Less polished and more laid back than Phoenix, Tucson is a desert city with a deep sense of place, older than Arizona itself and shaped by Mexican and Native American food and culture. It is one of the few American cities named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and the Mexican food is a real reason to come. Saguaro National Park sits at both edges of town, Sabino Canyon is a favorite escape, and the Desert Museum is a well-run mix of zoo and garden. The gem show in winter draws big crowds.
About 550,000 people live here. Rents and home prices are moderate, and the University of Arizona keeps the Fourth Avenue area lively. Summers are severe, with heat over 105 degrees, and monsoon storms bring flash floods. Crime is above average, concentrated in parts of the south side, and hikers should bring plenty of water and watch for rattlesnakes.
Cities with a similar character, anywhere on the site.
Out of 10. Open any score to see how it’s worked out. “Data-based” scores come from published figures; “Hey! En Route estimate” scores are worked out from what we know about the city; “Hey! En Route rating” scores were set by our editors.
- Known as
- The Old Pueblo; Optics Valley; UNESCO City of Gastronomy; Cactus Capital
- Founded
- 1775 Presidio San Agustin del Tucson founded; 1877 incorporated
- Languages
- English; Spanish; O'odham; Yaqui (Yoeme)
- Airports
- Tucson International (TUS), about 8 miles south of downtown; Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) about 115 miles north; Ryan Airfield and Marana Regional for general aviation; Nogales area crossing about 65 miles south
- Tipping
- Restaurants 18-20%; bars $1-2 per drink; rideshare and taxis 15-20%; hotel housekeeping $3-5 per night; tour and hiking guides $10-20; valet $3-5
