Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a metropolis of 800,000 people on the edge of the Sonoran Desert in south-central Arizona. It was settled in 1775 by the Spanish as a presidio; acquired by the United States in the Gadsen Purchase in 1853, and incorporated as a city in 1877.

Tucson has been ranked the #9 best city in America for fitness and walking, the #8 best medium sized city for doing business, the #7 best city as a place for Hispanics to live, and the #1 city in America for spas and resorts. It is also a favorite retirement destination for older Americans and there are numerous retirement communities in the area for seniors aged 55 and over. Karen's mother moved from Kentucky to live in Tucson when she retired. Attractions include a relatively low cost-of-living and great weather. Winters are mild, with an average temperature of 60F, and Tucson gets only about 11 inches of rainfall per year. Summers are very hot, with 100F temperatures not uncommon. However, the low humidity makes even the hottest days more bearable.

Tucson and environs has numerous visitor attractions including: Biosphere 2, Kitt Peak Observatory, Arizona State Museum, Titan Missile Museum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Saguaro National Park, San Xavier Mission, and much more.

Tucson is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Arizona. The best thing we like about Tucson is not the city itself so much as its proximity to many state and national parks, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities.