth according to U.S. Department of Labor (See Tucson Lifestyle magazine's July 2000 issue)

Northwest Tucson is just 1 1/2 hours drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport