Ward 6 - Tucson, AZ

Inhabited for more than 4,000 years, Tucson was in Mexican territory until it was incorporated into the United States in 1877. Ward 6 includes some of the oldest areas of the city along with some newer developments from the latter half of the 20th century, and evidence of the area's Mexican influence still stands strong in the ward's neighborhoods.

Brush up on local history at the Arizona State Museum at the university, featuring a detailed collection of southwestern anthropology exhibits. For a taste of the local art scene, visit one of the many art galleries and music studios or walk through the University of Arizona Museum of Art, which houses paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to 20th century. If you love music, don't miss the annual Tucson Jazz Festival.

Drive along Broadway and Speedway Boulevards near the city center to discover the eclectic collection of southwest favorites that color the revitalized downtown area. The restaurants of Ward 6 are all about exciting flavor combinations, drawing inspiration from the unique desert setting. You can also chow down on kimchi, wood-fired pizza or a rich Sunday brunch without walking more than a few blocks. This is a place where cheap eats intermingle with finer fare for a wide palette of dining options.

For a casual date night, stop in to Falora , the perfect neighborhood spot to sample kale salad, Napoli pizza and a glass of fine wine while taking in nostalgic tunes played on a record player. Be sure to try the Cura pizza prepared with thick slices of salami and chunks of roasted garlic.

For a pleasant fusion of gourmet ingredients and homestyle cooking, pull up a chair at Feast. For the dining pleasure of the restaurant's regulars, the menu changes on a monthly basis. Sample all-American brunch and dinner favorites, or stop in at lunchtime for Feast's famous grilled cheese sandwich, which features grilled cheese rather than grilled bread.

If you're feeling some Tucson pride, grab a hot, traditionally prepared tamale at the nationally recognized Tucson Tamale Company . Enjoy a take-out lunch on your break, or eat in for a casual lunch. The green corn tamale stands as a crowd-pleaser, but for the more adventurous diner, the spicy JoJo never disappoints. After eating, don't forget to take a few frozen tamales home with you.

Ward 6 residents are close to some of the liveliest and most diverse nightlife options the city has to offer, especially at the nearby hot spot just south of the university where Toole Avenue crosses Broadway. Enjoy live music and a cold pint at the Surly Wench, or spend the night dancing at H20 Discotec.

With easy access to Interstate 10 and several major boulevards crossing through the neighborhoods, Ward 6 proves to be a quick commute for time-strapped residents. Most locals travel by car, but you can also call an Uber driver or a taxi company, such as Discount Cab, for a quick ride to the grocery store. Public transportation options are limited, but you can catch a local Sun Go bus at several stops throughout Ward 6. The area also hosts the Tucson Amtrak that stops at Toole Avenue, and the burgeoning Sun Link Tucson Streetcar is quickly becoming a viable option.

Depending on where you stop in Ward 6, plenty of free parking spaces await along with metered spaces and monitored garages. You can also ditch the car and explore on two wheels, as the area features bike lanes on all major roads. Due to the dense commercial activity in the area, you can easily walk or bike to run your daily errands.

Spend a day off at Reid Park, the largest and park in the central city area, complete with a dog park for big and small breeds. Enjoy a picnic by the tranquil duck pond encircled by palm trees, take a jog on the walking trails, or let your kids explore the playground. The park also houses Reid Park Zoo, with outdoor exhibits featuring animals from across the globe.

Don't forget to stroll through Reid Park Rose Garden, and check out the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center for outdoor plays and concerts. For a chance to meet your Tucson neighbors, don't miss the annual neighborhood picnic and the annual family festival. For more leisure, explore the smaller city parks that dot Ward 6, such as Ironhorse Park, where you find native foliage amidst winding walking paths.

Due to its central location, Ward 6 features a slightly higher cost of living compared to other wards in Tucson, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for around $600. You can catch a bus for around $1.50 one way, and gas prices hover around 4.8 percent lower than the national average. You can grab a pint of beer at a local pub for around $6.

From local hobby shops and bargain spots to department stores and home improvement centers, the retail strips along Speedway and Broadway Boulevards deliver a wide variety for the casual shopper. For trendier art shops and upscale fashion boutiques with a chic southwest flavor, head to the fast-paced university area that welcomes foot traffic. Ward 6 is also close to some of the city's top malls, including Park Place and El Con Center.

While you're checking out the downtown shops, don't miss Pop-Cycle , an offbeat shop selling everything from hipster fashion and vintage-style art to home decor that works as the perfect conversation piece. The shop itself carries nostalgic vibes with its repurposed art and handmade items displayed in a museum-like fashion, making it a favorite among locals.

For a taste of the local fashion scene, stop by Zoe Boutique , the time-tested hot spot for the modern fashionista. Here you find jewelry from local artisans and pieces from desert-dwelling designers, including classy tops and dresses for a night out on the boulevard. Walk in, and the welcoming staff makes you feel like you're browsing through your own closet at home.

At Picante Designs, expect to find color-splashed house ware and clothing that carry a zesty spark of Mexico. You can also find international merchandise, such as handbags from Thailand or Guatemala. Browse silver jewelry and paper flowers, or check out local rarities, including Mexican oil cloth.

For your weekly grocery run, pick up some organic goods and fresh produce at Sprouts Farmers Market, or browse spices at Kimpo Oriental Market. Local delis, convenience stores and chain supermarkets also lie scattered throughout Ward 6.