Tucson: The Ugliest City in The West? (Phoenix, Nogales: home, neighborhoods)

[eric351982]

I am a native Californian who grew up in Portland, Oregon. I've been in Tucson for a year so my partner can earn his masters degree at the U of A. I grew up lower middle class and don't have an ounce of snobbery in me, but I just can't swallow the sprawling nothingness of Tucson. The sprawl is sprawling away from nothing, just sprawling further (or nearer?) to the next Walgreens or Frys? My only frame of reference for a city like this is Bakersfield, CA or Fresno, CA. If they held a contest for the ugliest, worst planned city in the country, my vote would go for my temporary home of Tucson, Arizona.

[vegaspilgrim]

Sprawling-- yes, no doubt. Ugly? I wouldn't say that. Just curious, but what part of Tucson do you live in that you find ugly?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by eric351982

I am a native Californian who grew up in Portland, Oregon. I've been in Tucson for a year so my partner can earn his masters degree at the U of A. I grew up lower middle class and don't have an ounce of snobbery in me, but I just can't swallow the sprawling nothingness of Tucson. The sprawl is sprawling away from nothing, just sprawling further (or nearer?) to the next Walgreens or Frys? My only frame of reference for a city like this is Bakersfield, CA or Fresno, CA. If they held a contest for the ugliest, worst planned city in the country, my vote would go for my temporary home of Tucson, Arizona.

He-he, God knows I'm not a fan of Tucson, but unless size is your main criterion, there are plenty of contenders for this title - like pretty much everything between Tucson and the coast of CA.

[Steve-o]

I think Phoenix is far uglier than Tucson, setting wise, but Tucson is uglier in regards to man-made things. Tucson was unimpressive to the utmost extreme, but I dont think its the ugliest in the west. Id say that honor goes to Nogales, AZ or Gallup, NM.

[miamiman]

I agree that most of Tucson is horridly ugly. The only saving graces for the town are the mountains. Can you imagine how bad Tucson would look if there were no mountains surrounding it? There are small pockets of Tucson that are attractive - namely the Sam Hughes neighborhood directly to the east of the U of A, along 3rd Street. Also, once you cross River Road heading northbound, you pretty much enter a different world. It's still typical Arizona sprawl, but many of the buildings are a lot newer and more attractive than south of River Road.

Coming from Portland I'm not surprised that you find Tucson to be full of nothingness. There aren't as many points of interest within the city of Tucson as you would find in a city of comprable size. Tucson has a few small museums, and of course all of the natural attractions (Saguaro N.P., Sabino Canyon, the Desert Museum, etc.). Other than that, Tucson is truly devoid of any attractions.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I think Phoenix is far uglier than Tucson, setting wise, but Tucson is uglier in regards to man-made things. Tucson was unimpressive to the utmost extreme, but I dont think its the ugliest in the west. Id say that honor goes to Nogales, AZ or Gallup, NM.

My personal favorite is Blythe, CA, among many others...

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by eric351982

I am a native Californian who grew up in Portland, Oregon. I've been in Tucson for a year so my partner can earn his masters degree at the U of A. I grew up lower middle class and don't have an ounce of snobbery in me, but I just can't swallow the sprawling nothingness of Tucson. The sprawl is sprawling away from nothing, just sprawling further (or nearer?) to the next Walgreens or Frys? My only frame of reference for a city like this is Bakersfield, CA or Fresno, CA. If they held a contest for the ugliest, worst planned city in the country, my vote would go for my temporary home of Tucson, Arizona.

Interesting observations, Eric

Obviously, you have never seen the "backside" of Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego or most of the cities in this country, or the world, for that matter.

With all due respect, constructive criticism is always appreciated, however, SLAMMING a city with narrow minded and unfounded digs (no I am not a native) is a sign of blatant ignorance and rudeness. Without a doubt, Tucson has plenty of "less than beautiful" points, both natural and man made, but UGLY . . . DEFINITELY ONLY TO AN UNEDUCATED SNOB!

Would you be as outspoken and critical when visiting the home of a friend or relative?

JUST MY TWO CENTS WORTH.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Interesting observations, Eric

Obviously, you have never seen the "backside" of Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego or most of the cities in this country, or the world, for that matter.

With all due respect, constructive criticism is always appreciated, however, SLAMMING a city with narrow minded and unfounded digs (no I am not a native) is a sign of blatant ignorance and rudeness. Without a doubt, Tucson has plenty of "less than beautiful" points, both natural and man made, but UGLY . . . DEFINITELY ONLY TO AN UNEDUCATED SNOB!

Would you be as outspoken and critical when visiting the home of a friend or relative?

JUST MY TWO CENTS WORTH.

He's not talking about specific neighborhoods I dont believe. I believe he was talking about the overall city in general. Sure every city has a bad part that is definitely unappealing, but on a whole Id have to agree with him that Tucson is not attractive (from a man-made standpoint) whatsoever. Its blah and bland and endlessly repetetive. Ive seen worse, dont get me wrong, but he's just voicing his opinion, as are you.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

He's not talking about specific neighborhoods I dont believe. I believe he was talking about the overall city in general. Sure every city has a bad part that is definitely unappealing, but on a whole Id have to agree with him that Tucson is not attractive (from a man-made standpoint) whatsoever. Its blah and bland and endlessly repetetive. Ive seen worse, dont get me wrong, but he's just voicing his opinion, as are you.

Valid point, Steve-o . . . BUT WORTH CRYING OVER?

GIVE ME A BREAK! Sounds more like "Drama 101" than anything adult or constructive!

[keepthefaith]

My vote goes to Bakersfield, Barstow, or St. George Utah. All ugly. St. George makes Tucson look like Hawaii.