Tucson AZ One of the Best Cities for Millennials

Tucson AZ One of the Best Cities for Millennials
Tucson AZ One of the Best Cities for Millennials

Tucson AZ is One of the 5 Best Cities for Millennials says Time.com/Money

Tucson and its downtown revitalization has caught the attention of many potential prospects. Being recognized by Time, Tucson AZ was placed among the 5 Best Cities for Millennials in the US. 24% of Tucson population (and possibly higher) is made up of individuals 20 years old to 34 years old. For those individuals looking for a place to with exceeding job growth opportunities, accessible amenities and an affordable housing market. This youthful city is a place for millennials to gather, meet, work, study, play and simply live.

Downtown, encompasses four main areas: Mercado San Agustin, Downtown Tucson, Fourth Ave and the University of Arizona Main Gate. Retail business owners, well know chefs, investors and developers are just some of the few looking at Tucson, many already part of its exciting new growth.

Most would have to agree that the introduction of the light rail played a big part in fueling this excitement, helping make a Downtown Tucson a place Millennials could live without a car. The light rail connects several main shopping areas together. This allows you, the rider, easy access to over 340 venues.  Beginning at Mercado San Agustin, the light rail passes through downtown Tucson, Fourth Ave shopping district, Main Gate at the UA and ends at the University Hospital.  The end being part of a loop, which will take you right back to the beginning.

This diverse downtown Tucson area is a great place for everyone.  Along the light rail, there are a lot of places to meet, work, study, play and live simply with great connectivity. Being connected to so much is one of the main reasons that Tucson is recognized as one of the best cities for millennials.

Low Cost of Living:

If you’re comparing possible cities for relocation, Tucson just looks better and better. Its hard not to consider a city with a low cost of living and affordable housing. The cost of living index for Tucson AZ is 105 which is well below the urban average of 117. According to research done by GOBankingRates, it costs $39,966 each year to comfortably live in Tucson AZ.  Therefore, Tucson ranks number 1 as most affordable city in the US.

  • Income needed: $39,966
  • 50 percent for necessities: $19,983
  • 30 percent for discretionary spending: $11,990
  • 20 percent for savings: $7,993

“With the lowest total needed to cover necessities out of the 50 biggest U.S. cities, Tucson residents can likely make do on the $37,149 median income, which is just $2,817 short of the amount needed to live well there.”

Affordable Housing:

Affordable housing attracts businesses and new businesses create new jobs and that is why affordable housing is so important.  Tucson’s medium home prices have always been among the lowest in the US.

On a side note: There is nothing like pride of ownership. When I purchased my first home in the North West area of Tucson, I felt like I had finally grown up. I remember how great it felt not having someone dictate what I could do in my own living space. Paying the mortgage felt so much better then paying the landlord. Most importantly, it was a new beginning that helped me focus more on career, finances and other long term goals. Everyone should be able to experience buying their first home.

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

Tucson Gen Z Haven: Discover Why It’s #6 Among the Best Places to Live

Tucson is making waves as a vibrant and appealing destination for the newest generation entering the workforce. Recently ranked as the #6 Best Place for Gen Z to live by CommercialCafe, Tucson offers a unique blend of cultural richness, affordable living, and burgeoning career opportunities that are drawing young adults from across the nation. But what makes this ranking significant, and how can it benefit you? Let’s dive into what makes Tucson not just a place to live, but a place to thrive for Gen Z.

Understanding CommercialCafe’s Ranking

CommercialCafe is a reputable real estate blog that provides in-depth analyses and reviews of U.S. cities based on various economic, social, and lifestyle factors. Their rankings are derived from comprehensive data analysis, making them a trusted source for anyone considering a move. When CommercialCafe places Tucson at #6, it highlights the city’s strong appeal to young people looking for a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

What Makes Tucson Stand Out?

Tucson’s impressive score in CommercialCafe’s ranking is no fluke. It excels in several key areas:

  • Affordable Living: Tucson is known for its cost-effective living options compared to other tech-heavy cities, which is a major plus for young professionals starting their careers.
  • Job Opportunities: With a growing tech industry and innovative companies such as Raytheon and startups in the Tech Park at The University of Arizona, Tucson is fertile ground for burgeoning careers.
  • Educational Resources: Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson boasts vibrant educational opportunities and a strong research community that supports lifelong learning and innovation.
  • Quality of Life: With over 300 days of sunshine per year, outdoor activities are plentiful. Tucson also prides itself on its rich cultural scene, featuring local music, art, and food that cater to diverse tastes.

Each of these factors not only contributes to Tucson’s ranking but also enhances the daily lives of its residents, making it an ideal city for those who seek a dynamic yet manageable lifestyle.

Why You Should Consider a Free Relocation Package

Interested in exploring what Tucson has to offer? We’ve got just the thing to help you get started. Our Free Relocation Package provides essential information about the city—from housing markets to local schools, entertainment, and cultural hotspots. This is more than just brochures; it’s a first step toward finding your niche in this vibrant community.

Tony Ray and Darren, local experts with deep connections in Tucson, will be your guides. They know the city inside and out and can introduce you to community leaders and hidden gems that align with your interests. Whether you’re into the tech scene, arts, or outdoor adventures, they will help you discover aspects of Tucson that will resonate with your lifestyle and aspirations.

Take the Next Step: See Why Tucson is Your Future!

Ready to take the leap? Tucson awaits with open arms and endless possibilities. Request your Free Relocation Package today and discover why Tucson is ranked as one of the best places for Gen Z. It’s more than a place to live—it’s where you can truly thrive. Visit us at SeeTucsonHomes.com to learn more and start your journey to becoming a part of Tucson’s vibrant community. Your future in Tucson begins here!

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!

Tucson Ranked in Top 10 Cities Best Positioned for Pandemic Recovery

According to Forbes magazine, Tucson is one of the top 10 cities in the best position for a post pandemic recovery. Using data collected from Moody’s Analytics they predict the top 10 and the 10 worst cities. “Note that they are sorted alphabetically in order to avoid assigning false precision to our calculations,” Kamins tells Forbes Women.

Tucson is a Top City That Will Recover From Coronavirus
Tucson is a Top City That Will Recover From Coronavirus

Pandemic Recovery Ranking Method

Moodys examines the density of population and compares it against the number of jobs that require a higher degree. They also take into consideration the density of cases across different counties. Those 2 factors alone could indicate why Tucson makes it into the top 10. Because it’s a college town Tucson is overflowing with smart people and has an abundance of open spaces

Some of the other top contenders are Denver (CO), San Jose (CA), and Washington DC. Noticeably these places are also university towns and have beautiful natural resources. Surprisingly Austin, TX did not make this list. Austin is frequently set side by side to Tucson as another blue city in a red state.

Now that the gloating is over we will look at a few of the cities that did not make it. Some of the results may surprise you.

The Have-nots

What do Honolulu (HI), Los Angeles (CA), New York City (NY), and Tampa (FL) all have in common? Aside from being on the top 10 worst recovery cities list? High density, overcrowding tourist traps. Yup, the higher your tourism the more likely you’re in an area heavily afflicted with Coronavirus. They predict that there will be mass out-migration from these densely populous areas towards more sprawling towns. 

Covid 19 is going to loom large in the public consciousness for years to come. For the very young and impressionistic pandemic recovery may always haunt them, much like children of the Great Depression often stockpile non-perishables or hideaway cash money. 

We are certainly fortunate to be in a position where, not only are we poised to recover well, but it’s such a beautiful, and delicious, place to be till then. But, for the foreseeable future, we still have to be vigilant. We have to be willing to do our parts for the greater good. Yes, we are all sick of wearing masks, but for a better future, we must do better now.