Tucson, AZ. The Community

SEE ALSO: About the stunning local climate

Tucson's roots are Native American and Spanish. You'll experience both influences in the faces, the art, the music and cuisine, and the voices you hear on the street.

Although it's growing rapidly, the population of Tucson proper is only half a million -- about the size of Portland. (Phoenix is three times bigger).

Tucson is home of the University of Arizona and hosts the State's main symphony orchestra and ballet. It has a lively theatre scene and festivals the year round.

Our community, Oro Valley, overlooks the northeast edge of Tucson from the base of the dramatic Santa Catalina mountains. They dominate the city. At sunrise, the rising sun etches the jagged mountain crest. Most evenings, they're bathed in red desert alpenglow.

Is there any downside to this paradise? Only one: you'll need a car to get around. Like many western cities, Tucson is spread out and replete with malls, most of them new.