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Tucson Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

he NewMarket Services InformationGuide is designed as a valuable resource

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6 ] Tucson Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Tucson Information Guide [ Volume 11 [ Number 8

LOCAL INFORMATION The State of Arizona 8 Area Codes, Important Phone Numbers, Vehicle Information 13 Travel Information 14 Weather 15 About Tucson 9 Neighborhoods 10 Historical Background 11 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Where to Stay 16, 18 President: Patrick Morgan Dining and Night Life 18 Entertainment 19 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Recommended Tours 20 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Media 21 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant MOVING Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Smooth Transitions 24 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley Choosing a Moving Company 25 Art Department: Sprague Design Packing Tips 25 Staying Organized 26 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Settling Into Your New Home 26 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. What’s All The Talk About? 29 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Pre-Move Checklist 30 Relocating Your Pet 32 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. MOVING WITH CHILDREN

Phoenix Office: Reinforce the Positives 33 Choosing a School 33 PO Box 30534 Selecting Child Care 34 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Education 36 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Fax: (602) 923-0774 FITNESS & HEALTH Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 In the Kitchen 40 Physical and Mental Well Being 41 Chicago Office: Volunteering 44 902 North Ashland Chicago, IL 60622 HOUSING Phone: (312) 226-6288 Making the Right Choice 46 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Choosing the Right Home 48 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Home Inspection Checklist 49 Housing Options For Growing Active Adults Demographics 50 NewMarket currently publishes Information Guides for 95 North American and 32 Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 52 International Markets. To order your Security 53 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Home Buyer’s Glossary 54 each, please contact NewMarket Services toll free at (866) 595-3792. Take Control of Your Energy Costs 56 Who’s Who in Building 57 In preparing this publication, every effort Selecting a Builder 58 has been made to assure the accuracy of Selecting a Contractor 59 the information contained herein, but Banking & Mortgage Information 60 authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings are subject to omission, error or change without notice. BUSINESS DIRECTORY Business Directory Listings 64 All material in this publication is copyright protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher.

Tucson Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF ARIZONA

1853 the land below the Gila River was acquired from Mexico in the UT Gadsden Purchase. Arizona was administered as part of the NV Territory of New Mexico until southern New Mexico seceded from Las Vegas the Union as the Confederate Territory of Arizona on March 16, 1861. This is the first official use of the name. A new Arizona Territory, consisting of the western half of New Mexico Territory was declared in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 1863. Arizona became a state on Valentines Day 1912. It was the last of the 48 continental states to be accepted into the Union. Arizona's AZ population grew tremendously after World War II, in part because of CA the development of air conditioning, which made the intense Phoenix summers more comfortable. For decades the driving forces behind Arizona’s economy were the five C's: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate. The mining and farming industries have become less important to the Arizona NM economy. In the 21st century another C is being added: Tuscon Computers. More broadly defined as high technology, computer and computer related industries already account for 49 percent of Mexico Arizona's manufacturing employment. Nationally, only 14 percent of the manufacturing workforce works in high-tech industries. It’s clear that Arizona is moving into the forefront of this new economic revolution. Much of the support for Arizona’s high-tech industries comes from small business. By all estimates, small business is big business rizona is located in the Southwestern United States. It is in Arizona. Over 60 percent of all Arizonans work in companies that one of the Four Corners states. It borders New Mexico, employ less than 100 people and more than 80 percent work in AUtah, Nevada, California, touches Colorado, and has a 389 companies with less than 250 employees. mile international border with the states of Sonora and Baja Arizona also continues to rely on tourist dollars. Whether it’s the California in Mexico. The Grand Canyon is a colorful, steep-sided thrill of an outdoor adventure amid some of the most awe-inspiring gorge, carved by the Colorado River, in northern Arizona. The scenery on the planet, an exotic sun-drenched getaway to an canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is indulgent, world-class spa or to examine and experience the rich largely contained in the Grand Canyon National Park—one of the history and multifaceted cultural offerings of the Grand Canyon first national parks in the United States. Aside from the Grand State, visitors to Arizona enjoy a plethora of activities, while Canyon, many other National Forests, Parks, Monuments, and spending money. Indian reservations are located in the state. Meeting its original native inhabitants, Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan, explored the area in 1539. Coronado’s expedition entered the area in 1540–42 during its search for Cíbola. Father Fast Facts Kino developed a chain of missions and taught the Indians POPULATION: (2006 Est.) 6,166,318 Christianity in Pimería Alta (now southern Arizona and northern CAPITAL: Phoenix Sonora) in the 1690s and early 1700s. Spain founded fortified LARGEST CITIES: Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa towns (presidios) at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775. When HIGHEST ELEVATION: Humphreys Peak 12,633 ft (3,851 m) Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, what is now Arizona became part of the Mexican State Nueva California, also LOWEST ELEVATION: Colorado River 70 ft (22 m) known as Alta California. In the Mexican–American War (1847), the STATE NICKNAME: The Grand Canyon State U.S. occupied Mexico City and forced the newly founded Mexican WEB SITE: www.az.gov Republic to give up its northern territories, including the later Arizona. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) specified that the U.S. pay Mexico the sum of $15 Million US in compensation. In

8 ] Tucson Information Guide ABOUT TUCSON

OVERVIEW

ucson is a growing metropolis of 900,000 that keeps getting better and better. The metropolitan area adds about 2,000 new residents each month. The city’s Tgeography is a postcard image of cactus forests, rolling hills, and craggy mountains. In 2004 Tucson ranked as the 32nd largest city, and 55th largest metropolitan area in the U.S. It is the largest city in southern Arizona, and the second largest in the state after Phoenix. Tucson has been continuously settled for over 12,000 years. Tucson was originally an Indian village called Stook-zone, meaning water at the foot of black mountain. Tucson officially became part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. Today Tucson boasts the best of both worlds...the progress and innovation of a metropolitan community and the friendly, caring atmosphere of a small town. Tucson's rich cultural heritage centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo- American influences. Tucson is now one of the “Mega-Trend” cities of the 21st Century: the Optics Valley, premier health services center for the Southwest, the astronomy center of the world, home of a premier research institution - University of Arizona, and a tourism destination. Much of Tucson's economic development has been centered around the development of the University of Arizona, which is currently the largest employer in the city. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, located on the southeastern edge of the city, also provides many jobs for Tucson residents. Its presence, as well as the presence of a US Army Intelligence Center, TUSCON QUICK FACTS has led to the development of a significant number of high-tech industries, including government contractors, in the area. Today, there are more than 1,200 businesses Zip Code: 85701-85750 employing over 50,000 people in the high-tech industries of Southern Arizona. The City of Population: 548,555 Tucson, Pima County, the State of Arizona and the private sector have all made County: Pima commitments to create a growing, healthy economy with high-tech industries as its foundation. Advanced technology companies like Raytheon Missile Systems, Texas Sales Tax: 9.1% Instruments, IBM, Intuit, Inc., America Online, Universal Avionics, Misys Healthcare Median Age: 32.8 Systems, and Bombardier, all have a significant presence in Tucson. Home Median Value: $228,609 Home Appreciation Rate: 7.46% (last 10 years) Home Owned: 56.08% Cost of Living: 95.7% Median Income: $36,7 Unemployment Rate: 8.8%

Tucson Information Guide [ 9 TUCSON NEIGHBORHOODS

Westside East West essentially means that big chunk of Tucson stretching from Bounded roughly on the west by Wilmot Road, the Rincon and Oracle Road, the main north-south artery, and I-19 westward to the Catalina Mountains on the east and north, and Interstate 10 on the base of the Tucson Mountains and the Tohono O’odham Indian south, expansion of this district is largely limited by state and federal Reservation. Bordered on the northwest by the ever-expanding lands. The most attractive natural feature in the northeast is certainly residential and recreational retreat of Oro Valley (more golf courses Sabino Canyon, the most accessible part of the Catalinas, which here), this part of the city offers few visual attractions other than teems with tourists, trams, hikers and joggers on weekends, while Tohono Chul Park, a very civilized, pleasant desert garden with an still retaining its serene beauty. If you are an outdoors person, you artsy touch. Once you’re past I-10, the road starts snaking into the will also appreciate the vast expanses of Saguaro National Park grandeur of Saguaro National Park West, covered by entire forests East. Enjoy the desert and mountain scenery, and try not to disturb of the giant cacti that gave the park its name, and the site of several the roving of the native scorpions and rattlesnakes. ancient Indian petroglyphs. Don’t miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert North/Casas Adobes: Museum on the far side of the Tucson Mountains, and consider This is the gateway to the Catalina foothills community, which stopping at Old Tucson Studios for the sake of the kids.Downtown now stretches 20 miles east and north of River Road to the Rincon Tucson and the Historic District Mountains. Luxury homes and gated communities spread across Of all the neighborhoods in Tucson, downtown offers the most the hills and arroyos of the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. variety. Century-old adobe homes, Victorian mansions, imposing At the eastern terminus of the foothills is the Sabino Canyon government buildings, museums and affordable restaurants lie National Monument and the Catalina Highway, which ascends to within easy walking distance of each other. The area is bounded by 9,400 feet to Mt. Lemmon, and the mountain community of the Santa Cruz River on the west, Park Avenue on the east, St. Summerhaven Mary’s Road on the north and 22nd Street on the south. It’s a Catalina Foothills/North-Central favorite destination for artists and art lovers, with numerous galleries In Tucson, “north” generally means “north of Broadway,” with and studios situated in and around the Old Town Artisans art Broadway Boulevard as the dividing line between north-south street marketplace, just a block north from the Tucson Museum of Art. numbers. Bounded on the north by the natural barriers of the Santa Downtown is also the site of the city’s major performing arts events, Catalina Mountains and Coronado National Forest, this area with the Tucson Convention Center and the Temple of Music and includes the University of Arizona campus with its many venues for Art providing the main venues for opera, symphony and dance science and art as well as the city’s main business and shopping performances. While it is true that the city still has a long way to go areas, with the Tucson Mall and the Foothills Mall considered by for a complete revival of its once-decrepit downtown district, many to be the biggest and the best of them. Since most of progress is visible. Projects are currently under way to build a Tucson’s social life takes place inside air-conditioned malls, at least Sonoran Sea aquarium, a science center, a cultural center and an during hot summer days, these are really the places to meet the IMAX theater near the Convention Center. Hopefully, in the not too locals. Further to the north, the land and the income level slowly rise distant future, downtown Tucson will attract the tourist crowds that all the way up to the tony Foothills residential district. This area the city council has envisioned for years. features beautiful homes with a view, surrounded by stately saguaro Renewal has already been quite successful in the Barrio cacti and mesquite trees, outside the city limits and well out of reach Historico, the now-gentrified Hispanic historic quarter south of the of Tucson’s tax authorities. Well-heeled residents stroll about Convention Center, where old Spanish-style homes have been upscale shopping malls and adobe-style galleries, while wintertime largely restored to their original beauty. Take your time to explore visitors relax after a game of golf at one of the posh resorts in the this area on foot after leaving your car in one of the parking garages area, such as the Westin La Paloma, Westward Look or Loews downtown; try the one across from the Main Library on Pennington Ventana Canyon Resort. Street. Southeast/ Armory Park The railroad industry turned this small military plaza into an upscale neighborhood for well-to-do professionals. As times have changed, buildings of various influences have turned this into an amalgam of cultures and styles, with examples of Spanish Colonial, Victorian, and Sonoran styles. This culturally diverse area is home to the Tucson Center for the Performing Arts and the Children's Museum as well as an attractive park, which is hosts several city events.

10 ] Tucson Information Guide HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In 1698, Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, on his way north of the old adobes fell into disrepair and were eventually bulldozed from what is now Mexico to explore possible sites for building new into oblivion. Today, with the adobe style being the rage, many missions, came across an Indian village called Shuk Shon. During Tucsonans wish that those “primitive” but cool and practical houses the 70 years of Spanish colonial acquisition that followed his visit were still standing. Luckily, some of the original adobes have been into the territory later known as Arizona, the place was renamed preserved in the Barrio Historico district south of downtown. The San Agustin del Tucson, with the hard “c” in the middle still uneasy relationship between pioneers, Indians and Mexicans is well pronounced. Both the saint’s name and the hard “c” were later documented both at the Arizona Historical Society and the Fort dropped by Anglo-Americans, with St. Augustine Cathedral Lowell Museum, while people interested in the more distant past of downtown now the only surviving memory of the Spanish name. Arizona and its original inhabitants will find a wealth of material at When Father Kino arrived, people had already lived in the region the Arizona State Museum. Mexican culture is celebrated during the for more than 2,000 years. Anasazi, Mogollon, Hohokam and annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and the local Tohono O’odham O’odham tribes came and went in successive waves of immigration and Yaqui people keep their traditions alive in the Wa:k Powwow over the centuries. One of the favorite settlements lay at the base of and Yaqui Easter Lenten Ceremony. a big hill of black volcanic rock. Known as Chuk Shon (meaning, With the discovery of silver and copper deposits in the nearby roughly, “village of the spring at the foot of the black mountain” in towns of Tombstone and Bisbee, minerals became the dominant the O’odham language), it is an elevation now officially called industry in southern Arizona until copper prices took a nosedive in Sentinel Peak, and also nicknamed A Mountain for the large the 1970s. Many mines were closed at the time, but the effects of whitewashed letter (for University of Arizona) on its eastern side. In decades of strip mining, both in its economically beneficial and any case, it is one of the best lookout points, commanding a view environmentally damaging senses, can still be viewed at the Asarco of the entire Tucson basin. Mineral Discovery Center. A few miles further to the South, out of a nearby village named When the mining business went into a slump, aerospace and Bac, the Jesuits worked to convert the local Pima Indians to the aircraft industries moved in to pick up the slack, a development Christian faith. Today, this is the location of Mission San Xavier del extensively documented at the Pima Air and Space Museum. Since Bac, the “White Dove of the Desert,” known for its beauty world- the founding of the University of Arizona in 1891, Tucson has wide. gradually shed its image as a rugged Western town filled with Though the colonialists from Europe were not exactly considered cowboys, miners and hard-drinking gamblers and replaced it with friends by the Indians of Bac, they seemed the lesser evil compared marks of intellectual and technological activity. Due to the presence to the Apache raiders that moved into the Tucson valley, to the of the university, the city is now home to several hi-tech companies. extent that the Pima and O’odham asked for Spanish military It is also one of the world centers of astronomy, as certified by the assistance against the Apaches. The Jesuits, who had to be presence of nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory. considered inept in effectively defending the locals, were replaced Furthermore, Tucson has become the center of a booming health with Franciscan priests who understood the strategic importance of industry. Every year, thousands of visitors from the northern regions, Tucson. Finally, in 1775, an Irish mercenary in Spanish employ mostly senior citizens, come to stay and enjoy the mild winter sun known as Don Hugo O’Connor arrived to establish a presidio, or of southern Arizona, thus securing the financial health of the military fort, here. Though nothing is now left of the structure, El numerous spas, resorts, real estate agencies and Southwestern Presidio Park downtown still marks the fort’s original location. souvenir shops in the region. While the village at the foot of Sentinel Peak vanished, a new One of the main issues currently confronting Tucson and many Mexican village slowly grew up around the Spanish presidio, other cities in the west is how to deal with urban sprawl. Since the nicknamed the Old Pueblo, an endearing term still used for the city. 1950s, city development has run out of control, spawning tacky After the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, following the Mexican- strip malls along Tucson’s street grid and nondescript tract homes American War, which gave a large part of Sonoran territory to the at the outskirts, while parts of the old barrio downtown were leveled United States, the village quickly became a new American frontier to make room for high-rises and concrete structures such as the town. It even served as the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 Tucson Convention Center. In recent years, however, Tucsonans to 1877. Cattle ranchers moved into the valley, and mining have learned to consider their architectural and ethnic heritage as companies began prospecting the mountains for copper and gold. more of an asset in helping to attract tourists and conventioneers to The real boom came with the arrival of the railroad in 1880, allowing the city. By the early 1990s, what remained of the barrio had been goods and raw materials to be transported at drastically reduced restored, and the depressed downtown was revived with some costs. success by the Tucson Arts District. Still, the controversy over urban As East Coast entrepreneurs and investors considered Mexican development continues and, for the foreseeable future, the housing primitive, they began replacing the mud-brick adobe diverging demands of job security, population growth, water buildings, first with imported brick and lumber, and later with conservation, environmental protection and esthetics promise to concrete and steel, thus drastically changing the look of Tucson. dominate the political agenda in the Old Pueblo. With Anglos pushing into formerly Mexican-American territory, many

Tucson Information Guide [ 11 NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

12 ] Tucson Information Guide IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

City Area Code(s) Support Networks The area code for Tucson is 520 Teen Link (Various Topics) 1-(800) 235-9678 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Emergency Services All Emergencies 911 Directory Assistance 411 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Poison Control (800) 764-7661 Shipping & Postal Services Runaway Hotline (800) 392-3352 Airborne Express (800) 247-2676 DHL Airways (800) 225-5345 Financial Services Emery Worldwide (800) 443-6379 Automatic Teller Information Federal Express (800) 463-3339 ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 UPS (800) 742-5877 MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 Utilities Lost or Stolen Credit Cards Tucson Electric Power Company (520) 623-7711 American Express (800) 233-5432 Out-of-state calls: (800)-328-8853 AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 www.tucsonelectric.com Diners Club (800) 234-6377 Residential Garbage & Recycling Services (520) 791-3171 Discover Card (800) 347-2683 www.tucsonaz.gov/esd/ JCB (800) 736-8111 MasterCard (800) 826-2181 Water Department (520) 791-3242 VISA (800) 336-8472 Out-of-state calls: (800) 598-9449 Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks www.ci.tucson.az.us/water American Express (800) 221-7282 Cable Television Providers Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Cox Communications Inc. (520) 884-0133 Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 Comcast Cable (520) 744-2653 VISA (800) 227-6811 Sprint Broadband Direct (520) 917-3600 Telephone Service Providers US West (520) 670-2422 Government Numbers Cellular One (520) 327-6775 Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 AT&T Wireless Services (520) 615-4400 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 Sprint (520) 888-1930 MCI Worldcom (520) 918-8000

VEHICLE INFORMATION

Arizona Department of Transportation (520) 629-9808 Applying for Title and Registration Motor Vehicle Division In order to obtain an Arizona title, registration and license plate www.azdot.gov/mvd you will need to have the following: As a new resident to the State of Arizona, you are required to • Physical Inspection of the Vehicle obtain an Arizona driver license and to register your vehicles in this State. • Emissions Test Obtaining a License • Vehicle Insurance Arizona state law requires that all applicants for an original driver • Proof of Ownership license or identification card present two forms of identification – • Loan Information one must have your photo, proof of age and a Social Security Number. (It will be used to verify your identity and to comply with federal and state child support enforcement laws.)

Tucson Information Guide [ 13 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport Airlines - Inernational Tucson International Airport (520) 573-8100 Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 7250 South Tucson Blvd. Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng* (650) 615-9278 Tucson, Arizona 85706 AeroMexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 www.tucsonairport.org Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 Directions Air Canada, aircanada.ca (800) 247-2262 From Downtown and U of A: Take Campbell Ave., which turns Air China, airchina.com (800) 986-1985 into Kino Parkway south of Broadway. Follow road signs to Benson Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 Highway, which leads to Tucson Blvd. and the airport entrance. Air India, airindia.com From East Side: Take Kolb Rd. south to Valencia. Travel west on Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 Valencia to Tucson Blvd., turn south to airport entrance. Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 From Midtown: Take Alvernon south to where it merges with Palo Alaska Airlines, alaskaair.com (800) 426-0333 Verde. Continue south on Palo Verde to Valencia. Travel west on Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 Valencia to Tucson Blvd., turn south to airport entrance. Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 From South: Take I-19 north to Valencia. Exit on eastbound British Airways, british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 Valencia and continue east to Tucson Blvd., turn south to airport Cathay Pacific, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 entrance. China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 From Northwest: Take I-10 east to South Kino Parkway exit. China Eastern, chinaeastern.co.uk (800) 200-5118 Follow road signs, which lead to Tucson Blvd. and the airport Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 entrance. El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 About Ground Transportation Regulations and Rates Eurofly, eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 The State of Arizona does not regulate ground transportation at Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 the airport. Ground transportation operators are, however, required Iberia, iberia.com (800) 772-4642 to meet certain standards of operation and service pursuant to Japan Airlines, jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 Tucson Airport Authority rules and regulations. Although rates are KLM Airlines, klm.com* (800) 374-7747 not controlled by TAA, taxicab fares are established through a Korean Air, koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 proposal process and operators are obligated to honor the rates LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa.htm (800) 225-2272 published. All other rates in this site are furnished by the company LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 providing the service and are subject to change. Lufthansa, lufthansa.com* (800) 645-3880 Airlines - Domestic Mexicana, mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 Quantas, qantas.com (800) 227-4500 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com* (800) 252-7522 Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 Allegiant Air, allegiantair.com (800) 432-3810 Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 American Airlines, aa.com* (800) 433-7300 Swissair, swiss.com (800) 221-4750 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 TACA, taca.com (800) 535-8780 Comair, comair.com* (800) 221-1212 USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com (800) 872-3000 Continental Airlines, continental.com (800) 525-0280 *Airlines servicing Tucson Delta Airlines, delta.com* (800) 221-1212 Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com* (800) 432-1359 Cruises/Resorts Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com (800) 367-5320 Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 JetBlue Airlines, JetBlue.com (800) 538-2583 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 Northwest Airlines, nwa.com* (800) 225-2525 Royal Caribbean International (800) 327-6700 SkywestAirlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 Hotels/Motels Southwest Airlines, southwest.com* (800) 435-9792 Best Western (800) 528-1234 Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 United Airlines, ual.com* (800) 864-8331 Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 US Airways, usairways.com* (800) 428-4322 Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 Virgin Atlantic, virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 Days Inn (800) 329-7466 *Airlines servicing Tucson Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733

14 ] Tucson Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 Shuttle Service Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 Shared-Ride Van Service Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 Arizona Stagecoach operates shared-ride van service for each Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 arriving flight. Service includes transportation to hotels, resorts, the Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 University of Arizona, and business or residence locations. Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 Hotel/resort rates range from $10 to $24 per person depending Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 on location. Rates to residences, contracted hotels and businesses Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 range from $8 to $40 per person depending on location. Group and La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 family rates are available. The reservation desk is located in the Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 center corridor of the baggage claim level. Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 Bus Service Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 Sun Tran, Tucson's public bus system, provides service to/from Omni International (800) 843-6664 TIA every hour. Check with the Airport Information Centres or call Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 520-792-9222 for schedules. Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 Customer Shuttles Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 Many hotels provide complimentary transportation to/from the Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 airport for their guests. Make prior arrangements with the hotel, or Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 use the phone at the Information Centres located in baggage claim. Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 Taxi Service Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Taxi service from TIA is provided by three companies under TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 contract with TAA. Rates are $4.50 flag drop, $1.80 each additional Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 mile, and $20.00 per hour waiting time. There is no extra charge for baggage or more than one person going to the same location. Inter-City Transportation AAA Airport Taxi (520) 207-4790 Amtrak, www.amtrak.com (800) 872-7245 (USA-RAIL) Allstate Cab (520) 881-2227 America’s national passenger railroad system. Tickets may be Yellow Cab (520) 624-6611 purchased in person at any Amtrak station. Greyhound Bus (800) 231-2222 Weather Service from City to numerous locations throughout the United Tucson is well known for its fantastic year-round weather. The States. average high temperature is 81 degrees and the average low temperature is 54 degrees. With an average of 12 inches of rainfall Rental Cars and 86 percent sunshine. Tucson receives more than 50% of its The following car rentals are available at the airport. annual rainfall during the months of July, August, and September. Pick Up Rental car counters and three-level rental car parking garage are located immediately adjacent to the main terminal. Coldest Month: January 64/38 Return Hottest Month: July 98/74 Take Tucson Blvd. south to the terminal entrance and follow the Annual Average: 81/54 upper level roadway past the terminal following signs to rental car Wettest Month: July 2.7” facility. Alamo, www.alamo.com (800) 462-5266 Driest Month: May 0.2” Avis, www.avis.com (800) 331-1212 Average Total: 12.0” Budget, www.budget.com (800) 527-0700 Annual Snow/Sleet/Hail: 0.1” Dollar, www.dollar.com (800) 800-4000 Enterprise, www.enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 Average Percentage of Sunshine: 86% E-Z, e-zrentacar.com (972) 574-3360 Average Days of Sunshine: 196 Fox/Payless, www.foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 Average Days Over 90: 138 Hertz, www.hertz.com (800) 654-3131 Average Days Below 30: 19 National, www.nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 Thrifty, www.thrifty.com (800) 367-2277

Tucson Information Guide [ 15 WHERE TO STAY

Tucson offers a good variety of accommodations for any budget. The Foothills Whether you’re an executive in need of state-of-the-art business Most of Tucson’s famous resort hotels are located in the foothills facilities, a vacationer seeking to be pampered in a luxury spa, or a of the Catalina Mountains to the north. The Westin la Paloma on backpacker looking for an affordable room, you’ll find it here. Just Sunrise Drive is a favorite among business travelers, due to its keep in mind that room rates in Tucson may vary widely according state-of-the-art business facilities and abundance of meeting to season, being generally higher during mild winter month, when rooms. A few miles to the west, the hacienda-style Westward Look snowbirds and conventioneers crowd into the city and hotel rooms Resort offers spectacular views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, are in high demand. Also be aware that hotels fill up weeks in which you can explore on guided horseback tours offered by the advance for the Gem and Mineral Show, the biggest event in town, stables located next to the resort complex. which takes place in the beginning of February every year. On the The Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa on the northwest other hand, if you are comfortable in 100+ degree heat, you can find side of town is world-renowned for its 27-hole PGA championship real deals here during the sizzling summer months, when resorts try golf course. It’s a full-service spa featuring different types of to fill their vacancies. accommodation ranging from single rooms to haciendas. Located Downtown off Oracle Road, the Sheraton El Conquistador Resort and Country If you’re in Tucson to attend a convention, your most convenient Club affords breathtaking views of the rugged western flank of the location will be downtown. Apart from staying within walking Catalinas, while pampering guests to the max. Luxury also abounds distance from a variety of dining and entertainment venues, you’ll at the Miraval Resort several miles further up north, where you can also be near the Tucson Convention Center. select from a list of custom-made spa packages according to your Several hotels here cater to the needs of busy conventioneers taste and budget. and those leisure travelers who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the On the northeast side, just minutes from scenic Sabino Canyon, inner city. One of your top choices might be the Santa Rita Hotel, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort has gained fame for its spectacular an historic place that has offered style and elegance to its clients golf course at the mouth of a gaping canyon. Loews features a full since 1904, including entertainment and dining with a distinctly service spa and caters to the entire family; children stay free and Mexican flavor. If you want to be really close to the business and enjoy special services here. convention crowd, though, try the Presidio Plaza hotel, just steps The foothills hotels and resorts are situated in beautiful natural away from the Convention Center, and within minutes from the surroundings quite a ways from the city center, but presumably, you downtown arts district. will never really have to leave your resort, since all your daily needs You don’t need a large budget to stay in downtown Tucson, are taken care of right on site. either. The historic Hotel Congress offers interesting decor at The East Side affordable prices, plus retro ambience mixed in with some Accommodation on the east side of town is generally more Southwestern chic. It is definitely hip here, as you will discover by affordable than in the Catalina foothills, and still within reasonable observing the crowd of businessmen and bohemians mingling at range from the city’s major shopping and entertainment venues. the hotel cafe. Several hotels are clustered around the Park Mall and Williams A definite advantage of staying downtown is easy accessibility to Centre business areas, such as the Courtyard by Marriott-Williams public transportation, which, in Tucson, is the exception rather than Centre, which attracts many business clients. Other moderately the rule. The Ronstadt Transit Center, the main bus terminal in the priced accommodations in the area are available at the La Quinta city, sits right smack in the middle of the business district, and from Inn East and the Hilton Tucson East. Several hotels in this there, the SunTran buses will take you all over the city. neighborhood are close to Tucson’s renowned restaurant row, University and North Central where you can sample food from more than 60 restaurants, should The area north of the University of Arizona campus (east of you find the fare offered at your hotel to be either unsatisfactory or downtown) is another good choice if you’re a visiting scholar or non-existent. business traveler. From there, you will have easy access to all the The West, and Far West academic facilities, libraries and museums on campus, as well as If you are attracted to the charm and comfort of bed-and- the ethnic restaurants and shops centered around the hip Fourth breakfast accommodations in natural settings, you should focus Avenue business district. Located right at the busy UofA main gate, your search on the area west of Oracle Road, Tucson’s great north- the modern Marriott University offers rooms especially designed for south divide, all the way up to the Tucson Mountains. Other than business folks, including a full business center and secretarial downtown, there are more bed and breakfasts here than in any services. If you prefer a quieter setting, book a room at the historic other part of town. The Casa Tierra Adobe Bed and Breakfast Inn Arizona Inn, just a few minutes from the university. Built in 1930, this is situated in the middle of an amazing saguaro cactus forest in beautiful adobe-style inn features antique furniture and courtyard Saguaro National Park West, a paradise for birders, hikers, and dining. It is a popular place for weddings. stargazers, and so secluded that the only noises you are likely to hear are those of coyotes howling at the moon and javelinas rustling in the bushes.

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Airport Accommodations the tastefully landscaped Courtyard by Marriott Tucson Airport, also Most of the hotels clustered around Tucson International Airport have computer facilities and Internet access. If reasonable rates are on the south side of town cater to the business traveler, offering more important to you than the latest in hi-tech telecommunication, plenty of business and conference facilities, fitness centers, full- however, you might prefer to check into the Holiday Inn Express- service restaurants, swimming pools, and free airport shuttle Tucson Airport, just a mile north of the airport, and relax in the services . Some of them, like the Clarion Hotel Tucson Airport and outdoor jacuzzi under those persistently clear Arizona desert skies.

DINING AND NIGHT LIFE

With restaurants operating today that have existed since the for one of the city’s most popular nationally-recognized restaurants, 1920s, Tucson’s cuisine can’t help but be inextricably intertwined Cafe Terra Cotta, which recently relocated from St. Philip’s Plaza with its history and culture. into the Foothills without losing any of its upscale Southwestern El Charro, opened in 1922, is the oldest continually family-run ambience. She opened the highly acclaimed cafe in 1986 and has Mexican restaurant in the United States, and a must-dine when since come to be considered one of the pioneers of modern visiting the Tucson area. This local landmark, in the historic El Southwestern cuisine. In 1993, Chef Nordin was named the James Presidio District, is now run by Carlotta Flores, grand-niece of Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Southwest.” founder and trailblazer Monica Flin. Once the family residence, built For more than a decade another female chef, Suzana Davila, has by Monica’s father in 1896, the colorful, classically Southwestern tantalized Tucson tastebuds with her energized interpretations of cafe serves the most authentically Tucsonan cuisine available. Every classic Southern Mexican dishes at Cafe Poca Cosa in the historic plate is a piece of Old Pueblo history! Hotel Santa Rita (now the Clarion Santa Rita). Chef Davila’s vibrant Likewise, John Jacob’s El Parador, established in 1946, boasts a flavors and bold presentations expand diner’s culinary horizons history and a family legacy even spicier than their salsa. Tales of beyond the boundaries of Sonoran cuisine. Lebanese ancestors who, following the collapse of Ottoman A restaurant known affectionately as “The Cork” (formerly the empire, came to Tucson by way of Mexico are peppered with life- Cork & Cleaver) has been a local tradition for more than 30 years. is-stranger-than-fiction accounts of a grandmother who was shot In 1994, Chef Jonathan Landeen took the reins of what is officially by Pancho Villa and a produce company that, while in the desert, called Jonathan’s Tucson Cork, bringing his gold-medal-winning used river barges to transport its wares to Mexico. One of the most culinary style to the area. Having trained with world-renowned Chef visually captivating dining spaces in Tucson, El Parador is about as Paul Prudhomme at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Chef close as you’ll come to a repast in a rainforest without traveling to Landeen continues to dazzle diners with his Southwestern Brazil. specialties. In 1965, The Tack Room opened to the public as Arizona’s first Other notable Tucson dining destinations, scattered throughout fine dining restaurant. Built in 1940 by Robinson Carr Locke, the metro area, include: overlooking his Moltacqua Racetrack, The Tack Room became Anthony’s in the Catalinas, a Triple-A Four Diamond and DiRoNa Arizona’s first Mobil Travel Guide Four Star Award-winning award-winning bastion of Continental cuisine, delights diners with restaurant in 1973, earned its fifth star in 1977 and has become the breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. “West’s Most Highly Awarded Restaurant.” Kingfisher, a highly acclaimed fresh seafood grill, has been The Scordato family emigrated from New Jersey in 1972 and dubbed Tucson’s Best Restaurant by the Arizona Republic and has opened their eponymous Evangelos Scordato’s, followed by received Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. Daniel’s, and Vivace. Over the past quarter-of-a-century the family Wildflower features the culinary stylings of Chef Christopher name has become synonymous with fine Italian dining in Tucson. Cristiano (formerly of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago) in an ultra-attractive On Halloween of 1983, Janos Wilder and his wife, Rebecca, atmosphere. opened Janos in a National Historic Landmark-registered home on Le Bistro, with its impressionist Paris street scene facade, brings the grounds of the Tucson Museum of Art. Blending classic French the flavors of France to desert diners, and has been voted one of techniques with indigenous Southern Arizona ingredients, Chef Tucson’s Top Ten Restaurants by the Tucson Citizen for seven Wilder quickly gained local and national attention and has been consecutive years. Recently, more award-winning French cuisine cited by Travel & Leisure magazine as “one of the finest cooks in has become available at Stone Ashley, an upscale restaurant set in America.” Several years ago, the restaurant relocated to a a rugged old stone mansion with a definitely 21st-century interior. spectacular space at the Westin La Paloma Resort. The Metro Restaurant Group has created, in a sense, its own When Donna Nordin made a three-day stopover in Tucson while global culinary tour with its eight established restaurants (and more on a cross-country teaching tour in 1983, the foundation was laid

18 ] Tucson Information Guide DINING AND NIGHT LIFE in the works)—Firecracker Asian-American Bistro offers an newest addition, Old Pueblo Grill, is also sure to be a popular spot explosion of tantalizing Pacific Rim tastes and aromas—look for the in the neighborhood just south of the University of Arizona. flames shooting from the roof (no, not from the food, from the The city has come a long way from the days when steaks and torches!). City Grill has been feted as the Best Grill and Best tacos were all the culinary delights that come to mind when thinking Business Lunch by Tucson Lifestyle magazine. City Grill’s about the Southwest. During the past five to ten years, many great counterparts in Tucson’s other neighborhoods are Metropolitan Grill chefs have contributed to elevating Tucson’s cuisine to a more and Keaton’s Arizona Grill, both also multiple award-winners. cosmopolitan level than ever before. Dining in Tucson can now be Backstage is just plain fun—and plenty of it—with dancing, games, as exciting an adventure as your palate permits. So go out, sports and casual, contemporary cuisine. And then there’s explore…eat your way through the area, from the Tortolitas to the McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse, voted Tucson Lifestyle’s Best Steak Santa Catalinas; the Rincons to the Santa Ritas and Tucsons. Drink Restaurant and Best New Restaurant of 1999. In Green Valley, in the history and the culture as expressed in our regional culinary south of Tucson, Metro Restaurants operates San Ignacio Country style, When you’ve tasted Tucson, you’ve savored the essence of Club and Coyote Grill, offering contemporary regional cuisine. Their the Southwest.

ENTERTAINMENT

Cultural life in Tucson, by and large, reflects the ethnic and social the ground floor of the equally famous Hotel Congress. It’s featured diversity of the city, ranging from the conservative retirement as “The World’s Darkest Nightclub”, and once you’ve stepped communities at the outskirts to the progressive artist community inside, you will see why it deserves that title (if you can see anything downtown. To find out what’s happening in the arts and who’s at all). Right across the street from the club there is the Rialto coming to town, read the entertainment pages of the Arizona Daily Theatre, a vaudeville theater that has been restored to its glorious Star and the Tucson Citizen, especially the “Caliente” section in the old past, now featuring big names in blues and rock from out of Friday edition of the Star, or grab a free copy of the Tucson Weekly. own. The Performing Arts—Classical Music, Opera, Theater, and Dance For the quintessential experience in Mexican music, go to El Thanks to continuous cultural sponsorship, Tucson has managed Mariachi on Drachman Street and check out the restaurant’s house to support both an opera and a symphony orchestra for several band, International Mariachi America. There are, of course, various decades now without without interruption. Both the Arizona Opera places for country and western, but for the most authentic brand, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra usually perform at the Tucson you’ll have to drive to the out-of-the way Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse on Convention Center Music Hall, the main venue for high culture a Friday or Saturday night. If you enjoy country dancing, join the up downtown. to 3,000 patrons crowding into the dance floor at the New West on If you are culturally more in tune with the progressive camp, Ina Road, an establishment which frequently features famous check out the Borderlands Theatre or the Invisible Theatre for country and western acts such as Asleep at the Wheel. avantgarde political productions and light comedy. For laughs, take Museums and Galleries yourself and your family to the Gaslight Theatre, Tucson’s only Tucson’s art scene is very much alive and thriving, particularly on dinner theater, where you can munch on sandwiches and ice cream the gallery and studio level. There are plenty of museums and cones while watching Western dramas with lots of music, slapstick galleries displaying the entire range of artistic styles from realistic and practical jokes. paintings of Southwestern scenes to multimedia installations. Night Life—Live Music, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, and Country Although it is still a mainstay of traditional Western art, visitors The variety of Tucson nightlife defies stereotypes about the kind should be aware that Tucson is slowly becoming a driving force in of entertainment a Western town has to offer. In fact, most clubs cutting-edge international contemporary practice, with progressives offer alternative rock instead of country and western music. The such as the Dinnerware Contemporary Art Gallery and Elizabeth blues is very much alive in Tucson, with local acts taking turns at the Cherry Contemporary Art spearheading the movement. Boondocks Lounge, Berky’s Bar, Margarita Bay and various other The Tucson Museum of Art, the main exhibitor of contemporary clubs. Check weekly listings in the papers for details. Venues for live art in the city for more than forty years, has recently been expanded jazz are rarer; try the Cafe Sweetwater on 4th Avenue on Friday and to include both Western Art and contemporary experimental works, Saturday nights, or the Cascade Lounge at Loews Ventana Canyon as well as a gallery of pre-Columbian pieces. A little further to the Resort for light dinner jazz on Thursday to Sunday afternoons. east, the University of Arizona Museum of Art offers a good While the western section of downtown is dominated by the sampling of famous 20th-century sculpture and a collection of temples of high art, the eastern part belongs to the “dark” forces of Renaissance art. The Center for Creative Photography across the alternative rock, centered around the legendary Club Congress on street houses one of the best collections of photographs in the

continued on page 20

Tucson Information Guide [ 19 ENTERTAINMENT world, including the work of renowned photographer Ansel Adams. scheduled at the Pima County Fair in April, along with horse shows, Its archives, which are open to the public, contain the works of gun shows, and various kinds of other diversions. And, of course, hundreds of other first-rate photographers. no entertainment guide to the Old Pueblo would be complete The city’s real strengths, however, reside in its science and history without the Tucson Rodeo, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros as it is called museums, particularly the on-campus Arizona State Museum with in Spanish, the largest winter rodeo in the United States. If you’re its splendid displays of Native Southwestern art, and the Arizona here in late February, you just simply can’t ignore it. Historical Society Museum, which is devoted to the local history of Kid’s Stuff and Family Fun Native Americans, Mexicans and pioneers. Tucson offers a variety of diversions for kids. Proposing to take Sports and Recreation them to the zoo is usually a sure bet, and while Reid Park Zoo offers As a place offering consistently dry and sunny weather a good variety of assorted international animals, the Arizona-Sonora throughout the year, Tucson is popular with golfers around the Desert Museum is more unique in presenting creatures of the desert world. Green fees vary from course to course and from season to in their natural habitats, with spectacular desert views. Another sure season, with municipal courses like the Fred Enke Municipal Golf winner is a visit to Old Tucson Studios, a Western theme park and Course offering lower rates than resorts such as the Ventana movie location surrounded by giant sahuaro cacti, not too far from Canyon Golf Courses in the foothills. the Desert Museum west of the city. Cowboy stunts and gunfights The horse racing season at the recently expanded Rillito Park are also available in Trail Dust Town, especially during Trail Dust Racetrack lasts from early February into March, with more races Days; and you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy it.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

Downtown Walking Tour Walking around downtown, you may have noticed that the Downtown is about the only district in Tucson that can be underlying theme here is art, thanks to the continuing efforts of the explored on foot because most attractions here are within easy Tucson Arts District to revive this once-decaying part of town. In walking distance. The rest of the city sprawls across the valley case you want to explore the many galleries and studios here more covering distances too vast to overcome without wheels. systematically, join the docent-led ArtWalk on Thursday nights, and A good place to start your walk is the Metropolitan Tucson meet the artists in person. And if you enjoy organized tours anyway, Convention and Visitors Bureau where you can pick up some maps you’ll easily find plenty of tour operators to serve your needs, such and brochures to guide your exploration. Your first stop on your self- as Old Pueblo Tours, an operator that will take you by van to guided tour of the Old Pueblo should be St. Augustine Cathedral downtown Tucson and beyond. with its magnificent sandstone facade, just around the corner from Go South…Exploring The History of Tucson the Visitors Center. Inspired by the architecture of Mexican No stay in Tucson would be complete without a visit to Mission churches, St. Augustine is a good introduction to the must-see San Xavier del Bac, the ”White Dove of the Desert" acclaimed as the Barrio Historico a few blocks south. This historic Spanish-Mexican- finest example of Spanish mission architecture in the United States. American district has been nicely restored to its original Hispanic The church has recently undergone major restoration, some of it by appeal. From there, turn back north on Granada Avenue, past the experts who restored the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A working Tucson Convention Center and the historic Sosa-Carrillo-Fremont Catholic parish located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson House. Cross Congress Street and head towards the Tucson on the Tohono O’odham reservation, its graceful Baroque structure Museum of Art, home to the city’s main exhibition of art including can be seen from afar. Just seeing the intricately painted interior will collections of Pre-Columbian, Hispanic and contemporary works. be worth the trip. As you’re now close to Old Town Artisans on North Meyer Avenue, Driving 30 miles further south on I-19 will take you to Tubac, you might as well walk over there, stroll around in that old saguaro- Arizona’s oldest town from the European era, with the remnants of ribbed adobe building turned artisans’ market and explore its the old Spanish fort still visible. Today, it has evolved into an artists’ numerous galleries and craft shops. After getting your souvenir colony featuring more than 100 galleries, restaurants and craft shopping done, turn east past the decorated facade and tiled shops. Just a few miles south, you’ll find Tumacacori National Moorish dome of the Pima County Courthouse, and stop at the site Historic Park containing the ruins of an 18th-century Franciscan of the original Spanish fortress at El Presidio Park. You might now mission with displays detailing the life of the natives under the be ready for a lunch break. Continue east on Alameda Street, then priests’ supervision in colonial times. turn south on Sixth Avenue to reach one of the various (and affordable) eateries on Congress Street that are currently considered hip, such as the Cup Cafe.

20 ] Tucson Information Guide RECOMMENDED TOURS

Go North, East, South and West…Exploring the Sonoran Desert trip will probably take the entire day, and you should plan The best introduction to the desert and mountains surrounding accordingly. The museum opens at 7:30 a.m. in the summer, while Tucson is actually a walk in Tohono Chul Park on the northwest it’s still nice and cool outside. Bring a hat, water and wear side. A real piece of desert inside the city, here you can take a close sunscreen. look the plant and bird life of the Sonoran Desert in a comfortable Another great way to escape from the blazing summer heat setting (there are drinking fountains scattered all over the park, even would be a visit to underground attractions such as Colossal Cave a cafe serving tea and scones). Next, a tram ride up and down or Kartchner Caverns State Park, a living cave that has only recently Sabino Canyon is recommended to experience the scenic beauty of been opened to the public. the Catalina Mountains with a knowledgeable tour guide. If you’re Finally, to get a sense of the scientific advances happening in and more adventurous, a trip to Catalina State Park including a hike or around Tucson, drive a little further west on Highway 86 to the top horseback ride into the rugged canyons and cliffs of the Catalinas of Quinlan Mountain. Here you can visit the world’s largest collection will certainly provide the great outdoors experience you might be of astronomical telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory, the looking for. place that helped Tucson to become the “Astronomy Capital of the Now that you’ve acquired a taste of the desert, take the scenic World.” And, speaking about science places of world renown: you drive past Gates Pass into Sahuaro National Park west of the city, don’t want to miss a tour of Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 north and don’t forget to stop and visit the world-famous Arizona-Sonora of the city where scientists are investigating enclosed ecosystems Desert Museum to see the wildlife of the region at close hand. This that may help us live on Mars—some day.

MEDIA

Television Stations FM Radio KVOA CH 4NBC 88.1 KLTU contemporary Christian KUAT CH 6 PBS (U of A) 88.5 KFLT religious KGUN CH 9ABC 88.9 KAIC news KMSB CH 11FOX 89.1 KUAZ public/jazz KOLD CH 13CBS 90.5 KUAT NPR KTTU CH 18MyTV 91.3 KXCI community KFTU CH 34 Telefutura 92.1 KFMA modern rock KUVE CH 38 Univision 92.9 KWMT adult alternative KWBA CH 58 CW 93.7 KRQQ CHR-pop 94.9 KMXZ ac AM Radio 96.1 KLPX classic rock 580 KSAZ standards 97.1 KTZR oldies-español 690 KVOI talk 97.5 KSZR adult hits 790 KNST news/talk 98.3 KOHT urban 830 KFLT religious 98.5 KRDX classic hits 940 KGMS religious 99.5 KIIM country 990 KTKT sports-español 102.1 KCMT regional Mexican 1030 KEVT regional Mexican 104.1 KZPT hot ac 1080 KGVY standards 106.3 KGMG rhythmic oldies 1210 KQTL news/talk-español 107.5 KHYT classic rock 1290 KCUB news/talk/sports 1330 KJLL news/talk 1400 KTUC standards 1450 KWFM oldies 1490 KFFN sports 1550 KUAZ NPR 1600 KXEW tejano

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SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New City If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances.

continued on page 26

Tucson Information Guide [ 25 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms damage. where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the • Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put furniture joints could collapse. each box. • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room individually boxed and cushioned. for the movers. You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales things were arranged on them. agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually Settling Into Your New Home considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving company • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Stay Organized • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include within their reach. medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box towels. has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! instant sustenance while you get organized.

26 ] Tucson Information Guide 12/31/11. 28 ] Tucson Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Tucson Information Guide [ 29 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

30 ] Tucson Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received.

 If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make One Day Before sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs,  Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving but you should consider each person’s physical ability and company. health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one you leave the agency. of you gets delayed.

 Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Tucson Information Guide [ 31 RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless are available. Also, ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk you can introduce yourself and at least have a first impression to jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it help you make your choice. is 90 degrees outside with an expected high of 110. Welcome to Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their your new city, but at least your company gave you a nice raise for pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you relocating. have gathered some information on which to base your decision. Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly All Arizona dogs must be licensed, and the license is required to and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize be annually renewed. The exception is puppies under 4 months of Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? age. New residents must vaccinate and license their dogs within 30 Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don1t know days of moving to the area. Maricopa County has leash laws and where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she dog waste clean up laws. All dogs should be vaccinated for the can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. possibly fatal disease Parvovirus which has run rampant through Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when Maricopa County it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals. changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from someone you trust. Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will be prepared. How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving timely treatment. After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether appointments are required, and what services

32 ] Tucson Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

et family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage Geveryone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing a School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children’s education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities?

Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child.

continued on page 34

Tucson Information Guide [ 33 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

For high school, parents often choose a new school for their Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their children. This is frequently because their current school goes only children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for What about family expectations? In order to provide a good parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide provide an organizes means of communication between parents in the search for the best school for your child: and school. • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and college preparation a priority? creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s distinguishing strengths of a good schools. character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as others in society, including the disadvantaged? Tucson Unified School District (520) 225-6000 1010 E. Tenth St. • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and Tucson, AZ 85719 share a philosophy with other parents at the school? www.tusd.k12.az.us/ • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives Tucson Unified School District currently serves over 60,000 your child time for homework? students. • How important to you is a before-school and after-school Registration Procedures program? To register your child for school, you will need to fill out a Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on registration form, available from the website and bring the following these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who papers to your area school: choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll • Proof of residency because the family and the school work in harmony with a common • Your child's birth certificate. set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so • Your child's immunization forms you can make an informed choice for your child.

SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most In home importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home persistent phoning and visits. care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you background check, which is usually done by most placement are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality agencies. child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. are at the same level of development; each child has unique character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and Types of Child Care developmental differences and creates a program to meet each You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or child’s needs. maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after

34 ] Tucson Information Guide SELECTING CHILD CARE

Center-Based Care current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background The most popular type because there are so many options for checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread before/after school programs. of infection. Day Care Center Preparing Your Child for Child Care If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, you should spend some time observing the center and talking to Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior Preschool Programs when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality of a full day program at a child care center. child care, just be sure to monitor. Before/After School Programs You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. These programs give children additional time and opportunity to Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict child care home that you have chosen with your child before resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking programs are often provided through local schools, child care to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well parent and child) supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in parental involvement. caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new Choosing Child Care caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help account the following factors: the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's • Age and personality of your child. routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children • Child care needs of all the children in your family. grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician • Hours you need child care. wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting • What you can afford. that supports you as a parent. When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, other children and adults. The child learns and grows from school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each experience, often times a major step in establishing independence place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or leaving them. director. For more information you may want to visit the following website: In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have

Tucson Information Guide [ 35 HIGHER EDUCATION - WHERE TO GO?

A List to Consider When Making Decisions About College Campus and Residential Life Admissions experts from Baruch College, a senior college in the 7. What’s new at school? It’s been several months since you and City University of New York, offer some tips to help parents cope your child did all that college research. Go back on the colleges’ with the stress of guiding their child through that all-important websites and see what’s up! Schools may be offering new question: Where should I go to college? programs, hosting unique events on campus, renovating facilities, or announcing new faculty appointments— any of Academics which could affect your child’s decision. 1. Remember why your child is going to college in the first place. Now is the time for your child to reflect on what she truly wants. 8. Finding the right fit. Every school has a personality; you don’t Compare her preferences and ambitions to the resources that want to spend thousands of dollars on one that clashes with each school offers. Consider each school’s academics, study your child’s. Visit the campus again—or for the first time if you abroad programs, student life, extracurricular activities, career haven’t been yet! Encourage your child to attend an accepted services, internship programs, etc., and ask how it will further student reception; sit in on a class; go to a sporting event; and your child’s educational and career goals. Reassure your child talk to current students—without you hovering in the that it’s okay to be uncertain about her career ambitions but, if background! Students will speak candidly to each other about she is, a college with flexible academic programs and multiple real-life college issues like the social scene, academic options is probably a good bet. pressures, and drinking on campus— all things your child should be aware of in advance. 2. What happens to people who graduate from this school? Look into what most of the graduates of the schools your child likes 9. Safety first. Let’s face it: sending your child off to college is scary wind up doing. If your child is interested in the fine arts, and the enough without worrying about crime. Take note of a school’s majority of students at a particular school end up working in the location and ask college officials about security: Is there a 24- financial industry, it should give you both pause. hour security team? What kind of campus alert systems are in place? What are the crime statistics for the area? What security 3. The downside of high school success. Sometimes, even a top- precautions exist in the residence halls? While you’re asking performing high school student is surprised by the rigorous questions, explore the college’s mental health and counseling demands of college courses and professors. Even if your child services—college can be stressful for kids as well as parents. was accepted at the school of his dreams, he needs to understand that he’s starting all over once he gets to college; his Coping sterling SAT score won’t matter if he skips class or studying. 10. Breathe deeply and stay calm. Make clear to your child that you Have an honest conversation with your child about the level of are available to talk things through, weigh the pros and cons, ask commitment required at the schools he likes and make sure he’s questions, and visit campuses with her but that, ultimately, the prepared for it. It’s (Almost) All About the Money decision about where to go to college must be her’s. It’s hard to hand over the keys to her future, but when you watch her receive 4. Factor college tuition into family budgeting. Try plugging the her diploma, you’ll realize it was well worth it. estimated cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books, transportation, student fees) for each school at which your child is accepted into your family’s budget. This will provide you with a better long-term financial plan. And don’t forget about graduate school, if that is in your child’s plans; it’ll be upon you both before you know it. 5. Explore all avenues of financing. Don’t count solely on the college’s financial aid award for help. Learn about scholarships being offered by local businesses, community organizations, and employers; your family could qualify for additional aid monies. 6. Get to know your school’s financial aid team. Most financial aid departments offer free workshops on how to plan for the cost of attending college. Take advantage of such sessions, and don’t be bashful; ask as many questions as occur to you. Now is the best time to consider all your options.

36 ] Tucson Information Guide TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- programs require students to attend some campus classes or bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. orientations, but many are delivered completely online. The second function of community colleges is to prepare Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills Public vs. Private for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state at four-year schools, like fashion design. residents. They get most of their money from the state or local Pima Community College (520) 206-4500 government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and 4905 E. Broadway Blvd. other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can Tucson, AZ 85709-1010 offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. www.pima.edu Pima provides courses, degrees and certificates that will help you Universities reach your academic goals with its convenient, affordable Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more educational opportunities. majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional Liberal Arts Colleges size and some classes may taught by graduate students. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the The University of Arizona (520) 621-2211 Tucson AZ 85721 humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and www.arizona.edu focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available. The University of Arizona is a premier, student-centered research institution. UA has over 37,000 students enrolled. The UA Online Learning embraces its three-fold mission of excellence in teaching, research Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, and public service. Now in its second century of service to the state, to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace the UA has become one of the nation's top 20 public research from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The institutions. It is a member in the Association of American costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— Universities, an organization that recognizes universities with and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution exceptionally strong research and academic programs. UA offers can be much less. 334 fields of study at the bachelor's, masters, and doctoral level. A There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance richly diverse opportunity awaits students in areas including learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to astronomy, plant science, biomedical science, business, law, music research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their and dance. system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online Upper Division classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate online universities out there. study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually second year of study at a four-year college. all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Associate Degree These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may diploma. transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a

continued on page 38

Tucson Information Guide [ 37 DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of study. both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree referred to as “4 +1” programs. Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its Masters Degree part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common. are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) of 2 years for the full time student. Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional Doctorates degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, These generally signify some significant research in the field, and students apply to the graduate program during their first three years are an upper level degree.

PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent that must be filled out annually by university to determine their into account. eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- Need-Based study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the based off the criteria on the FAFSA. student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are Loans entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a They come in several varieties in the United States student has siblings in college at the time. • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments The best place to look for help before you start filling out your until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but Other Sources payments start immediately FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits students for school. There are many state and private scholarships and no payments until after graduation. out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and Getting Your MBA Part-time doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. Lunch-money.com More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is Finaid.org possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue Fastweb.com your education. Collegeboard.com You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for wonderful free sites available. the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps Types of Financial Aid to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue need-based. your education. Merit-Based Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other expect as you add this major commitment to your life. personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes

38 ] Tucson Information Guide Tucson Information Guide [ 39 FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

received this recipe in an email from one of my co-workers. Well actually since he will be reading this, I’d better be more precise. He’s my boss! But it’s a summer Friday Iafternoon, so we’re a little relaxed. Anyway, in spite of it being a Friday afternoon, it inspired me to write this article. The avocado (Persea Americana) is a tree native to Mexico. The oldest evidence of avocado use was found in a cave located in Coxcatlán, Puebla, Mexico, that dates to around 10,000 BC. About 95% of United States avocado production – is located in Southern California. Fallbrook, California, claims the title of “Avocado Capital of the World”, I’ve been there and it's amazing to see all those rows of trees filled with ripe avocados! The Hass avocado is today the most common. It produces fruit year-round and accounts for 80% of cultivated avocados in the world. Hass avocados have ovate fruit with a dark green or black, rough, pebbled skin. All Hass avocado trees are descended from a single “mother tree” raised by a mail carrier named Rudolph Hass, of La Habra Heights, California. Hass patented the productive tree in 1935. Spinks is another type you may be familiar with. Mostly grown in Florida, the fruit is larger and rounder, with a smooth, medium-green skin, and a less-fatty, firmer and fibrous flesh. for more recipes. www.NewMarketServices Please visit our website, Because it has less oil it often isn’t as flavorful. A fun project is to grow your own plant indoors. This is done by removing the pit from a ripe, unrefrigerated avocado. Poke the pit with three or four tooth picks, about one third of the way up. Place the pit in a jar with tepid water. In four to six weeks, it should split and out should come roots and a sprout. (If there is no change by this time discard and try again.) Once the stem has grown a few inches, it is placed in a pot with soil. It should be watered every few days. Avocados have been known to grow large, so be ready to repot the plant several times. Enough about avocados. A small warning about the recipe. If you have been reading my recipes you will notice this one digresses from my normal format. I try to be very precise with my ingredients and directions, leaving nothing to chance. Patrick allows for you to be creative. Tonight Patrick, in Chicago, and I, in Scottsdale will be comparing our creations. I hope you enjoy yours.

Patrick’s Authentic Irish Guacamole*

Ingredients Directions 4-6 ripe avocados, depending on how Cut, spoon out avocado into a bowl. Mash many you people you are serving. them up, we decided we both prefer left About 1/2 or so of a medium to large chunky but you may prefer creamy. white onion, depending on how much Dice onion, jalapeños, add to avocado you like Chop up the cilantro fine – few stems won’t Couple nice tomatoes – plum if you hurt, add Chop tomatoes into small squares, want, depending on what you prefer. add salt and olive oil. 2 jalapenos Cut and squeeze limes into mix Bunch of cilantro Mix all and enjoy with good tortilla chips & 2 limes some hot sauce on the side!!!! Sea Salt Tablespoon or so of olive oil Irish. therefore green, *It’s

40 ] Tucson Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete will be to find a club that meets your needs. Or a new move may - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams bring the perfect time to implement those healthy lifestyle changes of the right standard for your competencies? that were on your New Year’s Resolution list for the past several • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It years. should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight good that you will be able to transfer your membership. management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. classes, at the time that you would be using the club? When visiting a club use your own observations and question the • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at and the shower areas? no extra charge. • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always • Is child care available if you need it? someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for near where you live or work. prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the certifying agencies? hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of • Are new members provided with a club orientation and what the club environment while you are there. instruction on how to use equipment? It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to the facilities. get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for want and need to achieve your fitness goals? you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. year.

NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

Tucson Information Guide [ 41 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have more stress you experience. to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are Self-Image satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the more stress to the change itself. inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will an excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support through the risks of taking positive action. system. When these changes are not made through your own choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes because of their parents. They need special help and understanding getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and loneliness. Creatures of Habit Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive habits, we save our energy for new events that are either unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or Management of Change to whom to turn. To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or patterns in your life. you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything change. within the first few weeks. When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as next. they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. Stress Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period.

42 ] Tucson Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

Tucson Information Guide [ 43 VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

44 ] Tucson Information Guide Tucson Information Guide [ 45 HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

46 ] Tucson Information Guide MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the airport, freeway or train tracks? tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and apartment: maintenance? Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories the dining room adjoin the kitchen? are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete.

Tucson Information Guide [ 47 CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely The House want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house shot at them accepting a lower price. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house Style and Substance measures up to each need on your list. The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the Neighborhoods location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will match your tastes. your commute to work be?

48 ] Tucson Information Guide HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

Tucson Information Guide [ 49 HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

According to the Administration on Aging, there are nearly 52.4 once they've retired from their jobs. You have more freedom than million people age 60 or older in the United States. By 2030, one in those of us still tied to the world of employment. So should senior every five Americans will be age 60 or older. Individuals who are 85 citizens buy or rent a home or stay where you are currently living and over are the fastest growing group of seniors, with their after retirement? numbers expected to more than triple from 5.4 million to 19 million When comparing renting and owning a home in your retirement between 2008 and 2050. The demographic profile of America’s years, maintenance and renovations need to be taken into older adults will also be more diverse in the years to come. These consideration. You must be able to keep up your home if you want trends will produce challenges as well as great opportunities to to continue living in retirement safely and comfortably. As for renting, harness the talents and energies of older Americans. many renters receive reassurance and security because they are not the one in charge of making or paying for needed repairs and renovations. One downside to renting a home or apartment is cost increase. Your rent can increase at just about any point in time. In most states, unless your lease states otherwise, rent can be increased with 30 days notice. Even so, most leases are only for one year, meaning your landlord can then raise your rent. In fact, your rent may be raised to any amount that they want, even an amount that you cannot afford. A fixed mortgage is just that and you will always know the amount of your mortgage payments. Another factor to consider is your current lifestyle, and the lifestyle you intend to lead in the future. When deciding whether to rent or buy your home, it's important to remember that the sky is the limit. You might want to travel after retirement, seeing the world on your retirement funds, and a mortgage would only serve to strap you to a particular place. You may not be able to spend winters in the Caribbean if the mortgage payments on your new home are too high. The senior housing trend started with senior apartments where Developers and home builders are now listening to those residents were monitored on a daily basis and had access to numbers. Innovative designs and careful consideration of the needs emergency services. That was just the beginning of a now extensive of active adults are now being studied to construct communities list of developments that cater to senior citizens. Many senior that include many services needed by active adults. Retirement communities include access to pools, gyms and clubhouses and villages now come complete with clubhouses for socialization, meal are age restricted. The newest developments enable seniors to own deliveries and transportation options to just name a few. Seniors will a private residence, maintain their independent lifestyles while now have to do their homework to find out which development is having many services available to them when the needs arise. right for them. Before you make a decision about where to live in retirement you need to consider many factors—the daily lifestyle you want; proximity of children, grandchildren, or other relatives and friends; the type of climate you enjoy; and your health or medical needs. Ideally you should consider these personal and lifestyle factors first. Then you need to face reality. What can you afford? As usual, when it comes to financial issues, the Internal Revenue Service enters the picture. The tax impact can be crucial when you’re analyzing the pros and cons of where and how to live. (You may access tax information for this state in another part of the guide.) Once past this process, you will need to think about renting vs. owning. Senior citizens are in a unique position

50 ] Tucson Information Guide HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

For many a desirable solution is retirement communities. Called “active adult” or “age- restricted” communities, these developments are especially common in suburban cities and towns where land is more available. The residents often can choose among a few different home styles. There are normally recreational benefits, such as a swimming pool, tennis, golf and a social hall. Some of these 55-plus communities are apartment buildings, condominiums or townhouses. Since an independent living facility is one in which you may live in your own apartment while enjoying more social interaction, you can come and go as you please. This gives you the opportunity to still live like you would have at your previous house, going on vacations or visiting family as you please. At the same time, same general area as their housing needs change over time. There independent living facilities have security services that create a safe is normally the cost of buying a unit in the community as well as community and place to live so there's never a reason to feel like monthly fees that increase as you require higher levels of care. You your personal belongings will not be secure while you're away. may want to consider a CCRC if you’d like to stay in the same Many retired adults choose to move to an independent living facility general facility regardless of your care needs. It also can mean because they no longer desire to take care of that big house that spouses can still be very close to one another even if one requires once housed their larger family. All that space is no longer a higher level of care, a big plus. necessary. In addition to downscaling, many independent living A relatively new concept is the Village Solution. The Village facilities offer cleaning and dining services, on top of landscaping. Solution enables active seniors to remain in their own homes It’ll give you the opportunity to really take advantage of your free without having to rely on family and friends. Members of a “village” time as a retired adult, rather than keeping you chained to daunting can access specialized programs and services, such as household chores. transportation to the grocery store, home health care, or help with household chores, as well as a network of social activities with other village members. As of 2009, there were 50 village organizations across the United States, with many more communities planned worldwide. Each offers different services depending on the local needs of the individual communities. The cost of membership varies according to area and the level of services required, but is often in excess of $500 a year. Thinking about housing arrangements for the future can be a stressful, anxiety-provoking topic for both you and your family. It may seem easier to put off thinking about it until later, but the earlier you face your specific issues, the more choices and control you will have over your future. Even if you are completely independent at this time, circumstances can change. It pays to think a little about your current location and how things will differ if you move. For example, how far will your home be from These provide less privacy, which some people want due to shopping, medical facilities, or other services? If you can no longer safety reasons. Each of these communities also has its own list of drive, what kind of transportation access will you have? Does it regulations on what is and is not acceptable by the homeowners. have a lot of steps, stairs, or a steep hill to navigate? Read everything you can about the housing, talk with other Learn about the different types of senior housing, what choices residents and meet the officers, if there is a board that oversees the may be best for you, and how to navigate the emotional roadblocks facility. that come with choosing senior housing. But most importantly plan Continuing-Care Retirement Communities are a great option. to enjoy each day to the fullest and take advantage of every CCRCs are facilities that include independent living, assisted living, opportunity presented to you! and nursing home care in one location, so seniors can stay in the

Tucson Information Guide [ 51 HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

52 ] Tucson Information Guide SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo or information without your permission to commit fraud or other television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

Tucson Information Guide [ 53 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

54 ] Tucson Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. sewer and water systems. Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to closing, conducted by builder and buyer. determine compliance with building code and other code Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. requirements. Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid entire property. to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to be performed; method of construction; standards of amount. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home equipment for a particular project. loan and the total value of a property. Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying person’s legal right to ownership of a property. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and and servicing a mortgage application. which may come to light in a future transaction. Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage construction work to be performed in conformance with local loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain specified points during construction. PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major components of monthly housing payments.

Tucson Information Guide [ 55 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

56 ] Tucson Information Guide WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

Tucson Information Guide [ 57 SELECTING A BUILDER

Great Minds Think Alike—US Homes and Lennar Are Becoming One today’s most sought-after amenities and upgrades in the purchase As the saying goes, “great minds think alike”, and now US Home price of the home. Buyers are greeted with enjoyable home and Lennar are proving it by becoming one! If you have been a fan purchasing, outstanding customer care and incomparable value. of US Home as part of the Tucson landscape of homebuilders, you You are encouraged to visit Lennar’s communities and are going to love them all rolled into one with Lennar—one of the experience the same quality, reputation and value that has been nation’s leading builders of quality homes. standard and shared throughout the years under the US Home Since 2000, US Home has been a member of Lennar’s family of name—now Lennar. Customers should not be simply Lennar homebuilders. Together they have welcomed more than 600,000 Tucson Division Name Transition PR-Page 2 satisfied…simple homebuyers to beautiful new homes throughout the United States. satisfaction just is not good enough. That is why Lennar goes out of For more than 50 years, Lennar has built a reputation for offering their way to make sure that every customer’s home-buying exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled customer care—a experience is extraordinary. US Home is still the same great builder reputation that has led Lennar to Fortune magazine’s list of most- you’ve always loved, now one-and-the-same with Lennar! admired homebuilders for two consecutive years. For more information about homes in the Tucson area, please Additionally, with Lennar, homebuyers are presented with an visit Lennar.com. exceptionally enjoyable and simple home-buying experience. Lennar’s Everything’s Included® (EI) program includes some of

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the both in appliances and insulation. construction quality of your new home will be determined by the Service After the Sale and Home Warranty quality of your builder. While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the Start your builder-search process by calling your local home sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back builders association. They can give you the names of reputable their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder who have recently built a new home. is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of The Interview Process the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the you understand what protection is provided. If you have any type and price range of home you are interested in, research their questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit your purchase. homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders Be Thorough on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers and see if the homes are visually appealing. verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important considering buying a home from the same builder who built their purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” home. work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they choice. would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact you if they are happy with their purchase. your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies Quality and Value the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to individual builder’s products. the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior

58 ] Tucson Information Guide SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

Tucson Information Guide [ 59 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

60 ] Tucson Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 60

Tucson Information Guide [ 61 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional Helpful Mortgage Terms loans. Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the contract. mortgage. Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative programs. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the financing charges and fees. mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

62 ] Tucson Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance ($100) = $600 6% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600 = $30,000 $30,000/.90 (Loan to Value) = $33,333 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%

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Tucson Information Guide [ 63 ACTIVE ADULTS APARTMENTS

Active Adults Camino Seco Village lush green fairways, the majestic Santa 77 North Camino Seco Catalina Mountains and the city lights of Sundance at Buckeye Tucson, AZ Tucson below. The interiors of our Casa Grande, AZ (520) 721-7344 spacious one, two and three bedroom (623) 386-8371 Camino Seco Village is conveniently apartment homes are fully carpeted with www.meritagehomes.com located near schools, shopping and banks. window treatments and include fine A short drive west of Phoenix, the town Each of our roomy apartment homes offer ceramic tile in the foyers, soaring 9 foot of Buckeye has become the perfect unique design features that set us above ceilings, washer/dryer in each home, location for the homeowner wanting to be the mainstream of apartment living. gourmet kitchens with range, refrigerator, close to everything without the downtown Whether you would enjoy a garden home dishwasher and disposal, are cable ready hassle. Sundance, a Meritage Active Adult with generous living rooms, a loft one and offer optional fireplaces. Our resort-like community in Buckeye showcases six of bedroom with spiral staircase or the environment includes two sparkling the most beautiful model homes in the privacy of a spacious townhome, the swimming pools and sundeck, complete Phoenix area with a total of nine home choice is yours at Camino Seco Village. health club and golf course discounts. The plans to choose from. Community Features: Cats Allowed, Golf Villas at Oro Valley…be one of the Airlines Clubhouse, Only Small Dogs Allowed, fortunate few. Call for your personal Playground, Pool(s), and Wheelchair appointment. Please inquire about our fully American Airlines Accessible. furnished short term rental homes also Reservations call (800) 433-7300 available. Flights at your fingertips. For passenger Apartment Amenities: Air Conditioning, reservations and information call us or your Window Coverings, Dining Room, The Greens At Ventana Canyon travel agent. Dishwasher, Ceiling Fans, Eat-In Kitchen, 5800 North Kolb Road Loft, Balcony/Deck/Patio/Porch, Tile Floors Tucson, AZ 85750 Continental Airlines and Washer & Dryer in Unit. (520) 577-9828 Reservations call (800) 523-3273 WHY NOT LIVE AT YOUR OWN Want to be treated with respect, fly the Desert Springs 6710 E. Golf Links Road PRIVATE RESORT…Our spacious safe and courteous skies with Continental apartment homes and perfect location add Airlines. Tucson, AZ (520) 745-6415 up to affordable luxury at The Greens at United Airlines Desert Springs is apartment living at its Ventana Canyon. Located within school Reservations call (800) 241-6522 best. Let our responsive management district (#16) we provide access to the best Serving more of the nations top 100 team do all they can to make you feel at schools. With our nature trails and the business centers than any other airline. home. Beautifully landscaped grounds Sabino Canyon close by, you can enjoy the Small package dispatch, same-day airport create a wonderful living environment, and beauty of the Catalina Mountains and all of to airport. Desert Springs offers every amenity you the wildlife that goes with it. Picture yourself relaxing out on the patio and Apartments could want, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, lighted tennis courts, and a enjoying the views of either the lush green Boulder Canyon at La Reserve sparkling swimming pool and spa. At golf course or the magnificent sunsets that 1500 E. Pusch Wilderness Drive Desert Springs, you’ll find the carefree Arizona is famous for. Start living the Tucson, AZ living you’ve earned and the luxury you lifestyle you have always dreamed of, at a (520) 544-8000 deserve. price you would never imagine! Nestled on fourteen acres in the foothills Community Features: Business Center, Golf Villas at Oro Valley of the Catalina Mountains and Coronado Cats Allowed, Fitness Center, Garage 10950 North La Canada Drive National Forest, Boulder Canyon at La Parking Available, High Speed Internet Tucson, AZ 85737-5940 Reserve offers residents luxurious Available, On-Site Laundry, Pool(s), 520 498-0098 amenities traditionally found in single-family Racquetball, Storage Spaces Available, www.beztak.com/golfvillas homes. This exclusive community is Tennis Court, and Wheelchair Accessible. THE GOLF VILLAS AT ORO VALLEY… located in the prestigious La Reserve, a Apartment Amenities: Air Conditioning, Tucson’s newest and most prestigious master planned community that offers an Cable Ready, Dining Room, Dishwasher, community provides uncompromising upscale residential living environment in Ceiling Fans, Eat-In Kitchen, apartments for those who insist on the northwest Tucson’s Oro Valley. andBalcony/Deck/ Patio/Porch. finest. Located directly on the El Community Features: Business Center, Conquistador golf course, the views are The Golf Villas At Oro Valley Cats Allowed, Clubhouse, Dogs Allowed, beyond extraordinary. Look out to vistas of 10950 North LaCanada Fitness Center, Garage Parking Available, lush green fairways, the majestic Santa Tucson, AZ 85737 High Speed Internet Available, Pool(s), and Catalina Mountains and the city lights of (520) 498-0098 Wheelchair Accessible. Tucson below. The interiors of our www.beztak.com/golfvillas spacious one, two and three bedroom Apartment Amenities: Air Conditioning, THE GOLF VILLAS AT ORO VALLEY… apartment homes are fully carpeted with Alarm System, Cable Ready, Dining Room, Tucson’s newest and most prestigious window treatments and include fine Dishwasher, Ceiling Fans, Fireplace, Eat-In community provides uncompromising ceramic tile in the foyers, soaring 9 foot Kitchen, Balcony/Deck/Patio/Porch, Tile apartments for those who insist on the ceilings, washer/dryer in each home, Floors, and Washer & Dryer in Unit. finest. Located directly on the El gourmet kitchens with range, refrigerator, Conquistador golf course, the views are dishwasher and disposal, are cable ready beyond extraordinary. Look out to vistas of

64 ] Tucson Information Guide APARTMENTS APARTMENTS and offer optional fireplaces. Our resort-like Available, On-Site Laundry, Playground, tranquility, then come to Rio Vista. Nestled environment includes two sparkling Pool(s), and Wheelchair Accessible. in the pines of the Catalina Foothills, an swimming pools and sundeck, complete Apartment Amenities: Air Conditioning, exquisite colorful blend of native desert health club and golf course discounts. The Cable Ready, Window Coverings, Dining blooms, flowering gardens and grassy Golf Villas at Oro Valley…be one of the Room, Dishwasher, Ceiling Fans, Eat-In courtyards are what you’ll find. We provide fortunate few. Call for your personal Kitchen, Balcony/Deck/Patio/Porch, and a caring professional on-site staff appointment. Please inquire about our fully Washer & Dryer in Unit. dedicated to satisfying your every need. furnished short term rental homes also Rio Vista offers the perfect combination of Posada del Rio available. a great foothills location and conscientious 7424 E. Speedway service, all at a very reasonable price. We Hazen Enterprises Tucson, AZ invite you to tour our community and know 3340 N. Country Club Rd #110 (520) 886-4175 you’ll be most pleased. PO Box 41265 Come visit and experience the difference Tucson, AZ 85717 at Posada del Rio. Enjoy the stunning Community Features: Furnished (520) 795-8429 sunrises, sunsets and scenic mountain Available, Pets Allowed, Short Term www.hazentownhomes.com views of the Catalina and Rincon Available, Clubhouse, Emergency Hazen Enterprises specializes in leasing mountains from the comfort of your home. Maintenance, Extra Storage, Fitness townhomes. Hazen manages We feature a beautiful heated pool and spa Center, Garage and/or Covered Parking, approximately 40 locations throughout the and a state of the art fitness center. Laundry Facility, Swimming Pool, Tennis Tucson area. Each Hazen townhome is Posada del Rio is apartment living at its Court(s). part of a small neighborhood, offering an best! Apartment Features: Disability Access, alternative to apartment complex living. All Community Features: Cats Allowed, Air Conditioning, Balcony, Cable Ready, units have enclosed back yards, skylights, Clubhouse, Only Small Dogs Allowed, Ceiling Fan(s), Dishwasher, Some Paid and washer/dryer hookups. Many Fitness Center, Gated Community, On-Site Utilities, View, Oversized Closets. townhomes have carports. Hazen owns Laundry, Pool(s), and Storage Spaces Seneca Terrace the properties it manages, so tenants have Available. 2050 N. Pantano a landlord committed to the long-term care Apartment Amenities: Air Conditioning, Tucson, AZ 85715 and quality of its neighborhoods. For up- Window Coverings, Dining Room, (520) 722-7013 to-date rental availability and locations Dishwasher, Ceiling Fans, Fireplace, Eat-In UNIQUELY SOPHISTICATED LIVING IN please visit our web site. Kitchen, Balcony/Deck/Patio/Porch, and A NEW NORTHEAST TUCSON ADDRESS. La Reserve Villas Washer & Dryer in Unit. You can have the best of both worlds at 10700 North La Reserve Drive Seneca Terrace. Located in Tucson’s Rio Cancion Tucson, AZ 85737 northeast area, we provide you with all the 2400 E. River Road (520) 584-1200 luxuries of a brand new apartment home Tucson, AZ Nestled at the base of Pusch Ridge, and the conveniences of suburban living. (520) 299-1112 residents enjoy truly spectacular views as We also offer distinctive features and Surrounded by the panoramic Santa the rolling hills rise toward the towering floorplans to fit your lifestyle. Features and Catalina Mountains, Rio Cancion offers ridges within the Coronado Forest and the amenities include: Large pool/spa, Full-size breathtaking views, exceptional amenities Santa Catalina Mountains. Two sparkling washer/dryer/stackable washer/dryer, and all the ingredients for luxurious pools, lush landscaping, as well as an Patios/balconies, Three spacious apartment living. Everything you need to inviting spa and fitness center all floorplans, Microwaves, Walk-in closets, enjoy an active lifestyle is just outside your surrounding a neighborhood perfect for Ceiling fans throughout, Large refrigerator door! walks or hikes through pristine desert w/icemaker, Self-cleaning terrain. One, two and three bedroom Community Features: Basketball oven/dishwasher, Disposal and pantry, floorplans include full size washer/dryers Court(s), Business Center, Cats Allowed, Covered parking included, Great mountain and spacious walk in closets. Select Clubhouse, Dogs Allowed, Fitness Center, views, Close to Mt. Lemmon/Restaurant apartments homes feature wood-burning Garage Parking Available, High Speed Row/Park Place, Minutes away from fireplace and arched designer windows. Internet Available, On-Site Laundry, Pool(s), Sabino Canyon, Gym passes, BBQ Grills Sauna, Storage Spaces Available, and on site, Furnished Corporate units Orange Grove Village Tennis Court. 3500 West Orange Grove available. Rent by month or short term Apartment Amenities: Air Conditioning, Tucson, AZ lease, 4 Month Home purchase clause. Cable Ready, Window Coverings, Dining (520) 584-1000 Visit us today. From the very first day your Room, Dishwasher, Ceiling Fans, Fireplace, In the hills north of downtown Tucson is at home! Eat-In Kitchen, Loft, Balcony/Deck/ the vibrant community of Orange Grove Tucson Rental Homes Patio/Porch, and Washer & Dryer in Unit. Village. With striking views of the majestic 4647 N. Campbell Avenue Catalina Mountains in the background and Rio Vista Tucson, AZ 85718 the convenience of Ina Road just a few 2000 East River Road (520) 299-4466 blocks away Orange Grove Village is right Tucson, AZ 85718 www.tucsonrentalhomes.com for you! (888) 333-0996 [email protected] Community Features: Cats Allowed, Close to everything and far from Tucson Rental Homes builds Santa Fe Only Small Dogs Allowed, Fitness Center, expensive…that’s Rio Vista. If you’ve Style 1, 2 & 3 bedroom Homes. Gated Community, High Speed Internet always been attracted to peace and But…they’re not for sale, we rent them. In

Tucson Information Guide [ 65 APARTMENTS HOTELS our Distinctive, Free Standing, Luxury and make friends from around the world. Hotels Rental Homes, designed in harmony with The school accepts young men in grades Best Western InnSuites Tucson and the Sonoran Desert, you will 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- enjoy Private Yards (friendly pets welcome), student average class size and college 6201 North Oracle Road Gourmet Kitchens with Islands, 12’ Arched prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, Tucson, AZ 85704 Cathedral Windows, Fireplaces, High many with advanced degrees. Cadets at (520) 297-8111 Speed Internet, Master Bath Suites with Florida Air Academy receive leadership Toll Free Reservations: 888-7TUCSON Jacuzzi Tubs, Large Walk-In Closets, training and an emphasis on community Located in N.W. Tucson’s prestigious Swimming Pool and, much more. Our service. Other programs include an Catalina Foothills, the newly refurbished friendly Leasing Staff is waiting to hear excellent sports program, extensive 159 Suite InnSuites is 10 minutes from I-10 from you today. Our Model Home Center is computer curriculum and optional flight on Orange Grove. Convenient to open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm. training and SCUBA certification. downtown, the Tucson International Airport, Biosphere, Old Tucson, and the Florida Air Academy is located on Banks/Finance Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Free Florida’s Space Coast and is fully airport transportation is provided. We Bank One accredited. Contact our Admissions feature newly Studio InnSuites and two- Locations throughout the department for more information on Fall, room Executive/Family Suites. Whether you Greater Tucson Area Spring, and Summer enrollments. For are a frequent guest or this is your first visit www.BankOne.com additional Information contact: Donna to InnSuites, it is our commitment to Get Bank One’s Maximum Strength Stratford Director of Communication provide the exceptional value, service, and Checking and you’ll get free One (321) 723-3211, Extension 30028. facilities you expect when you travel. We Checking® with direct deposit, free online invite you to enjoy a complimentary hot bill pay, free e-mail alerts and the Home Builders/Developers breakfast buffet with fruit, cereal and convenience of over 4,300 Bank One Meritage Homes homemade Belgian waffles and free ATMs and 1,800 Banking Centers. 3275 West Ina Road # 220 afternoon social hour to relax and meet Car/Truck Rental Tucson, AZ 85741 new friends. These and many other (520) 225-6800 complimentary amenities, such as, Free Avis Rent a Car www.meritagehomes.com High Speed Internet Access, make Reservations call (800) 331-1212 Meritage Homes is one of Tucson’s InnSuites Hotels your best suite value. Offers low-mileage quality maintained leading home builders. When looking at Meetings Facilities can accommodate GM and other cars. Computerized for fast I new homes in Tucson, Arizona, visit groups of 10 to 150. Fax and copy service, service and low rates for day, week, or Meritage Homes’ new home models and unlimited local phone calls, free high speed long term mini lease. discover open floor plans, dramatic internet access and other business Budget Rent a Car interiors, and custom features. Choose a support services. Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 Meritage Home and you’ll own a new home that complements the way you live. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Regency City Right now, Budget has some great rates 1200 Louisiana A Meritage Home offers the right on some equally great cars and trucks. So (713) 654-1234 combination of style and comfort, in some don’t let them pass you by. For your local Worldwide Reservations Toll Free of the best locations in the Tucson area or one-way rental choose from Budget’s (800) 233-1234 World Class Fleet at the airport, or in your and Southeastern Arizona. Many options neighborhood. are available for personalization, and an InnSuites Hotels interior decorator is available to assist you City Center Tucson Suite Resort Budget Rent a Truck with style and color selections. Our style is 475 N. Granada Avenue Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 your style. Tucson, AZ 85701 Right now, Budget has some great rates (520) 622-3000 Richmond American Homes on some equally great cars and trucks. So Reservations: 1-888-SUITE-CHOICE Toll 3067 West Ina Road don’t let them pass you by. Free The InnSuites Hotel Tucson Suite Tucson, AZ 85741 Hertz Car Rental Hotel & Resort is centrally located in the (520) 544-2700 Reservations call (800) 654-3131 heart of Tucson’s Art & Historic downtown http://tiny.cc/fqvpp Still the biggest, still the best We care district. Located just off I-10 at St. Mary’s Richmond American subsidiaries have about you. Customer service is the most road exit (or…) at 475 N. Granada Ave. been designing and building new homes important thing we do. Biggest selection of Free Airport, Convention Center, and across the nation for nearly four decades. low-mileage cars. Shopping Transportation. The 11 acre Superior quality and value have always set tranquil resort atmosphere will ease your us apart. But it’s the personalized Education 6-12 soul while the accessible surrounding customer service at each stage in the Florida Air Academy activities will stimulate your mind. The homebuying process that truly gives us an InnSuites Hotels Tucson Conference Hotel 1950 South Academy Drive edge. Melbourne, FL 32901 & Resort offers 297 newly refurbished (321) 723-3211 spacious guest studio suites & two-room www.flair.com suites, a lush courtyard, heated Olympic At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have size outdoor pool/spa, volleyball, the opportunity to get a first-rate education playground and separate children’s pool. geared to the learning styles of young men Free HBO, free high speed internet access,

66 ] Tucson Information Guide MOVING SUPPLIES NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT

Nintendo games, movies, complimentary direct from the original Crazy Horse in humanity and art. sumptuous, healthy hot breakfast buffet Paris. Pan Pacific Resort Hotels and complimentary social hour to meet • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to Toll Free (800) 327-8585 new friends and relax. Enjoy your inn-room stimulate and arouse your senses. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts. North microwave and refrigerator in Your Suite • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. America, Japan, Southeast Asia. Choice of a Studio InnSuite, Two-room • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including Worldwide Reservations and Information Executive Suite or Presidential Jacuzzi celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s call toll free (800) 327-8585 Suite. We cater small through large Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. meeting groups and conventions from 10 Treasure Island to 1450. Fax and copy services, unlimited • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South local phone calls and other business Habitat. Las Vegas, NV 89109 • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood (702) 792-5627 Moving Supplies Theatre feature top name entertainment. Enjoy the adventure and romance of this engaging resort filled with new-world Dial-A-Box Mirage Hotel & Casino amenities. White Plains and The Bronx, NY 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South ® Toll Free: (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX / Las Vegas, NV 89109 • AAA Four Diamond Award winning (866) 434-2522 (702) 791-7111 resort. www.dial-a-box.com Immerse yourself in this tropical South • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle Nationwide Travel Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and • Experience the elegance and the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the Bellagio The Resort sophistication of our newly redesigned middle of the Buccaneer Bay. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South guest rooms. • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, (702) 693-7223 thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage circus skills and dance. Experience a world unto itself at “the pool. • Eight exciting dining options including most romantic hotel in the world.” • Ten international restaurants including Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the • Nine world-renowned restaurants explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. Diamond Award-winner Picasso. and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary Habitat. salon. fusion of water, dance and aerobics. • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons New Home Developments • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds and tumbling waterfalls. most sophisticated boutiques from • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Arbors at Gladden Farms Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage 11763 W Scudamore Drive Hermes. pool. Marana, AZ 85653 • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (520) 682-4187 charms guests with its natural beauty. New York-New York http://tiny.cc/i1s3y 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight Arbors at Gladden Farms offers six Las Vegas, NV 89109 acre lake. exciting floor plans in a relaxed, master- (702) 740-6969 planned community. In the heart of Fairmont Hotels The best of New York City meets the Marana, enjoy this friendly neighborhood Toll Free (800) 527-4727 best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. with acres of open space, parks and www.Fairmont.com Be a part of it. sports fields. Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and Aviara Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San entertainment. Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. 49 Forrest Feezor Street • Live performances nightly from the Tucson, AZ 85653 Hilton Hotels Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. (520) 762-1122 Worldwide Reservations • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller http://tiny.cc/r3ss7 Toll Free (800) 845-8667 Coaster. Aviara is a spectacular community www.Hilton.com • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at Santa Rita Mountains. It is located in the Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. Times Square. Vail School District and within walking MGM Grand • New York City’s original Gallaghers distance of all the area’s amenities. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South Steakhouse. The Bluffs at Rancho del Lago Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple 13479 E Ace High Drive (702) 891-1111 Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The Vail, AZ 85641 Searching for non-stop action and Greatest City in Las Vegas.” (520) 207-1535 pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of http://tiny.cc/j9rw7 Entertainment” awaits your arrival. • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, This exceptional community is nestled at • La Femme-the sensual French sensation

Tucson Information Guide [ 67 NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT the foot of the Rincon Mountains. Located a dog park, an amphitheater and much restaurants and the freeway. Also, enjoy within the Vail School district, the more. Choose from floor plans with up to the convenience of downtown Tucson, neighborhood offers an 18-hole golf approx. 2,500 square feet. only minutes away. course, community pool, basketball court Los Arroyos Parkside Villages at Sycamore Park and playground within the master plan. Sahuarita, AZ 7168 E Bloomtree Lane Dakota at Eagle Crest Ranch (520) 648-0661 Tucson, AZ 85756 39175 S Quick Trot Drive www.meritagehomes.com (520) 574-0027 Tucson, AZ 85739 Los Arroyos by Meritage Homes offers http://tiny.cc/eha1m (520) 825-9016 the perfect balance of style and This popular Richmond American http://tiny.cc/t5tv5 affordability. community offers the best in home design Located in the Catalina Foothills of Meritage Homes’ quality construction and amenities. Choose from five incredible scenic north Tucson, Dakota at Eagle standards, attention to detail and reliable floor plans with up to approx. 2,050 square Crest Ranch offers spacious ranch and customer service after the sale add to the feet. Plus, enjoy the 7.5-acre signature two-story homes. This quiet, unspoiled value of your new home purchase. lifestyle park, featuring a softball field, setting near community parks and ball This intimate neighborhood provides a soccer field, basketball courts, playgrounds fields has easy access to all the shopping, quiet setting for young and growing and walking trails. dining and entertainment opportunities that families. And its convenient proximity to Paseo Del Rio Tucson has to offer. Sahuarita and Tucson provides for plenty Tucson, AZ Encore at Madera Highlands of shopping and recreation. (520) 888-9562 Sahuarita, AZ The Overlook at Kartchner Vistas www.meritagehomes.com (520) 207-4946 Benson, AZ Paseo del Rio, located on River Road, www.meritagehomes.com (520) 586-1177 between La Canada and La Cholla, is a Surrounded by natural desert, www.meritagehomes.com convenient northwest location for its homeowners at Encore also enjoy the ease The Overlook at Kartchner Vistas proximity to major employers and of access to modern conveniences in proudly showcases four of the newest shopping. K-12 students will attend neighboring Tucson and Green Valley. floorplans by Meritage Homes. These new Amphitheater schools. Over 400 acres of open Sonoran Desert home designs - the Moor, Bluff, Mesa and Paseo del Rio offers six floor plans (two at Madera Highlands have been set aside Peak - range from 1,311 to 2,082 square one-story and four two-story plans) ranging for residents to enjoy at Encore. A 16-acre feet and deliver the strong design and in size from about 1,200 square feet to Village Park provides a variety of amenities value that Meritage Homes is known for. about 1,700 square feet, with the largest including a community pool, lap pool, The Overlook boasts expansive views of single-story plan approximately 1,467 tennis court, basketball court, baseball the San Pedro Valley and surrounding square feet in size. field, amphitheater, tot lots and dog park. mountain ranges. The wondrous Kartchner Prelude at Madera Highlands Nearby Madera Canyon contains more Caverns State Park and the highly Sahuarita, AZ than 6,500 acres of nature preserve with photographed natural rock formations of (520) 269-7251 easy walking trails, spring-fed creeks, Texas Canyon are both a short drive away. www.meritagehomes.com cabins and miles of challenging climbing Tombstone, a popular attraction in Tucked among lush green Pecan Groves trails. Southern Arizona brimming with history of and nestled under the Santa Rita Encore at Tangerine Crossing days gone by, is an easy 30-minute drive Mountains, Prelude at Madera Highlands 3660 W Richmond Vista Drive away. offers classic country living within easy Marana, AZ 85658 Palisades at San Lucas reach of the modern conveniences of (520) 579-7205 14027 N. Stone Palisade Drive Tucson. http://tiny.cc/cnvu4 Marana, AZ 85658 A 16-acre Village Park is a popular This gated community in northwest (520) 682-3244 gathering spot for neighbors who can Tucson gives residents six distinct floor http://tiny.cc/9u5cu choose to relax among a variety of plan options. Located just minutes from This master-planned community in amenities including a community pool, lap shopping, entertainment, public schools Marana has a beautiful Tortolita Mountain pool, tennis court, basketball court, and commuter routes, Encore at Tangerine backdrop. Six distinct floor plans are baseball field, amphitheater, tot lots and a Crossing offers a great location combined available, as well as 3-car garages. San dog park. with the superior craftsmanship Richmond Lucas Park is nearby, featuring a dog park, Over 400 acres of Sonoran Desert open American is known for. sports courts, playgrounds and walking space at Madera Highlands have been set The Grove at Madera Highlands trails. aside or residents to enjoy. Plus nearby 872 E. Ashburn Mountain Drive Palisades at The Pines Madera Canyon has over 6,500 acres of Sahuarita, AZ 85629 8307 Mountain Stone Pine Way nature preserve with easy walking trails, (520) 647-2541 Marana, AZ 85652 spring-fed creeks, cabins and miles of http://tiny.cc/g7c1k (520) 579-0836 challenging climbing trails. This exceptional community offers a http://tiny.cc/mb8yb stunning Santa Rita Mountain backdrop. Overlooking The Quarry Pines Golf Club Master-planned amenities include a large in Marana, the Palisades at The Pines swimming pool, sports fields, walking trails, offers convenient easy access to shopping,

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Premier at Tangerine Crossing trails. from shopping, entertainment, public 3660 W. Richmond Vista Drive Rivers Edge schools and transportation routes. Marana, AZ 85658 436 Channel View Place Suncrest at Gladden Farms (520) 579-7205 Oro Valley, AZ 85737 11763 W Scudamore Drive http://tiny.cc/u0o9g (520) 229-3116 Marana, AZ 85653 Discover the six detailed floor plans, http://tiny.cc/iuhvd (520) 682-4187 including brand new home designs at Rivers Edge welcomes you with http://tiny.cc/fbi8z Premier at Tangerine Crossing. Located spectacular views of the Catalina Suncrest at Gladden Farms offers five minutes from shopping, entertainment, Mountains and a prime location in the home designs, including plans from the public schools and commuter routes, this beautiful town of Oro Valley. This lovely Cottage Series. Residents will also enjoy gated community offers all the new community includes five distinct master-planned amenities such as parks convenience and superior craftsmanship floorplans, all conveniently located within and landscaped trails, as well as a regional you’ve been seeking in a home. walking distance of neighborhood schools, park with soccer and baseball fields. Presidio Azteca at Rancho Sahuarita parks and shopping. Sycamore Canyon 202 W Calle Gota Signature at Sycamore Park Vail, AZ Sahuarita, AZ 85629 7168 E Bloomtree Lane (520) 762-1953 (520) 625-2142 Tucson, AZ 85756 www.meritagehomes.com http://tiny.cc/j8k04 (520) 574-0027 Sycamore Canyon by leading Tucson This is our newest community within the http://tiny.cc/0j3jw home builder Meritage Homes. Nestled master-planned neighborhood of Rancho Recreation is central to the amenities at near the base of the Santa Rita Mountains, Sahuarita. Amenities include a 15-acre lake Signature at Sycamore Park. The 7.5-acre southeast of Tucson, this carefully planned park with amphitheater, three neighborhood park includes a softball field, community is a world apart yet accessible neighborhood parks, water parks, fitness soccer field, basketball courts, walking to everything the Tucson area has to offer. centers and more. Choose from five home trails and more. The community is located The Sycamore Canyon Conservation plans with elegant architectural features. within the Vail Unified School District. Foundation is committed to the Presidio del Centinela Model homes are open for tour. conservation, protection and appreciation 202 W Calle Gota Solara of the Sycamore Canyon Preserve natural Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Marana, AZ open space. (520) 625-2142 (866) 637-4824 At Sycamore Canyon we offer 133 http://tiny.cc/rqabb www.meritagehomes.com homesites averaging about 60' x 115'. This community is located inside the Solara by Meritage Homes offers five Every homesite backs to common area or master-planned neighborhood of Rancho exciting new home plans ranging from greenbelt, with no neighbor directly behind. Sahuarita, offering a 15-acre lake park with approximately 1,440 square feet to amphitheater, three neighborhood parks, Symphony at Madera Highlands approximately 2,375 square feet. Of the Sahuarita, AZ water parks, fitness centers and more. five plans, three are single-story and two Choose from six new floor plans from (520) 300-5731 are two-story, with the largest single-story www.meritagehomes.com Richmond American’s distinctive Bennett being approximately 2,044 square feet. Collection. Nestled among mature Pecan groves Interesting architectural features include and with a backdrop of the Santa Rita Promenade at Madera Highlands portal entrances, sitting rooms, optional Mountains, Symphony at Madera Sahuarita, AZ casitas, and courtyards. Standard features Highlands offers classic country living (520) 344-7604 include 36 inch maple cabinets with 2.5 within easy reach of modern conveniences www.meritagehomes.com inch crown molding and roll-outs, ceramic in nearby Tucson and Green Valley. Nestled among mature Pecan groves tile in entry, kitchen, nook, utility room and Over 400 acres of open Sonoran Desert and with a backdrop of the Santa Rita bathrooms, and a finished two-car garage. at Madera Highlands have been set aside Mountains, Promenade at Madera This new community is located in for residents to enjoy. A 16-acre Village Highlands offers classic country living Marana, Arizona. A modest-sized Park is a popular gathering spot for within easy reach of modern conveniences neighborhood, 140 homes on homesites homeowners who can choose from a in nearby Tucson and Green Valley. averaging approximately 50' x 120' are variety of amenities including a community Over 400 acres of open Sonoran Desert planned. Common areas with walking trails pool, lap pool, tennis court, basketball at Madera Highlands have been set aside and a playground are planned as well. court, baseball field, amphitheater, tot lots for residents to enjoy. A 16-acre Village Sterling at Tangerine Crossing and dog park. Nearby Madera Canyon Park is a popular gathering spot for 3660 W Richmond Vista Drive contains more than 6,500 acres of nature homeowners who can choose from a Marana, AZ 85658 preserve with easy walking trails, spring- variety of amenities including a community (520) 579-7205 fed creeks, cabins and miles of challenging pool, lap pool, tennis court, basketball http://tiny.cc/zkxdb climbing trails. court, baseball field, amphitheater, tot lots Explore our gated community in and dog park. northwest Tucson. Sterling at Tangerine Nearby Madera Canyon contains more Crossing offers exciting new floor plan than 6,500 acres of nature preserve with designs with up to approx. 4,100 square easy walking trails, spring-fed creeks, feet. The neighborhood is also just minutes cabins and miles of challenging climbing

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