Better place to live and play, Phoenix or Tucson? Why?

[RainShadow]

Looking at Tucson for affordable golf and proximity to the local mountains for hiking and camping. Housing seems less expensive ther as well.

Asking for the WRX perspective........Thanks

[az2au]

Phoenix is a major city. Tucson isn't. Both are close enough after that IMO. If I lived in Tucson I would miss all of the other stuff we do in Phoenix, i.e., major league sports teams, restaurants, concerts, other activities that don't exist in Tucson as well. Hiking and golf are pretty much my two biggest hobbies and there's ample amounts of both in either location.

[ctmason_98]

Lived in Phoenix for 13 years -- been gone about two now. For the plethora of golf available you really can't beat Phoenix probably anywhere in the country (even FL). I don't know about the last two years, but Tucson in many areas was more expensive than Phoenix, of course depending on area.

 

Tucson is beautiful and a wonderful place to visit, but a much smaller town and the numbers of things to do there eventually are limited. For us, having access to a lot of different specialty medical care options (most notably Mayo Clinic) was important.

 

Obviously it all depends on what you like. If you don't mind living in a big, sprawling metro area, then Phoenix is your place. And I always found the BBQ to be better in Phoenix!

[Arizonalefty59]

I honestly think that Tucson is extremely underrated as a golf city. Granted there aren't as many options as you do in Phoenix but you have a solid set of municipals and some unbelievable desert courses down here. The prices are a lot cheaper down here as well.

 

From a living standpoint, I would look into the Foothills down here or maybe even Oro Valley and Marana. I love Tucson to death, but there is an exorbitant amount of crime that goes on down here. I live in Marana.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

[LightBearer]

It is my goal to move down here from New England once im done with college and have saved some cash. So I appreciate this thread and the input much. I have done a good bit of homework trying to understand the area more, but...

 

Azlefty, question for you, or others:

 

Is Oro Valley significantly more expensive than Tucson? From what I understand, Tucson south of UofA gets pretty sketchy, so I'd aim for something in the north side of the city, but Oro Valley has always piqued my interest. I dont mean to make it into a citydata thread, but would appreciate your insight.

 

Thanks much.

[RainShadow]

I honestly think that Tucson is extremely underrated as a golf city. Granted there aren't as many options as you do in Phoenix but you have a solid set of municipals and some unbelievable desert courses down here. The prices are a lot cheaper down here as well.

 

From a living standpoint, I would look into the Foothills down here or maybe even Oro Valley and Marana. I love Tucson to death, but there is an exorbitant amount of crime that goes on down here. I live in Marana.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Thanks.....

When I look into golf and housing prices, it's pretty inviting. The Muni set up especially looks to be a great deal. Buy one of those passes and then spend a little once a month play one of the resorts.

It seems there is a good network of bike paths throughout the area as well.

[kadillackountry]

If you are retired and don't care about the offerings of a major municipality then Tucson is fine. If you enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, music, arts, etc, then Tucson doesn't compete from a city standpoint.

[vallygolf]

Phoenix is a major city. Tucson isn't. Both are close enough after that IMO. If I lived in Tucson I would miss all of the other stuff we do in Phoenix, i.e., major league sports teams, restaurants, concerts, other activities that don't exist in Tucson as well. Hiking and golf are pretty much my two biggest hobbies and there's ample amounts of both in either location.

 

 

 

 

^^^This. If you really want diverse recreation, the more expensive Phoenix is worth the extra hassle of city living. If you want more kicked back quality of life with golf and nature for less money Tucson will not disappoint. I lived in Tucson for 4 years, and have lived in the Phoenix area for 17 years. I loved living in both for various reasons. Interestingly, I see you are in Colorado currently. I also lived there for about 6 years, and while I enjoyed it very much, I would choose Tucson or Phoenix any day. Good Luck.

[fore_life]

Is Prescott an option?

[RainShadow]

Is Prescott an option?

Very limited employment options for me in Radiology there.

Wife's an RN, I'm a CT Tech......Generally pretty portable as a team, but smaller communities often have a tighter market.....

Prescott is a nice area, though. We've considered it....

[divebreck]

Sorry just couldn't live in Phoenix, great for a visit though. I lived in Colorado most of my life and now live in Tubac and love the place, were close enough to Tucson for an evening out, great mountains around, and easy access into Mexico!. If you need excitement this is not for you! Tucson on the other hand is a wonderful place easy airport convenience, good restaurants, and great golf, and has exciting things to do. Correct no pro sport teams except minor league hockey and baseball. If you have question feel free!

[RainShadow]

I have no need for nightlife or pro sports........Minor league Baseball once or twice a year is good....Like to go to a concert now and then, but I'm usually driving up to Red Rocks for those.

I'm 55 and my wife's 40ish. We like to chill at home and Q, have a cocktail now and then. Also like some decent food, but it doesn't have to fancy.

We get most of our entertainment outdoors hiking with our dogs. I do some photography, cycleing, ride my Harley. Make a run to San Diego for some surf and visit my folks. 6hr drive is alot better than 18 hrs from here!

[az2au]

I have no need for nightlife or pro sports........Minor league Baseball once or twice a year is good....Like to go to a concert now and then, but I'm usually driving up to Red Rocks for those.

I'm 55 and my wife's 40ish. We like to chill at home and Q, have a cocktail now and then. Also like some decent food, but it doesn't have to fancy.

We get most of our entertainment outdoors hiking with our dogs. I do some photography, cycleing, ride my Harley. Make a run to San Diego for some surf and visit my folks. 6hr drive is alot better than 18 hrs from here!

You can find this in either place. I live up in North Scottsdale with no street lights and no traffic to speak of at any point. If a car drives by at night you can hear it because there is no other noise in my neighborhood. It takes me less than 40 min to get to the airport (I do it 1-3 times almost every week) and less than an hour to go to the Suns games (they're terrible but I love basketball and we have season tickets) when we are in town. I truly consider it the best of both worlds because I never really see traffic. There are a ton of places in metro PHX I'd never live. In fact, pretty much only North of 101 and east of Scottsdale Road but that's me and I love both hiking and golf.

 

There are many places in Tucson that I'd pick over places in PHX so I think you really just kinda have to see both.

 

Note: I also have an apartment in Murray Hill in NYC (neighborhood in Manhattan) so I'm not sure that I'm sane enough to give advice to anyone :)

[ctmason_98]

I have no need for nightlife or pro sports........Minor league Baseball once or twice a year is good....Like to go to a concert now and then, but I'm usually driving up to Red Rocks for those.

I'm 55 and my wife's 40ish. We like to chill at home and Q, have a cocktail now and then. Also like some decent food, but it doesn't have to fancy.

We get most of our entertainment outdoors hiking with our dogs. I do some photography, cycleing, ride my Harley. Make a run to San Diego for some surf and visit my folks. 6hr drive is alot better than 18 hrs from here!

 

Kind of sounds like you knew you want to live in Tucson?

[Arizonalefty59]

I honestly think that Tucson is extremely underrated as a golf city. Granted there aren't as many options as you do in Phoenix but you have a solid set of municipals and some unbelievable desert courses down here. The prices are a lot cheaper down here as well.

 

From a living standpoint, I would look into the Foothills down here or maybe even Oro Valley and Marana. I love Tucson to death, but there is an exorbitant amount of crime that goes on down here. I live in Marana.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Thanks.....

When I look into golf and housing prices, it's pretty inviting. The Muni set up especially looks to be a great deal. Buy one of those passes and then spend a little once a month play one of the resorts.

It seems there is a good network of bike paths throughout the area as well.

OV and Marana are perfect for riding. You couldn't pay me $100000 to ride a bike anywhere in Tucson besides like the path around Randolph.

[Shipwreck]

I am a Tucson born native and I have my love and hatred for this place for various reasons. Like Lefty said, I think our golf is highly underrated because we get overshadowed by Phoenix on so many levels. But that's a good thing in the sense that our prices are going to be cheaper than Phoenix across the board, but the downfall being that since our selection isn't as vast as Phoenix, the courses tend to get backed up during the winter.

 

As far as the rest of the stuff, it all depends on what you want to do. Tucson was the first city in the US to be named a World City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, so that's cool. And while our downtown isn't exactly Snottsdale, it has its charm. OV and Marana are fantastic places to live as both are largely up and coming and gaining a lot of good stuff. The Eastside of town isn't too bad crime wise too. Stay away from the west and south.

[fore_life]

Tucson has a much better music scene too.

[vallygolf]

I have no need for nightlife or pro sports........Minor league Baseball once or twice a year is good....Like to go to a concert now and then, but I'm usually driving up to Red Rocks for those.

I'm 55 and my wife's 40ish. We like to chill at home and Q, have a cocktail now and then. Also like some decent food, but it doesn't have to fancy.

We get most of our entertainment outdoors hiking with our dogs. I do some photography, cycleing, ride my Harley. Make a run to San Diego for some surf and visit my folks. 6hr drive is alot better than 18 hrs from here!

You can find this in either place. I live up in North Scottsdale with no street lights and no traffic to speak of at any point. If a car drives by at night you can hear it because there is no other noise in my neighborhood. It takes me less than 40 min to get to the airport (I do it 1-3 times almost every week) and less than an hour to go to the Suns games (they're terrible but I love basketball and we have season tickets) when we are in town. I truly consider it the best of both worlds because I never really see traffic. There are a ton of places in metro PHX I'd never live. In fact, pretty much only North of 101 and east of Scottsdale Road but that's me and I love both hiking and golf.

 

There are many places in Tucson that I'd pick over places in PHX so I think you really just kinda have to see both.

 

Note: I also have an apartment in Murray Hill in NYC (neighborhood in Manhattan) so I'm not sure that I'm sane enough to give advice to anyone :)

 

 

....Making the "we're not worthy hand gestures"........ Seriously, travel 3-4 times a week....and played every course in the valley (saw on a different thread), I tip my cap sir.

[RainShadow]

Thanks for all the observations folks. Keep them coming.

We'll be doing some scouting in the near future. Tucson first, as we've been to PHX.

[Sun Devil]

I'm extremely biased towards N. Scottsdale. Not sure I would consider living anywhere else in the Metro Phx area. I love the rural aspects of this area.

 

Not a huge Tucson fan. I graduated from ASU and my daughter is about to graduate from ASU.

[Sun Devil]

I have no need for nightlife or pro sports........Minor league Baseball once or twice a year is good....Like to go to a concert now and then, but I'm usually driving up to Red Rocks for those.

I'm 55 and my wife's 40ish. We like to chill at home and Q, have a cocktail now and then. Also like some decent food, but it doesn't have to fancy.

We get most of our entertainment outdoors hiking with our dogs. I do some photography, cycleing, ride my Harley. Make a run to San Diego for some surf and visit my folks. 6hr drive is alot better than 18 hrs from here!

You can find this in either place. I live up in North Scottsdale with no street lights and no traffic to speak of at any point. If a car drives by at night you can hear it because there is no other noise in my neighborhood. It takes me less than 40 min to get to the airport (I do it 1-3 times almost every week) and less than an hour to go to the Suns games (they're terrible but I love basketball and we have season tickets) when we are in town. I truly consider it the best of both worlds because I never really see traffic. There are a ton of places in metro PHX I'd never live. In fact, pretty much only North of 101 and east of Scottsdale Road but that's me and I love both hiking and golf.

 

There are many places in Tucson that I'd pick over places in PHX so I think you really just kinda have to see both.

 

Note: I also have an apartment in Murray Hill in NYC (neighborhood in Manhattan) so I'm not sure that I'm sane enough to give advice to anyone :)

 

I did my graduate training in the North Bronx. Looks like you're living in a better neighborhood in Manhattan. :)

[Arizonalefty59]

I am a Tucson born native and I have my love and hatred for this place for various reasons. Like Lefty said, I think our golf is highly underrated because we get overshadowed by Phoenix on so many levels. But that's a good thing in the sense that our prices are going to be cheaper than Phoenix across the board, but the downfall being that since our selection isn't as vast as Phoenix, the courses tend to get backed up during the winter.

 

As far as the rest of the stuff, it all depends on what you want to do. Tucson was the first city in the US to be named a World City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, so that's cool. And while our downtown isn't exactly Snottsdale, it has its charm. OV and Marana are fantastic places to live as both are largely up and coming and gaining a lot of good stuff. The Eastside of town isn't too bad crime wise too. Stay away from the west and south.

Lol yup, had two shootings today in the southside. Crazy day.

[Chomper]

My two cents -

 

Tucson is primarily a college town.

 

Phoenix is a major metropolitan area, the 6th largest city in the country.

 

Golf and hiking are good in both places. So deciding to live in one v the other is a decision based upon lifestyle because they are so different, only sharing the same environment and weather.

[golfandfishing]

My wife's family lives in Tucson. After 10 years of going down there for 1 or 2 days at a time and taking in the local attractions, golf, nature, etc I will say this. Tucson is frustrating as all hell. There is one highway (10) and all, I mean every last one, of the surface streets is in disrepair. Potholes, torn up concrete, etc abound and I swear the roads that are being repaired now are the same ones from 10 years ago. They have the worst infrastructure I have seen in a city of that size. Makes even the shortest drive maddening.

[cluner]

Phoenix simply for Scottsdale alone. The golf there is absurd, nothing else needs to be said.

[Bassi]

I've had the pleasure of living in Tucson as well as Phoenix(technically Scottsdale). It's very common to hear most people who live in Phoenix tell,you how terrible Tucson is and vice versa. The truth is... they're virtually the same. Phoenix is separated into so many suburbs now everyone stays in that basic area. Tucson is essentially the same as one of those basic areas. Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, etc... The golf is pretty similar as well. Many more options in Phoenix but as far as course quality there isn't much difference other than ultra elite clubs in the valley. I'd say follow the job that gives you the best opportunity. You can't go wrong with either Tucson or Phoenix. And Southern Dunes is an hour or so away from each place and that's where you want to play golf anyway!!!

[RainShadow]

Tucson has a much better music scene too.

That's good, love to catch a show now and then, especially good blues

[RainShadow]

Tucson it is.

Moving down at the end of June, first of July ( I know, Hot!)

Excited to be in a place with year round great weather again......

[BUCKEYERBALL88]

What are good things to do in Tucson and any restaurant recommendations? I'm going there for a golf trip

[Arizonalefty59]

What are good things to do in Tucson and any restaurant recommendations? I'm going there for a golf trip

I don't really eat out down here but Catalina Barbecue at the course at Starr Pass is absolutely amazing.

 

Tucson it is.

Moving down at the end of June, first of July ( I know, Hot!)

Excited to be in a place with year round great weather again......

Very nice! Congrats!