These Are the Tucson Neighborhoods You Want To Check Out

Tucson, Arizona isn’t just home to a bunch of college students — although The University of Arizona is a huge draw. There are plenty of families, young professionals, and retirees living in Tucson as well. Thanks to its weather, outdoor activities, local events, fabulous retirement communities, and a plethora of golfing opportunities, Tucson is a great place to live for folks of all kinds. But which Tucson neighborhoods stand out? Here are 12 of our favorites.

Tucson at a Glance

• The approximate population of Tucson is 547,200.
• There are lots of families and young professionals living in Tucson, but 15.2 percent of the total population are residents aged 65 years or older.
• The average home price in Tucson is $334,900 (vs. the state average of $434,800 and the national average of approximately $363,400).
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,300 (vs. the national average of approximately $1,700).
• Tucson is great for young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, family-friendly events, dining, shopping — and much more!

12 Best Neighborhoods in Tucson

If you’re debating a move to one of Arizona’s top cities, the best neighborhoods in Tucson should be at the top of your list! When looking at a Tucson neighborhoods map, these are the Tucson neighborhoods that stand out the most to us by representing the city best and having something to offer for every walk of life.

Poets Square is a wonderful neighborhood for young professionals and families alike, with plenty of parks and outdoor space to enjoy.

1. Poets Square

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,025
• Average home value: $335,000
• Great for: Young professionals, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 15 minutes

Poets Square is a great place to live and work and one of the best neighborhoods in Tucson for young adults. It’s only five miles away from the University of Arizona and a couple of miles from East Broadway Boulevard, which means you’ll have easy access to many of the conveniences of the city. Some of the local favorites include Guadalajara’s Grill and Kon Tiki.

The residents of Poet's Square live near Gene C. Reid Park, which features a dog park, several horseshoe courts, and two swimming pools. You can also take advantage of the park's biking and walking paths to get moving.

2. St. Cyrils

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $289,000
• Great for: Families, beautiful homes, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 15 minutes

St. Cyrils' homes, which are full of color and have exquisite views of the Catalina Mountains nearby, are a highlight of this neighborhood. The architectural styles include mid-century ranch-style and bungalow, and it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Tucson.

Residents can easily access various parks in the area, including Fort Lowell Park, which features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds, and Pinecrest Park, which has picnic tables and a playground for kids.

3. Rosemont West

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,025
• Median home sale price: $280,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, dining, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 15 minutes

Situated near the University of Arizona and downtown, Rosemont West is a great area for new residents. It features a variety of apartments and homes for rent, and residents have easy access to schools and other facilities.

There are lots of top-notch restaurants in the area as well, including Char's Thai and Iron John’s Brewing Company. And the Randolph Golf Course — with its five different courses! — is a popular hotspot when residents are in the mood for some outdoor fun.

Looking for mountain views? Look no further than Mitman.

4. Mitman

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,025
• Median home sale price: $297,000
• Great for: Families, shopping, dining
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 15 minutes

Mitman is a small community in eastern Tucson that’s perfect if you’re looking to rent rather than purchase, as it features numerous options — complete with mountain views and palm trees.

It’s situated around one of the busiest roads in Tucson, Speedway Boulevard, which is full of bars, restaurants, and shopping centers. The popular Park Place Mall is also nearby. And it’s only around seven miles from The University of Arizona and downtown.

Although Mitman doesn't have many fine-dining establishments, it does have a variety of fast-casual and mid-range restaurants. One of the most popular places in the area is Leo's Mexican Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious Sonoran dishes since the early 1990s.

5. Rillito

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $379,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, public schools, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 10 minutes

The Rillito neighborhood is situated in North Central Tucson and is easily accessible to the city's most exciting areas. It features a variety of modern and comfortable homes with great amenities nearby, and the area's scenic mountain views and quiet environment make it an ideal location for people who are looking to live a tranquil lifestyle. It’s also near Banner Hospital and The University of Arizona, which is great for commuters looking for a quick ride to work.

Rillito has plenty of recreational opportunities, as it’s situated near the Tucson Racquet Club and just a short walk away from the Loop trail system. This area also has other recreational points of interest, such as the Rio Vista Park and the River Park, both ideal for walking and biking.

6. Sam Hughes

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $550,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, walkability, housing variety, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 10 minutes

The Sam Hughes neighborhood, located near downtown, is known for its combination of old-fashioned charm and modern conveniences — not to mention its pueblo-inspired homes that are ideal for a variety of budgets.

Sam Hughes is also considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Tucson, with an overall walk score of 76. The neighborhood features your everyday restaurants and stores, as well as a public library and park, and the local Himmel Park provides the perfect opportunity for some relaxation.

7. La Madera

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $348,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, proximity to the city
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 15 minutes

The La Madera neighborhood, bordered by Fort Lowell Road and Country Club Road, provides an easy commute to various parts of the city. Its convenient location and tranquil environment make it an ideal choice for newcomers.

This neighborhood is situated very close to the city's most prominent institutions, such as The University of Arizona, nearby Reid Park Zoo, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Civano has a ton of character – its homes are designed in a traditional Southwestern style as opposed to your typical suburban American home.

8. Civano

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Average home value: $431,200
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, public schools, housing
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 25 minutes

The community of Civano was conceptualized in the last century as a sustainable model for Tucson, and today it features a community center, tennis court, and two swimming pools. It also has an expansive nursery and several local businesses. The best part? It’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Tucson according to Neighborhood Scout, making it great for families.

Compared to other suburban developments, the homes in Civano are brighter and have more character. Its streets are lined with trees and have sidewalks that let families enjoy walks with picturesque views of the mountains. And kids will go to the nearby community schools that are part of the Vail School District, which has an A+ grade on Niche.

9. Rita Ranch

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Average home value: $351,600
• Great for: Families, housing, outdoor recreation, community events
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 25 minutes

The Rita Ranch community is located southeast of Tucson, and it’s a great place for retirees and people who prefer a more quiet suburban lifestyle. The neighborhood features various fun parks and trails, including the Ivan's Spot Dog Park and the Fantasy Island Trail Head. Fantasy Island Trail is over 18 miles long in length, so those who already have biking experience should consider this trail first!

There are a variety of rental homes and luxury apartments in Rita Ranch, and the average rent for one bedroom in this neighborhood is a bit higher than other Tucson neighborhoods. However, it’s worth the price as Rita Ranch is home to a very close-knit community with various events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and Family Fun Days.

10. Old Fort Lowell

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,025
• Average home value: $418,600
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, community events
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 20 minutes

Old Fort Lowell was established in 1873 as an army post, but it now exists as a historic district that's eight miles east of downtown Tucson. The arched and tan-colored cupola and stucco exterior of the neighborhood’s main chapel can be found among mesquite trees near East Fort Lowell Road, and residents commonly use the chapel for weddings, quinceañeras, and meetings.

Residents of this neighborhood can enjoy biking and exploring the nearby Rillito River park and the Old Fort Lowell museum, which tells the history of the fort and the challenges experienced by the local Apache tribes.

The 65-acre park surrounding Old Fort Lowell, known as Fort Lowell Park, is the most-visited area in the neighborhood. Children can enjoy a variety of playground equipment and the community pool, as well as explore the museum's exhibits.

And every February, residents of Old Fort Lowell gather near the chapel to celebrate La Reunion del Fuerte, also known as Fort Lowell Day. During this event, local bands perform, there’s free admission to the museum, and children can pan for “precious metals.”

College students will enjoy the easy access to UA that Miles provides – only a mile away.

11. Miles

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Median home sale price: $320,000
• Great for: Young professionals, students, dining, shopping, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 10 minutes

The Miles neighborhood of Tucson is easily accessible by Interstate 10 and Park Avenue, and it's within walking distance of The University of Arizona. This area has a youthful energy, and it's full of residential options and a bustling urban life with a variety of dining and shopping establishments.

Miles residents can enjoy the variety of shopping and dining establishments in the nearby La Encantada shopping district or go to the Reid Park Zoo. The area is also just a short distance away from the city's renowned Saguaro National Park, which is perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts!

12. Blenman-Elm

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $446,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor recreation, tight-knit community
• Commute to downtown Tucson: 10 minutes

Blenman-Elm is part of the historic district of the city, and the area has seen a resurgence of Spanish revival architecture over the years. Many of its residents have been here for decades, and the neighborhood association likes to organize plenty of activities and home tours.

The Blenman-Elm community has multiple parks, including Himmel Park and Bear Down Field. These facilities are great for kids and adults, and families can enjoy picnics under the shade or take walks along the trails.

 PODS makes it easier to move to one of the best Tucson neighborhoods.

Get to One of the Best Tucson Neighborhoods With the Help of PODS

When you’ve settled on one of the top Tucson neighborhoods, turn to PODS to help you move and store your things. They will deliver a portable moving and storage container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load your things at your own pace. They will then take it to your new residence once you’re ready. And one month’s worth of storage is included with every move, so you can easily get organized and unload on your own time without feeling rushed!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25, and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.