Ward 1 - Tucson, AZ

In 1700, Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino established the Mission San Xavier del Bac west of Tucson. A separate settlement was soon founded downstream from the Santa Cruz River, near what is now Ward 1. Hugh O'Conor, Tucson’s founding father, constructed a military fort near Ward 1 in 1775. In 1885, the state founded the University of Arizona, helping grow the area’s population throughout the 20th century. The rise of agriculture in Tucson’s outskirts during the latter half of the 20th century also contributed to Ward 1’s growth.

Ward 1 lacks cultural opportunities, museums or an art scene, but you can enjoy art, music, dance and theater at nearby Pima Community College’s West Campus. The college’s Center for the Arts complex hosts frequent dance and theater performances from students and outside troops. Or stroll through the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery to admire pieces from regional, national and international artists.

Ward 1's location away from Tucson's urban core means it can feel somewhat remote. There are not many restaurants here, however, residents can enjoy quality dining at a few great spots. Most of Ward 1's restaurants offer a casual, family friendly setting; look elsewhere for fine dining options. For made from scratch Mexican fare at breakfast or lunch, head to Teresa's Mosaic Cafe. Locals recommend the huevos rancheros, known as some of the best in Tucson. The restaurant's name comes from its gorgeous handmade mosaic tile tables. KG's Westside Cafe offers huge portions of breakfast and brunch classics at low prices. Savor the chicken fried steak platter or a breakfast burrito, bursting at the seams with savory fillings. KG's also serves traditional American lunch items like burgers and sandwiches. You can pick up a pile of handmade tortillas from the kitchen to take home. When you feel In the mood for pizza or pasta, head to Family-owned Bianchi's Italian. Bianchi's Italian has been dishing up Italian favorites since 1977. Start with the antipasto platter and then dig in to their Ruben Romero pizza, topped with spicy chorizo sausage. Bianchi's offers takeout and easy online ordering, great for busy evenings. Ward 1 residents often head to greater Tucson for an evening out; the neighborhood's bar options are minimal. However if you want to stick close to the neighborhood, there are a few fun watering holes to check out. Dragoon Brewing, a must-see for beer lovers, pours multiple varieties of their locally made craft beer in the brewery's austere but bustling taproom. Tasty beer options include year-round offerings like Dragoon Brewing's flagship Dragoon IPA, and seasonal releases (go for the Scout Porter or Belgian-style Saison Blue). For a delicious meal to accompany your pint, line up at one of the food trucks frequently parked here. Sports fans can plop in front of one of Rusty's 45 televisions. Snack on a pile of zesty chicken wings while enjoying Rusty's beverage specials. If sports aren't your thing, Rusty's entertains patrons with regular karaoke nights. About a block from Rusty's Family Restaurant & Sports Grille sits another option for sports lovers. In addition to multiple high definition television screens, Famous Sam's boasts live music and daily off track betting. Sate any hunger pangs with Famous Sam's extensive menu of bar classics like nachos, jalapeno poppers and build-your-own burgers.

You can most easily navigate Ward 1 by car or bicycle. You do not need to pay for a parking spot here and most businesses in the neighborhood have free public parking lots. Drive less than 5 minutes east for access to Interstate 10, a major Tucson freeway great for reaching downtown or heading to Phoenix or El Paso.

If you would rather not drive or bike, Tucson’s Sun Tran offers two bus routes (routes 21 and 22) through Ward 1, though service can be inconsistent. Several local taxi companies serve the Tucson area, including Ward 1. You can also summon a taxi with Uber, which now available in Tucson and easier than hailing a cab.

If you favor emission-free transit, grab your helmet and hop on your bike. Tucson loves cycling, and signs advising drivers to share the road with cyclists adorn the roads here. However, cycle carefully as there are no bike-only lanes here. For those wary of biking, Ward 1’s residential pockets, home to rolling hills and eye-catching desert foliage, make for a pleasant stroll.

Ward 1 encompasses a lovely park, Joaquin Murrieta Northwest Park, which welcomes children and allows dogs on leashes. This expansive park draws baseball leagues and casual players with its multiple baseball diamonds. Families also love this park for picnics under its many ramadas. Park use is free to the public. The park plays host to many regular activities throughout the year, but does not host major annual events.

Ward 1 residents enjoy a lower cost of living than that of greater Tucson. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $564 a month. This undercuts rates found elsewhere in Tucson by around 30 percent. A beer will set you back about $3, in line with Tucson prices. Tucson residents love their town's gas prices, at roughly 8 percent below the national average. Bus fare from Ward 1 to Tucson’s center costs $1.50.

Shops pop up sporadically throughout Ward 1 and there are no major shopping areas or malls here. Most Ward 1 businesses provides services of some kind; true retail is scarce.

Ward 1’s pet owners turn to Central Pet for their grooming, boarding and training needs. You can also drop your dog off for a day at Central Pet’s popular doggie daycare. Central Pet offers high-end amenities like a wading pool for dogs and regular ice cream socials.

For human pampering, book an appointment for a massage, manicure or haircut at Elements Salon. Your stylist may bring you a glass of wine to calm any nerves about your new look.

Grocery options in Ward 1 include an Albertson’s and a Safeway. The nearby town of Marana, a twenty-minute drive from Ward 1, hosts a farmers market offering fresh produce from local growers.