Phoenix Relocation Guide

be sure to explore the Casas Adobes Plaza with its Old World plaza and upscale specialty shops. Main Gate Square is an urban shopper’s paradise near the Univer- sity of Arizona, positioned in the center of charming historic neighborhoods.

of Art; Tucson Children’s Museum; Tucson Botanical Gardens; Arizona History Museum; Pima Air & Space Museum; and the La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum are just a handful of the city’s diverse cultural offerings. (Visit www.TucsonMuseums.org to explore an interactive map of local Tucson museums.) Tucson also hosts its share of fun festivals, including the Arizona Film Festival, the largest film festival in the state; the Tucson Folk Festival; the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase, which is the largest event of its kind in the world and attracts high-end jewelers and rock fans alike; and the Great Tucson Beer Festival, which benefits Sun Sounds, an organization that provides audio access to information for those who cannot read print because of a disability. While Tucson is famous for its Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, including Janos, the Grill at Hacienda Del Sol, and award-winning El Charro Mexican Café, the city also has a lot to offer foodies of all palates and persuasions. Indulge in a five- star dining experience at the Anthony’s or enjoy a classic pit barbeque at Bubb’s Grubb. In Tucson, there is a restaurant for every food-lover. Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, work it off with some unique shopping expe- riences. The city has a range of options, from artisan and craft malls to antique stores or the latest styles at area malls and shopping centers. Major malls include the Tucson Mall; Park Place; El Con Mall, which is Tucson’s first enclosed shopping center; and the Foothills Mall, with outlet stores, specialty boutiques, and a 15-screen movie theater. There’s also the luxury outdoor La Encantada, with brands like St. John, Louis Vuitton, Cole Haan, Tiffany & Co., and Apple. Don’t miss the charming boutiques and shops in downtown Tucson, where a historic trolley runs each weekend, and FINE FOOD & ECLECTIC SHOPPING

to attract workers, and the “dollar volume entrepreneurs are willing to risk spending.”

Many businesses have either relocated to or expanded within the Tucson area, leading Expansion Management magazine to name the entire county as the “Top Mid-Sized County in the Country for Business Recruit- ment and Attraction.” The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy ranks Tucson third among mid-sized metropolitan areas for “high-impact firms – those companies that have at least doubled their sales and employ- ment in the past four years.” There’s no doubt that Tucson continues to thrive in a challenging economy, and that it’s a great place to start and grow a business, perfect for any executive, entrepreneur, or professional. TUCSON ARTS & CULTURE The arts thrive in Tucson, thanks to resi- dent demand and a passion for a stimulating creative community. In fact, The Wall Street Journal has even called Tucson a “mini- Mecca for the arts!” From chamber music to film, opera, ballet, and theater, there’s some- thing for every artistic taste and persuasion in Tucson. A vibrant performing arts sector includes the Arizona Opera; the Arizona Theatre Company; Ballet Arizona; Ballet Tucson; the contemporary Beowulf Alley Theatre Company; the Borderlands Theater that tells the unique stories of the southwest border and Mexican heritage; Broadway in Tucson/A Nederlander Presentations, which brings top musical productions to the city; the historical Fox Tucson Theatre; the Tucson Jazz Society; the Tucson Symphony Orchestra; and many others. Tucson is also home to a number of public museums, both throughout the city and on college campuses, including the univer- sity and community colleges. The city also maintains a host of private galleries that cover a range of interests, from the arts and aerospace to children’s museums, cultural centers, and history. The Tucson Museum

THRIVING TUCSON COMMUNITIES

Tucson is also a very livable city, espe- cially for commuters. Recent city statistics found that the average commute time is just over 25 minutes each way, which is shorter than most cities of similar size and population. Housing is also an affordable option in the Tucson area, with the median sales price hovering around $193,000, as of August 2019. Area communities in Pima County include the city of Tucson, Catalina, Green Valley, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahua- rita, South Tucson, and Vail. In Cochise County, just southeast of the city, commu- nities include Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, and Wilcox. There are also nearby communities in Santa Cruz County, including Elgin, Nogales, Patagonia, Rio Rico, Sonoita and Tubac. Area attractions include Pena Blanca Lake and Patagonia Lake in Patagonia State Park, which includes a beach, picnic area, campground, tables, hiking trail, marina, and market. There are also several area wineries, including Callaghan and Sonoita Vineyards. Choose from charming history-inspired living, downtown urban living, luxury developments around the city, or quiet suburban neighborhoods. There are plenty of diverse options for anyone moving within the area. Welcome to a city that residents and visi- tors adore. We know you will fall in love with it, too! As you explore the Tucson Relocation Guide and the city that it represents, Tucson will surely become a favorite place to live and enjoy life. l

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