Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Tucson

Considering moving to Tucson? The Old Pueblo has low crime rates and budget-friendly housing options, making it a great place to live. Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Tucson to check out!

• Highland Vista Cinco Via
• Menlo Park
• Northwest
• Old Fort Lowell
• Sam Hughes

Highland Vista Cinco Via

Photo via @supalla_tucson

• Home Price: $197,650 median purchase price; $622 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Tucson neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Highland Vista Cinco Via is a great Tucson neighborhood for anyone looking for a quiet, residential place to settle down. Located about 15 minutes outside of Downtown Tucson, the Highland Vista area offers top-rated schools like Rincon High School and Sewell Elementary, close proximity to The University of Arizona, affordable Southwest-style houses, and plenty of things to do for people of all ages.

Things to Do in Highland Vista Cinco Via

Stroll the trail around the 3.3-acre green space or visit the 24/7 swimming pool at Highland Vista Park. Admire the natural beauty of Tucson Botanical Garden, once named the Best Secret Garden in America by Reader’s Digest. Shop at stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Gap at Park Place. Stop into Guadalajara’s Grill & Tequila Bar for a House Margarita and Filet Mignon Fajitas. Order Pad Thai or Honey Duck at Thai restaurant Char’s Thai. Try signature pizzas like Prosciutto & Fig, Wild Mushroom, or Chicken Pesto at local chain Sauce Pizza & Wine. Or swing into local bar Salty Dawg II for all-day happy hour on Mondays.

Menlo Park

Photo via @tucsonchoicehomes

• Home Price: $145,838 median purchase price; $645 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Tucson neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Nestled along the Santa Cruz River is Menlo Park, one of best areas to live in Tucson. This neighborhood draws residents of all types due to its central location, bountiful green space, and budget-friendly housing, but it’s particularly popular among singles and young professionals who want to live close to Downtown Tucson—which is just on the other side of the river.

Things to Do in Menlo Park

Hike up Sentinel Park Peak (also known as “A” Mountain) and have a picnic with breathtaking views of the Tucson area. See where nature and history meet at Mission Garden, a living agricultural museum that seeks to protect and highlight the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Pop into Downtown Tucson to visit the Tucson Museum of Art or catch a concert at Fox Tucson Theatre. Try traditional Sonoran dining at St. Mary’s Mexican Food—the St. Mary’s Style Nachos are too good to pass up! Settle in for brunch at Agustin Kitchen, where you can try the Blackstone Eggs Benedict or Huevos Rancheros. Or meet up with some friends for cocktails or beers on the outdoor patio at chill bar Westbound.

Northwest Tucson

Photo via @thelocalrealestategroup

• Home Price: $157,200 median purchase price; $838 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of Tucson neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals

Located just north of Downtown Tucson and The University of Arizona, Northwest Tucson is an ideal spot for young residents who want affordable housing and short commutes. Additionally, this neighborhood offers a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars—and tons of green space with Mansfield Park—to keep local residents busy.

Things to Do in Northwest Tucson

Spend some time at the gym in the Donna R Liggins Recreation Center or go for a dip in Mansfield Pool. Visit the Arizona State Museum on The University of Arizona’s campus to see exhibits about the state’s history, indigenous peoples, and more. Check out the boutiques and restaurants at Main Gate Square shopping center. Order a craft beer from the rotating tap list and dig into all kinds of barbecue dishes from brisket to short ribs at Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ. Pick up a latte and a pastry on your way to work from Presta Coffee Roasters. Or satisfy your Baja-style seafood cravings at Mexican restaurant Taco Fish—the Gordo Taco is a must-try!

Old Fort Lowell

Photo via @casacheruy

• Home Price: $188,833 median purchase price; $986 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Tucson neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy your golden years or raise kids, Old Fort Lowell might be the perfect Tucson neighborhood for you! With its low crime rate, excellent schools like Whitmore Elementary, affordable single-family homes, and close proximity to outdoor recreation at Rillito River Park, 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 unique adobe architecture. Make a trip to Fort Lowell Museum, where you can view Apache artifacts, engage with living history, or take a walking tour. Drop by the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures to see 500+ antique and contemporary roomboxes and dollhouses. Play a round of 18 holes, then grab some lunch at Tucson Country Club. Sample flavorful Indian fare like Mango Chicken or Achari Lamb at Indian Twist. Or treat yourself to south-of-the-border comfort food like Chile Relleno or Steak Fajitas at La Placita Cafe.

Sam Hughes

Photo via @fotosimmons

• Home Price: $312,312 median purchase price; $911 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Tucson neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

Historic neighborhood Sam Hughes is one of the best places in Tucson for unique Southwest-style houses and spacious lawns, so it’s a top spot for potential homebuyers and those who want a safe place to raise a family. In addition, this Tucson neighborhood is known for its good walkability, friendly community, and fun things to do for people of all ages!

Things to Do in Sam Hughes

See local comedians and national touring acts take the stage at Laff’s Comedy Cafe. Catch indie films and documentaries at nonprofit theater The Loft Cinema. Shoot hoops, take the kids to the playground, or enjoy outdoor events at the amphitheater at Himmel Park. Grab a cup of Special Blend Coffee and fill up on omelets at Laverna’s Coffee Shop. Try unique ice cream flavors like Bourbon Brittle, Cowboy Cookie, or Mississippi Mudpie at The Screamery. Experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine like Mincheta Bish and Foussulia at Zemams. Or watch the big game on TV while sipping on cold beers at Red Garter Bar & Grill.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes