Sun Tran 110X - Walkable from Rita Ranch neighborhood? (Tucson: lease, house)

[jstratm]

I'll be showing up to Tucson the end of this year for a 9 month period (military), but unfortunately will only have about 5 days to find a house to rent. We are coming from overseas and have a tight schedule. So, all research will be done in advance with final sanity check once we arrive.

Short background: I will drive to Fort Huachuca daily, but my wife is coming from Europe and has no license (hopefully in 5-6 months she will, but we aren't going to wait for her to be able to drive to start working). She can only find an acceptable job in Tucson. So, we need a 100% car-free solution for her that also hopefully doesn't destroy me in the process with commute time. I can do one hour each way for 9 months, not much more though.

With that said, I wanted to call upon anyone with experience in Rita Ranch with Sun Tran's 110X route. This seems pretty ideal, but how "walkable" are the two Rita Ranch bus stops from the neighborhood to their north? Sidewalks? Pretty safe? Do most people drive what appears to be the average 1-2 miles to the P&R lot? Also, where exactly are the stops themselves (exactly at the intersection, offset, etc)?

We are not absolutely set on Rita Ranch and have given consideration to a house along Route 26 in the Littletown area, though seems a little less ideal. We're even open to the possibility of the eastern side, near the Lincoln Regional Park, despite it being far worse for my commute. We just need something walkable for her. Thanks for any insight into Rita Ranch or elsewhere!

[iflyjetzzz]

Have you ruled out living in/around Sierra Vista and having her work somewhere there?

[jstratm]

Absolutely not; we would love that option. If she finds something in Sierra Vista, we will drop all thoughts of Tucson. In the field of market research, however, there are very few positions in Sierra Vista (based upon online postings). In fact, there are not many in Tucson even, but there is a greater chance there. So, we plan for the worst (close to Tucson), expect the realistic (Rita Ranch), and hope for the best (Sierra Vista).

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by jstratm

Absolutely not; we would love that option. If she finds something in Sierra Vista, we will drop all thoughts of Tucson. In the field of market research, however, there are very few positions in Sierra Vista (based upon online postings). In fact, there are not many in Tucson even, but there is a greater chance there. So, we plan for the worst (close to Tucson), expect the realistic (Rita Ranch), and hope for the best (Sierra Vista).

Not wanting to appear overly negative, Jstratm . . . however, I have a feeling you need to rethink your plan.

Tucson is not another San Francisco or New York City. Commuting via public transportation is a booger at best. Before committing to a lease you would need to know exactly where your wife will be employed due to her commuting requirements.

Also, your commute costs need to be considered vs the added income your wife may realize here in Tucson. I have a feeling even a minimum wage position in Sierra Vista would prove more lucrative after you consider the costs and aggravation of commuting from and within Tucson.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH . . . Good Luck