What you should know before moving to Tucson
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7/9/2007
-Weather - I grew up in Tucson, so the hot weather doesn't bother me. However, I have had friends that moved to Tucson and had to be hospitalized for heat stroke or dehydration - be careful, it only takes a few hours in this weather! Summer lasts from about April to October. It then starts getting colder. No snow, but it gets below freezing at night.
-Recreation - The UA offers athletic games, museums, and some academic related activities for the community. There are several National Parks if you enjoy hiking and sight-seeing. Most concerts, shows, and athletic events are in Phoenix, which is about an hour and a half away. It's too hot to do things outside most of the year. Kids are always super tan from swimming all summer!
-Education - The UA is a great deal for a University Education. However, the public school system is not very good. It's ranked one of the lowest in the country. Catalina Foothills is probably the best public schools you will find here, but this is also one of the most expensive areas to live in. We educate illegal aliens and thus, have had to lower the bar to meet all students' needs (Thank Bush for No Child Left Behind).
-Government - Illegal immigration is an enormous problem here. Healthcare is in shambles because illegals come over for free medical care - they have no money and can't be turned away. Water shortages get so severe in the summer, residents are asked not to water plants and to abstain from using water during certain hours.
-Construction is everywhere. You would think this was Boston's Big Dig, but actually we just don't know what we're doing and it takes years to redo an intersection or just widen a street. I'm serious, no embellishments. Check out the I-10 makeover (our only highway). We are widening a section of our freeway, which spans several miles. All midtown exits are closed for 3 years.
-Age - This is a retirement town!!!! Do not move here if you are a young professional, there is nothing to do.
sara | Casas Adobes, AZ