Real. Natural. Arizona! That’s the mantra the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau mused when describing the city, and with good reason, indeed.

Tucson was actually birthed in 10,000 B.C. and was probably first populated by ancient Native Americans. Sounds like a History Channel episode, eh? It evolved from a community of hunters and gatherers into an agricultural settlement in around 1000 B.C. Lots more history occurred, then a Spanish mission was established in the area in the 1690s. In 1775, the city finally acquired its name with the building of the Tucson Presidio. It exchanged hands from Spain to Mexico after Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821.

In 1853, it became U.S. territory where it has since remained (no, the state hasn’t seceded yet!). A notable mention of the area is that of the Saguaro cactus, which is synonymous with Arizona. Tucson has two national parks dedicated to the indigenous plant life. They are monuments to the city’s long history of tenacity and endurance.

Set beneath the backdrop of the breathtaking Catalina Mountains, Tucson is a postcard picture of the southwest, seated in the Sonora Desert with awe-inspiring peaks and natural cactus complements. It is the place to be for wonderful weather, clean air and phenomenal natural beauty, along with a strong business presence and an abundance of activities available for everyone. This all translates into a perfect place to live or to raise a family. That is the reason so many occupy the area. It is the 2nd largest city in the state with a population of around 544,000.

If you look on the city’s calendar of activities just for the month of May, you’ll find 43 scheduled events, let alone for the remainder of the year. The events noted include book club/discussions, children’s programs, lots of neighborhood association meetings and ticketed shows for the entire family. There are a plethora of other things to do in Tucson.

If strategically hitting a ball around a beautiful scenic path is your cup of tea, championship golf course resorts are located in the area with amenities like lighted tennis courts, luxury spa services, waterslides and equestrian facilities. For cultural activities, cast a lingering look through local museums or gaze at the bizarre, beautiful and bountiful plants and vegetation at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Although The Reid Park Zoo provides exceptional viewing of exotic animals, it also hosts live performances like the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra presentation. Get tickets to attend the Arizona Opera or listen to the classy licks at the Catalina Chamber Orchestra.

The optics business is a big deal in Tucson, and the local optics industry is broadly considered to be the finest in the country. The University of Arizona has invested heavily in their Optical Sciences Center and provides some of the best education on the topic in the U.S. Other prominent businesses in the area include retail, construction, health care, manufacturing, technology, recreation and hospitality, advertising and marketing, specialty education institutions, finance and professional services.

Here in Tucson, you’ll find a beautiful blend of history, culture and treasure unique to Tucson, which is reflected in the real estate, too.

Historic, tenacious tenements earliest noted in Tucson can be found in the neighborhoods of Barrio Histórico, El Presidio, Barrio Anita, Levin’s Gardens, El Hoya and others. If you want more modern or newer homes, you can find them in 195 new home communities. From expansive, luxury landmarks to smaller affluent-looking haciendas, you’ll find the home you’re looking for in the price range you can afford.

You’ll find everything you need right here in Tucson!

Are you looking for your desert dream home? Click Tucson homes for sale to find your little hidden oasis.