Tucson Fests in October

October is by far my favorite month in Arizona.  “Good things come to those who wait.” And we do wait-by the middle of September Tucsonans have pretty much had it with the relentless heat.  We say things like, “I’ll be so glad when October gets here,” and, “It won’t be long…”  It’s magical the way the 1st of October usually brings a significant dip in temperatures.  We’re now enjoying low to mid 80’s by day and mid to low 50’s at night.  We can open the windows and let the fresh air in!  For those of us who live here year round, it’s time to start planning those camping and fishing trips, take a hike in Sabino Canyon, or drive up to Mount Lemmon to enjoy the beautiful golden aspens.  We just enjoyed a relaxing weekend of RVing, boating and fishing at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Snow birds will begin their annual return this month, bringing with them golf clubs, tennis rackets and a renewed interest in the community.
Here are just a few of my favorite fall activities taking place in Southern Arizona:
Fall Pumpkin Festival- Oct. 10-31, Apple Annie’s Produce and Pumpkins, Wilcox

Scarecrows in the Garden- Oct. 17-Nov. 30, Tucson Botanical Gardens

All Souls International Film Festival-Oct. 29, Loft Theater

Day of The Dead Alter-Oct. 30-Jan 5, Tucson Museum of Art

For more listings, go to www.visittucson.org on the web.

Denise McCreary

The Simple Life

According to a recent article in USA Today and AARP The Magazine, Tucson tops the list of the Best Places to Live a Simple Life.  Demographers used figures from the US Census Bureau and other sources in their evaluation.

From a list of 25, then pared down to 10, it was decided that Tucson was number one in terms of places one could live simply.  Here’s the list of the cities:

1. Tucson
2. Greenville, S.C
3. Montpelier, VT
4. Logan, Utah
5. Ames, Iowa
6. Northampton, Mass
7. Lexington/Fayette, KY.
8. Texas Hill Country
9. Oxford, Miss.
10. Walla Walla, Wash.

The demographers looked at affordability and low rates of unemployment, as well as factors including the ability to walk and bike.  Also included were the availability of “outdoor amenities”  such as farmer’s markets and hiking trails.  Visit the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau website to explore the many outdoor amenities we have to offer.

Another factor considered in the evaluation was the “stress index”.  This measure takes into account our low rates of suicide, crime, divorce and depression.

Great education played a role in the measure; a plus is the proximity to colleges and universities.  The fact that Tucson is home to University of Arizona helped boost our fair city to the top of the list.

We do enjoy an affordable lifestyle here in Tucson, as well as the many wonderful and diverse opportunities to enjoy our community. Residents rave about Tucson’s multicultural, melting pot feel.

Tucson’s Mayor Bob Walkup, self proclaimed “Mayor of Paradise” says he wasn’t surprised to hear his city was at the top of the list.  He believes we have the best quality of life in the country, adding that our temperate climate and low crime rate make it an ideal place to live.

It’s our abundance of sunshine that simply makes one feel good!

I invite you to check us out, investigate our affordable Tucson Real Estate and start enjoying Tucson Arizona.

Denise McCreary