Is it beautiful there? (Phoenix, Tucson: how much, living, air quality)

[jvanmetre]

Originally Posted by HParr

I imagine that Arizona must be so beautiful with the gorgeous sunsets. And I'm thinking that the weather must be a dream there! Am I right?

I first visited Tucson with my grandparents, many, many years ago. We had been staying at the Biltmore in Scottsdale and came through here to go to the border. I remarked that I thought it was beautiful. My grandmother said, "Maybe someday you'll live here." I never really considered that until 2000. My partner and I came down to stay at the Westward Look for a long weekend. We returned every winter just after Xmas for 4 years, at Ventana, until we moved here. Previously we had gone to Scottsdale and although some of the resorts there are nice, the area itself didn't compare to Tucson for beauty or air quality. Tucson is rated in the top 5 best in the USA. Phoenix is near the bottom.

We settled in Oro Valley and have great views all around us. I've lived in Beverly Hills, La Jolla, Seattle, NYC, Mexico City and Sydney. I have never loved an area more than this one. We have great privacy here and the area is quite safe, in the sense of lack of crime.

Yes, it's hot in the summer, but we are totally air conditioned and swim at least twice a day in the pool which cools us also. The evenings are warm and tranquil for outdoor dining.

It's no wonder that two of the top 10 spas in the world, Miraval (about 5 miles from us) and Canyon Ranch are both in Tucson. No other American City can boast that... plus a host of world class resorts, like Ventana, where we used to stay, La Paloma and the Ritz which is being built about 5 miles from us also.

We are very involved in the Arts and Tucson has, for its size, a very vibrant art community. We go to the Symphony and Opera, which are both acceptable. They are of course not of the caliber of NYC or SF, but we can travel to either when we wish and LIVE our lives here.

Because of the University, the social climate is quite diverse and interesting, almost the equal of Berkeley.

It isn't for everyone,but if you can take the time to enjoy the beauty and tranquility here, it's wonderful.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by jvanmetre

It's no wonder that two of the top 10 spas in the world, Miraval (about 5 miles from us) and Canyon Ranch are both in Tucson. No other American City can boast that... plus a host of world class resorts, like Ventana, where we used to stay, La Paloma and the Ritz which is being built about 5 miles from us also

So two spas make Tucson some amazing place?

[esselcue]

Depends on your idea of beautiful...that is totally a personal point of view. I live near Prescott, Chino Valley, and I have been here for 23 years now. I found it nice when I came here, I like the red rock areas and such...but I find very little beauty down in southern AZ. The desert just does not hold beauty for me. I find the sunsets and the starkness of it inspiring at times...it really makes one realize how insignificant we are...but I don't find it beautiful and I HATE the heat and dust and lack of greenery.

I find the mountians beautiful, and the sea shore, and the tropics...I love greenery and water and seasons and glistening snow and that is why I am planning to abandon Arizona when I retire. Heading to the northwest, Idaho or western Washington. But it's still a matter of personal opinion.

[Wishin4sun]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

So two spas make Tucson some amazing place?

Come on Steve o

The spas were not the only things mentioned in their post. Take a chill pill or maybe a jump in your pool geeeeeeeeeeeeeez

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Wishin4sun

Come on Steve o

The spas were not the only things mentioned in their post. Take a chill pill or maybe a jump in your pool geeeeeeeeeeeeeez

lol

I know, I know. I just didnt understand why he/she thought Tucson was so great because two respected spas were located there. Who cares? You could put the two best spas in the world in Nogales, AZ, but it wouldnt make that garbage town respectable.

[becca1]

Originally Posted by HParr

I imagine that Arizona must be so beautiful with the gorgeous sunsets. And I'm thinking that the weather must be a dream there! Am I right?

You are correct! We just moved from ND to AZ last week
and we LOVE it here!! We have an awesome mountain view
from our house and the sunsets are breathtaking.....
Getting used to the hot weather....the evenings are nice....
will really enjoy it come Winter and won't have to deal
with the cold temps and snow anymore.....

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

lol

I know, I know. I just didnt understand why he/she thought Tucson was so great because two respected spas were located there. Who cares? You could put the two best spas in the world in Nogales, AZ, but it wouldnt make that garbage town respectable.

I think the point was that the world-famous spas had located in the Tucson area because it is so pretty.

I'm really surprised at all the Tucson bashing on the forum. I just love all the historical architecture in the town (no, I'm not talking about the mobile homes ) and the sense of history. The mountains surrounding Tucson are gorgeous. Personally, I'd take Tucson any day over Phoenix, but there are pretty parts of Phoenix, too, especially up around Cave Creek/Carefree and the Biltmore area.

But my personal AZ favorites are:
1) Sedona
2) Coronado Hwy from Clifton to Alpine
3) Sycamore Canyon area
4) Grand Canyon
5) Monument Valley
6) Big Lake & Greer in the White Mtns.
7) Granite Mtn/Williamson Valley area of Prescott
. . . You know I just realized I could keep on going . . . and going . . . and going . . .

I guess beauty in AZ is just like the energizer bunny!

[lola8822]

Originally Posted by twixcookie

Pretty here, but the schools are really bad. Probably a few grades behind most of the decent schools in America.
The mountains are pretty, but the drivers are really bad drivers. How did they pass their driving tests? Did they get a dumbed down version?

This is ture.....I've lived in Az my entire life (26 yrs) and I will always think it's beautiful here....the deserts, mountains, lakes, cactus and everything else is beautiful....especially Sedona! But like anywhere there are a few prices to pay . It's HOT in the summer! I'm not talking like oh my gosh i'm sweating HOT i'm talking like OMG i'm having a heat stroke HOT! The school systems as twixcookie metnioned above are really bad.....bottom of the barrel actually. Don't get me wrong, this will always be my home and I love it here but my family and I are definitly moving out of here.....just keeps getting worse....crime, pollution, traffic...etc....

[snowthedirtbub]

it is really beautiful, anywhere you go its beautiful. Theres always mountains to look at or look over depending where you are. If you want some good picture check out arizonahighways.com they have some beautiful pictures there. And every night there is a beautiful sunset that seems to never get old. As for the weather, personally i dont like the summer heat, but i love the winter.

[locoenlacabeza]

Its all relative....I personally think AZ has the best sunsets hands down and I have seen a good many of them.
The weather is great, depending on where you live. Summers are beastly in Phoenix but you can drive 1.5 hours and escape it. Winters are miserable up north but again, you can drive 1.5 hours south and escape them.
Just depends on personal taste I believe.....