Relocating to Tucson: A Step-by-Step Expat Checklist

a view of a city with mountains in the background

green grass field under blue sky during daytime

okay, so here’s the thing about moving to tucson: it’s not just about packing boxes and finding a place to crash. it’s about surviving the sun, the scorpions, and the occasional javelina raid on your trash can. if you’re thinking of relocating here, you’re either chasing sunsets, escaping somewhere else, or just really into cacti. i get it.

step one: the sun is not your friend

tucson gets about 350 days of sunshine a year. that’s great for your vitamin d levels, but your skin will start plotting revenge by june. invest in sunscreen like it’s your job. also, learn the term "monsoon season" because it’s real, and it’s wild. one minute it’s 110°f and dry, the next you’re wading through a flash flood in your flip-flops.

step two: housing is a mixed bag

rent in tucson is cheaper than phoenix, but it’s creeping up. a decent one-bedroom in midtown or downtown will run you about $1,200/month. if you’re okay with a 15-minute drive, you can find something closer to $900. just don’t expect central ac to be optional. also, scorpions are real. they’re not everywhere, but they’re not mythical either. check your shoes before you put them on.

step three: get a car or become a bus martyr

tucson is sprawled out. the streetcar is cute and all, but it only covers downtown and 4th ave. if you want to hit up sabino canyon, mt. lemmon, or even just get groceries without melting, you need wheels. biking is possible in some areas, but the heat from may to september will test your commitment to pedal power.

step four: jobs and vibes

tech and education are the big players here. the university of arizona is a major employer, and downtown is slowly turning into a startup hub. if you’re in healthcare, logistics, or tourism, you’ll find options. but if you’re hoping to roll in dough immediately, lower your expectations. tucson is more "chill lifestyle" than "hustle culture."

step five: the food is fire

you haven’t lived until you’ve had a Sonoran hot dog at el guero canelo. also, the mexican food here is next level. check out el charro cafe for history and flavor, or seis kitchen for modern takes. and yes, there’s a growing craft beer scene. borderlands brewing is a local favorite.

step six: outdoor life is non-negotiable

if you don’t like hiking, biking, or staring at mountains, you might get bored. tucson is surrounded by five mountain ranges. saguaro national park is 30 minutes away. mt. lemmon is an hour up and 30 degrees cooler. bring water. seriously, bring more than you think you need.

step seven: the people are weird in the best way

tucson is a blue dot in a red state. it’s got a strong arts scene, a ton of galleries on 4th avenue, and a weirdly large population of astrologers and energy healers. there’s a gem show every year that takes over the city. it’s chaotic, but it’s also kind of magical.

step eight: safety is relative

some neighborhoods are sketchier than others. southside and parts of the west side have higher crime rates. midtown, downtown, and the foothills are generally safer. use common sense, lock your doors, and don’t leave your phone on the car seat. also, rattlesnakes are real. watch where you step on trails.

step nine: embrace the chaos

tucson isn’t perfect. the infrastructure is crumbling, the politics are messy, and the water situation is a ticking time bomb. but it’s got soul. it’s got sunsets that look like they were painted by a drunk angel. it’s got people who care about their community, even if they argue about it loudly in city council meetings.

step ten: don’t forget to look up

the night sky here is unreal. light pollution is low, and the stars feel close enough to touch. find a dark spot, bring a blanket, and just lay there for a while. it’ll remind you why you came in the first place.

if you’re still reading this, you’re probably already packing. just remember: sunscreen, water, and a sense of humor. you’ll need all three.

*nearby cities to explore: phoenix (2 hrs), bisbee (2 hrs), flagstaff (4 hrs), and mexico (1 hr to nogales).

local forums to stalk:* reddit.com/r/tucson, yelp tucson, tripadvisor tucson.