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
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
Let’s look at some of the statistics.
What You Need To Know
It’s located in Tucson, obviously the best city in Arizona by far.
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.
Catalina also boasts a 98% graduation rate, that’s the highest in the state!
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.
If you ask Tucson music fans and artists alike they will tell you: Tucson is a great music town.
Best Music City: Tucson, AZ
A national survey released in 2016 shows that we’re better than great: We are really, really great.
In the list of top music cities in the United States, Tucson comes in seventh overall. Yay Confetti!
In the regional rankings, Tucson is second overall, right behind Austin, Texas — to which Tucson is often compared to.
The Value Penguin does demographically-based consumer lists and this is what they found about music cities in the U.S.:
• Tucson Ranked 7th Overall Nationally
Nashville, Tennessee
Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
Seattle, Washington
Madison, Wisconsin
Austin, Texas
Albany-Schenectady, New York
Tucson, Arizona
*Phoenix-Mesa landed at 103rd overall.
• Tucson ranked 2nd regionally, right behind Austin and before Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Tucson tanked to the bottom of the pile though, for having the most radio stations, coming in at 104 on the list of 200 cities
• We are number 39 for the number of record stores.
• Tucson came in 31st for the percentage of the population with music degrees.
The Value Penguin study evaluated 200 metropolitan areas using statistical data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Thrillist, the Burau of Labor Statistics and several media surveys including USA Today and Travel & Leisure.
Here is a PDF of the original article if you’d like to see it.
https://www.valuepenguin.com/2016/best-cities-music-fans
The Tucson Music Scene, from a Local’s Perspective
To expand on this article’s findings, as a Tucsonan, I can provide you with some first-hand feedback about the music scene. If I were going to describes Tucson’s music scene with a movie title I’d name it, Boogy Nights.
From local musicians – to emerging underground artists – to the biggest names in music, you will find it all here.
Geography
Simply thinking about geography, Tucson is a convenient travel stop next to L.A., San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Tucson ranked best music city in USA
Artists Love the Crowd at Tucson, Unless they Tell that to Everybody…
Not only is Tucson a convenient stop, but artists say they love coming to Tucson because the crowd gives them all “the feels”.
This isn’t a surprise to me — Tucsonans are friendly, energetic and love to dance. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a good community and then to show artists and visitors what we’re all about.
Intimate Venues
If big crowds aren’t your thing and you are more into the private party style vibe, you’ll appreciate how the style is in Tucson. You won’t have to fight LA style crowds here and smaller venues = better views.
Tucson Music Venues
One of Tucson’s most popular music venues is the Rialto Theater, and it has a capacity of 1,200 people making it a small-big venue. This historic venue is congruent with Tucson in the same way that Tucson is a big city with a small-town vibe (Tucson’s population: 500,000 people).
There are many popular Tucson venues that are a lot smaller than The Rialto, like Hotel Congress, The Rock, Flycatcher, Solar Culture, 191 Toole and many more. Bigger venues are also present in Tucson like the Fox Theater, Tucson Convention Center, Casino del Sol and The Pima County Fairgrounds.
Proximity to Other Happening Places
Did you know that Phoenix is the 6th largest city in America? The drive to get there is easy and simple, a nice straight-shot up I-10 for about 75 minutes will open up another world. Enjoy the happenings and amenities of this big city and then return home to your quiet, safe, better-weathered community (Yes, Tucson has better weather than Phoenix, it’s cooler.). When the moment strikes for different adventures, you also have Vegas, San Diego, and L.A. all in close proximity for a road trip or a short flight.
Smaller Town Lifestyle with Big City Amenities
This is what Tucson is known for. It’s easy to have the best of all worlds living in Tucson. You get small town community with all the big city action coming straight to Tucson and nearby.
Do you want to learn about upcoming concerts in Tucson? Here’s a music meetup group and you can also check our events calendar.
Are you wanting to know even more about Tucson? Do you think Tucson might be a good place for you to live? I am a Tucson realtor with a passion and appreciation for this city. There are many articles on this site for you to go through to learn more and I am happy to help you learn more about Tucson and maybe even help pick out the perfect home for you. As one of the most affordable places to live in the country, home prices are low, making the point-of-entry to own a home actually accessible. There really are some great reasons why you should consider Tucson to build your life, home and business. I’d love to talk with you.
Take care of yourself and if we don’t speak on the phone soon, I will see you on the dance floor.
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.
Tucson has earned the prestigious title of the #1 Best Mountain Town according to WeGoDating.com, and it’s no surprise why. This desert gem offers a rare combination of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an affordable lifestyle that appeals to families, singles, and retirees alike. Whether you’re drawn to Tucson for its majestic mountain views, year-round sunny skies, or its welcoming sense of community, it’s a place that truly has it all.
Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountains. These iconic landscapes create the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and stargazing, while also providing a sense of serenity that only a mountain town can deliver. From its outdoor adventures to its lively downtown, Tucson offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends relaxation and excitement.
With a weather score of 94, Tucson’s climate is one of its greatest assets. Boasting 350 days of sunshine each year, the city is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. Imagine spending your weekends hiking through the Saguaro National Park, biking scenic desert trails, or simply soaking in the warm Arizona sun. Winters are mild, with average lows around 40°F, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round without the chill of harsh winter conditions.
Tucson also ranks as the sunniest mountain town on the list, offering an unmatched opportunity to live life outdoors. Whether it’s attending local festivals under a clear blue sky or exploring hidden desert gems, the city inspires a sense of adventure in everyone who visits. Plus, with Tucson’s low annual snowfall, residents can enjoy mountain living without the challenges of shoveling snow or icy conditions.
Affordable Living Without Compromise
Tucson offers a lifestyle that combines quality and affordability, making it an appealing option for individuals and families alike. With a family cost of living at $6,120 per month and $2,933 for individuals, Tucson is one of the most affordable destinations among mountain towns. Its affordability score of 67 ensures that residents can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Beyond the numbers, Tucson delivers incredible value. Residents benefit from low healthcare costs, ranked among the lowest in the nation, as well as an affordable housing market that allows newcomers to find their perfect desert retreat. Whether you’re starting a family, retiring, or seeking a fresh start, Tucson offers the opportunity to live comfortably while enjoying everything this vibrant city has to offer.
Tucson’s charm extends far beyond its natural beauty and affordability. The city boasts a lively downtown filled with unique restaurants, art galleries, and cultural festivals that reflect its diverse and welcoming community. From the world-famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show to the colorful All Souls Procession, there’s always something exciting happening in this dynamic city.
Food lovers will also feel right at home in Tucson, which was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its unique Southwestern flavors and farm-to-table culinary scene. Whether you’re dining at a trendy downtown café or savoring authentic Sonoran cuisine, Tucson’s food culture is as rich and diverse as its history.
Tucson is a community where people connect, celebrate, and thrive. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and warm, sunny weather, it’s no wonder Tucson continues to attract newcomers from across the country.
Tucson isn’t just the #1 mountain town—it’s a city where you can create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, a welcoming community, or a place to enjoy affordable and sunny living, Tucson has it all.
📦 Secure your free relocation package today to learn more about why Tucson is the perfect place to call home. Or, better yet, reach out to Tony Ray Baker directly at 520-631-8669 to explore everything Tucson has to offer. From finding the perfect neighborhood to answering all your questions about life in Tucson, Tony Ray is ready to help you take the next step toward your dream life in the #1 mountain town.
