Mitman - Tucson, AZ

Hugh O’Conor founded Tucson in 1775, establishing a military fort near modern-day downtown Tucson. In 1885, the University of Arizona opened, driving further growth throughout midtown Tucson, including Mitman.

Following World War I, Mitman and other centrally located neighborhoods grew in population as many veterans affected by mustard and chlorine gas came to Tucson seeking its healing desert air. Speedway Boulevard’s construction in the early 20th century brought notable commercial development to Mitman.

Mitman lacks a cultural or arts scene, but you can drive 15 minutes west to downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona area to visit many galleries and museums.

Mitman houses many appealing dining options, most clustered along Speedway Boulevard. You won’t find fine dining here but fast casual and mid-range establishments abound.

When the craving for Mexican food strikes, Tucson delivers. For delectable Sonoran fare in a family-friendly setting, try Leo’s Mexican Restaurant, open since 1991. Sizzling fajitas and authentic mole enchiladas keep neighborhood residents coming back.

Well worth a try if you are a fan of Chinese food, Lotus Garden, the oldest family-run Chinese restaurant in Tucson, serves delicious Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. Patrons love Lotus Garden’s made-to-order food, especially the cashew chicken and Mongolian beef, and the spot’s retro interior.

If you just need pizza, head to Oregano’s Pizza Bistro for thin crust, stuffed crust or pan pizza piled with a variety of toppings. Stick to traditional pepperoni or choose from unique options such as Cajun chicken, poblano peppers, and spiced feta. Oregano’s also offers a variety of salads and sandwiches. For dessert, try the massive pizza cookie, over a half-pound of cookie dough, slightly baked in a pizza pan and topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

If you seek an evening out on the town, Mitman provides several nightlife options. None of them are swanky, and dive bars dominate the scene here. Music, including blues and reggae, draws patrons to Chicago Bar, with live acts taking the stage most nights. The spot also offers frequent pool tournaments and TVs for watching Tucson’s favorite team, the University of Arizona Wildcats.

In the mood for a true dive bar? Check out the Bambi. Often full with regulars even in the morning, the Bambi’s stiff, cheap drinks help take the edge off.

Most residents and visitors navigate Mitman by car; its major thoroughfares, arranged in a grid, easily transport drivers throughout the neighborhood and beyond. If you are headed to Phoenix or El Paso, area freeway Interstate 10 sits a 20-minute drive from Mitman.

You will not need to pay for parking here, and almost all businesses have expansive parking lots, free for customers to use.

If you favor public transit, multiple bus lines, from Tucson’s Sun Tran provider, service Mitman. The service can arrive inconsistently, however.

You probably won’t see taxis cruising the streets here or anywhere else in Tucson, but you can ring up multiple cab companies for service around the clock. You can also whip out your smartphone and summon a car from Uber, which serves the Tucson area.

Many people cycle to get around Tucson, but Mitman’s heavy traffic and lack of bike lanes make cycling inadvisable in most of the neighborhood. If you’d like to stroll, stick to Mitman’s residential pockets for the most pleasant experience.

Mitman residents soak in Tucson’s incredible weather at several lovely parks, all of which are free and welcome dogs if kept on leashes. Diminutive Twenty Thirty Park entices area children with a play structure and grassy soccer field. Several large trees provide shade from Tucson’s occasionally brutal sun. Another small Mitman park, Harold Bell Wright Park, offers no structures or facilities but provides a nice, grassy spot for an al fresco meal.

Fort Lowell Park offers something for everyone; this park draws families, picnickers and fitness buffs. Hit a ball on the park’s tennis or racquetball courts, or enjoy the soccer field. Several expansive play structures dot the park, and kids love the duck pond. Those interested in history can visit the park’s museum; the park sits on the former location of Fort Lowell, a U.S. Army post active from 1873 to 1891. The museum details the park’s and Tucson’s military histories.

The cost of living in Mitman lines up with that of greater Tucson; you pay on average $753 a month to rent a one-bedroom apartment, comparable to the Tucson average. Local bars charge around $3 for a beer, also similar to prices around town.

Tucson residents enjoy gas prices that hover around eight percent below the national average cost. Public transit rates beat those in much of the country; you shell out $1.50 to reach downtown Tucson from Mitman.

Mitman’s shopping and retail offerings line busy Speedway Boulevard. Residents also enjoy two centralized shopping areas. Park Place Mall, one of Tucson’s largest, houses mid-range and higher-end retail chains, including Macy’s, Hollister, and Banana Republic. Monterey Village features stores like Mostly Books, Annabell's Attic, and Radio Shack.

For further second-hand shopping, comb the aisles at Mitman’s 1st Rate 2nd Hand Thrift Store. The store’s selection outpaces the average thrift store in quality; with some patience, you can snap up amazing deals here.

To be pampered at affordable rates, book an appointment for a facial or peel at Pure Aesthetics Natural Skincare School, which will be performed by a student under supervision. The school uses natural products free of preservatives and harsh chemicals.

Several grocery options keep Mitman refrigerators well-stocked. Mitman houses Tucson’s most centrally located Costco as well as a Trader Joe’s. For Korean pantry staples, including a wide selection of kimchee, head to Kimpo Oriental Market.