West University - Tucson, AZ

West University began to take shape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it the first Tucson suburb north of previously developed areas near the Southern Pacific Railroad. As the city grew, West University transitioned from a suburb to a historic part of the core of downtown Tucson. In fact, in 1980, many of the neighborhood houses were included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The neighborhood houses several museums including the Arizona Historical Society, Arizona History Museum and the Postal History Foundation, featuring a historic post office and exhibits for all ages. Art offerings in the area include the University of Arizona Museum of Art, with Renaissance to modern art, and the Center for Creative Photography, founded by Ansel Adams and featuring over 80,000 photography prints and workshop areas. The Fourth Avenue Street Fair brings craft vendors, live music and great food to the street annually.

Restaurants line the streets of West University, especially along Fourth Avenue and University Boulevard. Options range from Vietnamese cuisine to pizza and Mediterranean fare.

Casually hip restaurant The B Line showcases Southwest dishes with fresh twists and quality ingredients. Sit along the avenue-facing windows, and take in the sights of Fourth Avenue while enjoying tasty dishes like fish tacos and specialty salads. For a Southern-fusion dish that's sure to delight, order the blackened mahi mahi burrito, with pan seared Cajun-spiced fish, coleslaw, achiote-seasoned rice and smoky, homemade Creole sauce. The B Line also features made-from-scratch desserts like coconut cake and key lime pie.

Eco-inclined diners should head over to Brooklyn Pizza Company, a Fourth Avenue mainstay that is completely powered by solar panels. The shop features pizza by the slice, whole pies, calzones, hero sandwiches, pasta and even gelato. Purists should go with the Florentine hero, loaded with mozzarella, spinach, tomato, olive oil, vinegar and fresh basil. Vegans appreciate the cheese-less veggie pizza with spinach tomato, peppers and potato.

West University is loaded with nightlife options to suit almost any taste. The astronomy-themed Sky Bar features telescopes and affordable tasty drinks. The Surly Wench Pub cultivates a campy vibe with gothic music and arty burlesque shows. Che's Lounge hosts live music and art exhibits from local artists.

West University is the most walkable neighborhood in all of Tucson, and practically all errands can be accomplished on foot here. Bikers appreciate the extensive network of bike lanes and established routes, making for an extremely bike-friendly area. Public transit provides easy transportation to surrounding neighborhoods and other parts of downtown. Hailing a cab is possible here, but it's faster to call a private company and arrange a pick-up. Uber covers the area as well, providing ride shares. Public parking can be hard to come by near the university and surrounding Fourth Avenue. Free parking and metered parking can be found. Speedway Boulevard links up directly with Interstate 10. The Tucson Amtrak train station sits just south of the neighborhood.

Park offerings in West University are somewhat modest, but several quaint neighborhood parks can be found within the boundaries of the area and just outside. Parks remain free of cost and welcome dogs on leashes. Children flock to Catalina Park for the updated playground.

Catalina Park offers an enjoyable respite from shopping on Fourth Avenue, with great people-watching in addition to a large fountain, impromptu music gatherings and a recently renovated playground area. Nearby De Anza Park features tennis courts, a wide open field, and attractive trees and picnic areas. Estevan Park also hosts a large open field in addition to basketball courts and an architecturally interesting covered picnic area. Oury Park hosts two baseball diamonds and an open green space. There are no annual events hosted in the parks.

The cost of living in West University remains higher than the city average. City buses take passengers downtown for $1.50. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence costs $698. The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs between $3 and $5. Gas prices cost on average 8 percent less than the national average.

Major shopping areas exist on or near Fourth Avenue and University Boulevard. The area contains a good mix of high-end and practical wares, with clothing shops and specialty boutiques everywhere.

Zoe Boutique provides an ideal combination of unique fashions, great service and good prices. The shop hosts a revolving art exhibition focusing on local talent, including crafters, painters and jewelry makers. The young and hip go crazy here over the extensive collection of dresses, tops, bottoms, accessories, lingerie and gift items. Make sure to check out the sales rack for trendy, affordable styles.

Local boutique gift store Ooo Outside of Ordinary stocks tons of gifts, houseware and bodycare items in a quaint shop on University Boulevard. Treat yourself from a wide selection of high-end lotions and cosmetics, or update your home furnishings with decor items and furniture. Ooo Outside of Ordinary is the perfect gift-buying location for the friend who has everything or those with eclectic, hard-to-please tastes.

Shoppers find organic foods at several locally owned grocers in the neighborhood. Stop into Time Market for upscale delicacies, wines and beer, as well as an in-house deli and restaurant. Head to Food Conspiracy Co-op for organic produce, kombucha and more. Whole Foods and Safeway offer general grocery services in the area.