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Nestled in the valley of four mountain ranges, Tucson is a city of many cultures and great diversity. An expanding business center, a growing hub for culture and art and a picture of modern lifestyle are just a few ways to describe Tucson.

It maintains a "casual" atmosphere while continuing to grow into a vibrant city. At approximately 500 square miles, Tucson is hugged by four majestic mountain ranges, The Santa Catalinas to the north, The Santa Ritas to the south, The Rincons to the east and The Tucson Mountains to the west. The days of roaming cowboys and lively tumbleweeds bustling over dusty city streets are gone, but the feeling of the Old West remains.

Geographic Features:

Tucson, offering so much contrast, is located in a desert valley, surrounded by mountain ranges. At an elevation of 2,584 feet, Tucson is cradled by the Santa Catalina Mountains rising 9,100 feet on the north, the Rincon Mountains to the east, the Tucson Mountains to the west, and the Santa Rita and Sierrita Mountains to the south.

The desert contains much natural growth, unlike a Sahara-like desert. Green trees such as Palo Verde, Mesquite and Cottonwood grow in abundance. There are also many varieties of cacti in colorful bloom from April until late May. In Tucson's residential areas native desert landscaping and many other types of shrubs and flowers grow easily.

The city limits of Tucson cover an area of 156.04 square miles, while the entire metropolitan area spreads over 495 square miles.