Have you heard? Tucson is one of the most affordable places to live! Financial website Go Banking Rates recently named the city the most affordable to live in for under $45,000, which is perfect for those on a startup salary or a fixed income. According to research, the average resident will need $39,966 to live comfortably in Tucson with less than $20,000 of that to spend on necessities like rent, groceries, and bill payments.

So, what makes the Old Pueblo so affordable and awesome place to live? Check out a few good reasons to consider making Tucson your new home.

1. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just a hair over $800.
Steven Depolo/Flickr
According to the website Rent Jungle, the average rental price for a two-bedroom apartment in Tucson is $808.
2. Tucson’s air is fresh and clean!
Amanda M./Flickr
In 2013, Tucson received recognition for having the best city air quality by the American Lung Association.
3. The Old Pueblo is well-known for its scenic desert views.
Ken Bosma/Flickr
Surrounded by mountains, Saguaro National Park, and other beautiful parks, Tucson has a lot going for it nature-wise!
4. Public transportation is inexpensive and (slowly) improving.
Paul Sableman/Flickr
All of Arizona’s public transportation services could use some help but Tucson’s is pretty affordable. A full day pass costs $3.50 (compared to $4 to $6 in Phoenix).
5. The weather is, on average, 8 degrees cooler than Phoenix.
Andy Melton/Flickr
This means the evening temperatures can actually get deliciously cool in the summer instead feeling like an oven cooling down.
6. A cool mountain vacation is just an hour away.
Bob/Flickr
If the temperatures aren’t cool enough, then just head up to Mount Lemmon which is a 40-mile drive from central Tucson.

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7. You are more likely to witness that rare treat of snow in the desert here.
Katie Moore/Flickr
What more could you want in winter?
8. Tucson is the “astronomy capital of the world.”
Steve/Flickr
Just one-hour away from Tucson is the Kitt Peak National Observatory, which houses 26 telescopes, the largest collection in the world. Even in the city, you’re likely to see the stars quite clearly each night.
9. For all you parents and bookworms out there: Tucson is also one of the most well-read cities in the country.
Ginny/Flickr
According to Amazon’s 2016 data on city reading material purchases (which includes books, magazines, and newspapers), Tucson ranks number 7 in the country. The city is also home to one of the largest book fairs in the country, the Tucson Festival of Books.
10. Tucson is also a cycler’s paradise.
Bill Morrow/Flickr
Bicycling Magazine ranked the city as one of the best places for cycling and Better Doctor Health ranked Tucson as the 7th most bicycle-friendly city in the country.
11. It's a city proud of its history and with plenty of historic buildings to prove it!
Augie Ray/Flickr
A walk through downtown or to historic buildings, like Mission San Xavier del Bac, will show you that the past really isn't that far away.
12. Tucson's downtown area has been booming in recent years thanks to revitalization efforts and the streetcar line.
Bill Morrow/Flickr

For those of you currently in Tucson, what’s your favorite part of living in the city? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook fan page.

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