"Nice areas" is sort of vague. What's nice to one is not to another.
The I-10/Congress Ave. area is downtown Tucson. Downtown is trying to revitalize and there are a few condo-style renovations going on. I'd say it's a pretty typical 800,000 population town with crime higher at night, particularly our southside, around 6th Ave. area.
But as with any city of that size, crime is around. You just gotta watch yourself and your surroundings. The price range you're thinking of might limit your choices of neighborhoods.
It would be best if you could come for a visit before you make it a permanent move, and have an apartment locator service show you some options in your price range. These services are usually free to the person looking for place to rent.
In general, I'd say try for the outskirt areas: far east, northwest(marana, oro valley, casa adobes, tortollita) and very south of town - down around Rita Ranch/Vail/Corona area.
You can be about everywhere across the Tucson Basin in about an hour or less, depending on the time of day (and if it is Jan/Feb when our population skyrockets with the International Gem & Mineral Show's annual events).
Good luck and welcome to southern arizona!
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
Moving to Tucson - Looking for housing
Linear Mode
