Limberlost - Tucson, AZ

The neighborhood of Limberlost sits nestled in the shadows of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Mountain range was originally named Sierra del las Santa Catarina as noted in an 1864 German map. However, the mountain range gained the official name of the Santa Catalina Mountains in 1902.

Limberlost doesn't host any annual events, but that doesn't make living there boring. Just a short distance away, the 4th Avenue Street Fair sets up every March and December. During the winter holidays, the community of Winterhaven decorates their homes in holiday lights, and invites the city to tour the streets for hot chocolate and holiday cheer.

Covering the span of approximately two square miles, Limberlost residents have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, giving them few reasons to go outside of their home neighborhood. Large selections of dining options available on the north side of the area include chain restaurants, such as Mimi’s Café, the Cheesecake Factory, and Olive Garden.

One local favorite, Sir Vezas’s Taco Garage, combines Mexican and American street food with a Baja-style brew house. The Flores family has been serving Tucson natives for over 90 years, first with the Traditional Mexican restaurant El Charro and now with this young and hip restaurant created by Ramon Flores. If you can’t make up your mind, grab the Taco Trio Tour that lets you pick three custom tacos. If tacos don’t excite you, try the Sirnoran Dog, a half-pound 100 percent beef bacon-wrapped hot dog smothered in charro beans and jalapeno street salsa.

Established in 1971, Eegee’s partners Ed Irving and Bob Greenberg started their food business in a vending truck, specializing in a frozen fruit drink made with real fruit. Today, residents head to any of the multiple Eegee’s locations for sub sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and crinkle-cut fries topped with chili and cheese. When you stop by, make sure to order the original lemon eegee or the refreshing tee-gee. Luckily for Limberlost residents, an Eegee’s resides on the west side of the neighborhood.

One of the best Japanese restaurants in town, Samurai, sits at the southwest corner of the Limberlost neighborhood. Generous portions of yakisoba and sukiyaki chicken serve as this establishment's staple, but residents also rave about the spicy tuna don served volcano style. Make sure to start with a plate of tempura, and pair your meal with a bottle of sake.

Due to being the home of the University of Arizona, Tucson features a robust and active nightlife, but Limberlost doesn't contain any specific bars. When looking for a night on the town, head to Congress Street to find unique clubs and bars. One favorite, the Surly Wench, caters to the adventurous crowd with burlesque shows every first Friday of the month.

Limberlost features sidewalks on all the neighborhood streets, making the area both walkable and bike-friendly. All major thoroughfares feature biking lanes. Dim streets at night in some areas make walking at night a bit dodgy, so be sure to walk with a partner after the sun sets.

Most commuters residing in Limberlost use personal vehicles for transportation. The neighborhood enjoys easy access highway 77 and I-10 to the west. Numerous bus stops along Wetmore Road, Roger Road and Stone Avenue provide a public transportation alternative to personal vehicles. Cab companies don't typically dispatch cars to Limberlost for on-street pickup, so call one of the local cab companies or use your smartphone to request Uber or Lyft service when you need a ride.

You can park along most streets and park and recreation areas provide free public parking, but spaces can be limited. Commercial areas and business complexes also provide ample free parking.

Limberlost residents appreciate direct access to the Don Hummel Park. The park features multipurpose fields for athletic activities as well as basketball courts and a large modern play structure for children. Families enjoy having picnics and talking with neighbors at the shaded picnic tables. This park also welcomes leashed dogs, so bring every member of your family when you visit.

Located only a short mile north from the neighborhood, the Rillito River Park features exercise stations, walking paths and equestrian access to The Loop, a path of over 100 miles surrounding Tucson and surrounding neighborhoods. Available to horses, cyclists, and walkers, The Loop serves as stop for the fitness minded in the area. Rillato River Park frequently holds open-to-the-public events.

Residents need only to travel five miles east to find the closest off-leash dog park. The Brandi Fenton Memorial Park features three fenced play areas with double-entry gates, a doggie water fountain, benches, tables and shaded areas.

The cost of living in Tucson lands 2 percent lower than the national average, and the Limberlost neighborhood floats just below that at 3 percent lower. Considered a very livable area, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Limberlost runs around $521 a month.

One-way fare from the neighborhood to downtown Tucson via public transportation costs approximately $1.50. Gas prices run about 7.4 percent lower than the national average, making trips to the pump less painful. Expect to pay around $4 for a pint of beer at local bars.

Limberlost residents only have to go to the east side of 1st Avenue to find a Sprouts Farmers Market and Fry's grocery store. A Wal-Mart located on the north side of Wetmore also provides everyday shopping options. An Heirloom Farmers Market opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am until 1 pm in the southeast corner of the Rillato Park.

ZOE Boutique, located five miles south of the neighborhood on 4th Avenue, carries an exclusive collection of clothes created with the youthful and trendy shopper in mind. From party dresses to lingerie, the upscale boutique makes sure the ladies of Tucson find what they need for every occasion.

Shoppers can find clothes constructed with sustainable fabrics made by manufacturers in America at Fed By Threads. Also in the downtown Tucson shopping district, the shop uses proceeds to provide the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona with the funds to cover the costs of 12 emergency meals.