Relocating to Tucson? Not only does the Old Pueblo have a low cost of living with affordable Southwestern-style homes, but there are also plenty of things to do in Tucson that appeal to all age groups! Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Tucson to consider.
Armory Park
- Home Price: $243,550 median purchase price; $750 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% 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.
Broadmoor-Broadway
- Home Price: $281,650 median purchase price; $764 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 66% 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.
Civano
- Home Price: $229,700 median purchase price; $1,403 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% 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.
Old Fort Lowell
- Home Price: $188,833 median purchase price; $986 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.
Sam Hughes
- Home Price: $312,312 median purchase price; $911 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% 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 place to raise a family in Tucson. 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.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
