southwest tucson, pima county (Tubac: crime, homes, job market)

[sincerepoetry]

Hi, I am looking to move to Tucson within the next year. I'm looking for any information about the job market in Tucson and if i live in soutwest how far would i have to travel to find work? Also, is this part of tucson still undeveloped? if so does anyone know if there are any plans to start development any time within the next 5 years?

Any information you can offer me would be much appreciated, thank you.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by sincerepoetry

Hi, I am looking to move to Tucson within the next year. I'm looking for any information about the job market in Tucson and if i live in soutwest how far would i have to travel to find work? Also, is this part of tucson still undeveloped? if so does anyone know if there are any plans to start development any time within the next 5 years?

Any information you can offer me would be much appreciated, thank you.

Any particular reason you chose Southwest Tucson, Sincere?

Depending on your actual employment location, commuting could be a bear. Also, you have chosen a primary bedroom community plus a Casino and probably the highest or one of the highest crime areas in the entire Tucson area.

Personally, I would locate employment first and then select an area to live.

Good Luck!

[Ozark Nana]

I have to agree with Bummer, the Southwest side is a bit rough around the edges. The employment "pool" in Tucson is very shallow at this time, so before I made a move I would be sure that you secured employment as it's difficult to find.

I wish you the best of luck in contemplating your relocation..Tucson has a beautiful "landscape" and has much to offer. You might want to let people know what kind of work you'll be searching for, we might be able to give you a better idea of what's here.

[sierraAZ]

Unless you have a valid reason, interesting choice... I posted TPD crime statistics with maps a few days ago. It's still on first page.

As far as employment, I haven't looked for a job in years, but am watching city stats for different reasons and the latest news on unemployment is 3.9%. I wouldn't say that's bad. A lot of the jobs are low-paying, though. The job growth is at 5.7%, the highest in the country. Only two cities fare better overall - with slightly lower growth and slightly lower unemployment rate.

Good luck!

[sincerepoetry]

Thank you guys for the responses. The main reason I chose southwest tucson is because that's the only part of Tucson that I have family. I'm not completely sold on the area and even less now than before. However, if i can remain fairly close to the only family i have i think it would make the move a lot easier.
As far as work goes, i'm in the Eyecare industry. But when i move i'm actually looking to start a roofing company, im hoping that'll take off and i won't have to worry about work. (i know, roofing in that heat...i must be crazy!) but i think it's a good business to get into especially in an area like Arizona.

What area of Tucson would you guys recommend? This way i can expand my housing search and see what i find outside of the southwest.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by sincerepoetry

Thank you guys for the responses. The main reason I chose southwest tucson is because that's the only part of Tucson that I have family. I'm not completely sold on the area and even less now than before. However, if i can remain fairly close to the only family i have i think it would make the move a lot easier.
As far as work goes, i'm in the Eyecare industry. But when i move i'm actually looking to start a roofing company, im hoping that'll take off and i won't have to worry about work. (i know, roofing in that heat...i must be crazy!) but i think it's a good business to get into especially in an area like Arizona.

What area of Tucson would you guys recommend? This way i can expand my housing search and see what i find outside of the southwest.

Now I understand your reasoning, Sincere

However, being close to family (distant or otherwise) is not as important to consider as an HOUR PLUS COMMUTE in "ugh" traffic each and every day. Also, being a "bedroom community" and a little "removed" . . . depending on your present life situation, it may not be your best bet.

When I relocated to Tucson, due to excellent advice from a long time resident, I limited my search to North of Speedway and West of Alvernon. Ten years later, I am still living in the same home and fairly happy.

As for your "Roofing Business" . . . not a bad idea at all. July and August may be a little harsh (ok, a LOT harsh) but the remaining ten months are near perfect for that type of work.

Hurry up and move . . . I need to have my roof coated as soon as the Monsoons depart! ! ! ! !

Good Luck!

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by Bummer

July and August may be a little harsh (ok, a LOT harsh) but the remaining ten months are near perfect for that type of work.

And those are a couple of the busiest months because of all the storm damage to roofs around here. I've always thought that has to be one of the toughest jobs there is in Arizona. Hey, that would make an interesting thread, toughest jobs in Arizona.

[sincerepoetry]

Well being how i'm coming from California where the traffic is as pleantiful as the rainless days i'm not too concerned about the hour commute to and from civilization.

i'll definitely check into those areas you mentioned, perhaps travelling to see my family would be a little less grusome than travelling daily in hour long traffic.

Those were my exact thoughts when i was considering the business. it's like being in construction in california, you can almost always count on the sunshine.

haha, you're going to have to wait for me i don't plan on moving any sooner than January.


Haha, you're going to have to wait on that. I'm looking to move no sooner than January.
Again, thank you for the responses. This thread is going to prove more useful than my family that lives in Tucson. I think they're just excited to have some company so they won't tell me all the downfalls.

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Hi - I recommend Tubac or Rio Rico.

The closer the Mexico you get - the safer it is and that is from what I'm constantly told by long time residents of Rio Rico and Tubac. Rio Rico is actually safer "because" it is closer (10-miles) to Mexico. Tons of border quards live there and since it is close there is constant monitoring.

The drive to Tucson doesn't bother me on I-19 because you can go 75-80 mph and there is not traffic. It takes 55 min to get to the Tucson Airport. Coming from traffic capitols like NY and DC - I have to laugh about "long commutes"... because here it can take you 55 min to go 10 miles.

I guess it is all relative.

Listen - There are 5 developers currently looking into the area between Tubac and Rio Rico. One development is for 65 homes on 1-2 acre lots and another is rumored to be building 1500 homes. It will not be long before the shopping and great shops follow. It is already starting to happen in Tubac and I know Rio Rico has plans for a wonderful shopping strip with unusual shops for the people that want an alternative to going up to Tucson.

Tubac has activities, beauty and 90 artisan shops. There are 2 golf courses in the area (maybe more) and Gary Player is rumored to be building another on the north west of the Tubac Golf Course.

I say buy now... Prices are great!!! Quality of homes by the few small builders that are down there is fantastic. I looked at every builder in the area for 3 years and the best is down there in my opinion. I'm a photographer so believe me I have a strict eye for quality/detail.

If you don't want to build - there are some terrific deals down there now. I wouldn't worry about the distance - but that's me. Whenever I'm down there it is absolutely nothing for me to pop up to one of Tucson's Malls or Trader Joes etc... But - again - although we have a mall here in Virginia right around the corner - we often travel as much as an hour to go to DC or Georgetown or Tyson's Corners for shopping. I find there are tons of fun people in the Tubac, Rio Rico area ranging in age from 30's to 60's. AND when there is a party - all ages are represented... That's what I like about it... No age cliques. Everyone hangs out from all walks of life, economic level and age. Great place.