Congress Street Award

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
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

Tucson Gen Z Haven: Discover Why It’s #6 Among the Best Places to Live

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
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

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
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

Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
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!

1234...8Page 3 of 8