Big Move to Tucson
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
I never thought much about Tucson until I had the opportunity to move to this great city when I took an internship shortly after graduation. I’ve found that Tucson is a city with lots of personality and plenty of heart and soul, I absolutely love it; even when my internship is over, I think I might just stay.
According to Traveler Magazine, Tucson is the “Friendliest City in the Nation” and I think they’re on to something, because I’ve never been happier. If you’re thinking of relocating to the Tucson area, let me share a few tips.
What it’s like
For those seeking a true Southwestern experience, come to Tucson. Famous for its dramatic beauty, southern Arizona is filled with valleys, deserts and 350 days of sunshine every year. The climate is relatively warm all year and the summers can get very hot during the day, but thankfully, temperatures cool down in the evenings, even on the hottest of days. Winters are pretty mild with very few freezes during the season. Humidity is minimal almost every day.
Even though I had visited before I moved out to the area, I didn’t expect to be blown away by the area’s beauty. And though it happens to be the second largest city in Arizona (population-wise), Tucson still has much to offer in the way of natural beauty.
The Sonoran Desert spans this region and is filled with spectacular cactus forest, which leads into rolling grasslands, streams mountains, and forests. The expanse of natural beauty is coupled with upscale shopping malls, excellent schools and historic neighborhoods. The variety of opportunity afforded to new residents is unlike any other city in the region.
Making the move
Because I came to Tucson for an internship, I already had work waiting for me, so looking for a finding work wasn’t an issue, however, I still had to do a little research into my new surroundings. First, I had to figure out what it would cost to live here. Typically, the cost of living in Tucson is lower than the national average, which means that, depending on where you will be moving from, your monthly bills may be smaller.
I also took the time to check out the different Tucson neighborhoods, of which there are many. Where you live really depends on your budget, personal lifestyle and what you want to be close to. There are neighborhoods right in the middle of the bustling city, while others are nestled in the quieter suburbs. Regardless of where you end up, don’t forget to check out El Presidio, the city’s oldest neighborhood, dating back to 1775.
Other stuff that’s good to know
If possible, visit Tucson before moving. This will help prevent culture shock once you get here. It’s also a good time to figure out where things are in proximity to your new job, home and schools. Where are the stores; is your bank nearby; are there local storage options for all that furniture that might not fit into your new home? Locating storage units in Tucson isn’t too much of a problem; I found many facilities in the area.
There’s no doubt you’ll need transport, so be sure to register your car once you arrive. The state of Arizona requires vehicles to be registered as soon as residency is established, so don’t delay. Unlike many other states, you can register your car for up to two years at a time. You’ve also got to get your driver’s license immediately and don’t forget your glasses because there will be a vision test.
So, if you’re moving to Tucson in the near future, good luck, it’s a great place to live.
-- Contributed Guest Post
-- Contributed Guest Post
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