Why Tucson Felt Like Home

I'm not in the market to move right now, but Tucson had me dreaming otherwise

Greetings to all our esteemed readers and subscribers,

I am so delighted to share with you part 2 of my adventures in Tucson. If you didn’t get a chance to read part one, I highly recommend reading first so you can see how much I was able to fit in one day! In this issue, I will be highlighting why Tucson, Arizona, is an amazing place to live and work and what a typical Saturday could be like if called this area home.

Tucson is an incredible city that provides a unique blend of modern living and rich cultural heritage. It is situated in the southern region of Arizona, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. It is no wonder that Tucson is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the United States. Time Magazine also voted Tucson one of the Greatest Places 2023: https://time.com/6261639/tucson-ariz/

One of the key factors that make Tucson an amazing place to live is its natural beauty. The city is home to several popular tourist attractions and natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and the Sonoran Desert. These attractions provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing to those who seek to explore the great outdoors. I talked a little about my time in Saguaro National Park in my previous newsletter. I started my Saturday outside, but with a different view…that was one of the courtyards at Borderlands Brewery. I visited their downtown location for yoga in the courtyard, followed by a pint of their delicious Hazy IPA. For the class and drink it was only $10, which is amazing because most studios alone average at least $20 a class.

After yoga and a pint, I walked over to Cup Café at Hotel Congress which was buzzing with activity. This is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying lunch or brunch. I sat on the patio and the whole area had a beautiful garden ambiance. The menu offered a great variety of dishes to suit any palate and the standout dish was the grilled shrimp tacos. I recommend booking a table in advance as there was quite the wait for those who didn’t have a reservation.

Satisfied with lunch, I then went to walk the Historic 4th Avenue or “Fourth” as the locals call it for shopping and site-seeing. 4th Ave is a vibrant destination with a distinct character and charm. It has an eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage shops and eateries which creates a unique shopping and dining experience. This area is also home to various local events such as art walks and street fairs. I found some unique stickers and Saguaro cactus earrings as well as a locally painted piece of art I could take home and hang over my desk!

All that shopping had me work up an appetite so I enjoyed my final dinner in Tucson at Boca, which is also in the 4th Avenue district. Boca encapsulates the vibrant flavors of the Southwest and boasts an extensive menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients. I highly recommended the flight of salsas to accompany your chips although all but one were a little spicy for my taste buds!

If you think 4th Avenue is eclectic during the day, wait until you see it at night. I feel like that’s when the area really comes alive and there’s something for everyone from live music to local art. Overall, 4th Ave’s notable features create a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere that celebrates the city’s history, creativity, and diversity. The area’s unique character is a reflection of its community, which values inclusivity and creativity.

Tucson’s unique blend of culture and history is also a significant draw for individuals who want to live in a place that is rich in tradition and heritage. The city has a rich mix of Native American, Mexican, and European influences, making it a melting pot of diverse cultures. This blend is evident in the city’s many museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the Mission San Xavier del Bac. The vibrant arts and cultural scene in Tucson also make it a great place to nurture your creativity and artistic passion.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Tucson is also a city that provides ample opportunities for both personal and professional growth. The city boasts of a robust economy, with a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, technology, and defense. The University of Arizona is also located in Tucson, making it a hub for academic research and innovation. Moreover, Tucson offers a range of educational opportunities, with several highly acclaimed schools, colleges, and universities within the city.

Lastly, Tucson is a city that prides itself on its friendly community, hospitable people, and affordable cost of living. The low cost of living in Tucson, coupled with its warm climate, make it an ideal destination for both retirees and young families looking for a great place to call home.

I rounded out my trip with a stop by Prep and Pastry where I highly recommend the strawberry churro dossant before heading out of town. Tucson is undoubtedly an amazing place to live and work, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity. With its friendly community, affordable cost of living, and diverse range of opportunities, Tucson is a city that offers something for everyone. I left a little piece of my heart here and I will always keep this place in mind for future endeavors. I encourage my readers to take a closer look at this wonderful place and experience all that it has to offer.

Thank you for your continued support and readership. I hope you enjoyed your virtual time in Tucson as much as I enjoyed taking you there!