Relocating to Tucson? The Old Pueblo boasts a relatively low cost of living that’s on par with the national average, making it one of the more affordable cities in Arizona. We’ve looked at many different areas to determine the best neighborhoods in Tucson—based on factors such as low crime rates, affordable housing, and quality of life. These neighborhoods provide residents with plenty of job opportunities and things to do with relative security and ease. Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Tucson to consider!
| Neighborhood | Armory Park</a | Broadmoor-Broadway | Civano | Old Fort Lowell | Sam Hughes |
| Median Home Price | $197,367 | $326,250 | $265,167 | $317,933 | $353,600 |
| Median Rent Price | $970 | $985 | $1,692 | $1,060 | $1,032 |
| Safer than % of City Neighborhoods | 86% | 86% | 83% | 86% | 86% |
| Owner-Occupied Household Rate | 23.3% | 58.4% | 85.1% | 57.5% | 59.7% |
Is Tucson a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Though the Tucson crime rate is higher than the national average, the city remains safer than 11% of Arizona cities and 8% of cities across the U.S. Safety living in Tucson varies significantly by neighborhood. While some spots closer to Downtown Tucson can experience heavy activity and higher crime, quiet residential neighborhoods are some of the safest areas in Tucson. There are several Tucson neighborhoods that offer safety and affordability while also providing access to everything you need.
Armory Park
- Home Price: $197,367 median purchase price; $970 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tucson neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking to relocate to a relaxed, family-friendly community, check out the Armory Park neighborhood! Historic Armory Park was named for the castle-like armory that once called the area home until it was demolished in the 1970s. Among the walkable streets lined with lush trees and Sonoran flora, you can find a range of affordable housing in a variety of styles, including adobe row homes, Colonial Revival, Victorian, and Spanish Revival houses as well as apartments. Armory Park is conveniently located near Downtown Tucson, and is itself home to many shops, restaurants, and centers of art and culture. Though it’s great for families, Armory Park is one of Tucson’s best neighborhoods for young professionals, too!
Things to Do in Armory Park
Play a game of bocce ball or horseshoes, attend dance and fitness classes, visit historical monuments, see concerts, and much more at Armory Park Center. Stroll the exhibits inspired by local nature and history or enroll your children in interactive programs at the Children’s Museum Tucson. Witness world-class performances of both new and classic stories, plays, and musicals at the Arizona Theatre Company. Grab your board and a helmet to take beginner’s lessons or freely grind the rails at Tucson’s indoor skate park, Premises Park. Stop by for a brunch of Huevos Rancheros or a Pork Torta at 5 Points Market & Restaurant. Start with an appetizer of the Lobster Queso Fundido or Charro Escargot before moving on to the Chef’s Cut Cortes de Carne at upscale Charro Steak & del Rey. Sample vegetarian or meat entrees with injera or rice at Eritrean and Ethiopian eatery Cafe Desta. Fill up on Southern-inspired cuisine like Jambalaya, a Smoked Pork Belly Poboy, or the Quesabirria Smash Burger at The Delta Bar & Grill.
Q: Is Tucson affordable?
A: Yes, Tucson’s cost of living matches the average of other Arizona cities and is just 1% over the national average. The cost of housing in Tucson is also nearly 10% lower than the national average. The city offers a good quality of life without the high price tag found in most larger metropolitan areas.
Broadmoor-Broadway
- Home Price: $326,250 median purchase price; $985 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tucson neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Broadmoor-Broadway is a quiet, residential neighborhood of largely Ranch homes, which are connected by walking paths lined with vibrant desert foliage supported by the Arroyo Chico River. Broadmoor-Broadway is located near the heart of the Old Pueblo, meaning that families and retirees can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while still living within walking distance of shops, parks, and restaurants. And the fact that there are plenty of things to do nearby—like exploring the Sunshine Mile or shopping at El Con Mall—is just part of what makes this such a desirable Tucson neighborhood for all ages.
Things to Do in Broadmoor-Broadway
Take a quick walk or drive over to Gene C. Reid Park, where you can make use of the playgrounds, ball fields, and dog park. Trek through multiple biomes with your family and see hundreds of different species first-hand at the Reid Park Zoo. Attend live concerts from the Tucson Pops Orchestra, marvel at dance performances, and enjoy productions of Shakespeare in the Park at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. Laugh until your sides hurt during a live stand-up set at Arizona’s oldest comedy club, Laffs Comedy Cafe. Bring home a variety of artisan breads like the Barrio Baguette, Old World Rye, and Pain au Levain from Barrio Bread. Sample brunch and lunch classics like the Copper Queen Skillet, Rhino Wrap, or Gooey Louie Gourmet Burger at Bisbee Breakfast Club. Treat yourself to a lunch of freshly-made sushi rolls like the Las Vegas, Firecracker, or Sunshine rolls from Sushi Garden. Try tasty and unique craft cocktails like the citrusy Kentucky, Thyme & Tonic, or a Oaxaca Dry Sour from SideCar.
Q: Where is the cheapest place to live in Tucson?
A: Whether you’re buying a home in Tucson or looking for a budget-friendly rental, Armory Park is an especially attractive option. This Tucson neighborhood is flush with historic housing and is within walking distance of beautiful parks, local shops, and restaurants. On top of that, it’s within walking distance of Downtown Tucson!
Civano
- Home Price: $265,167 median purchase price; $1,692 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Tucson neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families
With its diverse array of bright homes, low crime rates, and breathtaking mountain vistas, Civano is an excellent place to escape the traffic congestion, air pollution, and shrinking open spaces common to many developments. In Civano, you can live in a fusion of the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and modern progress. “Tucson’s Solar Community” was designed to be both highly walkable and energy efficient, using solar power and water conservation to provide a sustainable haven for residents. If you’re looking for a quiet place to settle down with your family, consider this Tucson neighborhood!
Things to Do in Civano
Hike miles of well-maintained trails on foot or go mountain biking at Fantasy Island Mountain Bike Park. Book a horseback trail ride, enjoy happy hour, or wander the Antique and Vintage Fair at nearby Medella Vina Ranch. Give your children the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally, and artistically at Tucson’s premier dance academy, Ballet Rincon. Play tennis, go for a swim, help keep the community garden thriving, and more at the Civano Neighborhood Center and Community Garden. Satisfy your cravings with BBQ Ribs, Corn Bread, and Pulled Pork from YaMama’s Soul Food Restaurant. Take a short drive to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine like the Stuffed Quesadilla, Big Daddy Tostada, or Chicken Fajitas from El Coronado. Snag a variety of delicious treats like the Tender Carrot Cake, Chocolate Overload, or Classic Red Velvet cupcakes from Our Sweet Lil’ Cakery. Or have a unique dining experience with slasher-themed meals like the American Psycho Sandwich, Hannibal Cheesesteak, or Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pizza at Serial Grillers.
Q: Is Tucson more affordable than Phoenix?
A: Yes, living in Tucson is slightly more affordable than Phoenix, since the cost of living in Phoenix is 6% higher than the national average. Both cities are significantly less expensive than more affluent Arizona cities, including Scottsdale and Sedona.
Old Fort Lowell
-
- Home Price: $317,933 median purchase price; $1,060 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tucson neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Old Fort Lowell might be the perfect Tucson neighborhood for those looking to find a home in a quiet area that still has plenty to do. Both in and around this urban-suburban mixed community, you can find excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and historical points of interest—as well as outdoor recreation at Rillito River Park! With its low crime rate, excellent schools like Whitmore Elementary and The Gregory School, and budget-friendly Sonoran Ranch and bungalow homes, safe, affordable Old Fort Lowell is one of the best places to live in Tucson.
Things to Do in Old Fort Lowell
Visit the iconic San Pedro Chapel to view the building’s historic adobe architecture, which hosts weddings, lectures, exhibits, and more. Stop by to appreciate classic car designs or enter your own vehicle at the Tucson Classics Car Show. Explore over 500 antique and modern roomboxes, dollhouses, and other unique exhibits at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Spend a day with family or friends picnicking, swimming, playing tennis, or learning about local history at Fort Lowell Park. Stop by for a brunch of Spiced Chai Brioche French Toast, the LeBuzz Breakfast Sandwich, or Smashed Avocado Tartine Toast at LeBuzz. Sample flavorful Indian fare like Chicken Tikka Masala or the vegetarian-friendly Aloo Gobi at Indian Twist. Treat yourself to south-of-the-border comfort food like Green Corn Sunrise Tamales, Steak Fajitas, or Mexican Pizza at La Placita Cafe. Or try East Coast-inspired bar fare like Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Gold Canyon Sliders, or a Cajun Philly from Trident Grill II.
Q: Where is the safest place to live in Tucson?
A: Old Fort Lowell, Sam Hughes, and Broadmoor-Broadway are some of the safest Tucson neighborhoods. Known for their friendly communities and residential feel, these peaceful neighborhoods provide easy access to local amenities like parks, shops, and great Tucson schools—and they’re within minutes of some of the city’s most exciting activities!
Sam Hughes
-
-
- Home Price: $353,600 median purchase price; $1,032 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tucson neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
-
If you’re looking for apartments, bungalows, Mid-Century Modern homes, and gorgeous Southwestern architecture, the historic neighborhood of Sam Hughes is one of the most desirable places to live in Tucson! Located close to the University of Arizona and boasting plenty of brew pubs and sports bars, this affordable area is a great place for students to live, as well as those who want a safe and affordable area in Tucson to raise a family. The centerpiece of the neighborhood, Himmel Park, provides a great outlet for outdoor activities in Tucson. In addition, this Tucson neighborhood is known for its walkability and bikeability, friendly residents, and fun things to do for people of all ages!
Things to Do in Sam Hughes
Get some fresh air and bring friends or family to play on the playground, catch a concert in the natural amphitheater, dive into a book at the library, or take a dip in the pool at Himmel Park. Head over to the University of Arizona camps to view mineral collections, interactive exhibits, laser shows, and more at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. Take a visually satisfying trip through the past as you explore historically significant signs and sign art at the Ignite Sign Art Museum, a 2022 recipient of the Arizona Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award. Catch an indie film, documentary, or cult classic at nonprofit movie theater The Loft Cinema. Grab a cup of Specialty Coffee and a Spanish Omelet or a stack of Banana Pecan Pancakes at Laverna’s Coffee Shop. Dig into a slice of Chicago-style stuffed pizza like the Big Bad Wolf, Kitchen Sink, or Veggie Pizza from Rocco’s Little Chicago. Catch a Wildcats (NCAA D-1) game with friends over dinner must-haves—like The World Famous Bob Burger! Grilled Pastrami Reuben, or a Build-Your-Own “Ditka” Dog at Bob Dobb’s Bar & Grill. Or try unique ice cream treats like the Ice Cream Nachos and Scream Sundae—or split the enormous ice cream-topped Farmhouse cookie—at The Screamery.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Tucson for singles and young professionals?
A: Sam Hughes is a top area for singles and young professionals due to its charming homes, friendly vibe, and proximity to college activities and nightlife on the University of Arizona campus. This Tucson neighborhood provides a blend of safety and opportunity, which makes it perfect for singles and young professionals.
***
Relocating to Tucson? With convenient self storage facilities located throughout the Tucson area, Extra Space Storage is here to help with your transition. Find a storage unit near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
