Balboa Heights - Tucson, AZ Area Guide

Settled over 12,000 years ago, this part of Tucson originated as a Native American village. In 1776, Spanish settlers arrived, and in 1854, the area officially became a part of the United States. Tucson became a city in 1877 -- the first city in Arizona. During the late 1800s, this was the Wild West, complete with stagecoach robberies and infamous outlaws like William Whitney Brazelton. In 1885, the University of Arizona was established. In 1910, the population had increased to nearly 14,000, and by 1950, the area reached a population of over 120,000. Today, more than 400,000 people from diverse cultures call Tucson home.

Locals adore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which includes a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, aquarium, and natural history museum. Consisting of 21 acres, the museum provides habitats for an array of species. Open seven days a week, this museum charges a $19.50 general admission fee for adults, $17.50 for seniors, and $6.50 for kids.

A popular authentic Mexican restaurant, El Guero Canelo features a full salsa bar and serves renowned Sonoran hot dogs — a bacon-wrapped hot dog with traditional Mexican toppings. Customers also rave about the carne asada tacos with homemade tortillas at El Guero Canelo. Wash down your meal with a Mexican soda, and treat yourself to its famous custard for dessert. The restaurant also runs daily specials and caters various events. Visitors leave this place with a full stomach and wallet.

For comfort food, locals go to Mother Hubbard's Cafe on West Grant Road. Known for its plentiful and tasty breakfasts, this establishment's regulars highly recommend the green-corn waffles and coconut buckwheat pancakes. Diners also suggest trying the homemade red and green chile sauces. Complementing the food, the cafe houses unique Southwest art in a diner-like atmosphere. Mother Hubbard's Cafe serves a $1.99 breakfast special Monday through Friday from 6 to 8 a.m.

Known for its karaoke competitions, the small Driftwood Pub and Kitchen attracts big crowds. This establishment makes a great place to escape the Arizona heat and offers reasonable drink prices. For a more upbeat club experience, locals frequent H2O Discotec, where the lights synchronize with the music.

Sun Tran, the neighborhood's public transportation system, provides excellent bus services to residents. The system also has a park-and-ride and express route options that assist residents with getting to work relaxed and on time. The regional transit service includes Sun Link, which serves the University of Arizona, Main Gate Square, 4th Avenue, downtown Tucson, and the Mercado districts. You must pay for fares with cash, SunGo, or a smart-card, with cash fares running $1.50 and SunGo fares running $0.50 with proof of ID. Children five and under ride free.

Many residents use their own vehicles to commute as well. Though cab services run significantly higher than public transportation options, they remain available. Uber and Lyft act as excellent alternatives to traditional taxis here. Many residents choose to walk or bike to get around the neighborhood. A biker-friendly area, the neighborhood houses over 10 bike trails for riders, and the streets also accommodate bikers.

Though most establishments provide free parking for customers, you can find parking garages on South Toole Avenue and East 2nd Street. Parking meters stand along East Speedway Boulevard. Meter parking costs $1.65 per hour, and the meters accept debit or credit cards. Major highways, including I-10, I-8 and I-19, all lie within easy reach of this neighborhood.

Locals frequent Pantano River Park, which provides drinking water, equestrian access, and walking paths. The park's available activities include horseback riding, wildlife watching, biking, walking, and running. Both kid- and dog-friendly, Pantano River Park incorporates commemorative trees you can purchase in loving memory of a friend or family member.

Tucson Mountain Park greatly adds to the value of residents' lives by providing an open space for walking, running, biking, or hiking. The park also hosts classes that include cycling, yoga, and pilates. Catalina Neighborhood Park on North Oracle Road has picnic areas, a playground, a lit basketball court, a community center, a swimming pool, and a shuffleboard court.

Every year, Pima County hosts a County Fair, which consists of food, concerts, and a horse show. The event also has carnival rides and games. Attendees may purchase pre-sale tickets, fun passes, and wristbands.

The cost of living in the Balboa Heights neighborhood sits 9.6 percent lower than the Tucson average cost and 11.2 percent lower than the national average cost. The cost for an individual to get to the city center via public transportation runs approximately $1.50. The cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Balboa Heights averages about $465 per month.

For a beer at a local pub, locals expect to pay about $4. However, most local bars and restaurants host great happy hours. The Canyon's Crown has a daily happy hour, which includes beer, wine, spirits, and food. Gas prices run 1.6 percent lower than the national average.

Park Place Mall, the area's premier shopping mall, houses over 100 stores. Open seven days a week, the mall also consists of many restaurants, including Yard House and Chipotle. When visitors finish shopping, they often take in a movie at the facility's Century 20 Theater. Accommodating for both children and parents, the mall also features a children's play place.

A true neighborhood gem, Zoe Boutique carries unique items for women, including plus-size apparel and gift ideas for less than $30. Also a shopping hot spot for locals, W Boutique carries designer brand items for great prices. The boutique exclusively carries women's apparel, including clothing and accessories. From James Perse to Michael Stars, the shop houses many fashionable brands.

Fry's serves as the area's basic grocery store. From meats and produce to cleaning products and basic necessities, Fry's has it. For ethnic shopping needs, locals go to India Dukaan, a store that carries fresh Indian groceries. The neighborhood hosts a number of farmer's markets. Broadway Village Farmer's Market, one of the most popular farmer's markets, opens on East Broadway Boulevard every Monday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.