Arizona's biggest small town . . . and riddled wit
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1/5/2008
Tucson is known as Arizona's biggest small town and it sure feels that way when you move here. Despite having close to a million people living in the area,it seems like everyone knows everyone. You get a sense that it is a tight knit community full of nice people. Not a day will go by that someone won't stop to let you get out into traffic.
The problem with Tucson is the enormous proliferation of drugs, and not just among the younger residents or lower income population. It seems like just about everyone has an issue with illegal drugs, whether they are an abuser, dealer, or negatively impacted by a family member struggling with addiction.
Sadly, this doesn't really hit you until after you've lived here a few years. When you drive around during the day, and take a good look at who is out and walking around, it is often adult males clearly under the influence of something.
And if you are are a single woman of any age looking to date, this is what will be polluting the pool of prospective mates. There are nice men out there, but you have to wade through so many unemployed, drug addicted, alcoholic or mentally ill rejects to find them, that most people quickly give up the idea.
Another blight on Tucson is rarely discussed, but it is a lack of structure in the zoning code. It doesn't matter where you live, you can have a half-way house for criminals or the mentally-ill next door. You can have a beautiful home in a family-oriented neighborhood and have a crack haven apartment complex across the street. Poverty abounds.
The one thing I did notice about Tucson before I moved here was the number of homes with security doors and metal grates on the windows. Almost every single home seemed to be locked down. When I asked, it was because of the incredibly high property crime rate. No doubt, this is driven by the insane drug trade in the community.
Most of the people are good folks, but the festering problems of this community negate so many of the positive aspects -- the beautiful weather, the rich culture, the proud heritage.
I'm looking to move.
Randy | Tucson, AZ