Don't Believe the Hype : Tucson, Arizona (South Tucson, Benson: motel, work, sick)

[haaamean]

Originally Posted by odinloki1

I don't know about your question, but I'll make this observation. I am going back to school at the U of A because I'm stuck here for another year. I've found the U of A to be the equivalent of a mid level school in the midwest (Central Michigan, Bowling Green etc.) or maybe a little below. It doesn't hold a candle to the upper level schools. Indiana University, U of M, Northwestern.

My fiance and I were both teachers and after growing up in the midwest. We've seen that kids don't value education compared to the ones in the midwest. We've agreed we won't raise a child here.

Your perception of the U of A just doesn't match the facts. It's one of the best public schools in the nation, and a leader in various subjects. They built the Mars Rover for cryin out loud and they continue to receive grants for these type of things because they've proven they know what to do with them. They are listed along with the U of FL (another great school) as one of the "public ivy" schools here

The more recent and expansive Greene's list (including a list of approximately 30 schools) had one focus alone: public schools with academic quality comparable to an Ivy League institution.

[edit] The Public Ivies according to Greenes' Guides

A later book titled The Public Ivies: America's Flagship Public Universities (2001) by Howard and Matthew Greene of Greenes' Guides expanded upon the list in the first book (italicized below) to include 30 colleges and universities.[8]
[edit] Eastern

• College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia)
• Pennsylvania State University (State College)
• Rutgers University (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
• State University of New York at Binghamton
• University of Connecticut (Storrs)
• University of Delaware (Newark)
• University of Maryland (College Park)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Virginia (Charlottesville)

[edit] Western

• University of Arizona (Tucson)
• University of California (6 of 10 campuses):
  • Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara
• University of Colorado at Boulder
• University of Washington (Seattle)

[edit] Great Lakes & Midwest

• Indiana University (Bloomington)
• Miami University (Oxford, Ohio)
• Michigan State University (East Lansing)
• The Ohio State University (Columbus)
• University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
• University of Iowa (Iowa City)
• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
• University of Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
• University of Wisconsin (Madison)

[edit] Southern

• University of Florida (Gainesville)
• University of Georgia (Athens)
• University of Texas at Austin

There are quite a few midwestern schools listed there too, but play fair.

[sickofIL]

If you google "mafia retire Tucson," you'll see some interesting stories.

Interesting reading.

I can say that I grew up in a Mafia town. We had a many dead guys show up in Cadillac trunks, fires, bommings, and a hit man and his wife gunned down in her diner.

It brings back many memories.

[OzeanMyst]

I moved to Tucson several years ago from a much lower crime rate city which was, surprise-surprise, very boring, backward-thinking and redneck. The people who live in Tucson are from all over the US and the rest of the world, which creates a great blend of ideas and attitudes. Two years ago, though, I took a job in London, England, and was looking forward to the amazing culture, etc., that I would be able to enjoy. And I have very much enjoyed it, but let me tell you about traffic...the average speed driving through London is 5 miles per hour. That was neither a typo nor an exaggeration. 5 miles per hour. As for crime - I was mugged by three hoodies right outside my own front door. Then my car was stolen. And I've watched helplessly as a neighbour was mugged. I'm looking forward to getting back to quiet, sleepy, beautiful Tucson where, if you use some common sense and take appropriate precautions (don't walk around Grant and Alvernon alone at night, lock your car doors, etc.) you can feel quite safe.

[AllCity RayofMinneapolis]

I spent some time growing up in Tucson. Walked a mile to school through it. Biked all over it. Drove into the mountains many times. This was very early 90's and the place was great. It must have been the golden years cause I didn't notice much to fear from Gangs. It was too hot for crime OUTSIDE. You could go down and shoot BB guns in a wash.. bike around, whatever. Just a bunch of "Too Stoned" white kids and cool Mexicans is all I remember.

[ZonyPony]

Wow... I'm impressed! This thread is two years old and still going!

I love it! Let's leave it and continue to show how really ridiculous and immature these whiney Tucson negomeisters are.

Get a life, y'all!

[backtoColoradoASAP]

This place sux. If you think Tucson is even remotely nice then "y'all" haven't lived. This is a gross, disgusting town filled with riff-raff. Unfortunately, I'm here for another two year. I have daily contact with the Police on the streets everyday and let's just say they have job security.

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by backtoColoradoASAP

This place sux. If you think Tucson is even remotely nice then "y'all" haven't lived. This is a gross, disgusting town filled with riff-raff. Unfortunately, I'm here for another two year. I have daily contact with the Police on the streets everyday and let's just say they have job security.

[sickofIL]

I have daily contact with the Police on the streets everyday

This statement sounds to me like you are part of the "riff-raff." Who else would have daily contact with the police?

[Erikrelocator]

I'm from Arlington Texas, right in between Fort-Worth and Dallas, and I was scouting some potential places to move. All I've been hearing when it comes to crime is graffiti. My 5 year old cousin can tag. It's more a form of art now than a warning. Until I hear about stores getting knocked and random murders, Tucson remains at the top of the list.

[Stonemasonry]

You will have no more of a problem with crime in Tucson than you will anywhere else. I have been here 38 years and go to every nook and cranny of this town on a daily/weekly basis while working my handyman/masonry business, and I have never once been a victim of any sort of crime. If you go out looking for trouble there are plenty of places to find it, just like anywhere else, we have our good and our bad, but if you mind your own business your chances of being a victim of a crime are the same here in Tucson as they are anywhere else and I dont care what anyone else tells you, that is the truth of the matter, I know this town as well as anyone and will put my knowledge of it up against anyone elses any day. Its a good safe place to raise a family and the weather is great. Come on down and enjoy the Old Pueblo, we would love to have you and you wont meet a friendlier group of people than you will here in Tucson anywhere.