Is Tucson comparable to any cities in California? (school, college)

[hyphy_x4]

I'm considering moving to Tucson to attend UA. I would like to know what cities in California are somewhat comparable to Tucson, so I can get a better idea of what type of city Tucson is. I'm interested in learning what cities in California compare to Tucson in terms of economics, infrastructure, demographics, city layout, nightlife, and overall feeling/vibe. My friend told me that Tucson is similar to Fresno or Sacramento, is this true? Thanks for answering my questions, I look forward to getting some feedback.

[Sonic]

The closest CA city I can think of being somewhat like Tucson, would be Bakersfield and Stockton: similar weather, similar demographics (but Tucson probably has a bit more Anglos).

I wouldn't NOT say Tucson is like Sacramento as Sac-town has much, much more to offer ... economically, socially, weather-wise (not that SAC has great weather) and demographically. All in all, Sac is much more diverse.

[eddie gein]

You can't go wrong at the UofA. It is a solid academic school and for a town of one million Tucson still has somewhat of a college town feel. The campus is layed out great for socializing and is pretty. The sports are fun and there is plenty of off campus stuff to do there. Tucson is maybe the best place there is if you like to hike. The mountains are right on the edge of town maybe 20 minutes from campus and the network of trails are limitless.
When I was a student there I went up to the summit of all four mountains that surround the city on foot.

As far as comparing to California towns, it is like the desert towns but the rugged desert scenery is far more spectacular than any of those Cali towns.

Tucson is probably about the size of Sactown. I think for a college student Tucson stacks up pretty well with Sactown, it just doesn't have quite the upscale stuff that a state capitol provides.

[POST-person]

I don't believe you can compare them due not only to demographics but the economy and political history of Arizona. Arizona has basically been a "Libertarian" type of state.
You do what you want to do so long as it doesn't harm of affect me and I do what I want to to. Keep out of my business and I keep out of your business. That is just NOT California. And long-time residents of Arizona DON'T WANT intrusive laws and California-type problems. That's why people move here. To get AWAY from California.
PLEASE don't bring those issue into Arizona. (Not you specifically: that's meant rhetorically) We face differnt challenges and have differnt ways of coping with issues....some successful, some not. But they are our own.