With collaborative co-working spaces like Connect Co-Working, The RailYard,Spoke6,GangPlankHQ, and Co+Hoots plus entrepreneurial, art and tech meet-ups springing up across the sunny city, Tucson is wooing young entrepreneurs like crazy, and was even named one of the top tech hubs of last year.
Top it off with really cheap rent, one of the lowest housing markets in the country and a happening downtown, Arizona starts to looking like a delicious place for young creatives with an idea and a dream.
The affordable housing market really does set Tucson apart from big cities.
Young creatives thriving in these cities are obviously pulling in a chunky paycheck, but when you factor in how much of that money is going towards housing, the big city appeal starts to dwindle. Not to mention many of these rentals are tiny, and crowded and lack privacy.
Home ownership still is a great way to build wealth and invest in the future. The peace of mind that comes with having this kind of stability and not having to move every year or every few years is also incredible.
Another thing to consider when you’re looking for a place to live and deciding where to buy a house, is would the property and location also make a good rental? Because you never know, with your more settled and thriving life, maybe you’ll be in a place to buy another home and rent out the first, or possibly you’d want to travel and rent out your house to a long term tenant or even AirBnB. There are many options and benefits of home ownership.
With the way things are booming in Tucson, self-starters, smarty-pants and other hard workers could even pull in those fat, big city paychecks. Mix that with a low cost of living and you’re on track to build actual wealth.
Another cool thing about Tucson is we have one the best music scene’s in the country and a huge population of young people… around 30% which is the same as Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland and other young people melting pots.
In the past, New York City and Silicon Valley were enticing millennials in groves with fast paced tech jobs and other business opportunities; unfortunately, housing prices were so high (and they still are!) that millennials had trouble finding affordable housing and those with dreams of home ownership had a difficult decision to make and the opportunity cost was high. But now people are saying that Tucson may be the next Silcon Valley.
On the flip side, Florida is known to have an abundant affordable rental housing market, but the retiree demographic and job availability makes it a less desirable long-term destination for millennials.
Young people today are being challenged to think-outside-the-box and find destinations that will offer a more complete package and Tucson definitely does.
Without further ado, The Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live:
10. Austin, TX
9. Dallas, TX
8. Louisville, KY
7. Columbus, OH
6. Dayton, OH
5. Wichita, KS
4. TUCSON, ARIZONA
3. New Bedford, MA
2. Sioux Falls, SD
1. Cape Canaveral, FL
“With a median one bedroom apartment price of $540, it’s no wonder that Money rated Tucson number 4 of their best places for millennials. The article credits the city’s revitalized downtown area and ethnic restaurants as a draw for young renters. Tucson’s job growth is expected to rise 11% over the next five years.”
We’ve done the research and this isn’t an all-encompassing description of why Tucson is one the cheapest places for millennials to live. Did you know we have one the lowest point of entry housing markets in the country? Boasting many programs to help first time home buyers and some the lowest homeowners insurance prices making Tucson a great place for someone just starting out to start their life.
Tucson also has an abundance of art, culture, and a very fun and hip downtown. There’s an abundance of nature– to hike, climb, ski and explore and there are a lot of other amazing places that are a short road trip away like: Las Vegas — 4 hours, Phoenix– 1.5 hours, Rocky Point, Mexico (Where you can rent entire beach front houses for the weekend for a couple hundred dollars)– 4 hours, San Diego, CA– 6 hours, and Showlow, AZ (home of Arizona’s biggest ski & snowboard mountain)– 4 hours.
This is only the tip of the iceberg… If you have questions about art, culture, or housing in Tucson please contact me– I’d be happy to help you however I can.
If you ask Tucson music fans and artists alike they will tell you: Tucson is a great music town.
Best Music City: Tucson, AZ
A national survey released in 2016 shows that we’re better than great: We are really, really great.
In the list of top music cities in the United States, Tucson comes in seventh overall. Yay Confetti!
In the regional rankings, Tucson is second overall, right behind Austin, Texas — to which Tucson is often compared to.
The Value Penguin does demographically-based consumer lists and this is what they found about music cities in the U.S.:
• Tucson Ranked 7th Overall Nationally
Nashville, Tennessee
Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
Seattle, Washington
Madison, Wisconsin
Austin, Texas
Albany-Schenectady, New York
Tucson, Arizona
*Phoenix-Mesa landed at 103rd overall.
• Tucson ranked 2nd regionally, right behind Austin and before Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Tucson tanked to the bottom of the pile though, for having the most radio stations, coming in at 104 on the list of 200 cities
• We are number 39 for the number of record stores.
• Tucson came in 31st for the percentage of the population with music degrees.
The Value Penguin study evaluated 200 metropolitan areas using statistical data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Thrillist, the Burau of Labor Statistics and several media surveys including USA Today and Travel & Leisure.
Here is a PDF of the original article if you’d like to see it.
https://www.valuepenguin.com/2016/best-cities-music-fans
The Tucson Music Scene, from a Local’s Perspective
To expand on this article’s findings, as a Tucsonan, I can provide you with some first-hand feedback about the music scene. If I were going to describes Tucson’s music scene with a movie title I’d name it, Boogy Nights.
From local musicians – to emerging underground artists – to the biggest names in music, you will find it all here.
Geography
Simply thinking about geography, Tucson is a convenient travel stop next to L.A., San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Tucson ranked best music city in USA
Artists Love the Crowd at Tucson, Unless they Tell that to Everybody…
Not only is Tucson a convenient stop, but artists say they love coming to Tucson because the crowd gives them all “the feels”.
This isn’t a surprise to me — Tucsonans are friendly, energetic and love to dance. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a good community and then to show artists and visitors what we’re all about.
Intimate Venues
If big crowds aren’t your thing and you are more into the private party style vibe, you’ll appreciate how the style is in Tucson. You won’t have to fight LA style crowds here and smaller venues = better views.
Tucson Music Venues
One of Tucson’s most popular music venues is the Rialto Theater, and it has a capacity of 1,200 people making it a small-big venue. This historic venue is congruent with Tucson in the same way that Tucson is a big city with a small-town vibe (Tucson’s population: 500,000 people).
There are many popular Tucson venues that are a lot smaller than The Rialto, like Hotel Congress, The Rock, Flycatcher, Solar Culture, 191 Toole and many more. Bigger venues are also present in Tucson like the Fox Theater, Tucson Convention Center, Casino del Sol and The Pima County Fairgrounds.
Proximity to Other Happening Places
Did you know that Phoenix is the 6th largest city in America? The drive to get there is easy and simple, a nice straight-shot up I-10 for about 75 minutes will open up another world. Enjoy the happenings and amenities of this big city and then return home to your quiet, safe, better-weathered community (Yes, Tucson has better weather than Phoenix, it’s cooler.). When the moment strikes for different adventures, you also have Vegas, San Diego, and L.A. all in close proximity for a road trip or a short flight.
Smaller Town Lifestyle with Big City Amenities
This is what Tucson is known for. It’s easy to have the best of all worlds living in Tucson. You get small town community with all the big city action coming straight to Tucson and nearby.
Do you want to learn about upcoming concerts in Tucson? Here’s a music meetup group and you can also check our events calendar.
Are you wanting to know even more about Tucson? Do you think Tucson might be a good place for you to live? I am a Tucson realtor with a passion and appreciation for this city. There are many articles on this site for you to go through to learn more and I am happy to help you learn more about Tucson and maybe even help pick out the perfect home for you. As one of the most affordable places to live in the country, home prices are low, making the point-of-entry to own a home actually accessible. There really are some great reasons why you should consider Tucson to build your life, home and business. I’d love to talk with you.
Take care of yourself and if we don’t speak on the phone soon, I will see you on the dance floor.
According to thediscoverer.com Tucson ranks as the coolest city in Arizona! While we aren’t surprised let’s take a look at what they think makes u the coolest city in the state.
Tucson is the Coolest City in Arizona
Winery & Vineyards
Hannah’s Hill Vineyards
Hannah’s Hill Vineyards – Hannah’s specializes in small batch and estate wines. The owners are always around and happy to chat with you while enjoying views of a sprawling vista.
Charron Winery– Charron’s is famous in the area for it’s white and dry merlots. With over 16 craft wines available you’re sure to find something that pleases your pallet.
Old Pueblo Cellars– This boutique vineyard thrives amongst the desert heat and monsoon gales. Their tasting room is open by appointment, and we highly recommend.
Craft Breweries
Pueblo Vida Brewing– This company not only has amazing beers but it’s focused on sustainability and doing their best to be great brewers and great people for Tucson.
Borderlands Brewing– Located downtown this taproom & brewery boasts an amazing selection. Grab a drink then take in the sights of beautiful downtown Tucson.
1912 Brewing– This place has a relaxed atmosphere and creative beers to drink. They also partner with the delicious local Tucson Tamale Company and you don’t want to miss those pairings!
El Charro Café– this quaint restaurant is a converted house located in downtown, the food is so good it spawned El Charro Steakhouse and El Charro del Rey.
Guadalajara Grill– this restaurant has atmosphere to spare, everything on the menu is delicious and you must try their table side mole and custom salsas.
Boca Taco y Tequila– this place is a must try. Not only do they have a rare meats day (if feel like trying kangaroo,) the main chef and founder Maria Mazon competed on Top Chef season 18 so you know it’s got to be great!
The Arts Scene
Mural Mania– Tucson boasts one of the best mural games in the country. There are always new beautiful pieces going up and many contain a message as well. Toole Shed Studios on 6th and Toole have their entire East wall painted in BLM, 1st American, and Mexicana culture.
1st Saturday Art Walks– You guessed it, every 1st Saturday from 5-9 downtown galleries open up their studios and art spaces to the public. See cool art and maybe take some home.
