THRIVE IN TUCSON

WHAT CAN SOUTHERN ARIZONA OFFER YOU?

Southern Arizona offers an unparalleled quality of life for today’s professional. With nearly 1.6 million people living in an expansive stretch of awe-inspiring and lush desert landscape, Southern Arizona is accomplishing a goal that many growing regions have abandoned—an ecologically sound and culturally sophisticated approach to growth and development.

TUCSON MSA POPULATION

0 MM+

Census Bureau, 2019

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

$ 3676 K

Tucson Association of REALTORS ©, 3/2025

MEDIAN AGE

Census Bureau, 2021

RANKINGS

top 10 most popular places in the U.S. to move to in 2026

Tucson Among Top Cities with Influx of New Residents in 2022

TUCSON RANKED ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES 2023

TUCSON A TOP 10 FOOD CITY (TRAVEL & LEISURE)

52 PLACES TO GO IN 2023

TUCSON IS NO. 6 BEST U.S. CITY FOR GEN Z

TUCSON RANKS TOP 25 NEXT MARKET, TECH TALENT 2023

University of Arizona Ranks Again Top 20 Among Public Research Universities

Tucson ranked One of Ten Best Cities for Startup Costs

Tucson ranked in top 50 for tech salaries

URBAN ENERGY & CULTURE DOWNTOWN TUCSON

Downtown Tucson has experienced a miraculous economic revitalization with unprecedented levels of investment, hundreds of new businesses, and thousands of new jobs resulting in a thriving Downtown environment. Geographically located in the heart of the city, Downtown Tucson has transformed itself from a government center to the region’s entertainment hub. There is an increasing variety of restaurants, nightlife and cultural arts venues, and scores of major events that attract more than a milion people annually. Since 2008, Downtown business has shown steady growth and diversification. Commercial investments have led to new construction and renovations to a number of historic buildings, creating unique spaces for street-level businesses and office-based firms. New construction, primarily located near the Sun Link modern streetcar line, has re-established Downtown as a magnet for real estate development, and has been a major contributor to Tucson’s economy. Learn the latest Downtown happenings through the Life Along the Streetcar podcasts CLICK HERE.

All Souls Procession

Founded in Tucson, Arizona, one of the most important, inclusive and authentic public ceremonies in North America today with over 100K participants.

1st U.S. City of Gastronomy

Selected in 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® attracts 65,000 attendees and has included exhibits from Smithsonian Institution and Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

THRIVE ON LESS IN TUCSON

Tucson is ranked one of the best cities for young professionals and remote workers. The city is ecologically and culturally diverse with big-city amenities at a much lower cost. Curious about your possible savings? Use our Cost of Living Calculator to discover how you can thrive on less in Tucson.

EXPLORE COMMUNITIES

Matched up with most major cities in the country, Tucson with all it has to offer still boasts one of the lowest costs of living.

Vail

Established in 1880, Vail has beautiful landscapes, great schools, and a friendly community with an ever-increasing population. Vail has experienced a roughly 400% increase in population since 2001. Vail traces its history back to the first railroad surveys and while the train no longer stops in Vail, the double set of railroad tracks that encompass the original town site are a reminder of the town’s roots as a railroad town.

Source: Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce

Marana

As a unique crossroads of culture, industry and innovation, Marana claims a rich and diverse history. Documented inhabitation of the region extends back over 13,000 years, when Native American tribes lived in the area. Today, Marana is a community of transitions – transitions from a hospitable built-up suburb to open desert, from rugged mountains to flat plains, and from luxurious accommodations to the Western-inspired look and feel of yesteryear, to name a few. Throughout it all, the Western and agricultural spirit still exists and remains strong in Marana. Marana today is truly close to everything, far from ordinary!

Source: Discover Marana

Oro Valley

Oro Valley is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, about three miles north of the Tucson city limits. Nestled between the Catalina and Tortolita mountain ranges, this 35-square-mile town is surrounded by dramatic views and wide-open spaces. Oro Valley sits at an elevation of 2,620 feet and enjoys one of the sunniest, most comfortable climates in the country. This tight-knit community is proud of its clean and safe streets, great schools, shopping and lots of outdoor recreation in the natural beauty of Southern Arizona!

Accolades:

• Oro Valley is ranked #2 of Top Safest Places in Arizona – Safewise 2024
• BASIS Oro Valley is ranked among the top 20 schools nationwide

Learn more from the Town of Oro Valley here.

Catalina Foothills

The Catalina Foothills area boasts legendary art galleries, spectacular golf courses, restaurants, and shopping, all right at the doorstep to Tucson’s greatest wonder – the Sonoran Desert. Possibly Tucson’s most iconic feature, the mountain peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains are truly breathtaking, and in the Catalina Foothills you’ll have a front-row seat.

Source: Visit Tucson

Sahuarita

Sahuarita, with 31,500 residents, is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities and is located roughly 20 minutes south of Central Tucson on Interstate 19.

Incorporated in 1994, Sahuarita is the fifth youngest town in the State with a rich cultural history and legacy established by the ancestors of Native American groups who still live there. Sahuarita is known for its FICO pecan orchards along Nogales Highway and the gateway to the sycamore and cottonwood canyons of Madera and Gardner.

Major regional employers include Raytheon, University of Arizona Science and Technology Park, Freeport McMoRan, and Asarco.

Learn more here: Sahuarita

NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT

ENJOYING THE LIFESTYLE

As the 32nd largest city in the U.S. Tucson offers all the amenities of a big city while still retaining some of the charm of a small town. It is culturally diverse and that rich heritage is reflected in its architecture and its restaurants.

Tucson consistently ranks high in various “best cities” lists, particularly for its affordability, outdoor recreation, and quality of life. For example, in 2021 it was ranked among the top 20 best cities in the U.S. by America’s Best Cities.

Tucson was ranked in the “Top 25 Arts Destinations” by American Style Magazine. There are more than 35 art galleries in just the downtown area alone and the region offers 30+ museums to explore and enjoy including the world renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Reid Park Zoo.

Professionals can live, work and play in Tucson with a variety of outdoors activities that can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Tucson’s dry, sunny climate.

Outside Magazine ranked Tucson as one of the “Best Places to Live in 2019” citing some of the great things about Tucson such as the food, the hiking trails, being able to live close to open space and newly completed 131-mile bike path circling the city.

FUN WITH NUMBERS

350+

days of sunshine per year

4

mountain ranges for jogging, rock climbing, horseback riding, stargazing and bird watching.

37,000

acres of parkland for hiking, camping and exploring

40+

golf courses to test the skills and relax the mind

800

miles of bike paths consistently place Tucson on the list as one of the nation’s most bike friendly cities

SPORTS

When Tucsonans aren’t outdoors enjoying their own favorite sports activities they can choose from a variety of major spectator sports such as:

University football and basketball games at the University of Arizona
Championship golf such as the Conquistadores Cologuard Classic, a cornerstone of the World Golf Championships
Internationally acclaimed “El Tour de Tucson” bicycle race
Arizona Cardinals football, Phoenix Suns basketball, Phoenix Coyotes ice hockey, and Arizona Diamondbacks baseball just up the road in Phoenix

SPAS AND RESORTS

The region has more than its share of world-class resorts – fantasy oases with spectacular golf courses and luxurious pools and spas including the world-renowned Miraval, consistently ranked as one of the best resorts in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, SpaFinder, and Travel & Leisure among others.

EXPLORE HOW HEALTHCARE THRIVES IN TUCSON.

NOTABLE EMPLOYERS

STRONG REGIONAL PRESENCE IN KEY GROWTH INDUSTRIES

Tucson offers high-skilled / high-wage jobs in industries working to solve the country’s biggest challenges.

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

Bioscience & Healthcare

RENEWABLE & MINING TECHNOLOGY

TRANSPORTATION / LOGISTICS

EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION

Complemented by a K-12 public educational system with over 236,000 students, as well as 266 private and charter school choices, this well-developed education infrastructure maintains an open ear to the needs of individuals and families. Southern Arizona is home to a number of nationally recognized institutions for higher education.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

K-12 EDUCATION

As a college town, Tucson is a great place to work and live! While not everyone is a graduate of the University of Arizona, we can all appreciate the Bear Down spirit that fills our desert with abundant culture, activities and, of course, Wildcats!

As a native Tucsonan, I grew up surrounded by a strong community that provided a foundation for my future. Today, as a business owner, mother of five and active community member, I’ve made an intentional decision to raise our family and grow our business in Tucson. As a community, the focus on economic development and opportunities that encourage and promote growth for generations to come is commendable. I have watched the leadership in the business community grow and develop, bringing fresh and new ideas to complement the authentic character that makes our city so special.

When I moved to Tucson, I didn’t believe I would stay and then I found Startup Tucson, which opened the door to an amazingly beautiful community. Over the last three years, I have been amazed by the people in Tucson and the work that I get to do at Startup Tucson. We work to transform the region’s economy through entrepreneurship and with that I also work to democratize capital for our BIPOC community. Through the work I am doing here in Tucson, we are changing the region one entrepreneur at a time, and I could not see myself living anywhere else. Tucson is a special place, and if you can find a career here, know that it is a lifelong experience that will make you fall in love with an incredibly talented, open-minded community.

My decision to relocate to Tucson was due to a career opportunity that allowed me to transition from the automotive industry to the aerospace and defense industry. Over the years, I’ve found that Tucson is a thriving metropolis of natural beauty, abundance of sunshine and a rich culture that appeals to the personal and professional side of me. From the beautiful starry night skies to the rugged desert landscape to the artsy communities rich with history to a technology hub in the making, Tucson is a hidden gem that is vibrant in its own right. I stay because I found community, connection and purpose. My advice to newcomers is to immerse yourself in all the city has to offer and you will gain an appreciation just as I have over the years.

Tucson can provide the best of both worlds, if you are intentional. The 33rd largest metro in the U.S., it’s big enough to make your big idea happen but not too big that you get lost. That low barrier to entry, and that family feel, is a really special thing that a lot of other places don’t have.

My initial decision to stay in Tucson came from a career opportunity that showed me the potential for success in wealth management and philanthropy. Tucson is the type of city that allows you to grow professionally while remaining one introduction away from the CEOs who help our business community thrive. My reasons for staying in Tucson have sown in other directions over time. I met my fiancée, Danielle Cesanek, a few years ago. Watching her career as a principal ballerina with Ballet Tucson flourish has helped me appreciate Tucson’s arts nonprofits. As we look toward our future, we envision raising a family, giving back, and cultivating our personal and professional lives in Tucson.

REGIONAL PARTNERS

GET IN TOUCH

1985 E River Rd Suite 101 Tucson, Arizona, 85718
TEL: (520) 243-1900 or Email Us