I've lived in Tucson for 30 years. The weather never as hot as Phoenix- worst is June-September, when it is often above 100, but dry through June. The summer monsoons bring more humidity, mainly early July through the beginning of September. Sept-Oct are still warm but cooler mornings and evenings, and the winter sees temps dip into the low 30's, but rarely much colder, and often in the 40's for lows. Lots of sunny dry days, and sometimes wind in the spring and fall.


Bike friendly? Yes- for the most part. Lots of miles of signed bike lanes. Look for the Tucson bike map available as a pdf online.

Best and worst things about living there? I love the Sonoran Desert, and it has access to high elevation (Mt. Lemmon) close by, plus other great mountain ranges to explore an hour or two away.

Worst... not such great public transportation.

Cost of living? Much lower than big eastern cities, but wages aren't so high.

Any words of wisdom regarding the campus area?
It's okay- some areas are a bit sketchy, but overall not bad.

Anything else?
PM me- I'd be happy to share. I came to Tucson for grad school and stayed and raised my kids here.

Indian food is probably too much to hope for, but maybe Tucson's a little different from Phoenix...? I hope...?
Yup, there's Indian food- a couple places within a mile or two of campus, and some further out.