Tucson, AZ

Tucson has been at the top of my list for residential locations for a long time. After a month and a half, here is my summary:

BAD STUFF:

Psychopaths. I realize the psychopath destroyed my outlook so I'll put her at the top. I am hoping the memory will fade and my love for Tucson will return, but for now, being in the city makes me sick to my stomach.

Traffic. Lots of vehicles and lots of bad drivers. Tucson has a bad reputation for weird signage making it difficult to find locations. It's non-stop stress to be cautious and not get in a wreck. As someone who came from a tiny town with no traffic, this has been a challenging adjustment.

Roads. The Republicans don't like to spend money on anything so they don't maintain roads. The potholes are as big as cars, the shoddy patchwork makes driving dangerous, and they still expect people to drive 75 mph on the freeway!

Republicans. Too many of them here not wanting the government to do anything but expecting the government to control everything? How exactly does that work? How did Dump win? It shocks me. 

Expensive Restaurants. Anytime I go out to eat it's $20 to $30 for a meal! Now I accept the fact I rarely ate in restaurants where I used to live so twenty years is a long time so prices have increased, but it never ceases to amaze me how much money one can spend eating out.

Internet. The internet service options suck.

GOOD STUFF:

Biking. Bike trails, routes and paths ALL OVER THE CITY! Most streets are designated bike paths and intersections have stop lights for cyclists. There is the 50-mile loop all the way around the city. It is a biker's dream. Lots of clubs and bicycle enthusiasts.

Art. Lots of art clubs to join. The great weather supports plein air painting. Lots of museums and galleries.

MCS. There is a large group for chemically sensitive people called HEAL. They have a newsletter and host potlucks. When I attended my first potluck I felt like crying the whole time. People just like me gathering in a social context. We could group and didn't have to worry about being poisoned!

Health. A lot of people profess miraculous cures being in this dry, warm climate especially regarding arthritis or mold toxicity. I have a lot of hope.

Radio. They have a great pop radio station.

People. Most people are really nice, exceptionally nice.

Health-oriented Stores. Lots of Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, and Sprouts along with health food stores and a food co-op! The food seems to be a little more expensive than where I'm from.