Top 10 reasons to move to Tucson, AZ

The Southern Arizona city is an up-and-coming U.S. tech market. And Raytheon is growing its workforce here

March 21, 2023

Tucson, Arizona, has seen a 47 percent increase in its technology industry growth and a 13 percent rise in wages in recent years, according to a 2021 report by the commercial real estate services and investment firm, CBRE.

For over seven decades, Raytheon has had a presence here. And the Raytheon Technologies business has long been Arizona’s largest private employer, choosing Tucson as its worldwide headquarters in 2020.

In 2022, a survey of relocation trends by long-distance moving company North American Van Lines identified the city among the most popular for an influx of new residents. Key drivers: lower cost of living, higher quality of life and proximity to nature.

And, in 2023, TIME magazine featured it in its annual list of the “World’s Greatest Places," calling it “the soul of the Sonoran Desert.”

If you’re thinking of making Tucson your home, too, here are the top 10 reasons to consider the move:

Year-round sunshine: The NOAA National Climatic Data Center says its weather is some of the most favorable in the U.S., based on comfort and clear skies. The metro area is at low risk for natural disasters, and its air quality is considered among the cleanest in the country.
Outdoor recreation: Tucson, its nearby desert landscape, magisterial mountains, cacti and forest areas provide stunning locations for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, city cycling, horseback riding, stargazing and more.
Affordable cost of living: Research led by the University of Arizona, or U of A, consistently ranks the city below the national average for living costs, including lower prices for groceries, utilities, transportation and health care.
Economical housing: According to U of A data, housing is relatively reasonable. The median monthly cost for homeowners and renters is lower than national averages and similarly sized metropolitan areas across the country.
Education and career growth: Tucson is home to the acclaimed U of A, which offers abundant options for further education. And CBRE has ranked the city among the nation’s top 25 tech talent markets, due to growth in the technology industry.
Diverse community: Tucson blends Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo cultures in a population that’s comprised of White, Hispanic, Black and Asian residents. The diverse demographic mix is reflected in a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.
Activities abound: There’s plenty of fun for everyone, including young children and teens – whether you’re into sports, hobbies, shopping, volunteering and more. Plus, the city’s nightlife is vibrant, from laid-back wine bars to college hangouts and high-energy dance clubs.
Arts and entertainment: The Wall Street Journal has described Tucson as a “mini mecca for the arts” – thanks to its myriad museums and galleries, music and theater venues, festivals and crafts fairs. You can also tap into your own creative side in community classes and workshops.
Culinary hub: Long designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, its culinary heritage is a mix of Mexican and Native American traditions while the city is also renowned for its newer cuisines, breweries and locally sourced food. In its latest serving of recognition, Tucson was named among Travel + Leisure’s “best foodie cities” in the U.S.
Rich history: Archeologists have determined that what’s now the downtown area has been inhabited for at least 4,500 years, starting with indigenous peoples of the region. Those ancestral roots, combined with subsequent Spanish Colonial, Mexican and Anglo influences, have shaped the region's unique aesthetic today.

A group of people walk through downtown Tucson.

So, is Tucson, AZ, the right fit for your life and work?

To explore open opportunities with Raytheon, visit our careers page here.

We offer a sign-on bonus of up to $50,000 for high-demand roles in Tucson. Our many benefits include relocation packages, flexible Fridays, tuition assistance and a job placement program for partners.