2 Days to decide to move (Tucson, Catalina Foothills: real estate, 2010, to rent)

[RichHolt]

My wife and I and are planning a trip in January to Tucson. We plan on taking 2 days to sight see and discover IF Tucson would make a great new home for our family ( elementary aged kids ). What areas are a must see?

Reading the posts here I've come away with an equal sense of good and bad about Tucson. We're not so much interested in hearing the good and bad, though all opinions are welcome, but rather to hear from those living in Tucson if they had a choice in living anywhere in Tucson where would it be and why. On a personal note we really enjoyed some of the pictures taken in communities overlooking the valley. Beautiful!

[Bummer]

As I have posted a number of times before, my only complaint I have concerning my relocation to Tucson ten years ago is that I didn't do it sooner.

To answer your question . . . "where to live?" You need to know where you plan to work mainly because commuting can be a bear, especially if you need to cross the city during rush hour. Also, you need to specify "renting or buying" and roughly how much you plan or expect to spend.

Good Luck!

[michael krotchie]

Two days, so much to see!

Hmm.. I would vote for a jaunt to Sabino Canyon or the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to get a feel for how lovely our environment is.

Old Tucson Studios would also be a fun trip with the family. If you're looking for some night-life a nostalgic trip to the newly renovated Fox Tucson Theatre might be an option or maybe a show at the University of Arizona's Centennial Hall.

Here are some of the malls in Tucson for shopping:
Foothills Mall
La Encatada
Tucson Mall
Park Place Mall
El Con Mall

Here is some school information to help with your children.

Amphi School District
Catalina Foothills School District
Flowing Wells Unified School District
Marana Unified School District
Sahuarita Unified School District
Sunnyside Unified School District
Tanque Verde Unified School District
Tucson Unified School District
Vail School District

Sorry for the long post!

And as Bummer mentioned, with the freeway construction on-going until 2010 there may be some unexpected detours taking place.

[RichHolt]

Wow! Such quick responses. Thank you greatly.

Too answer Bummer. We plan to rent and my wife wishes to continue her education. We are both professionals. She a nurse and I am a .net programmer.

Also, we all enjoy outdoor activities! Hiking, sight seeing, etc.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by RichHolt

Wow! Such quick responses.

Trust me, that's not a sign of an exciting place... At least now we have an excuse... most of us are not at home.

That's my take on the areas:

1. Ideally, El Encanto Estates or Colonia Solana. There are other neat spots in Central town - Sam Hughes, etc.

Tucson Newcomers Guide: Tucson's Historic Districts

The place has to be well-maintained and remodeled, though. I wouldn't live in a dump just because of the central and convenient location and/or the famous neighborhood. In the three neighborhoods I mentioned above, though, everything looks very nice, at least on the outside... El Encanto in particular is so quiet, you wouldn't know you're in central town. Obviously, they're expensive.

2. Runner-up - North of River, between Kolb and Swan, 85750 and 85718 (and up to Foothills Mall, but it'll depend on the spot)

3. Most of NE - 85749, 85715

4. East - 85748 and some of 85710. Most houses in 85710 are oldish, though.

5. Southeast - 85747

A lot of people like the areas around W. Star Pass, Oro Valley, and Vail. It is pretty out there. I'm just not used to them. Oro Valley gets a lot of praises on this forum, though, so I'm sure you'll hear about it.

http://www.oraclelandandhomes.com/Community%20Profiles/Tucson%20ZipCodes.pdf (broken link)

I'm sure the RE people will chime in on this one as well. Oh, they already did!

[michael krotchie]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

.. I'm sure the RE people will chime in on this one as well. Oh, they already did!

Lol I'm thinking about taking off the "Real Estate Agent" tag just so every time I post not everyone thinks I'm trying to hawk a sale!

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by michael krotchie

Lol I'm thinking about taking off the "Real Estate Agent" tag just so every time I post not everyone thinks I'm trying to hawk a sale!

I don't think you can even if you want to. I believe the rules on the forums don't allow it. You've gotta wear your hat!

Let's be honest, Michael... do you ever come to play with us on any other topic...?!

[michael krotchie]

Ack! You're right, I can't remove that tag! Maybe I should post a disclaimer after every post where I'm not trying to use my Realtor magic. :P

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by michael krotchie

Ack! You're right, I can't remove that tag! Maybe I should post a disclaimer after every post where I'm not trying to use my Realtor magic. :P

You just have to play with us more often! This way you'll be inconspicuous, at least to the non-regulars.

Besides, I "know" ya... I'm reading your blog occasionally. In other words, all bets are off!

[odinloki1]

North and East of Tnque Verde and Sabino Canyon. Best Dog Park (McDonald Park), close to the Catalinas, everything you need is close by. if you want to get up to Mt Lemmon it is also very close.

I hate Tucson but if I'm stuck here for a long time I will try to move to that area.

Good luck in your search.

Currently I live in a new development called Pantano Overlook, its not bad, a little expensive but close to everything. Its at the corner of Pantano and 22nd.