This city is located on the Santa Cruz River. It is believed that the first people to stop in Tucson, AZ were the Paleo-Indians at the end of the first Ice Age. The Archeological digs in this area have established that there was once an Indian village located here. Irrigation canals once used by these people to grow crops while they continued to hunt and gather food, date back 4000 years. These Archeologists have also discovered numerous pieces of pottery indicating the extensive use of pottery for cooking and food storage by these early inhabitants.


This city is highly focused on preserving nature and its heritage. Though it was once the largest city and commercial center in Arizona, the people in Tucson, AZ value quality of life over commercial development, they focus on reuse and recycling to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Tucson is surrounded by five minor mountain ranges with volcanic mountains to the West. There has been a great deal done here to preserve the natural habit of this area.The Saguaro National Park West is a fine example of these attempts to preserve the wildlife of this area. This National Park covers 143 square miles of wilderness. The area is abundant with numerous cactuses native to this area. It is also home to one endangered species of animal the Lesser Long Nosed Bat and one threatened species the Mexican Spotted Owl. There are also 150 miles of well-marked hiking trails.


The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Zoo is also located in Tucson, AZ. This desert preserve features beautiful flora, or plant life indigenous to this area as well as the fauna or animal life native to this desert area. Here you can hike or take a horseback ride leading into this amazing wilderness and to the desert oasis located within. This spectacular oasis consists of several waterfalls and swimming holes. You can continue a just a little way outside the city and discover a wonderful pine forest as well. In Tucson, AZ you can also find the Reid Park Zoo. The zoo is 17 acres and contains over 500 animals and activities for children as well.


Nature is not the only thing in Tucson, AZ that is preserved. This city located only 60 miles North of Mexico was once settled by the Spanish. It was once a part of Mexico and did not become a part of the United States until 1853. Even with a population of over 500,000 people the city still tries to maintain some semblance of its early Mexican heritage. This heritage is most apparent in the Southern part of this city, with its authentic Mexican restaurants, architecture and colorful outdoor murals. These hand painted murals are a tribute to the Hispanic heritage of the city.


Tucson, Arizona real estate features homes of all types of architecture. Even in the development of homes in this city great care is taken to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Of course the 35 golf courses located here can be quite alluring as well. This city also features a 20 screen Cineplex, and two live performing arts theatres. Not to mention its upscale boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. Along with its great beauty this city has plenty to offer someone wanting to move to the area. Tucson is a wonderful place to retire. It also offers numerous job opportunities.