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 Ranked the Coolest City in Arizona

jamesportis
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Tucson Ranked the Coolest City in Arizona

According to thediscoverer.com Tucson ranks as the coolest city in Arizona! While we aren’t surprised let’s take a look at what they think makes u the coolest city in the state.

Tucson is the Coolest City in Arizona
Tucson is the Coolest City in Arizona

Winery & Vineyards

Hannah's Hill Vineyards
Hannah’s Hill Vineyards
  1. Hannah’s Hill Vineyards – Hannah’s specializes in small batch and estate wines. The owners are always around and happy to chat with you while enjoying views of a sprawling vista.
  2. Charron Winery– Charron’s is famous in the area for it’s white and dry merlots. With over 16 craft wines available you’re sure to find something that pleases your pallet.
  3. Old Pueblo Cellars– This boutique vineyard thrives amongst the desert heat and monsoon gales. Their tasting room is open by appointment, and we highly recommend.

Craft Breweries

  1. Pueblo Vida Brewing– This company not only has amazing beers but it’s focused on sustainability and doing their best to be great brewers and great people for Tucson.
  2. Borderlands Brewing– Located downtown this taproom & brewery boasts an amazing selection. Grab a drink then take in the sights of beautiful downtown Tucson.
  3. 1912 Brewing– This place has a relaxed atmosphere and creative beers to drink. They also partner with the delicious local Tucson Tamale Company and you don’t want to miss those pairings!

Southwestern Cuisine

El Charro Steakhouse
El Charro Steakhouse
  1. El Charro Café– this quaint restaurant is a converted house located in downtown, the food is so good it spawned El Charro Steakhouse and El Charro del Rey.
  2. Guadalajara Grill– this restaurant has atmosphere to spare, everything on the menu is delicious and you must try their table side mole and custom salsas.
  3. Boca Taco y Tequila– this place is a must try. Not only do they have a rare meats day (if feel like trying kangaroo,) the main chef and founder Maria Mazon competed on Top Chef season 18 so you know it’s got to be great!

The Arts Scene

  1. Mural Mania– Tucson boasts one of the best mural games in the country. There are always new beautiful pieces going up and many contain a message as well. Toole Shed Studios on 6th and Toole have their entire East wall painted in BLM, 1st American, and Mexicana culture.
  2. 1st Saturday Art Walks– You guessed it, every 1st Saturday from 5-9 downtown galleries open up their studios and art spaces to the public. See cool art and maybe take some home.
Download the PDF of TheDiscoverer.com’s Top Cities in Each State

Tucson AZ One of the Best Cities for Millennials

Tony Ray Baker
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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

Download the Time Magazine / Money Best Cities for Millennials

La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Tony Ray Baker
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La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Congratulations to local paneria La Estrella Bakery on their national coverage by the Washington Post! Their article covers the making and baking of pan de muerto, a staple offering for Tucson’s Dia de los Muertos. Day of the dead.

La Estrella Bakery has been a Tucson touchstone since they opened 35 years ago on Halloween. “We actually opened on Oct. 31, 1985, just in time for Día de los Muertos,” Erica Franco told the WP. And we are so glad they did! Estrella is one of the top bakeries in Tucson and we are not surprised they’ve made headlines nationally.

The Ofrenda

If you’re new to the area, firstly welcome, and don’t know what Dia de los Muertos is don’t worry. We’re here to give you the basics. This holiday is celebrated primarily in Mexico and Latin America, but here in Tucson is holds a special place in our hearts. Since 1990 Tucson celebrates with an All Souls Procession. 

This holiday honors the lives of loves we have lost. Outside of the spectacle of the procession many make altars to dead loved ones. The Ofrenda. Lots of things can go on an altar, photos, mementos, and candy as examples. But many choose the pan de muerto, for which La Estrella Bakery is famous for. 

The bread takes its sweet time rising (pun intended.) Then it’s pulled and stretched into loaves or mini cakes with strips of dough meant to resemble bones on top. Once it rises again it goes into the oven to bake. Once out the delicious pastries get a generous brushing of locally sourced honey and cinnamon. You can stop there or use the sticky glaze as glue for brightly colored sugar crystals. 

If you don’t want one by now go read the Washington Post article or enjoy a PDF of the article below! Then run down to La Estrella Bakery to find out for yourself what all the buzz is about. 

La Estrella Bakery

520-741-0656

5266 S. 12th Ave

 & 100 S. Avenida Del Convento

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