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!

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.

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!

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.