Moving to Tucson, AZ

[punkwood]

I have posted here about how I am currently living in Mexico City with my partner, though we are from Phoenix, AZ. We expected to be here for another two years but her academic trajectory has suddenly changed (not for better or worse, just changed), and we are now headed to Tucson, AZ in a few months. We were hoping that if we were to return to the states it would be either in northern Arizona or in another state entirely to escape the weather, but it is what it is. Thankfully, aside from the weather, I am a fan of Tucson.

The Dragoon Mountains, Chiricahuas, Saguaro National Park and so forth will be our stomping grounds for awhile. I am excited to have such wilderness in my backyard again.

If you have leads on some good spots that I may not be aware of (we are more familiar with central and northern AZ) for car camping, backpacking and hiking, please let me know.

Any tips from locals on best areas to look for one bedroom apartments/guest houses/casitas etc. and jobs (will not be able to take mine with me) would certainly be welcome as well, if you happen to have any leads on such things.

 

[jholmes01]

I have posted here about how I am currently living in Mexico City with my partner, though we are from Phoenix, AZ. We expected to be here for another two years but her academic trajectory has suddenly changed (not for better or worse, just changed), and we are now headed to Tucson, AZ in a few months. We were hoping that if we were to return to the states it would be either in northern Arizona or in another state entirely to escape the weather, but it is what it is. Thankfully, aside from the weather, I am a fan of Tucson.

The Dragoon Mountains, Chiricahuas, Saguaro National Park and so forth will be our stomping grounds for awhile. I am excited to have such wilderness in my backyard again.

If you have leads on some good spots that I may not be aware of (we are more familiar with central and northern AZ) for car camping, backpacking and hiking, please let me know.

Any tips from locals on best areas to look for one bedroom apartments/guest houses/casitas etc. and jobs would certainly be welcome as well, if you happen to have any leads on such things.

Long time Tucson resident here. While the Santa Catalinas are my backyard playground, I have familiarity with all of the other local ranges as well. You're going to love the variety of outdoor opportunities available within an hour (or less) drive and for the different seasons. As the temperatures rise, we simply venture further up the local mountain ranges, which top out above 9,000'.

Regarding living arrangements, as a rough rule of thumb you're better off the further North you go. NE gets you closer to the Catalinas and Rincons, while NW provides easy access to the the north side of the Catalinas as well as the Tucson Mountains and Tortolitas. Unfortunately, rents increase as you go North as well. Personally, I'd try and stay North of Broadway as areas further South can be a bit rough.

Feel free to hit me up via PM and I can offer up more specific outdoor ideas based on the season and specific interests.

Jim

 

[punkwood]

Long time Tucson resident here. While the Santa Catalinas are my backyard playground, I have familiarity with all of the other local ranges as well. You're going to love the variety of outdoor opportunities available within an hour (or less) drive and for the different seasons. As the temperatures rise, we simply venture further up the local mountain ranges, which top out above 9,000'.

Regarding living arrangements, as a rough rule of thumb you're better off the further North you go. NE gets you closer to the Catalinas and Rincons, while NW provides easy access to the the north side of the Catalinas as well as the Tucson Mountains and Tortolitas. Unfortunately, rents increase as you go North as well. Personally, I'd try and stay North of Broadway as areas further South can be a bit rough.

Feel free to hit me up via PM and I can offer up more specific outdoor ideas based on the season and specific interests.

Jim

Thank you. I am definitely looking forward to being able to head up the ranges as the temps rise to get some escape.

I will keep north in mind while we start searching. My partner needs to be relatively close to the campus, but from the time I have spent there I recall most of the city being a short commute from campus. However, we are also cyclists and being close enough to have a max 30 min. bike commute to campus would be a plus, but is not required.

As it gets a little closer and after doing some more research I may reach out with specific questions. I appreciate it.

 

[jholmes01]

My wife worked at the U of A when we first met as well. As a cyclist, you have good options to get to the University. There are (at least) two bikeways that connect campus to the greater community (3rd St. going EW and Mountain Ave. going NS). You can take also Mountain Ave. to "The Loop" which is a paved pedestrian/cyclist (non-vehicle) path that circles the entire Tucson metro area. It's a great local resource that makes getting around on bicycle much safer and more convenient.

Jim

 

[punkwood]

My wife worked at the U of A when we first met as well. As a cyclist, you have good options to get to the University. There are (at least) two bikeways that connect campus to the greater community (3rd St. going EW and Mountain Ave. going NS). You can take also Mountain Ave. to "The Loop" which is a paved pedestrian/cyclist (non-vehicle) path that circles the entire Tucson metro area. It's a great local resource that makes getting around on bicycle much safer and more convenient.

Jim

I have heard a lot about the loop but never used it myself, even when I spent about two months in Tucson 10 years back. I am reading the link you sent. Excited for better cycling infrastructure than Phoenix had.

 

[Wyatt Carson]

I am well traveled and have lived in seven states but for the last fifty years we have lived in Tucson. Currently we reside right at the base of the mountains and can walk from saguaros to Ponderosas right from our home without driving. Much of it is wilderness. We were in there again this morning and had the pleasure of encountering a Gila monster, got a few photos. Last week it was a rattlesnake and got a great photo of that fine beast. We just love the canyons and spend much time therein. Yes the summers are hot but we just rise before sunrise and get into a shady canyon and revel in it several times a week all year round.

You mention the wonderful Dragoons and Chiricahuas. Another place you might enjoy is the Santa Rita range to the south, beautiful area. There are many more places that are world class as well. Enjoy. It never gets old for us.

 

[punkwood]

I am well traveled and have lived in seven states but for the last fifty years we have lived in Tucson. Currently we reside right at the base of the mountains and can walk from saguaros to Ponderosas right from our home without driving. Much of it is wilderness. We were in there again this morning and had the pleasure of encountering a Gila monster, got a few photos. Last week it was a rattlesnake and got a great photo of that fine beast. We just love the canyons and spend much time therein. Yes the summers are hot but we just rise before sunrise and get into a shady canyon and revel in it several times a week all year round.

You mention the wonderful Dragoons and Chiricahuas. Another place you might enjoy is the Santa Rita range to the south, beautiful area. There are many more places that are world class as well. Enjoy. It never gets old for us.

This sounds lovely. Phoenix, of course, is surrounded by much amazing wilderness, but it is a little harder to just get up and out than it is in Tucson. Things are farther and everything in between is full of concrete. And, in Phoenix, it isn't as easy to escape the heat as getting up early and walking into a canyon. I'm looking forward to it.

And Mexico City? Forget it.

I will put the Santa Rita range on the list. Thank you.