Tucson is Tops!
Tucson is Best Place to Live a Simple Life
Looking to live the simpler life? Look no further than Tucson. AARP The Magazine's Best Places to Live a Simple Life list, out in July 2009, bestows top honors on the city of 541,000 in the Arizona desert.
#2 Top Hotel for Nature Lovers
Sunset magazine has named Loews Ventana Canyon Resort number 2 in its top 10 hotels for nature lovers. Within minutes of leaving the resort, you can hike into a virtual wilderness area via the easy-to-access Ventana Canyon trail that begins just a short walk away.
#2 Entrepreneurial Hot Spot
Tucson is ranked #2 among mid-size cities according to the National Research Policy Council. The rankings combined data on a region's startups and their growth.
#4 Most Digital City
The most technology-advanced cities in America have been named by The Center for Digital Government based on its 2007 Digital Cities Survey, and Tucson has been ranked #4 in the 250,000 or more population category. The study examined how city governments are utilizing digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations.
#4 Local Bed and Breakfast
The Royal Elizabeth B&B ranked 4th in a Top 10 survey conducted by BedandBreakfast.com. Business travelers seeking the comforts of home while on the road can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a desk in their guest room, copy and fax services and other amenities at the Royal Elizabeth. Guest surveys speak of the Tucson Bed and Breakfast as "grand and beautiful, with fabulous hospitality and incredible food."
#5 Best Place for Outdoor Activities
In "Best Places for Outdoor Activities," MSN placed Tucson 5th in its "Close to the Big Outdoors" survey. MSN cited the city's closeness to outdoor activities, coupled with a balance of quality education, housing, jobs, health, and arts and entertainment.
#6 Tucson Ranked in Air Quality
Breathe easy in Tucson. The American Lung Association in its "State of the Air: 2009" report ranks Tucson among the top best cities based on low levels of long-term particle pollution, amount of dust, soot and other matter found in the air annually.
#7 Community in the Nation for Energy Star Homes
Strict guidelines are set by the Environmental Protection Agency for a home to earn this designation. Homes and offices that meet the Energy Star standards save consumers money, reduce energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
#9 Top Medical Schools for Hispanic Students
Enrollment, retention, programs and student services earned the UA a No. 9 ranking nationally by Hispanic Business magazine (Sept. 2009).
#9 Tucson is Heart Healthful for Women
Tucson is listed by the American Heart Association as one of the top 10 "Heart Friendly" cities for women, among midsize metro areas.
#9 Cities Best Suited for Fitness and Walking
Prevention magazine, in conjunction with the American Podiatric Medical Association, ranked Tucson 9th for cities that are best suited for fitness and walking. Criteria include crime, mass transit, air quality, and the number of historic sites, museums, parks and gyms each city has.
#10 Healthy Lifestyle
Cooking Light honored Tucson with 10th place in its search for the cities in America that best support its philosophy to eat smart, be fit, and live well. The following are a few of the criteria that earned Tucson its high ranking: Farmers' markets, access to gourmet ingredients, highly rated restaurants, percentage of residents in good health, and low percentage of overweight residents.
Gallup Survey Rates Arizona 10th Happiest State
Based on a Well-Being Index, factors include overall evaluation of life, emotional health, physical health, healthy behaviors, and job satisfaction.
Basis Tucson, University High Among US Best Schools
Both Tucson schools, ranked in the top 25 in U.S. News and World Report's 2009 list of America's Best High Schools, are the only ones in Arizona to be designated Gold Medal schools.
Tucson is Cycling Mecca for the United States
Lance Armstrong training in Tucson with his Radio Shack Team for the 2010 Tour de France, declares Tucson a cycling mecca. He says Tucson has a good infrastructure of roads, good climbs and nice flats. With many bike lanes it's helpful for the cyclist, and even for their team riding with up to 24 guys.
Among the Top Ten for Efficient Homes
The Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas rank in the top 10 for 2009 for communities with the most homes certified under the federal Energy Star energy-efficiency standards, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced. Energy Star-qualified new homes are independently verified to meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA.
Tops Among Public National Universities
U.S. News & World Report ranks The University of Arizona in a tie for 45th among public national universities, according to its latest rankings in America's Best Colleges 2008. The Eller College of Management ranks 12th on the list for undergraduate business programs. The Eller College is also one of only three institutions to maintain top-five status in the Management Information Systems business specialty since the inception of the U.S. News rankings in 1989.
Solar American Cities Award
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has named Tucson as one of its 25 Solar American Cities. DOE recognizes these cities as partners highly committed to solar technology adoption at the local level. (www.solaramericacities.energy.gov)
#20 Best Cities for Jobs
Forbes annual ranking of "Best Cities for Jobs" placed Tucson at 20th among 100 cities listed. Criteria included Median Household income, Unemployment, Income Growth, Cost of Living and Job growth.
Tucson on list of 21 Best Boomer Towns in U.S.
The city of Tucson is among 21 cities deemed the Best Boomer Towns in the country, according to bestboomertowns.com. The cities were chosen for "on the go boomers" based on their outdoor activities, the availability of university classes, airport access, "excellent" health care and "beautiful weather," according to the Web site. Census figures show most of Tucson's population is between 35 and 54 years old and just seven percent are older than 75.
Home to World Tournament
Marana, just a golf ball's throw from Tucson, will be home to the Accenture Match Play through at least 2010. This event features the top 64 players in the world. The World Golf Championships feature some of the largest purses in professional golf. First prize money is in excess of $1 million.
Most Playful City
Tucson is one of the most playful cities, according to KaBOOM! Tucson is one of the 31 founding members of the Playful City USA initiative, an effort to recognize communities that achieve better public policy, funding and public awareness for increased play opportunities for kids. Tucson was recognized for fulfilling a pledge to five specific commitments to play that have a lasting impact on issues including childhood obesity, public safety, and quality of life. Other Arizona cities to make the list are Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Yuma.