One of the Most Playable City for Kids

Tony Ray Baker
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One of the Most Playable City for Kids
Kid Friendly city, Tucson AZ One of the Most Playful Cities

Tucson Designated a Kid Friendly City

Tucson is such a kid friendly city. So much that it was honored with the most playable city for the 10th year in a row by KaBOOM.  KaBOOM is a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of kids.

Kaboom states that, “Children are missing out on the childhood they deserve. Play is disappearing at home, at school and in communities, particularly for the 16 million children living in poverty.”

Play is so important to the physical, emotional and mental development of children. Living in a place that emphasizes community and has a diverse offering of activities for children is a key component to raising a well-rounded healthy adult.

I can confidently say that the sense of community in Tucson is present, abundant and thriving. People love and support the community here. It is one of the many things that makes Tucson a special place to me.

Balanced and active play is crucial to the well-being of kids and the communities that they thrive in. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of Playful Cities USA are working to attract and retain the thousands of families that want homes in close proximity to safe places to play.”

There is an abundance of great places for kids to play in Tucson. There are museums, soccer fields, playgrounds, parks, gyms, classes and lots of outdoor activities. The list of kid friendly things to do and explore in Tucson is never-ending.

Have a great day,
Tony Ray
(520) 631-TONY (8669)
Free relocation package and Tucson fun info

Download KaBoom's Top Playful Cities USA

Why Forbes Ranked Tucson, AZ as One of the Best Places to Retire in 2025

jamesportis
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Why Forbes Ranked Tucson, AZ as One of the Best Places to Retire in 2025

Sun, scenery, and smart living — Tucson, Arizona has it all. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Places to Retire in 2025, Tucson stands out as a vibrant Southwestern city that offers retirees an ideal blend of affordability, cultural richness, and health-conscious living. With a population of approximately 550,000 and a location just 65 miles north of the Mexican border, Tucson is nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. But it’s not just the landscape that’s warm — Tucson’s welcoming atmosphere, moderate cost of living, and active lifestyle make it a standout choice for your next chapter.

Whether you’re seeking sunshine, smart investment opportunities, or a community that celebrates both leisure and lifelong learning, Tucson delivers. Let’s explore exactly why Forbes and smart retirees across the country are turning their eyes to this unique desert gem.

Employment: Stability Without Stress

While employment may not be the top priority for every retiree, economic health still matters — especially when it comes to community vitality and opportunities for part-time work or volunteering. Tucson’s projected annual job growth of 1% reflects steady and manageable growth, contributing to a strong local economy without the overcrowding or inflationary pressure of booming job markets.

The unemployment rate sits at 4.8%, which is relatively low and signals a healthy, functioning workforce. Retirees who want to stay active professionally or philanthropically will find opportunities in Tucson’s expanding healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors. And for those simply seeking peace of mind about their investment in a home or local business, Tucson’s economic metrics offer reassurance.

Tucson also hosts a 1.7% high-tech employment rate, showing the city’s growing innovation footprint. That means you’ll find a mix of young professionals and startups contributing to the community fabric, keeping Tucson feeling fresh and forward-thinking.

Housing: Affordability Meets Desert Beauty

In 2025, the median home price in Tucson is $329,000, a full 19% below the national median. That’s excellent news for retirees looking to stretch their nest egg further — and even better news for those seeking a lifestyle upgrade without the big-city price tag. With a housing affordability index of 151, Tucson proves that you don’t have to compromise comfort or quality when downsizing or relocating.

What does that index mean? It indicates that a household with median income has 51% more income than needed to afford a typical mortgage. In other words, homeownership is not only possible here — it’s genuinely attainable. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance townhouse, a historic adobe in the heart of downtown, or a spacious desert-view property, Tucson offers options that fit a wide range of preferences and budgets.

And with relatively moderate vulnerability to natural hazards, you can invest with confidence. No hurricanes, minimal flooding risk, and a stable geological setting make Tucson a smart place to plant roots.

Education: A Culture of Lifelong Learning

Tucson may be a retirement destination, but it’s also a hub for intellectual and cultural enrichment. As the proud home of the University of Arizona, the city is infused with academic energy and cultural offerings — from lecture series and public performances to museum exhibits and botanical research centers.

The region boasts a strong educational foundation, with 89.5% of residents holding a high school diploma, 33.6% holding college degrees, and 14% earning graduate degrees. That means you’ll be surrounded by a well-educated population — a plus for anyone seeking thoughtful conversation, informed community engagement, or high-quality services.

And for retirees interested in continuing education, Tucson’s proximity to academic institutions makes learning more accessible than ever. Many programs offer senior rates or even free auditing opportunities, so you can take that art history class or start learning Spanish without breaking the bank.

Quality of Life: Wellness, Nature, and Community

Quality of life is where Tucson truly shines. With 139 sunny days over 90°F and just 21 days below freezing, this city delivers warmth and comfort for those ready to leave behind long winters. And despite the desert heat, Tucson remains very bikeable and somewhat walkable, making it easier to stay active and connected.

Healthcare access is strong here, with a good ratio of primary care doctors per capita — essential for anyone prioritizing wellness in retirement. Add to that a retiree-friendly tax climate, including a flat state income tax of 2.5%, no taxation on Social Security, and no state estate or inheritance tax, and it’s easy to see why financial security is more achievable here than in many other parts of the country.

While Tucson does face challenges such as higher crime rates and poor air quality, the city counters with a resilient, engaged community and ongoing urban development efforts. With an average commute time of just 25 minutes, you can spend more time enjoying life and less time in traffic.

The cultural richness of Tucson also plays a significant role in its high livability. From authentic Mexican cuisine and historic missions to contemporary art galleries and music festivals, there’s always something to explore. Plus, with net migration numbers showing positive growth, it’s clear others are catching on to what makes Tucson so special.

Ready to Retire in Tucson? Let Tony Ray Baker Help

Tony Ray Baker, Tucson Realtor with Tierra Antigua Realty

Tucson’s charm isn’t just a headline — it’s a lifestyle. With its unbeatable mix of affordability, beauty, and wellness-minded infrastructure, it’s no wonder Forbes continues to highlight Tucson as a top choice for retirement in 2025.

If you’re considering making Tucson your forever home, Tony Ray Baker is here to help. With deep roots in the community and a passion for helping retirees find the perfect fit, Tony Ray is your go-to local Realtor for a stress-free, informed relocation experience.

✅ Need help finding a home in Tucson that fits your lifestyle and budget?
✅ Want to learn about Tucson’s neighborhoods, amenities, and real estate trends?
✅ Curious about how to navigate the Arizona housing market as a retiree?

You’re not alone. Tony Ray and his team specialize in helping people just like you transition smoothly into Tucson life. They’ll help you explore neighborhoods, answer your financial questions, and handle every detail — so you can focus on enjoying your next adventure.

👉 Visit our Relocation Page to learn more, request your free relocation guide, and connect with Tony Ray Baker directly.

Welcome to Tucson — we can’t wait to help you call it home.

The New York Times Mentions Saguaro National Park

Tony Ray Baker
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The New York Times Mentions Saguaro National Park

The New York Times recently released an online, interactive list of 52 places around the world where travelers can be a part of the solution, rather than a problem. Because you know us, you know that we are only bringing this to your attention because they mention Tucson! Yep, the good Old Pueblo is in the media yet again. Okay, okay, more specifically they mention the beautiful Saguaro National Park.

As alluded to by the NYT article all 52 places on their list must have a problem to need a solution. In our case, the problem is that we have very few new saguaros, a species that is a notoriously slow grower. Think 75 years old to get its first arm, and not reaching its full height of 45 feet until 200 years old. So, a declining population of these stoic giants is a problem, not just for Tucson but for an entire ecosystem.

The article highlights a local conservation project where volunteers work year-round pulling buffalo grass. Why does 1 weed need so much attention you might ask? There are a couple of reasons. The first is because it’s a non-native species that takes much-needed nutrients to other native plants. And secondly because due to climate change, we’ve been experiencing hotter summers. These withering temperatures dry out the buffelgrass and provide ample kindling for wildfires.

You can help mitigate the buffalo grass by volunteering with the Saguaro National Park. They organize clear-ups year-round. If you don’t want to be outside but still help out, that’s ok too! Find all volunteer opportunities here.

The New York Times Mentions Saguaro National Park
The New York Times Mentions Saguaro National Park

National Geographic Mentions Tucson City of Gastronomy

jamesportis
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National Geographic Mentions Tucson City of Gastronomy
Well, well, well… All of us locals know that Tucson is known for its amazing Mexican food, but now there’s recognition from National Geographic! We, of course, have a great selection of Tucson accolades, here is a collection of our food-related ones. If you want to jump straight to restaurants we love, you are more than welcome to do so. Back in 2015 Tucson was awarded the first US city with the Capital of Gastronomy designation and joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Naturally, we covered the decision here, and so did the Smithsonian Magazine. The Gastronomy award is not the only foodie mention we’ve got. Not by a long shot.
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Not Just National Geographic

Just recently the Washington Post recognized La Estrella Bakery for their amazing pan de muerto and other traditional Mexican treats. Also, Forbes magazine mentioned local Carlotta Flores of El Charro as one of 50 over 50 to keep an eye on. She has several Charro restaurants, all with a slightly different spin and all delicious. We also love Tucson Meet Yourself, colloquially known as “Tucson Eat Yourself.” Here you will find not only amazing Mexican food but food from all over the world. All brought to you by Tucson citizens sharing their cuisine, a melting pot if you will. A pot you can eat a lot of great food out of. Pretty please don’t take our word for it. Come check us out, we are so much more than the food. There are dozens of reasons to visit Tucson whether it’s our spectacular sunsets or the hiking trails. Are you in town for a celebration? Be sure to pick up some local beer & wine for an intoxicating taste of the area. Thinking of retiring here? It’s a good choice, Tucson is rated one of the best for retirement living. Whatever brings you here, we’re certain you’ll want to stay. http://seetucsonhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/National-Geographic-Traveller-Food.pdf
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