Tucson or Phoenix (Tempe, Prescott, Green Valley: violent crime, homes, university) - Arizona (AZ) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

eddie gein · 03-03-2018, 10:01 AM

My experience with both of these cities was from the '80s. Was in Phoenix first (Scottsdale). Phoenix and the Valley were about 1.5 million or so back then.

Ended up in Tucson shortly there after.

Tucson just seems to have more character than Phoenix. It just seems more real. It's grittier yes, but sits in a much prettier locale. Also Tucson is unique in that it still sort of revolves around the UofA despite it's size anymore. Despite that fact that a majority of the population has moved in, just about everybody falls in love with the Wildcats. So Tucson still has a college town feel that Phoenix doesn't have.

Not to be sexist but it's pretty much like the old adage of the pretty girl who is worldly and wears make up and likes trendy parties and stuff (Phoenix) vs the girl who doesn't wear makeup and likes to go hiking (Tucson).

Both are nice. I enjoy Phoenix greenery juxtaposed with the brown mountains. And Phoenix has more things going on that are typical of a metropolitan area. Tucson still has that rugged Southwestern feel to it to some degree.

elkotronics · 03-04-2018, 02:07 AM

My experience with both of these cities was from the '80s. Was in Phoenix first (Scottsdale). Phoenix and the Valley were about 1.5 million or so back then.

Ended up in Tucson shortly there after.

Tucson just seems to have more character than Phoenix. It just seems more real. It's grittier yes, but sits in a much prettier locale. Also Tucson is unique in that it still sort of revolves around the UofA despite it's size anymore. Despite that fact that a majority of the population has moved in, just about everybody falls in love with the Wildcats. So Tucson still has a college town feel that Phoenix doesn't have.

Not to be sexist but it's pretty much like the old adage of the pretty girl who is worldly and wears make up and likes trendy parties and stuff (Phoenix) vs the girl who doesn't wear makeup and likes to go hiking (Tucson).

Both are nice. I enjoy Phoenix greenery juxtaposed with the brown mountains. And Phoenix has more things going on that are typical of a metropolitan area. Tucson still has that rugged Southwestern feel to it to some degree.

eddie gein's comparo of Tucson and Phoenix sums up the difference pretty well. We used to live in small Willcox, about 80 miles southeast of Tucson. Tucson was our place to go "play," since Willcox didn't have much shopping, dining, Hasting's CD/DVD - type stores, movies, etc. Tucson is the city of U-turns, get used to making a buttload of U-turns if you're gonna be going there a lot or if you move there. Tucson is a cool southwestern city with a charm I both know and love very much.

We're now in Alamogordo, NM, and Tucson is only about 350 miles west of us here. I would prefer visiting Tucson than where our son is living, Phoenix, but we could include both in a drive west to visit him, so we no doubt will. Cruise down 4th Ave. for the shops and characters walking around the area, bikers are going to share the road with you, so drive carefully.

Sad that Tucson native Linda Rondtadt has lost her "pipes" and can't sing anymore - she could really belt out the tunes back in the day!

49erfan916 · 03-04-2018, 02:12 AM

I would have checked out Tucson but I need a job and I heard jobs are hard to come by in Tucson.

elkotronics · 03-04-2018, 02:25 AM

I would have checked out Tucson but I need a job and I heard jobs are hard to come by in Tucson.

Yes, ya gotta do what ya gotta do, I know that story very well. We dig it here in the Land of Enchantment and are figuring that, if the Lord is willing and the creek don't rise, we will just stay put right here. But jobs play a large part in where we're gonna live, yes they sure do.

Where did you end up going for your job, 49erfan916?

bkolodzi · 03-05-2018, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilmaWildcat

Colt, they are! That fellow does excellent work...

Just watched all 4 videos and left comments for all. Brad is awesome and his videos really show Tucson in a positive light!

bkolodzi · 03-05-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colt AZ

Wilma, with all due respect, you absolutely need to move back to Arizona! You are truly one of the best ambassadors for the great Southwest -- and especially for Tucson -- a place you love. We'd be very happy to have you here.

I second that motion Wilma! Life is too short, be where your heart wants to be! I should have moved here 40 years ago, but I finally made it to the promised land 4 years ago and have never had a second thought. I am in Green Valley as you know, but close enough to Tucson to say that I live in the Tucson area.

bkolodzi · 03-05-2018, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertaWa

Me too Jeri. Me too.....98 days but who is counting? Hope to meet up someday!

So Roberta, is it really true? You will be here in just a few months? If that is the case, CONGRATULATIONS! Are you visiting, or coming for good? I hope it is for good, you will not regret the decision!

bkolodzi · 03-05-2018, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydan57

This is our first winter in Tucson and after almost 5 months we love this place and plan to return next winter. Why? It's beautiful here - the mountains and desert scenery are magnificent. The city is easy to navigate so it didn't take long to learn our way around and where the things we're interested in are located. We've found that people in our RV Resort and the town folk are warm, friendly and receptive to us newbies. We're close enough to PHX so driving there isn't a problem. (Heading to the NASCAR race there next month.) People say they hate the traffic here but I'm retired and can choose when to drive. That said, even when stuck in rush hour, it's not really not that big of a deal for me.

We're located in southwest Tucson and like this location. It's close to the Interstate which makes accessing other parts of the city convenient unless you have to travel to far east Tucson. Almost everything we need is a short drive for us and only rarely have to go there. In my opinion, you won't go wrong choosing Tucson.

Hey Dan, Bart from Green Valley. I am really glad to hear that you have enjoyed your stay. I hope next time you can make it down to Green Valley for the Wednesday impromptu car show again at Continental Plaza!!!

dirtydan57 · 03-07-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkolodzi

Hey Dan, Bart from Green Valley. I am really glad to hear that you have enjoyed your stay. I hope next time you can make it down to Green Valley for the Wednesday impromptu car show again at Continental Plaza!!!

Hi Bart. I thought about you last week when we visited Hi Speed Rods Customs Choppers. It was fun just walking around the shop checking out various works in progress. Then we drove to Hotrods Old Vail for lunch. The restaurant has windows overlooking part of their work shop. However, it wasn't as interesting as Hi Speed and the food isn't worth driving all the way out there. They said we could schedule a tour of the full facility if we wanted.

We'll try to schedule another trip down to GV before leaving for the summer. It was great visiting with you last time.

Saguarogirl507 · 03-08-2018, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkolodzi

So Roberta, is it really true? You will be here in just a few months? If that is the case, CONGRATULATIONS! Are you visiting, or coming for good? I hope it is for good, you will not regret the decision!

Yes. We are finally going to move into our house after 3 long years of waiting, waiting, waiting. My grandson graduates in June so we are moving out right afterwards. It has been much too long to have to wait but it is finally almost here. Thanks for remembering!