14 Best Neighborhoods in Tucson, AZ [2024]

Tucson is an excellent choice for newcomers looking for a lower cost of living than the national average. The city doubles as a college town for the University of Arizona, with Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods opening up new pubs, entertainment venues, and dining.

Retirees and young professionals have always loved Tucson for its culture and events, such as 2nd Saturdays along Congress Street, where you can find concerts and local art for sale. So whether you're growing your career in academia, a history buff attracted to the historic Presidio neighborhood, or an outdoor recreation enthusiast, you can find it all in Tucson.

Best Neighborhoods in Tucson

1. Downtown Tucson

• Best for: Young professionals, urban enthusiasts, nightlife seekers, and culture vultures who crave the energy and accessibility of city living.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $3,201
• Walk Score: 82
• Transit Score: 70
• Bike Score: 100
• Map of Downtown Tucson

Living in Downtown Tucson puts you in the middle of the action with live music, cafes, pubs, and nightlife hot spots. You can wake up and walk to work, yoga, or a public green space. Development is booming in Downtown Tucson with new apartment buildings, condos, mixed-use space, and urban amenities.

Downtown Tucson is made up of smaller, trendy districts, including Congress Street. Tucson Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art. You'll also find cultural stops like the Temple of Music and Art, Railot Theatre, and Fox Tucson Theatre.

Other districts include the quirky and artsy Fourth Avenue District and the Main Gate District, attracting University of Arizona students. The historic Presidio District is like stepping back in time, and the Sentinel District boasts an iconic peak offering panoramic views of the city. The Convention Center area serves as the hub of local and visitor activity.

Check out our Downtown Tucson apartment listings to learn more about rental prices and view currently available apartments.

2. Sam Hughes

• Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers, families seeking a vibrant community feel, and those who appreciate a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $1,234
• Walk Score 76
• Transit Score: 45
• Bike Score: 97
• Map of Sam Hughes

Sam Hughes offers a mix of quiet, tree-lined streets and brewpubs with happy hour specials. This Tucson neighborhood is close to the University of Arizona and attracts students with its sports bars and Mexican cantinas. Yet, despite the influx of students, it's known as a laid-back community.

Beyond the college lifestyle, Himmel Park offers jogging and cycling paths. A swimming pool provides a reprieve from the heat, and an open-air theater entertains during the Fall. Sam Hughes is also family-friendly, with kids attending public schools. Parents commute to the University of Arizona or 2.5 miles to Downtown Tucson.

Our current apartment listings in Sam Hughes offer more insights into rental and other trends.

3. Civano

• Best for: Active families, outdoor enthusiasts, eco-conscious renters, and those seeking a tight-knit community feel with easy access to parks and recreation.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $1,234
• Median Household Income: $95,559
• Walk Score: 19
• Transit Score: 14
• Bike Score: 33

The neighborhood of Civano is a master-planned community on the east side of Tucson. It's earned a reputation for its sustainable construction practices and a walkable lifestyle. In addition, the neighborhood was designed to minimize car use and keep neighbors connected. As a result, homes and buildings are smaller than other areas of Tucson.

Civano amenities include a neighborhood center, tennis court, swimming pools, garden, and service businesses, including cafes and salons. Locals stay active and garden or cycle together around areas like the Fantasy Island Mountain Bike Park.

Our Civano apartment listings page offers more insights into rental prices and other area trends.

4. Dunbar Springs

• Best for: Budget-minded renters, first-time renters, young professionals, and those who appreciate a diverse and historic neighborhood with a strong sense of community.
• Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,299
• Walk Score: 78
• Transit Score: 62
• Bike Score: 99
• Map of Dunbar Springs

Dunbar Springs is celebrated as the first African-American neighborhood in Tucson. Situated north of Downtown, Dunbar Springs was named after one of Tucson's first teachers, an African-American poet, Paul Lawrence Dunbar. After a rocky go of combining the Dunbar neighborhood with John Spring neighborhood, elders, leads, and activists have worked to make Dunbar Spring a welcoming and diverse place to live that's close to Downtown. As a result, the district has recently undergone a revitalization effort, which has driven up rents and real estate prices.

Locals gather at Trail Dust Town, a historic outdoor shopping center. The area resembles a wild west town with saloon shows, Pinnacle Peak restaurant with Cowboy Steak, and a vintage carousel or Circle-the-Wagons Ferris Wheel. Pack up a picnic for Estevan Park or head to the ballet or a concert at the Leo Rich Theater.

Visit our Dunbar Springs apartment listings to learn more about rental prices and trends.

5. Miramonte

• Best for: Families seeking a quiet, established neighborhood with excellent schools, parks, and mountain views.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $2,201
• Walk Score: 70
• Transit Score: 41
• Bike Score: 91
• Map of Miramonte

Located north of Downtown Tucson, Miramonte is a residential neighborhood known for its quiet vibe. The lifestyle is laid-back, but there are still shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues bustling along Speedway Boulevard.

While not located in Miramonte, the neighborhood is a quick commute to Reid Park. The 131-acre urban park features a 9,500-seat baseball stadium, pond, swimming pools, gardens, and a 24-acre zoo. The DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, or OPC, hosts shows around a large grass amphitheater. Tucson locals come for the open-air concerts, festivals, movie screenings, and live performances.

Check out our Miramonte apartment listings to learn more about rental prices and trends.

6. Keeling

• Best for: Student renters seeking a diverse and established neighborhood with easy access to shopping, dining, and the University of Arizona.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $1,461
• Walk Score: 71
• Transit Score: 44
• Bike Score: 96
• Map of Keeling

The Tucson neighborhood of Keeling has a suburban vibe with quiet streets and a family-friendly reputation. Most locals make the short commute into Downtown Tucson or nearby areas. It's situated north of the University of Arizona. The proximity makes it an easy commute for students and staff. Plus, Pima Community College - West Campus is also just over I-10.

View our apartment listings in Keeling to see more information about rental prices and trends.

7. Poets Square

• Best for: Artists, creatives, and independent spirits seeking a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood with a strong sense of community, unique shops and cafes, and a walkable, historic charm.
• Starting 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $850
• Walk Score: 58
• Transit Score: 40
• Bike Score: 89
• Map of Poets Square

Poets Square is an intimate, close-knit community located in central Tucson. This Tucson neighborhood is appealing to college students, professionals, and small business owners. It's known for its unique diversity and advocacy for the community.

True to its name, many streets around Poets Square are named after famed poets, including Walt Whitman, Edgar Allen Poe, and Olive Wendell Holmes. But the area didn't become a registered neighborhood association until 2022. Longtime residents rallied together to stop a late-night fast food restaurant from disrupting the community's fabric. Shopping malls are just a few miles away, and it's about a ten-minute drive to the University of Arizona. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Pima Air & Space Museum are close enough for a weekend visit.

Our Poets Square apartment listings have more information about rental prices and other trends.

8. Catalina Foothills

• Best for: Affluent families, retirees, and luxury seekers desiring stunning mountain views, upscale shopping and dining, spacious homes, and access to top-rated schools and golf courses.
• Starting 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,221
• Walk Score: 13
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 30
• Map of Catalina Foothills

Catalina Foothills is home to spectacular art galleries, golf courses, trendy dining, and shopping at your doorstep. The neighborhood attracts young professionals, millennials, and empty-nesters looking to live in one of Tucson's posh neighborhoods. The area is also popular with snowbirds to escape the cold winters of the midwest. Notable spots include the 10-acre DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.

Outdoor recreation is also plentiful, with the 9,159 foot-high mount Lennon. It's the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains and is a favorite destination for skiers. In addition, Sabino Canyon offers swimming, waterfalls, and a 45-minute tram ride to explore the grounds across nine different stops.

See our apartment listings in Catalina Foothills for more about rental prices and trends.

9. Armory Park

• Best for: Urban explorers, young professionals, families, and active individuals who enjoy a walkable lifestyle.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $1,400
• Walk Score: 76
• Transit Score: 64
• Bike Score: 99
• Map of Armory Park

Listed within the National Register of Historic Places, Tucson’s Armory Park neighborhood boasts a rich collection of the city’s past eras, including many barrio-style homes, bungalows, and adobe row houses.

Entertainment and recreation options in Armory Park are as diverse as the neighborhood’s architectural styles, with tons of options running from reading a book in a relaxing cafe to scouring shops for vintage threads.

The units available in Armory Park are primarily located within new high-rise developments. However, there are plenty of single-family homes, units within apartment communities, and duplex units available for rent.

Check out our Armory Park apartment listings to find out more about rental prices in the area.

10. El Presidio Historic District

• Best for: Architecture aficionados, history lovers, and those seeking a unique living experience in Tucson's oldest neighborhood.
• Starting 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,100
• Walk Score: 69
• Transit Score: 66
• Bike Score: 98
• Map of El Presidio Historic District

Situated just northwest of Downtown Tucson, El Presidio boasts plenty of character and has a dense collection of recreation and entertainment options. As a start, The Tucson Museum of Art is located at the neighborhood’s southern end.

On the western end, you’ll find the El Charro Café, which holds the prestige of being the oldest Mexican restaurant in the country. El Presidio residents have kept this restaurant alive for over 100 years, so you’ll need to stop in and taste the key to its longevity!

You may also be inclined to visit Old Town Artisans, a sprawling building with galleries stocked with the wares of local artisans and a beautiful courtyard.

Rentals in the neighborhood won’t provide much diversity, as available units are primarily located within newer high-rise developments. That said, there are also a few single-family houses for rent within El Presidio.

Visit our El Presidio apartment listings to see current rental prices in the area.

11. West University

• Best for: Those who enjoy a walkable lifestyle, access to campus amenities, and a mix of student-oriented businesses and local shops.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $1,790
• Walk Score: 87
• Transit Score: 64
• Bike Score: 94
• Map of West University

West University is home to plenty of college students — University of Arizona students, to be exact. Additionally, the neighborhood is also home to a solid population of young professionals, usually newly graduated students choosing to stay in the area.

Beyond having a youthful population, West University is also an attractive location for those who need to commute to Downtown Tucson. Fortunately, if you work from home, you won’t have to worry about too much noise.

Despite being so near campus, West University is a notably quiet neighborhood. So if you’re ready to plunge into the West University rental market, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including luxury apartment units, bungalows, duplexes, and more.

Our West University apartment listings contain more information about local rental prices and trends.

12. Campus Farm

• Best for: Students, young professionals, and those seeking a quieter, more residential atmosphere near the University of Arizona.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,401
• Walk Score: 55
• Transit Score: 38
• Bike Score: 86
• Map of Campus Farm

Like West University, Campus Farm is another small neighborhood near one of the University of Arizona’s main sites, namely the university’s Agricultural Center. As a result, you can expect to find a sizeable population of students and young professionals within its borders.

Located about an 18-minute car ride away from Downtown Tucson, living in Campus Farm provides easy access to some of the city’s best amenities. However, being surrounded by farmland and animals may contribute to a sense of being disconnected from the city’s urban environment.

The apartments available within the Campus Farm neighborhood are generally more upscale, as the area has been the site of new developments. However, some very affordable apartments are available within the neighborhood, including single-family homes and units within apartment communities.

Our Campus Farm apartment listings can tell you more about rental prices and trends.

13. Midvale Park

• Best for: Families, retirees, and those seeking a quiet, established neighborhood with good schools, parks, and a strong sense of community.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Current Listings): $1,253
• Walk Score: 26
• Transit Score: 28
• Bike Score: 51
• Map of Midvale Park

Midvale Park is located about a 20-minute drive south of Downtown Tucson. This area is far less urban than other Tucson neighborhoods and is a sprawling suburb. The neighborhood’s residents have cited rising crime as a concern, but most contend that the area is relatively safe.

A large retail center sits in the neighborhood's southern end, where residents typically stock up on groceries and home supplies. However, the neighborhood lacks a significant small business presence, and most stores and restaurants are satellites of large chains.

Rentals in Midvale include units within apartment communities and single-family homes. While there isn’t a lot of housing diversity, the available units are generally affordable and won’t break the bank!

View our Midvale Park apartment listings to learn more about renting in the area.

14. Broadway Pantano East

• Best for: Those who enjoy a mix of urban and suburban life, affordability, and proximity to various amenities.
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,182
• Walk Score: 63
• Transit Score: 39
• Bike Score: 94
• Map of Broadway Pantano East

Broadway Pantano East offers the best of both worlds regarding urban and suburban living. Due to the neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona’s campus, you’ll find a good mix of young professionals, college students, and long-term residents.

Your commute to Downtown Tucson shouldn’t be too bad. Even with traffic, you’ll spend around 20-minutes getting to your destination. However, you won’t have to leave the neighborhood to find entertainment options.

Broadway Village is within walking distance for most residents and offers a variety of restaurants, shops, gyms, and more.

View our Broadway Pantano East apartment listings to see current rental prices and learn about trends.

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Best neighborhood in Tucson FAQs

What is the safest place in Tucson?

Downtown Tucson, Sam Hughes, and the Catalina Foothills are among some of the safest neighborhoods in Tucson, and are all high on our list of best Tucson neighborhoods overall.

What is the wealthiest area in Tucson?

The Catalina Foothills is the most affluent area of Tucson in our list, though it is not where you will pay the most rent. Downtown Tucson, with an average rent of $3,201 for a 2-bedroom, is slightly more expensive overall.

Is it safe to walk in Tucson at night?

Much like other cities, you should walk at night with great caution and at your own risk. It's better to walk in groups whenever possible. If you must walk alone, be aware of your surroundings, and makes sure you are in contact with someone who expects to hear from you at a certain time.