Tucson One of Best Places to Live in
USA
For the second time in a week, the Old
Pueblo has earned a top rating in livability. The latest
is from mns.com Web site, which rated 331 metropolitan
areas.
By Teya Vitu, Tucson Citizen,
August 2, 2003
Tucson ranks as the fifth-best place to live in an
msn.com Web site survey of 331 metropolitan areas. Only
Raleigh, N.C.; Denver, San Diego and Punta Gorda, Fla.,
rated higher than Tucson in the list, which was based
on factors such as cost of living, crime rate, education,
home prices and weather.
Msn.com noted Tucson's natural beauty, pure air, sunshine,
spas, resorts and golf courses.
"The economy is also excellent in Tucson, with
very low health-care costs and a low unemployment rate.
For those looking to start a family, houses can be quite
affordable in Tucson," according to the Web site.
Ed Taczanowsky moved to Tucson three weeks ago from
Modesto, Calif., to become executive vice president
of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.
"Housing affordability, coming from California,
is a dream come true," Taczanowsky said. "I
think Tucson is a wonderful community. I'm really struck
by the warmness of the people who reside here. The friendliness
of the people stands out."
Jeanie Merideth, on the other hand, is a Tucson native
and owner of Merideth Association Management, which
manages resort, chef, insurance and real estate associations.
"I've always known the value of Tucson and its
charm," she said. "I feel it's a small town
without being a small town. Tucson is charming. It's
good to see the national media recognize it."
The Greater Tucson Economic Council will use the msn.com
ranking to bolster its marketing campaign to draw high-tech
companies here.
"Whenever you make a claim, when you have a credible
source behind you, it carries more credence," GTEC
spokesman Steve Kelley said.
Steve Weathers, the council's CEO, noted the msn.com
ranking comes one month after the Milken Institute's
Best Performing Cities list for 2003 ranked Tucson at
No. 40, also considered a strong ranking.
"This news, combined with the Milken Institute's
Best Performing Cities report showing Tucson's 17-point
jump over the previous year, underscores the progress
the region is making in developing a high-tech business
base while continuing to maintain the quality lifestyle
for which Tucson has come to be known," Weathers
said.
Earlier this week, Hispanic magazine ranked Tucson
as the seventh-best city for Hispanics. Tucson also
was featured in the June 15 online edition of Genetic
Engineering News, www.genengnews.com,
for its emerging biotechnology
industry.
"Tucson is best known for its scenic attractions,
such as the renowned Saguaro National Park featuring
spectacular saguaro cacti," according to the Web
site. "Tucson is also home to the University of
Arizona, well-known for its expertise in optics, agricultural
sciences, immunology and cancer biology.
"The nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory inspired
a leading optics industry. Aerospace and information
technology businesses also are strongly rooted in Tucson.
Now the bioindustry is slowly establishing itself, with
about 60 diverse companies gaining recognition. Some,
like Ventana Medical Systems, are more than 20 years
old, but most are fledglings with clever ideas and small
staffs."
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