South Tucson has authentic dining, art and convenience
South Tucson is known for its diverse dining and creative culture. Businesses in this city separate from Tucson include several authentic Mexican restaurants and a few tortilla shops. Walkers and drivers here may pass by some painted crosswalks and buildings covered in stylish graffiti and other works, like a message of love, Yosemite Sam, a sombrero-wearing pepper and Day of the Dead art. Additionally, this city of about 4,200 people is conveniently located for those who work for some of the area’s major employers. South Tucson is a few miles north of the Tucson International Airport and the defense contractor Raytheon. “There are all kinds of industries and companies in the South Tucson area,” says Maria Serino, a Realtor with NextHome Complete Realty. “There’s nothing better than being close to work, and that’s what attracts a lot of people in that area, too.”
Housing includes ranch-style, Spanish and Pueblo homes
While South Tucson has some modern 21st-century homes, it also has many houses from around the mid-20th century. “It’s a place that still has the charm of the old town,” Serino says. Most homes in South Tucson are located along wide, gridded streets with narrow sidewalks. Much of the city is walkable, and several roads have speed bumps. Many homes are on gravel and dirt lots surrounded by a mix of concrete, brick, iron and chain-link fences. Styles here include Spanish Revival, Pueblo Revival and ranch-style homes. Most homes here are between 800 and 2,000 square feet and sell from $110,000 to $350,000. However, about two-thirds of the city rents.
Community has many Mexican cuisine options
Staples here include El Corral de la Vaca, which is run out of a small, distinct building painted in cow spots. Its menu options include ramen, street-style tacos and birria pizza. Mi Nidito offers more Mexican fare inside a tropically themed space. The restaurant’s past patrons include actor William Shatner, comedian Paul Rodriguez and former President Bill Clinton. Located just outside South Tucson, American Eat Company is a food court with long tables that different groups may share. “You can pretty much get anything from Mexican food to Asian and Mediterranean, all in one location,” Serino says. “That’s one of the biggest places to go eat there.” Residents going grocery and retail shopping may go to Walmart and Costco Wholesale, both of which are located just east of South Tucson.
Students may attend Tucson schools and magnet programs
South Tucson is zoned for the Tucson Unified School District, one of the leading systems in metro Tucson. The district allows open enrollment, and South Tucson students may attend magnet schools offering courses in specialized areas. Students may start at Ochoa Elementary, which receives a C from Niche. They may then go to Dodge Middle Magnet School and Tucson High Magnet School, both of which get a B. STEM is one of the high school’s focus areas. The school allows students to take science courses from the University of Arizona professors.
Recreation amenities include trails, sports fields and a pool
Those who go on daily walks, jogs and bike rides may quickly get on the El Paso & Southwestern Greenway. A part of the path runs through South Tucson, allowing its users to reach other areas like downtown Tucson. Residents looking for more recreation are only about 5 minutes or less from a few Tucson parks. One is the roughly 50-acre Silverlake Park, which has walking trails, some baseball and soccer fields and open grassy areas that dog owners often visit with their pets. The park is home to the Quincie Douglas Pool, where the amenities include a nearly 150-foot-tall, spiraling slide and a splash pad.
City is close to celebrations in historic Tucson neighborhood
South Tucson is only a few miles south of the historic Tucson neighborhood that hosts the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, a bi-annual event typically occurring in March and December. Considered one of the Southwest’s most prominent festivals, the fair allows hundreds of thousands of people to experience the historic neighborhood’s eclectic and vibrant dining, bar and art scene. Attendees may shop for crafts made by hundreds of artists, listen to local bands and try out a variety of street foods showing the area’s Southwest culture.
Commuters have direct access to I-10 and Sun Tran buses
Commuters who don’t own cars can take Sun Tran buses. Otherwise, South Tucson is located right off Interstates 10 and 19. I-19 provides a direct route to the U.S.-Mexico border, about 65 miles south. The city is only a few miles south of downtown Tucson. Three miles east of South Tucson, Banner - University Medical Center South offers services like emergency care and surgeries. South Tucson is about 5 miles north of the Tucson International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights.
