The "World's Greatest Places of 2023" by Time Magazine is out, and guess what's included in their list? Tucson, AZ, the Soul of the Sonoran Desert. Tucson is the first city in the United States to be named a UNESCO Capital of Gastronomy. This designation recognizes our city's unique and diverse culinary scene as well as its commitment to promoting sustainable and ethical food practices. 

Over the past few months, there has been what can best be described as a correction in the housing market, following repetitive interest rate hikes that began last year and continue today. But a recent report from the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index indicates an uptick of 0.15% between January and February of 2023. 

Tucked away in the sun-kissed southwest, our blooming city of Tucson is rapidly emerging as a cost-effective and desirable haven for prospective home buyers. As the second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson offers a unique blend of modern urban life and desert serenity, coupled with affordability that few cities of comparable size can match. Tucson allows homebuyers to maximize their budget but, more importantly, to maximize their lifestyle.

Did you know that despite the Sonoran Desert being some of the harshest environments on earth, plenty of edible plants are still scattered throughout it?

The Sonoran Desert in Arizona is full of rugged beauty. Its extreme climate and arid conditions have given rise to an exceptional variety of robust edible plant life utilized by indigenous peoples for centuries.

Spring has sprung, and it's now a great time to start sprucing up your Tucson yard with a gardening project. But given that we live in such a dry climate, the type of plants you select is important to not just your yard but the water conservation efforts of our area. As summer approaches, it is essential to plan and prepare for the extreme heat that comes with it. Here are some ideas for gardening in the Southwest and tips to protect your plants from the sun.

Human-Friendly Materials

As the world becomes increasingly eco- and health-conscious, the trend of using "human-friendly" materials when building or remodeling a home has become almost a movement. Beyond just being eco-friendly, the impact of materials on human health is also being considered. We are now aware of the impact of the chemicals we surround ourselves with. Today, homeowners are looking for materials that benefit the environment and promote good health and well-being.

Tucson is known for its arid and drought-prone climate, which makes water conservation a top priority for residents and local authorities. In fact, our city has been an outstanding example of water conservation. Tucson encourages water conservation through its incentives for urban rainwater harvesting. By harvesting rainwater, Tucson residents can reduce their dependence on municipal water supplies, save money on their water bills, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the community.

Agua Caliente Park is a hidden gem located in the Northeast part of Tucson, Arizona. It is a serene oasis that offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it's easy to see why.

The housing market is slowing because interest rates are high, and buyers are becoming increasingly wary. However, this could be an opportunity for home buyers to get great incentives for new construction.

Are you nervous about what will be happening with the interest rates? Over the past year, we've watched interest rates continually climb out of a period when rates have been at record lows. The US housing market and economy got hooked on low interest rates, and now we are feeling sticker shock as they climb back up.