Neighborhoods lush with greenery in Tucson? (Phoenix, Sierra Vista: environment, landscaping, hotels)

[stupidbicyclist]

I'm debating whether to move to Tucson or Phoenix. They both seem interesting. Anyways, what areas in Tucson are nice, that have grass and trees. I know there are someplaces there that fit the criteria, just not sure where. Also, if you have pics of these areas, thanks.

[DaveV]

Somehow the phrase "lush with greenery" does not come to mind when speaking of Tucson and Phoenix. Just a thought..

[Bummer]

Sorry, stupidbicyclist, DaveV is right on target with his comment.

However, there is one small area in Tucson called Winterhaven which probably has more trees and grass than the remainder of the city combined.

As I have posted before . . . ANYONE WITH A LAWN IS DECLARING WAR ON MOTHER NATURE. GUESS WHO WINS?

[jjbradleynyc]

If you want lush and green, Tucson/Phoenix are not your spots for it. In Tucson, natural landscaping (native to the desert area) is highly encouraged. Lawns have sand, rocks, cactus, and overall desert vegetation. The Sonoran desert is very, very green compared to other vast, dry deserts out there. But compared to the east coast U.S., Phoenix and Tucson are brown and dead (upon first inspection).
The area around the University of Arizona campus has some old trees everywhere, especially on the east side of Campbell Avenue--so you may want to look there. The foothills offer gorgeous views and amazing desert landscaping.
But, overall, Tucson/Phoenix do not boast big areas full of lush/green 'hoods. It would be environmentally irresponsible, due to the water problem that has emerged in the past 50-60 years....

[eddie gein]

the area over by El Con Mall and Reid Park is pretty green with lots of great 30's type homes.

[sierraAZ]

That's the kind of trees you'll see around here:

http://www.cyclerides.com/rides/dayr...alina_sign.jpg

http://tucsonrentalhomes.com/images/EnchantingLight.jpg

http://info.rentnet.com/property/84/...60884.p029.jpg

http://home.att.net/~jdmount/rillito1s.jpg

http://www.ltrr.arizona.edu/~sheppar...verdebloom.jpg

http://image24.webshots.com/24/7/17/...4EQVrTq_fs.jpg

http://www.hotgardens.net/Palo_Verde_leafless.JPG

http://images.unitedstates.biz/hotel...TR-exter-1.jpg

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary...ucson_tree.jpg

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

That's the kind of trees you'll see around here:

Great photos, Sierra!

[LordBalfor]

Actually, I have to say I was pretty surprised at how "lush and green" the Tucson area is. The fact is, the Sonoran Desert is often referred to as the "greenest" desert on earth. When we were there in January we stopped at one point in the Picture Rocks area outside of Tucson and between the many green plants (cactus stays green all year long, and there were several bushes nearby that still had leaves) and the vast number of birds singing and flittering about I kind'a felt like I was back in the tropics.

When we returned to Tucson last month (during the Monsoon season) it was even greener - not with grass mind you but with the many, many varieties of desert plants found there (though there is PLENTY of lush grasslands - 3 & 4 feet high - out past Sunizona and south of Sierra Vista). The Sonoran is desert, but don't let anyone tell you it's not green, because there is plenty of green there (at least in some areas).

Ken

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by LordBalfor

Actually, I have to say I was pretty surprised at how "lush and green" the Tucson area is. The fact is, the Sonoran Desert is often referred to as the "greenest" desert on earth. When we were there in January we stopped at one point in the Picture Rocks area outside of Tucson and between the many green plants (cactus stays green all year long, and there were several bushes nearby that still had leaves) and the vast number of birds singing and flittering about I kind'a felt like I was back in the tropics.

When we returned to Tucson last month (during the Monsoon season) it was even greener - not with grass mind you but with the many, many varieties of desert plants found there (though there is PLENTY of lush grasslands - 3 & 4 feet high - out past Sunizona and south of Sierra Vista). The Sonoran is desert, but don't let anyone tell you it's not green, because there is plenty of green there (at least in some areas).

Ken

Great observation, Ken

One amazing point to remember . . .

The Southern Arizona Desert turns green within hours after rain has fallen almost as if Mother Nature merely FLIPS A SWITCH!

[DaveV]

THIS IS "LUSH GREENERY"

THIS IS "NON-LUSH GREENERY"