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.

Cities with the Fastest Job Growth

Tony Ray Baker
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Cities with the Fastest Job Growth
We Love Tucson's Playful Architecture, Cities with the Fastest Job Growth

Cities with the Fastest Job Growth

Via an article published August 16, 2016 in Bloomberg.com, an economist, Jed Kolko, “who specializes in U.S. cities and the future of work, points out that mid-sized cities, such as Tucson, Arizona and Seattle, Washington, continue to see fast job growth, but the San Francisco Bay area has fallen out of the top 10.” Tucson ranks number 3 overall on the list, beating out Austin, TX and Seattle, WA.

You can see the Bloomberg article of The Cities With the Fastest Job Growth, and let me know if I can assist you in finding a home in Tucson, so you can get in on this amazing opportunity. I specialize in the downtown area but I can certainly help you find a home anywhere in town, central, northwest, east, and south sides.”Better job security is fueling real estate demand in the south, and a corresponding pick-up in home-builder sentiment. This new construction boom in Tucson has already begun, especially with the revitalization and expansion of Tucson’s booming downtown.”

To give you an idea of the expected job growth in Tucson I was recently at a Downtown Growth and Development seminar (October 2016) and theses were the reported statistics relating to jobs coming to Tucson and below this chart of innovative companies who are or will be headquartered in Tucson.

Prospective Employers Shortlisted or Serious Consideration
Industry Employees Average Wage
Engineering / Manufacturing 1,975 $110,000
Engineering 170 $150,000
Manufacturing 40 $60,000
Professional Services 75 – 100 $75,000
Aerospace and Defense 1,000 $40,000
Manufacturing 60 $46,000
Advanced Services 192 $50,000
Manufacturing 31 $102,000
Total Jobs / Average Wage 3,543 $79,100

Awesome Tucson Companies

Accelerate 120 jobs

Taken from Accelerate’s website: “Accelerate Diagnostics is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Set at the base of the majestic Catalina mountain range, Tucson is called “science city” and was recently named one of America’s most innovative cities by Forbes Magazine. The community is quickly becoming a biotech and diagnostics hub, with companies such as Roche, Sanofi Aventis, Syncardia, and HTG Molecular, among others, driving biotech job growth of over 33%.”

Home Goods 900 jobs

ADP 450 jobs

Caterpillar 1,000 jobs

Caterpillar moving it’s headquarters to Tucson will not only provide many new job opportunities, but will also ensure lots of new construction for an overall economic boom! Get ready. Their new office will be located right downtown.

Comcast 1,100 job

World View 400 jobs

You’ve got to check out this innovative company. Here’s just one sentence from their website. “World View is leading the way in the emerging stratospheric economy, offering an innovative and affordable high-altitude flight platform that is transforming access to space.”

I hope you enjoyed discovering a bit more about Tucson. It’s no surprise that Tucson is ranked as one of the Cities with the Fastest Job Growth because many many exciting plans are underway and what I shared with here, is only the tip of the iceberg.

Download the PDF of Bloomberg's The Cities With the Fastest Job Growth

Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tony Ray Baker
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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!

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