I'm originally from Tucson and Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
17 upvotes
3 Replies
Lillian Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Roman M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Asher W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.