DC to Tucson?

[georgia2sun]

Here's the thing about Tucson: It's really nice here and the weather won't keep you inside the way snow and ice will. In addition to that, you can drive to whatever weather you're looking for at any time. There are bike trails everywhere, you can go from one end of this city to the other on a bike, in a bike lane or on a bike trail. I am from the East Coast, while I miss the water, trees and grass, I can go up north to see all of that. Yes, low wages, low housing costs too.

[breakingbad]

OP- If you are reading this, let us know if you moved here! I would have advised you not to based on what is important to you! I've lived in DC/VA/MD and native to AZ.

[mceimages]

I live in DC and have been to Tucson multiple times. I think it is a great city. I love it but please visit for 2 weeks if time allows. It is a completely different city and lifestyle (better I think). The way DC and Phil, Balt. NYC, Boston are setup is the opposite of Tucson. There are many advantages living in Tucson (even though I do not live there) but one simply needs to accept a change.

One thing I did not see mentioned in the other posts are: fantastic desert and mountain beauty. Great dry warm weather. Extremely polite and friendly people. Housing is a bargain compared to DC. Phoenix is relatively close for more intense shopping and entertainment.

You will save a lot of money over your career by being a federal employee in Tucson. You will have access to NV, NM, and CA.

I suggest visiting for several weeks to assess the differences.



I hope that this post helps.

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

I may be offered a position in Tucson. I sort of back burnered this because I didn't think it was going to happen, but it looks like a real possibility. Its a sort of neutral career move with good pay, and I would consider it to make a change vice really "moving up."

I have been in DC for a long time, am a government employee (position offered is federal, too) and never lived in Arizona. I currently am very much involved in the "rat race" of political intrigue and power plays that come with living in the Nation's Capital and working in a headquarters. I am tired of it, but don't know if Tucson is the answer. I am in my 30s, These are my questions:

1. Will I be bored? Now, I know you can't really answer that, but I am going through a divorce and looking to expand my social circle. Are there things to do that are populated by adults who aren't U of A students?

2. If I work downtown and live downtown, will I need a car? Is the city somewhat walkable/bikable/bus friendly?

3. Are there apartments to be found that aren't new construction and carpeted? Looking for something with more charm and haven't seen much on Craigslist (though they are cheap compared to my current $2750 monthly rent.)

4. Any art scene? I love to draw and write and would like to get involved with some like minded groups.

Thanks!

[Bettykat]

I was born and raised in Tucson, graduated from the U of A, and lived in Wash. D.C on Capitol Hill for several years. There is a huge cultural difference between D.C and Tucson! You won't be bored if you like outdoor sports, i.e. hiking, biking, etc., but the pace of life and the interests of the people who live there are like being on a different planet. There is no downtown to speak of as in Wash. D.C. or other cities I've lived in like Santa Rosa, Ca. I live in Knoxville, Tn. now, and there is an active, growing downtown and freeways I can drive on, from my home, to the downtown area which is 12 mi away in about 15 min. There are no freeways in Tucson, so you will have to either live in a ghost-like downtown or drive in horrible traffic to get everywhere you want to go. I suggest, as others have, that you spend a week, at least, visiting Tucson before moving there.