Catalina Foothills Unified School District is #1 in Arizona

jamesportis
-
0
Catalina Foothills Unified School District is #1 in Arizona

We’ve got a lot of great things going on in Tucson, but I’m here to tell you about one specifically, the Catalina Foothills Unified School District. You might not be aware but birth rates in the USA are declining

Catalina Foothills High School Student Plaza
Catalina Foothills High School Student Plaza

And in our beloved home state of Arizona, that number has declined almost 22% in the last decade. While that figure may sound shocking to you, I’m here to tell you that it’s actually not a bad thing. It’s common knowledge that our teachers are burdened with disproportionate class sizes to what a single teacher can effectively handle. 

Where am I going with this? I’m so glad you asked. Kids need teachers, teachers need schools, schools have districts, and some are better than others. This is why we are so very happy to inform you that one of ours has been ranked the TOP school district in all of Arizona.

Drumroll, please! If you live in Tucson you may have already guessed but for those of you looking to move here with kids, pay attention. The Catalina Foothills Unified School District has been rated #1 in Arizona according to Newsweek!

Catalina Foothills School District
Catalina Foothills School District

Let’s look at some of the statistics.

What You Need To Know

  1. It’s located in Tucson, obviously the best city in Arizona by far. 
  2. CFUSD has a teacher to student ratio of 1:19, while not ideal it’s comparatively better than the competition. The next jump in other districts is 1 teacher to 23 or more students. Sometimes even 35 students are being wrangled by 1 teacher.
  3. Catalina also boasts a 98% graduation rate, that’s the highest in the state!
  4. According to Zip Recruiter, “As of July 2021 the average annual pay for a teacher in AZ is $26,553 a year.” For Catalina Unified they pay their teachers an average of $45,311 a year. That’s an extra $18,000 for our educators and we believe they deserve every penny and then some.

So, there you have it. If you live in Arizona and have children, you might want to consider relocating to Tucson. Parents should always want the best for their children, Catalina Foothills Unified School District is the best in Arizona, hands down.

Time Magazine Crowns Tucson in World’s Greatest Places 2023

jamesportis
-
0
Time Magazine Crowns Tucson in World’s Greatest Places 2023
Time Magazine Crowns Tucson in World's Greatest Places 2023
Time Magazine Crowns Tucson in World's Greatest Places 2023

Time Magazine has crowned Tucson as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2023, and for good reason. The city stands as a testament to the evolving narratives of travel, embodying authenticity, sustainability, and vibrant cultural exchanges.

A Sustainable HavenTime Magazine Calls Tucson a Sustainable Haven in the World's Greatest Places 2023

In a world rekindling its love for travel, Tucson emerges as a destination aligning with the modern-day ethos of sustainability and genuine experiences. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while fostering responsible tourism is a call to the conscious traveler.

Moreover, Tucson’s efforts in promoting sustainable tourism extend to supporting local businesses and artisans. The city thrives on a community-centric ethos that not only boosts its local economy but also provides visitors with a unique, authentic experience. The array of farmer’s markets, locally-owned eateries, and artisan shops exemplify Tucson’s dedication to sustainability, offering a green retreat amidst the desert landscape.

Tucson’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and culinary excellence offer a genuine taste of the Southwestern spirit. From the award-winning loaves of Barrio Bread to the stunning vistas of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is a haven for those seeking authenticity in their adventures.

Invitation to ExploreYou Have An Invitation To Explore Tucson, one of Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places 2023

As travel horizons expand, Tucson warmly extends an invitation to individuals across America to come and revel in its unique blend of tradition and modernity. The accolade from Time Magazine is not just a badge of honor; it’s a promise of enriching experiences awaiting in the heart of Southern Arizona.

There’s more to Tucson than meets the eye. Beyond the known landmarks, the city harbors hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of Native American drum circles or the serene escape of botanical gardens, every corner of Tucson is a gateway to new experiences. The invitation to explore is also an invitation to connect – with the land, the people, and the age-old traditions that make Tucson a realm of endless exploration and discovery.

The recognition from Time Magazine underscores Tucson’s allure as a destination where every nook and cranny tells a story. So, pack your bags and set your compass towards Tucson, where the heart of Arizona awaits to share tales of its glorious past and present, one authentic experience at a time.

Congress Street Award

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Congress Street Award
Accolades or Kudos for Congress Street Award in Tucson, Arizona.
Accolades or Kudos for Congress Street Award in Tucson, Arizona.

Congress Street Award

A view of Tucson's beautiful sunset down Congress Street to Church Avenue. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.
A view of Tucson’s beautiful sunset down Congress Street to Church Avenue. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.

Again, another accolade for Tucson, Arizona. Recently, Congress Street was awarded Great Street by the American Planning Association. Congress Street was a happening place back in the day. However, due to a skyrocketing population and increased car traffic, it ever so gradually became less friendly to the pedestrians walking on the street. This was a huge problem. The city planners wanted to address the situation head-on which ended up labeled from the American Planning Association as a 2017 Great Street Award.

In early 2000s, city planners, Tucson officials, and engineers planned out a series of inventive plans to breathe new life into the local economy and restore its commercial opalescence. Since then, Congress Street, has had several makeovers to try bringing mode-sharing back to the street.

Congress Street Award: Renovations Since Early 2000s

  • Reduced the street from three lanes to two
  • Sidewalks widened to encourage more pedestrian activity
  • Trees planted to help with the relentless Arizona heat
  • Bike parking added for cyclists
  • SunLink, a modern streetcar added
  • Restoration of the Rialto Theatre and the Fox Tucson Theatre

Congress Street Award: By The Numbers

Congress Street is a major cultural hub for Tucson and hosts an array of events, including the annual Tucson Jazz Fest every January. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.
Congress Street is a major cultural hub for Tucson and hosts an array of events, including the annual Tucson Jazz Fest every January. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.
  • 67 new businesses have opened along the street since 2008
  • 25 restaurants are currently operating along Congress Street, 16 of which are in historic buildings and 22 of which are locally owned or Arizona based
  • 40 years is how long the Fox Tucson Theatre sat empty before it was revived as a significant community resource
  • 12 historic buildings have had facades restored with private investment matching public funding at a ratio of 6:1
  • 4 of SunLink’s 23 stops are along the street

Congress Street Award: The Designated Area

The designated area for Congress Street extends 1.63 miles from Toole Avenue on the east, which serves as a gateway to downtown, to Silverbell Road on the west, home of the historic Menlo Park Neighborhood and the Mercado District. The street’s commercial corridor runs about four-tenths of a mile between North Church Street and East Toole Avenue.

In conclusion, I truly hope that you get a chance to take a trip downtown and checkout the newly planned and reconstructed Congress Street. There are so many things to do and plenty of fun businesses to take your money. lol 😉

Have a great day! 🙂

Tony Ray Baker & Darren Jones

Download the PDF of Planning Excellence - Congress Street

Tucson Ranks in Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
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!
1...678Page 7 of 8