Review of Tucson, Arizona

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Once tolerable but not so much now

- 10/9/2020
I've resided in Tucson for about a dozen years and have watched a city whose economy that much to be desired to begin with deteriorate that much more. This in the face of sharply escalating apartment rents and housing prices thanks overwhelmingly to the never ending onslaught of Californians relocating here on a daily basis. The cost of living here is sharply increasing for many goods and services as well. Pay here even for many white collar jobs is abysmal, consider this..the average income in Tucson hovers around $32-36K per year depending on if you work in the city or somewhere else in Pima county. The University of Arizona, Tucson's largest employer averages only slightly over $36K a year, or put another way..25% less than Phoenix and $17K below the national average. Add to that high property crime and vandalism, and throw in quite a bit of violent crime also. Don't stop there, Tucson now has its fair share of traffic congestion, not like LA or Houston granted but since there is no main highway or major road that traverses the city you're left with backed up city streets. Let's not forgot the people. Tucson used to be a town filled with mostly low key easy going friendly people, those days are long gone. Increasingly you will find rude self absorbed people that will walk all over you and take advantage of you in an instant. Lastly Tucson is warming virtually every year, 12 of last 14 have been the warmest on record. Don't believe me, ask the researchers in the U of A Dept of Atmospheric Science. Tucson even a decade ago was tolerable but that ship has sailed. Basically Tucson is turning into another Phoenix while Phoenix is turning into another LA. As for me I'm looking to relocate to...of all places West Texas, not a great area but arguably better than watching Tucson quality of life go down hill that much more every month. Do yourself a favor bypass Tucson, there are so many other habitable places to reside.
Moore | Tucson, AZ