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Best City for Creatives, Writers and Artists

Tony Ray Baker
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Best City for Creatives, Writers and Artists
Tucson Voted Best City for Artists and Creatives
Tucson Voted Best City for Artists and Creatives

10 Cities That Creatives Should Move to That Are Not NYC or L.A.

With lush areas, that cater to rich people and a happening downtown attracting young adults in groves,  you’d never imagine it, but Tucson, Ariz. is becoming a great place for up-and-coming creatives to live.

Home to one of the country’s most fun party schools, that is paradoxically studious– The University of Arizona has been attracting the best and the brightest creatives to Tucson for years. Artists of all types who are catering to younger crowds are flourishing. But the city is also slick with wild wild west, cowboy, gunslingin’ desert history perfect for the budding mystery novelist. While the sun is down and the co-eds are at play, the thriving downtown music scene wherein artists like Calexico were born offers cheap amenities to up-and-coming bands plus primo weather for open-air shows and lugging gear back-and-forth as you please.

Located so close to L.A., San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix, Tucson has become a must-stop destination for all the big name musicians traveling through. Imagine seeing your favorite artist or DJ in an intimate venue with your closest friends? A luxury, a small, big city like Tucson can afford.

Tucson is quickly establishing itself in the technology world

Collaborative work spaces, trendy internet cafes, hole in the wall gems decorate the thriving, growing downtown area where you’ll find artist studios, galleries and performance venues. The magic of building community is a blossoming value to be discovered. There’s a reason they say Tucson is a small town in a big city.

Ramshackle mid-century hotels line the downtown streets and create an air of playful adventure. The historic, local favorite, Hotel Congress comes packaged with a story about being John Dillinger’s hide-out, a venue, and diner vibes near the trendy 4th Avenue.

Just imagine that Phoenix is like Dallas and Tucson is like Austin, only in a much cooler area, because, hello? Road trip to SoCal, and Las Vegas!

Complex.com’s list of the 10 Cities That Creatives Should Move to that aren’t LA or NYC:

  1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
  2. New Bedford, Mass.
  3. Providence, R.I.
  4. Tucson, Ariz.
  5. Athens, GA
  6. Hartford, Conn.
  7. Santa Cruz, Calif.
  8. Santa Fe, New Mex.
  9. Louisville, KY
  10. Big Sur, Calif.

Download Complex.com's List of the Top 10 Cities Creatives Should Move To

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. This national treasure can be found on both the east and west sides of Tucson. Nearly 2 million of the namesake cacti call these 2 parcels of land home and give our desert its distinctive look.
A plaque at the Saguaro National Park displays the cacti growth
A trail plaque from the 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.
Saguaro National Park volunteers put on backpacks
Saguaro National Park volunteers get ready to tackle buffalo grass. Emma Gibson/AZPM
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.

UArizona: A Stellar Leader in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Tony Ray Baker
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UArizona: A Stellar Leader in Astronomy and Astrophysics

For five consecutive years, the University of Arizona (UArizona) has held the prestigious title of being ranked No. 1 in astronomy and astrophysics by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This accolade is more than just a feather in the cap for UArizona; it symbolizes the university’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery. But what does this mean for our community? It means living in a city that’s a beacon of innovation, education, and opportunity, drawing some of the brightest minds to Tucson. Let’s delve into what makes UArizona a powerhouse in these fields and why it matters to us all.

Leading the Way with Groundbreaking Research

UArizona’s dominance in astronomy and astrophysics is underpinned by significant financial investments. With over $123 million dedicated to these fields annually, the university’s expenditures account for a staggering 15% of all U.S. spending in this category​ (University of Arizona News)​. This funding fuels groundbreaking projects that not only advance scientific knowledge but also place Tucson at the heart of global space research.

One of the university’s crowning achievements is its role in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project. UArizona scientists developed the Near-Infrared Camera, a critical instrument for the JWST, which will provide unparalleled views of distant galaxies, potentially transforming our understanding of the universe​ (University of Arizona News)​. This is just one example of the high-impact research conducted at UArizona, demonstrating why it consistently ranks at the top.

In addition to its No. 1 ranking in astronomy and astrophysics, UArizona excels across various scientific domains. The university is ranked No. 6 in NASA-funded activities and No. 7 in physical sciences​ (University of Arizona News)​. These rankings highlight the breadth of UArizona’s research capabilities and its pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing scientific questions of our time.

A Community Enriched by Diversity and Innovation

UArizona’s accolades extend beyond research expenditures and rankings. The university is celebrated for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly its high enrollment of Hispanic students, earning it the designation of a Hispanic-Serving Institution​ (University of Arizona News)​. This inclusive approach enriches the academic and research environment, fostering a community where diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity.

Discover More About Tucson and Its Treasures

The achievements of UArizona in astronomy and astrophysics are a source of pride for Tucson and a testament to the city’s role as a hub of scientific excellence. But there’s so much more to discover in Tucson. From vibrant dining scenes and unique cocktail bars to comfortable hotels for your stay, Tucson offers a wealth of experiences for residents and visitors alike.

If you’re considering making Tucson your home, we invite you to explore our accolades section on SeeTucsonHomes.com. There, you’ll find all the information you need, including our free relocation package, to make an informed decision about moving to this incredible city. Tucson is not just a place; it’s a community brimming with opportunities and excitement, waiting for you to join.

For more information about UArizona’s space program and other accolades, visit UArizona Research, Innovation & Impact and stay connected with the latest updates on Tucson’s vibrant offerings.

Congress Street Award

Tony Ray Baker
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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
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