The Most Underrated City: Tucson

Tony Ray Baker
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The Most Underrated City: Tucson
underrated cities

 Most Underrated City: Tucson!

Tucson made Travel & Leisure’s List of the Most Underrated Cities. In fact, Tucson was ranked #3 on a list of 31 underrated cities.

It’s not all wild, wild west culture and year-round golf in this laid-back, nature lover’s paradise; With a population of 500,000+, Tucson has much to offer residents and vacationers alike.

Tucson’s natural beauty is enhanced by the magical weather patterns. Monsoon rain storms, rainbows, breath-taking sunrise and sunsets that always astonish locals and tourists alike.

Surrounded by mountains and The Saguaro National Park, Tucson attracts all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. The Tucson mountains bring together hikers, cyclists, rock climbers, bird watchers, storm chasers; all thrilled with what Tucson has to offer.

Downtown Tucson has an amazing list of attractions. Decade-long efforts to redevelop the area have resulted in top-rated restaurants for one. Tucson was also named UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy for one reason; the restaurants. Restaurants like The Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails and Poca Cosa.

In 2015, Tucson was even given this prestigious award for being a foodie’s paradise. Tucson was the first city in America to receive this honor. The city was also rated as most playable city for kids and families.

Download Travel and Leisure's Most Underrated Cities

Tucson Ranks in Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021

Tony Ray Baker
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Tucson Ranks in Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021
Travel And Leisure Rank Tucson Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021
Travel And Leisure Rank Tucson Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021

According to Travel & Leisure, our very own desert jewel Tucson is ranked #45 in their top 50 list of places to visit in 2021. And let’s face it, after 2020 we are ready to spread our wings and fly. For some of us, we don’t have to go far since we already live in paradise!

What They Said

Hotel Tuxon
Hotel Tuxon

T&L acknowledges that while we’ve often been in the shadows of our larger more metropolitan sisters like Phoenix and Santa Fe. However, we were catering to the wellness crowd years before “wellness” was really a thing. Our beautiful rolling vistas are a favorite of spas, outdoor enthusiasts, and artists.  

As beautiful as we are, we are also quirky and filled with personality. The accommodation for out-of-town visitors is unparalleled. From the Tuxon to Hotel McCoy you’re sure to enjoy the personality these venues offer. Or perhaps you’re looking for something a little less commercial. The Joshua Tree House Tucson boasts 5 beautiful suites backed up right next to the Saguaro National Park.  

Did you know that Tucson ranks gold as a bike city? Oh yea, it’s so great for cyclists that a new bike guest ranch is in the works to cater specifically to bicyclists! The Bike Ranch will be Tucson’s first sustainable eco-resort.

Come On Down

Yes, we know that 2021 is halfway over but we are confident that Tucson is going to remain in the top places to visit for years to come. We’ve already been identified as one of the top cities poised for recovery after the pandemic. Don’t believe us? Well, you’ll just have to come visit and make up your mind, it’s okay, we’ll wait.

Download a PDF of Travel and Leisure Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021!

IFEA Award Kudos to Tucson, AZ

Tony Ray Baker
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0
IFEA Award Kudos to Tucson, AZ

IFEA Award Kudos to Tucson, AZ!

IFEA Award Luncheon in Tucson, AZ
IFEA Award Luncheon in Tucson, AZ Photo: Dawn Vandaveer www.Prototypes-v3.com

Congratulations are in order, once again, for Tucson, Arizona! Winning the IFEA Award (International Festivals & Events Association) for 2017.

Recently, FEATSAZ (Festival & Events Association of Tucson & Southern Arizona) submitted the video (above) to the IFEA for review.

After reviewing the video, beautiful Tucson, Arizona has met the IFEA’s most highest standards. And in doing so, on Thursday, September 14th, at 1:30 PM the IFEA officially designated Tucson as a World Festival & Event City!

This event took place at the 62nd Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat at the prestigious J.W. Marriott Starr Pass. This is the third year in a row Tucson has been host to the IFEA Convention and most likely the last in the region for some time to come.

Nevertheless, on top of Tucson becoming the first city in the United States to be recognized as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, winning the IFEA Award, for 2017, is a great honor and another huge success for our city! We love you, Tucson!

More about the IFEA:

The main focus of the IFEA is to identify and provide services for those organizations that put on festivals.   More specifically, organizations that create and run quality festivals and events that support their communities in a positive way.

In Tucson, that organization is FEATSAZ (Festival & Events Association of Tucson & Southern Arizona).  FEATSAZ deserves a big kudos for their ongoing work for our community.  They should get an even bigger high five for their video and pdf submission to the IFEA that helped Tucson win the renowned award.

Great job to everyone at FEATSAZ and thank you.

Have a great day,
Tony Ray

P.S. Shout out to my ghost-writer “Gonzo” for writing up this piece.
Also, Please check out these other great Tucson Accolades.

Download the PDF of the 2017 IFEA Award Winners

Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tony Ray Baker
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Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tucson has plenty of reasons for you to love it, the amazing Mexican food, the spectacular sunsets, and the low-key winters just to name a few. But did you know that being in Arizona puts us in one of the top 7 tax-friendly states? That’s great news for people looking to relocate and especially good for retirees on a fixed income. Here’s why Arizona is the best state for retirement.

Tucson For the Retired

We’ve assembled a list of tax-free items so you can see, at a glance, the biggest tax reasons Tucson, Arizona is the place to be and the best state for the retired.

Arizona is a Top 7 Tax-Friendly State
Arizona is a Top 7 Tax-Friendly State

Tax-free:

  1. Estate and inheritance 
  2. Groceries
  3. Military retirement income
  4. Prescription drugs
  5. Railroad retirement income
  6. Social-Security benefits

Tax-Breaks:

  1. Up to $2,500 of income from federal government, designated Arizona state government, and Arizona local government retirement plans is exempt.
  2. Senior residents could qualify for a property tax refund of $502.
  3. Seniors of 70 and older can qualify to defer their property taxes if they’ve lived in their home for 6 years and in Arizona for 10.
  4. For AZ state government, and AZ local government up to $2,500 in retirement plans are exempt.

Tax-Basics:

  1. Arizona has a 5.6% state levy
  2. Cities can add up to 5.6% but the states median is 8.4%
  3. Low end income tax is 2.5%, the high is 5.7%
  4. There is a 3.5% surtax on (taxable) income over $250,000 for single filers and $500,00 for joint filers.

Ok so technically all this information applies to the entire state of Arizona as a whole, however… We really believe that once you’ve looked around at what AZ has to offer you will find that Tucson is not only economically feasible but it’s also the warmest and welcoming city you will find on our stretch of the Sonoran Desert. When you’re done with the rest, come back to the best!

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