Welcome to the definitive guide to house sitting in Tucson, AZ. In this article, you’ll find all the information required to find, secure, and thoroughly enjoy a house sitting exchange in the great city of Tucson.
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Our first international house sitting experience was in Tucson and it set us on a house sitting journey that continues to this day. Tucson is a fantastic city and there are ample house sitting opportunities just waiting for eager applicants.
So let’s get straight into the definitive guide to house sitting in Tucson, AZ.
Why Everyone Should Visit Tucson
Tucson is a hidden gem of a US destination. It has stunning desert landscapes and sunsets straight out of a painting. The unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm makes it a place where you can hike in the morning and enjoy downtown’s lively arts scene by night. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the sight of a saguaro cactus silhouetted against a fiery sky.
The food scene in Tucson is off the charts, with its UNESCO City of Gastronomy status well-earned. Whether you’re sampling a Sonoran hot dog or savoring authentic Mexican cuisine, your taste buds are in for a treat. The many quirky coffee shops, craft breweries, and trendy eateries make exploring the local scene an adventure in itself.
Let’s not forget the rich history and culture that’s found in every corner of Tucson. From the stunning Mission San Xavier del Bac to the fascinating exhibits at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, there’s so much to see and learn. Tucson’s friendly vibe and welcoming locals will make you feel right at home.
House Sitting in Tucson
As a house sitting destination, Tucson more than holds its own when compared to neighboring Phoenix. The diverse array of listings means there is something for everyone all year round.
My Experience of House Sitting in Tucson, AZ
Our time house sitting in Tucson during the summer of 2022 was our first international house sit. It was a big deal for us because not only had we not been to the USA for years because of the pandemic but we had applied for many international house sits on previous occasions, but handn’t quite secured them.
It was however these early misses that caused us to re-group and find house sits local to us before applying further afield. We racked up 4 reviews at home in the UK before applying for the Tucson sit and we were delighted to be given the international nod. Using house sitting to travel the world was always our plan so it was amazing to see it coming together.
The house sit was incredible, read about it in my previous article – A Review of 5 Amazing House Sitting Experiences. We took care of 4 horses, 3 cats, and 2 dogs in a wonderful ranch setting with a great pool. The owners were lovely people and we remain in contact with them two years on. We’re hoping to visit them next year!
House Sitting Opportunities in Tucson
House sitting opportunities in the USA are exploding right now and Tucson is certainly helping with these growing numbers. I keep a keen eye on all things house sitting and it’s been crazy to see the number of global house sits on just one website – Trusted Housesitters, rise to almost 9,000 recently. Almost exactly half of these are in the US.
Tucson has hundreds of active users across various sites. At the time of writing 60 house sitting hosts in Tucson are accepting applications. If you widen your parameters a little further afield the number easily ticks into the hundreds.
I see many spacious ranch-style homes with Silverado trucks regularly listed – you can live out those cowboy dreams! But, Tucson is also a cosmopolitan city with many modern city apartments and homes looking for house sitters.
How to Secure a Tucson House Sit
Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a free Trusted Housesitters membership and start searching for Tucson house sits. Use the filters to find sits that match your dates and requirements. It’s quick and easy to find exactly the type of sit you’re looking for.
To complete an exchange you’ll need to become a paying member. Memberships start at $129/year and include unlimited exchanges. Just factor that next to the price of the last 1-night stay in a hotel you paid for! Save 25% on any THS membership when you use our exclusive referral code BEACHES25 at checkout.
Trusted Housesitters has 3 tiers of paid membership. Discover which one is right for you with my previous article – Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters. Click here to get started.
Build a Profile
Every house sitting platform offers the ability to create a profile. Here, you can showcase your skills as a house sitter, explain why you’re interested in house sitting, and highlight your outstanding qualities.
This section is also where you can upload numerous photos. Ideally, these should all feature you with various pets or in other friendly and responsible scenarios. Make sure to choose or take relevant and high-quality pictures for your profile, avoiding those late-night snapshots from your weekend outings.
When you’re just starting out and lack official reviews, Trusted Housesitters lets you provide three character references. Reach out to reliable friends or acquaintances from other exchanges to write detailed testimonials for you.
Setting Alerts and Applying
Marking your favorite properties and saving your search criteria can significantly enhance your ability to find homes that match your needs. This way, you’ll also be notified as soon as an ideal property in Tucson becomes available.
Craft a warm and personalized application for each listing. Resist the urge to send a generic message to multiple hosts, as they can easily recognize these and will likely dismiss them. Invest time reading every listing that catches your eye, carefully mentioning any specific details noted by the host.
For more tips on how to apply for house sits, check out my earlier article – The Informative Step-By-Step Guide to Applying for a House Sit.
What to Expect in Tucson, AZ
Tucson offers stunning desert landscapes and vibrant sunsets, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. Tucson offers some of the world’s best and most scenic hiking trails.
The city boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and annual festivals celebrating its unique heritage. It’s become a hub for craft beer bars and local breweries, so you’ll never be far from a great beer.
Expect delicious Southwestern cuisine, friendly locals, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Best Tucson Bars
The bar scene is fantastic in Tucson. I had several regular haunts during my time in the city, here’s a couple of excellent watering holes worth visiting;
Best Tucson Bars
- The Shelter Cocktail Lounge. This retro bar has a unique 1960s Cold War theme and serves strong, classic cocktails in a cozy, quirky setting. A fall-out shelter with pinball machines and JFK memorabilia, what’s not to like? Directions here.
- Maverick King of Clubs. This iconic bar is famous for its live country music and spacious dance floor. It’s the go-to spot for dancing and a lively night out. There are also regular great happy hour deals and a warm friendly vibe. Directions here.
- The Parish. A Southern fusion pub that offers a unique blend of Cajun and Creole cuisine. They also have fantastic craft cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying live music and good company. Directions here.
Best Craft Beer and Brew Bars in Tucson
Much like with my Definitive Guide to House Sitting in Durham, Tucson deserves a bonus section on its outstanding craft beer and brewery scene. The beer scene is epic in the US right now, here’s a couple of my top picks for Tucson;
Best Tucson Craft Beer and Brew Bars
- Tap & Bottle. This popular spot offers a rotating selection of craft beers on tap and a vast bottle selection. It’s the perfect bar for beer enthusiasts looking to try something new. They have 2 locations in Tucson and I enjoyed both equally. There’s also regular live music. Directions here.
- Borderlands Brewing Company. Exceptional craft beers and always a vibrant atmosphere. This brew bar also hosts live music and has regular rotating food trucks. You’ll also find some cool art exhibits in a rustic, industrial-style setting. Directions here.
- 1912 Brewing Co. This family-owned brewery specializes in creative, small-batch beers which are always great. You can enjoy their unique flavors and seasonal brews in a cozy and welcoming taproom. Directions here.
Best Places to Eat in Tucson
Tucson was the first city in the USA to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015. Subsequently, as far as places to eat go, you’re in for a treat.
Best Places to Eat in Tucson
- El Charro Café. As the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US, this iconic eatery offers traditional Sonoran cuisine, reflecting Tucson’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status. With over 100 years of experience cooking Mexican food in Tucson, they have 4 locations within the city. Directions here.
- Prep & Pastry. Start your day right at this trendy brunch spot, famous for its freshly baked pastries and locally sourced ingredients. Their “Prep’s Benedict” and homemade pop tarts are crowd-pleasers! They have 2 locations in Tucson, and both are great. Directions here.
- The Coronet. Enjoy a European-inspired culinary journey at this charming bistro. Always serving local, organic ingredients in a cozy ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable meal in a historic setting. Directions here.
Best Things to Do in Tucson
There are plenty of great activities to keep you busy during a house sit stay in Tucson. From exploring the natural wildlife and the surrounding mountains to taking day trips to cool nearby towns and cities. Here are a few things I enjoyed during my time in Tucson.
Best Things to Do In Tucson
- Visit Mt. Lemmon. Just north of Tucson are the Santa Catalina Mountains which offer a stunning escape from the desert heat. At over 9,000 feet, Mt. Lemmon is the highest point in the range, providing cool pine forests for hiking, amazing views, and year-round outdoor activities. Directions here.
- Go Ziplining. The Arizona desert is a great place for some high-adrenaline adventures and just north of Tucson is an excellent zipline experience. With 5 epic lines that cut over the cacti from high up in the hills, Arizona Zipline Experience is well worth a visit. Directions here.
- Take a Day Trip. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tombstone, and Bisbee are all around a 2-hour drive from Tucson and are amazing places in their own right. The stunning town of Sedona with its striking red sandstone formations is an iconic place to visit and takes around 4 hours from Tucson.
Conclusion
Well there you have it, the definitive guide to house sitting in Tucson, AZ. I hope this article has provided you with all the tools to create your own amazing house sitting experience in Tucson.
Hannah and I loved our time in Arizona, it stands out as a memorable time in our lives. We are looking forward to returning to Tucson once again in the near future. Quiet discussions are underway for 2025, we shall see!
If you have any questions about the house sitting process or have your own Tucson experiences feel free to get in touch. Happy house sitting!
*Owners consent given to show property and pets