With a cost of living that’s 6% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the state average, Tucson is an affordable place to live in Arizona. Housing costs are also 25% lower than the national average with median home prices around $132,200 and median rent prices around $772. But you’ll have to act fast if you’re planning to buy a home in Tucson, as it’s currently a hot seller’s market. Since it is one of the more affordable cities in Arizona, it’s no wonder why Tucson has grown by nearly 5% in the last decade.

As the home of the University of Arizona, Tucson’s collegiate pride runs deep. With just over 45,000 students and 15,000 employees, it’s easy to see how Tucson can still feel like a college town even with a total population of 548,073. Plus, the impact of the university is obvious among the local job market to the point that Tucson has even been named a top city for emerging tech. Whether your dream is to work closely with NASA, spend some time in the Poetry Center, or attend medical school, there’s a program at the U of A for everyone.

One of the biggest changes for people moving to Tucson is the seasons. In general, the best time to visit Tucson is from November to March, which is when you’ll most likely experience heavy traffic from snowbirds and tourists. In the summer, however, you’ll get some relief, as this is the off-season. That said, don’t expect Tucson’s 286 sunny days a year as much during the summer. Monsoon season takes place from mid-June to the end of September and can bring thunderstorms, high winds, and even dust storms—and don’t forget about the scorching desert heat and 100-degree days when the storms clear!