Tucson possible with one car for a young family? (Phoenix: apartment, rentals)

[bocktacular]

Hey all,

We've been looking to relocate. I've come across some job possibilities in the Phoenix and Tuscon area. From what I've been told, housing is much cheaper in Tucson. We are relocating from a smaller city in the Midwest where affordable housing in a place with affordable transport or bike commuting is just not an option (transport and bike communing is something I've done elsewhere but it's just not feasible here). We would love to relocate to a place where we could get down to one car for a bit so my partner could stay home with our kiddo and job search. It's my job possibilities that are moving us. He has employable skills for sure but our hope is for me to be hired, to relocate, and then for him to find a job in a few months.

We have a 15 mo old, are both cyclists, and are interested in possibilities to use transit/bike commute. Where would we need to live to make this happen? Safe areas? What would a 2 bedroom cost in a place.

We are looking to rent for a year and then buy after we get a feel for neighborhoods, where we will each commute, and school districts we like. Just looking for something safe. It could either be close to my commute area (think UA) or at least in a place where there are shops (someplace walkable) so husband can get out with the kid during the day. What are good places to look?

[PartIrish]

bocktacular, What is your rent budget? There are neighborhoods near the UA that would lend themselves to a one-car lifestyle, but Tucson is a very sprawling city, so much depends on how close to the city core you live. And within central Tucson, there are wide variations in rents by neighborhood. For instance, the Sam Hughes neighborhood directly east of the university is a good one for families, and if you work at the university you could walk to work nearly year round. But rents will be higher in that area.

[bocktacular]

It would be probably 1100 or less. It would depend on my salary. We’d only be down to one car until husband finds a job. So it’s more of a “could husband survive during the day without a car? Or could I commute without it?” Question.

[WilmaWildcat]

Originally Posted by bocktacular

... Or could I commute without it...?

Sun Tran, the city bus service, has a good reputation for being able to get people to work; it has won national awards in that category. When I was at the UA years ago, my husband took Sun Tran from Country Club and 4th Street to the old Alphagraphics HQ and back when it was on Prince Road up near I-10.

And I remember seeing that the routes went as far east as Rita Road where the IBM plant was. We managed that way for a couple of years; our car was pretty feeble. I cycled to campus myself. The weather is usually good enough for that. The weather you need to prepare for is the sun and heat; take water and find shade, and be outside early and late if possible.

Now there's the light rail downtown to the university also, which is called Sun Link. Here's the section for Commuter Services at their website: https://www.suntran.com/commutersvc.php

[PartIrish]

With a 15 month old, I would suggest living near a park to provide play space. Sam Hughes, Blenman Elm, Shaheen Estates are all within walking distance to stores and a park. Bus service runs north south on Campbell Ave, so neighborhoods north of UA would work with one car, and there are east-west bus lines that run on Speedway, 5th street and Broadway, all of which are dependable.

[bocktacular]

Thanks, guys! This is all really helpful. Yes, a park is really a must. Right now, we do not live in walking distance to anything - no stores, no parks but she plays outside at daycare all day on nice days.

If we end up taking the plunge here, I'm hoping with some direction, a relocation specialist may be able to help us. UA apparently offers this.

[jlawrence01]

I ride the SunTran several times a week. I am NOT real excited about riding the bus in the Tucson area as I do not feel safe riding on certain routes in the city. I have had too many odd encounters on the bus including as assault on a bus driver.

The local Teamsters Union has called two strikes in recent years all centered on driver's safety. In fact, Suntran has installed cages to protect the driver from attack.

Just to give you an idea, I am about the size of an NFL linebacker. Also, I was a frequent rider of public transportation in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Chicago without incident.

[bocktacular]

That is good knowledge to have. I grew up using public transit in the Chicago area and used it living abroad but maybe we will stick to areas where a bike commute could be possible or where I would have to car commute but he could get to parks and shopping sans-car.

Does the budget seem reasonable?

[PartIrish]

I think your budget will work, especially if you are willing to go with a townhouse, condo or apartment. Standalone houses in an area you would want to live may come in slightly higher.

[bocktacular]

Sounds similar to the issues here with a standalone (it’s impossible to find anything but student apartment within 15 min of campus and even a condo/duplex/townhome wil run you 1300+ for a crappy 2 or 3 bedroom). Since it is just a college town, we rent 20+ min out and save money. But that requires two cars, the upkeep of two cars, and all that comes with no ability to bike commute. We lived close to the university when I was still a grad student there and it was great because I rode every day rain or shine. But it was not a great solution once we both got great jobs and decided to start a family.

Should hear back about flying me out for interviews in the next week and will be renting a car to ensure I can get around and look at potential rentals. This has been really helpful. I’ve got a couple contacts on the ground but they live out of town and haven’t worked in the area I expect to work.