Midtown Tucson Tucson, AZ

Tucson was founded in 1775 by Hugh O’Conor, who established a military fort near modern-day downtown Tucson. The Midtown neighborhood saw consistent growth following the founding of the University of Arizona in 1885; its easy access to the school makes it a popular neighborhood for students and University employees. The 1904 construction of Speedway Boulevard, one of Midtown’s major roads, also drove neighborhood growth as the road developed into one of Tucson’s most heavily used thoroughfares.

While Midtown has no museums, Tucson Botanical Gardens, located here, offers several cultural opportunities to residents and visitors, including poetry readings and art shows. The Gardens’ annual SAVOR Food & Wine Festival features food from the region’s finest chefs, which attendees can enjoy with wine and beer provided by multiple wineries and breweries. Tucson Botanical Garden also offers popular classes in gardening and horticulture.

Many dining options can be found throughout Midtown, and it proves to be a great neighborhood for sampling Tucson’s culinary offerings. Most restaurants here remain affordable and casual, and authentic Mexican food can be found on almost every corner. Family owned Casa Molina, which has been serving Tucson heaping enchilada platters since 1947, makes a great option for a lunch or dinner out, and locals also love the catering services. For fast, casual Mexican, 24-hour Los Betos acts as a Tucson tradition after a boozy night out on the town. Line up for a cheap, filling burrito or torta to soak up the evening’s indulgences. No meal here would be complete without a trip to Los Betos’ salsa bar.

Tired of Mexican food? For tasty Mediterranean meals, including freshly made falafel, hummus and gyros, head to Midtown’s Tork’s Café. The restaurant’s building also houses a small store where you can pick up Greek and North African canned goods, spices and more.

Eegee’s, a classic Tucson fast casual spot proves to be worth a visit. Eegee’s serves deli-style and submarine sandwiches, salads, and the famous Eegee, a non-alcoholic, fruity, frozen drink perfect for beating the desert heat. Tucsonians adore Eegee’s, and the establishment’s catering remains a frequent feature at picnics and other casual events here.

Midtown residents can enjoy several appealing nightlife options. On game day, plop down near one of Famous Sam’s many HD televisions with a frosty beer. Sam’s also amuses patrons with pool tables, dartboards and off-track betting. The bar hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and never charges a cover fee. For a more sophisticated but slightly kitschy experience, bring a date or some friends to the dimly lit Shelter Cocktail Lounge, which offers 60s decot, classic martinis and several types of house-made, infused vodka. Lounge acts and DJs provide musical entertainment most nights. If you want to enjoy a night out but want to bring your kids, Lucky Strike Bowl is the place. Lucky Strike’s multiple lanes, league nights, arcade games and frequent food specials draw bowlers of all ages seven days a week.

Midtown proves most easily navigated by car or bicycle. Free parking remains standard here; you do not need to pay for a spot, and most businesses in the neighborhood have expansive parking lots. Interstate 10, the city’s most frequently used freeway, lies within a 15-minute drive, however, Tucsonians usually prefer to navigate the city via its broad, grid-like roads. If you prefer to use public transit, Tucson’s Sun Tran offers two routes, the 9 and the 11, through Midtown, though service is known to be inconsistent. Several local taxi companies serve the Tucson area, including Midtown, and Uber remains an option here as well.

If you favor emission-free transit, hop on your bike. Tucson is bicycle friendly, and while Midtown does not offer bike-only lanes, motorized vehicle drivers usually act courteous and respectful, though inexperienced cyclists should stick to the neighborhood’s quieter streets. Residential pockets within Midtown are walkable, but the major roads here prove heavily trafficked, making a stroll on them somewhat unpleasant.

Midtown acts as home to two small, friendly neighborhood parks, both of which open free to the public and allow dogs on leashes. Both parks primarily draw area children and families for sports activities, play dates and picnics. Pinecrest Park features a baseball field, swing set, and grassy areas for playing or enjoying a meal outdoors. Visitors to Midtown's Alvernon Park can enjoy a basketball court and play structure.

The cost of living in Midtown ranks similarly to that of greater Tucson. Rent in the neighborhood, which averages $601 for a one-bedroom unit, compares to rates found elsewhere in Tucson and runs lower than rents in many areas. A beer in a Midtown bar sets you back about $3, in line with Tucson prices. Gas prices in Tucson run roughly 8 percent below the national average. Bus fare from Midtown to most other areas in Tucson, including downtown, costs $1.50.

Although numerous independent retail stores can be found throughout Midtown, two sizable shopping centers — Northgate Shopping Center and Frontier Village Shopping Center — house the largest concentration of national retail chain stores in the area. Several of the neighborhoods' locally owned shops provide items not found at big-box retailers as well.

For high-end Mexican furniture and home accessories, swing by Hacienda D'Mexico's gorgeous showroom, which hosts an expansive inventory of unique pieces. If you love antiques, head to Michael D Higgins Antique Indian Art to explore unique pieces. Owner Michael Higgins has dealt in American Indian art and Pre-Colombian and Mexican antiques since 1972.

Several grocery stores serve Midtown residents, including a Walmart Neighborhood Market, Trader Joe's and Sprouts Farmers Market. After picking up your paper products, canned goods and toiletries from one of these stores, head over to one of two Midtown farmers markets to get fresh, local produce. The UAMC Farmers Market sets up shop one weekday a week at the University of Arizona Medical Center, while the St. Phillips Farmers Market at St. Phillips' Plaza opens for a few hours each weekend morning.