Tucson: Bigger Than Your Ex's Ego (But Way More Useful)
Ever looked at a map of Tucson and thought, "dang, that sprawl is impressive!"? Well, you'd be right! The Old Pueblo stretches out across the Sonoran Desert like a sunbaked lizard, and measuring its exact size can get a little...well, prickly.
The Great Tucson Land Area Debate: A Fiesta of Fun Facts (and Misinformation)
There seems to be a bit of a disagreement floating around the internet (and maybe even at your next pool party) about exactly how big Tucson is. Here's the lowdown on the most popular numbers:
- 226.71 square miles: This is the official land area according to the trusty United States Census Bureau. They're like the official scorekeepers of American geography, so it's a pretty safe bet.
- 500 square miles: Hold on to your hats, cowpokes! This number gets tossed around sometimes, and it's not exactly wrong. It includes a lot of undeveloped areas and desert that Tucson kinda sorta claims as its own. Think of it as Tucson's "sphere of influence," where the city might have plans for future growth or just enjoys bragging rights about the vast emptiness.
So, which number is right? Depends on how you measure! The 226.71 square miles is the surefire bet for the actual developed city limits. But, if you're feeling a little more expansive (and maybe want to win a bar trivia night), then 500 square miles might be your answer.
Important Side Note: Tucson is definitely bigger than your ex's apartment, no matter how much they tried to convince you it was a "cozy studio."
Fun Facts About Tucson's Sprawling Grandeur
- All that space means plenty of room for saguaro cacti, which are basically the official mascots of Tucson (and also excellent for hiding from the occasional tumbleweed).
- Tucson's sprawl also makes it a great place for stargazing! With all those city lights out of the way, you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye on a clear night.
Frequently Asked Tucson-y Questions
How to measure the size of Tucson myself?
Unless you're a surveyor with a serious case of wanderlust, we don't recommend this. Stick to the internet or a trusty map.
How to get around Tucson's sprawl?
The city bus system is decent, and there's also a growing network of bike paths. But a car is probably your best bet for getting around efficiently.
How to avoid getting lost in Tucson's sprawl?
Invest in a good GPS or at least a decent sense of direction. The mountains can be a helpful landmark, but they all kinda look the same after a while.
How to appreciate Tucson's sprawl?
Take a scenic drive and soak up the desert beauty! Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
How to avoid sunburn in Tucson's sprawl?
Sunscreen. Seriously. Don't mess around with the desert sun.