University of Arizona Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
University of Arizona Genetic Counseling Graduate Program School Profile
SCHOOL PROFILE
University of Arizona
Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
Living in Tucson, AZ
What is Tucson Like?
This sun-drenched urban center draws in college students, young professionals, couples, retirees, and families; who take pleasure in many local recreational activities from photography to vintage car collecting and astronomy. Not only renowned for its unique beauty and distinctive adobe-style architecture--giving it its another moniker "Dirty T"--Tucson is known to be one of the best places to live in Arizona based on Amazon's classification as one of America's Most Well-Read Cities. With 35,000 undergraduates at the University of Arizona, this factoid may explain why Tucson annually hosts the fourth-largest book festival in the country: The Tucson Festival of Books.
Tucson, Arizona is a desirable destination for those seeking affordability. With expenses 3% below the national average and 8.8% less than the state average, this Arizonan metro is one of the most reasonably-priced urban destinations. Furthermore, with 7.9% lower costs than Phoenix – its close neighbor – and an astonishing 26% cheaper than living in Scottsdale, Tucson offers unbeatable prices. The median house price lies at a pocket-friendly $330,000; significantly below the national median sale price of $418,387. When it comes to renting apartments range from a modest $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Although the average rate for a one-bedroom residence stands at $1,279 monthly; an amount that may adjust depending on market trends or various home factors like size and style.
Tucson Offers Lots of Neighborhood Choices
Cost of Living in Tucson
Choosing a neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will face when moving to a new city. Fortunately, Tucson has a number of diverse neighborhoods to choose from, so there is something to fit any budget or lifestyle. Some of the top neighborhoods in Tucson.
Sam Hughes: This University of Arizona neighborhood radiates a collegiate atmosphere with its green parks, cozy cafés, and local restaurants that can all be reached on foot. Its tranquil streets and secure setting make it an ideal choice for students, faculty members, young professionals and even families.
Catalina Foothills: Steeped in desert land and surrounded by Santa Catalina Mountains, this neighborhood provides some of the most breathtaking views in the area. The homes are exquisitely designed to blend into their organic surroundings as well as an array of excellent eateries, stores, and art galleries in proximity.
Armory Park: Located downtown and listed in the National Register of Historic Places; Armory Park features broad avenues lined with dwellings ranging from Victorian to Territorial styles.
El Presidio Historic District: Nestled in the heart of the city is El Presidio, taking its name from the Spanish military garrison that once stood there. Stately homes from that time period have been painstakingly restored whilst the area exuberates a plethora of exquisite art and delectable food offerings. Not-to-be-missed attractions include the Tucson Museum of Art and El Charro Café, renowned for its scrumptious chimichangas and succulent margaritas.
Tucson, AZ, Quick Stats
Metro Population 1,035,063
Median Home Price $378,577
Median Age 38.9 years old
Median Monthly Rent $976
Unemployment Rate 8.3%
Average Annual Salary $52,990
Average Commute 24.6 minutes
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods of Tucson by carefully selecting a method of transport that will give you the most out of your experience. With an expansive area of up to 500 square miles, it's easy to traverse some parts on foot; however, to maximize your journey in this locale, these alternative local transportation options may be beneficial.
Experience Tucson's celebrated attractions conveniently with the Sun Link Streetcar. Stop at University of Arizona, Main Gate Square, Historic Fourth Avenue, and Congress Street to discover enticing dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Hop onboard and explore the best of what this city has to offer!
Travelers in Tucson can utilize Sun Tran and Sun Express to reach almost any destination. This convenient local bus system has been in service for more than 40 standard routes, plus several express routes, providing an intuitive web portal to assist with tracking buses and planning trips.
Lastly, Sun On-Demand: This innovative transit solution provides convenient curb-to-curb rides within select areas of Tucson. Utilize this city rideshare to reserve a seat up to one week in advance and take advantage of all its amenities as you relax and journey to your destination.
Surrounded by the sublime grandeur of the Sonoran Desert and has 350 days of sunlight a year, Tucson, Arizona is an exquisite destination for both vacationers and residents alike. Located in Pima County and home to the esteemed University of Arizona, this city is celebrated for its delectable Southwestern cuisine and some of the purest air quality for any major city. With a population of over 550,000 citizens, Tucson is second only to Phoenix and ahead of Mesa as Arizona's most populous metropolitan area.
While Tucson's desert location may come as a surprise to some, those familiar with the region's 4,000-year agricultural history find it no shock that they have received this honor.
Tucson is renowned for its delectable culinary landscape that draws influence from the city's vibrant cultural heritage. Authentic Mexican and Southwestern delicacies dominate the scene, typically featuring locally-grown ingredients to guarantee that each bite is packed with flavor. When visiting, be sure to try out classic Mexican staples like tamales and tacos, or treat yourself to some uniquely Southwestern delights such as Sonoran hot dogs and prickly pear margaritas. Culinary aficionados will revel in the numerous food festivals that occur throughout the year, most notably the Tucson Meet Yourself festival which celebrates every aspect of Tucson cuisine.
Tucson Has Amazing Food
Tucson's own El Charro Café, one of the oldest continually-operating Mexican restaurants in the area, proudly claims to be its birthplace. Legend has it that Tia Monica Flin accidentally dropped some beef tacos into a sizzling pan and, too shy to utter a profanity in front of children, coined this Mexican culinary classic. Stop by one of El Charro's three standalone locations scattered around Tucson to savor their Carne Seca Platter, flavorful Seafood Enchiladas, and of course, the renowned chimichangas.
The Tucson Festival of Books is only one of the many annual events that Tucson offers. The Fourth Avenue Street Fair, for instance, is held twice a year - once in December and again in late March/early April - along 9th Street to University Boulevard with art stands, food vendors, and varied performers. Additionally, the beloved Tucson Rodeo (Fiesta de los Vaqueros) takes place over a week-long period; so popular that schools provide students two days off in order for them to attend. A unique event held in early November is the All Souls Procession Weekend with its tribute to the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which has become one of the city's largest festivals by combining various cultural customs and displaying floats, sculptures, and memorials in a parade. Similarly, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum features live animals alongside botanical gardens and exhibits which demonstrate the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Also worth visiting is The Loft Cinema - an iconic destination for independent and foreign films as well as special occasions such as filmmaker Q&As or sing-along screenings. Last but not least is Center for Creative Photography where visitors have access to an extensive collection of photographs.
Tucson Offers Around The Year Activities
Commuting in Tucson
Tucson, nestled in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, is a remarkable landscape of towering cacti, stunning mountain ranges, and expansive deserts. This unique terrain provides a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor recreation, with several parks available nearby such as Saguaro National Park. Home to the iconic saguaro cactus, as well as a plethora of other desert flora and fauna, this renowned park offers an extraordinary experience.
Tucson is widely beloved for its breathtaking sunsets, which are admired by both tourists and locals alike. Unimpeded by clouds or other obstructions, the vibrant display of hues and light dyes the sky in majestic shades of blue, orange, and pink, offering a tranquil close to each day. This picturesque daily event is a remarkable sight that offers a calming sense of serenity.
