Best Neighborhoods in Tucson, Arizona

Tucson isn't just a place to admire the desert from an air-conditioned window. West University puts the University of Arizona and the streetcar close by, while downtown offers a more grown-up mix of restaurants, work, and nightlife. El Presidio is worth exploring for its older streets and layered local history; it's a different Tucson from the student-heavy blocks near campus.

For more space, the calculation changes. The Catalina Foothills offers a foothill setting and larger-home options, while Dove Mountain, north of the city, appeals to people drawn to golf and desert scenery. Both ask you to think seriously about driving time. In Tucson, the mountain backdrop may be constant, but your daily commute certainly isn't.

West University

College Students

West University actually borders the University of Arizona so for convenience it is hard to beat. There is plenty of shopping and cheap, good grub and the streetcar runs through the neighborhood making it easy to getting downtown or into the University. Sam Hughes is another popular choice, centrally located between Downtown and the UofA, it’s a popular choice for the youngsters who want convenient access to the Downtown scene as much as school.

  • West University
  • Sam Hughes
  • Hedrick Acres
  • Starr Pass
  • Downtown

Downtown

Young Professionals

Most young professionals will start their search in the City Center area. It’s a bit pricier than some of the more college-heavy neighborhoods but for those who want a walk/bike to work, tons of restaurants/bars and coffee shops, and a cool boutique shopping and arts scene this is going to be on your list. The aforementioned Sam Hughes is also popular. It’s kind of at the nexus of all sorts of different communities: plenty of college kids, young professionals, but also families drawn to the beautiful old homes.

  • Downtown
  • Sam Hughes
  • Armory Park
  • El Presidio

El Presidio

Young Families

One of the most interesting neighborhoods in Tucson is El Presidio. Multi-culturally diverse, and one of the few neighborhoods in America in which Native American languages are spoken, it has an interesting mix of long-time residents, new young professionals drawn to the art galleries and arts scene, and young families who appreciate the inexpensive housing and are looking for an interesting cultural experience. Another interesting option is Marana, a small town on the edge of the city. It has inexpensive but newly built, bigger homes. It also has a high percentage of college-educated residents, and tons of people who work in the burgeoning tech season. Commuting to downtown is an issue but you get easier access to the great outdoor scene.

  • El Presidio
  • Manana
  • Sam Hughes

Sam Hughes

Established Families

Catalina Foothills is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Tucson and with good reason. In addition to have the largest footprint homes in the city it also has some of the best schools, upscale shopping and arts scene, and an excellent safety score for parents who worry about their kiddos biking around the blocks.
Catalina Foothills

  • Sam Hughes
  • Civano
  • Dove Mountain

Dove Mountain

Empty Nesters/Retirees

Dove Mountain has become a hot destination for retirees due to the building of a beautiful new golf course and club at the base of the Tortolito Mountains. It’s just north of the city so access to downtown requires hitting the freeway but it is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Tucson being at the base of the mountains and plenty of hiking and biking trails in the neighborhood and easily accessible beyond. It also has mix of affordable and expensive homes, accommodating to whatever income, fixed or otherwise, people are depending on.

  • Dove Mountain