The Truth About Tucson: What You Need to Know Before Moving Here
Tucson, Arizona—home to the iconic Saguaro cacti, the University of Arizona Wildcats, and of course, plenty of dry desert heat. But beyond what you may already know, Tucson has some surprising realities that make it unique. Whether you’re thinking about moving here or just visiting, here’s an insider’s look at Tucson’s “dirty little secrets”—the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Surviving Tucson’s Extreme Heat
Saguaro National Park East
Let’s start with the big one: the summer heat.
Yes, we all know Tucson gets hot, but living in it is a whole different story. With triple-digit temperatures for months, Tucsonans have adapted in creative ways:
We plan vacations in the summer to escape the heat.
We schedule outdoor activities—like walking the dog or gardening—before sunrise to avoid the midday scorch.
Our homes are designed for heat, with insulated walls, shaded patios, and carports to protect our cars from turning into ovens.
West-facing backyards? No thanks! That afternoon sun can make outdoor spaces unbearable in the summer.
But here’s a surprise—Tucson gets cold too!
Winter Weather in the Desert
Sonoran Desert After Snowfall
Believe it or not, Tucson sees freezing temperatures in the winter, and it even snows once or twice a year! The snow usually melts within a few hours, but it’s always a fun sight to see the desert dusted in white.
Don’t pack away your winter coat just yet—you’ll need it for those chilly mornings. But don’t be surprised if you’re in flip-flops by the afternoon—because Tucson weather likes to keep us on our toes.
Tucson: A Foodie’s Paradise
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
Tucson isn’t just another desert city—it’s a culinary powerhouse.
Did you know Tucson was the first U.S. city to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? And in 2023, Travel & Leisure ranked Tucson as the 6th best food city in the U.S.—competing with heavyweights like New York and New Orleans.
What’s the must-try dish?
The Sonoran Hot Dog—a bacon-wrapped hot dog on a soft bolillo-style bun, topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeño salsa, and mustard. It’s a Tucson staple!
But our food scene goes beyond just hot dogs:
Authentic Mexican food—some of the best in the U.S.
Fantastic ramen and pizza spots
Great burger and wing joints
Award-winning cocktails at local favorites like Nana’s Kitchen and Zio Peppe
And don’t forget to try a prickly pear margarita or a prickly pear mimosa for a true taste of the Southwest.
Wildlife Encounters in the Desert
Living in Tucson means coexisting with desert wildlife. Some animals are fascinating—others, not so much.
You’ll likely see:
Javelinas – Cute, but aggressive (especially with their babies).
Rattlesnakes & Gila Monsters – Venomous and not to be messed with.
Non-venomous snakes – Actually helpful in keeping rattlesnakes and rodents in check.
Birds – Tucson is a bird-watching paradise, with hundreds of unique species.
Toads, scorpions, spiders, and lizards – They’re part of desert life!
Pack rats – The real menace. These critters love to chew on car wiring, causing costly repairs.
Most Tucson homes have brick walls or chicken wire to keep unwanted visitors out. If you have pets or small kids, always be cautious in the yard!
The Tucson Real Estate Market
Tucson’s real estate market is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you want a historic adobe home in Midtown, a modern home in the Foothills, or new construction in the suburbs, there’s something for everyone.
Housing Trends in Tucson
Older homes (pre-1990s): Typically one-story, brick exteriors, larger lots, and NO HOAs.
Newer homes (1990s–present): Often frame stucco, higher ceilings, smaller lots, and part of an HOA.
Multi-generational homes are gaining popularity, perfect for growing families, aging parents, or college-aged kids who want to stay close.
The best part? Tucson is still one of the most affordable cities in the Southwest, making it a great place to invest in real estate.
Cost of Living in Tucson
Compared to other cities in the Southwest, Tucson remains affordable.
Housing costs – Lower than Phoenix, Denver, and California cities.
Groceries & utilities – Generally cheaper than the national average.
Property taxes – Lower than many parts of the U.S., making homeownership more attractive.
You get a lot of bang for your buck in Tucson, making it a top choice for young professionals, families, and retirees alike.
Unique Tucson Architecture & Landscaping
Tucson homes tend to grow out rather than up, meaning two-story homes are less common, especially in older neighborhoods. Why?
Traditional Tucson homes were designed to stay cool—low ceilings and one-story layouts help with insulation.
Taller homes can block mountain views, which are a major selling point in Tucson real estate.
What does Tucson architecture look like?
Flat roofs & tile roofs – A Southwest staple.
Saltillo tile floors – A nod to Tucson’s Mexican influence.
Xeriscaping – Minimal grass, decorative rock, and desert plants to conserve water.
The People & Culture of Tucson
Tucson is a laid-back, friendly city with a vibrant mix of cultures.
Population: ~550,000 in the city, ~1 million in the metro area.
Median age: 34 – Younger than the national average.
44% Hispanic – Tucson’s culture is deeply influenced by Mexican traditions, food, and art.
People here are outdoorsy, creative, and community-driven. We’re more tacos than martinis, and that’s just the way we like it!
Roads, Traffic & Monsoon Challenges
Tucson doesn’t have a lot of freeways, which helps preserve our beautiful mountain views. But that also means:
Driving takes longer than in freeway-heavy cities.
Our roads aren’t the smoothest—expect potholes and bumpy rides.
Monsoon Season: What You Need to Know
Monsoon storms hit every summer and can be extremely intense.
Flooding happens fast – Never drive through a flooded wash!
Visibility drops to zero – If you’re driving during a monsoon, pull over and wait it out.
Flying into Tucson during monsoon season? Buckle up—it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Final Thoughts on Tucson
Tucson is full of surprises—some challenging, some amazing. But whether you’re drawn in by the beautiful desert landscape, incredible food scene, or affordable cost of living, there’s something here for everyone.
Thinking about moving to Tucson? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Tucson, I’d love to help.
