Why We Chose Tucson — And Why You Might Too

My wife and I weren’t casually browsing.
We were intentionally searching 

Warm winters.
Lower taxes.
Freedom.
Quality of life.
A place to grow in Torah without burning out. 

That search led us to Tucson.

Discovering the Community

We found the Tucson Torah Center and learned a kollel community was forming.
That caught our attention immediately. 

I had previously davened and learned alongside kollel families.

We knew the energy that creates.

We reached out.
We asked questions.
We stayed in touch. 

Then we visited during Chanukah.

First Impressions That Lasted

The mountains were the first thing we noticed.
Quiet. Majestic. Grounding. 

The community was the second.
Warm. Genuine. Welcoming. 

We stayed for Shabbos.
And we couldn’t stop talking about it afterward.

Within three months, we made the decision.
By Pesach, we had moved.

Daily Life in Tucson

My day starts at the kollel for Shacharis.
I walk in with mountain views and purpose. 

The davening is focused.
People are friendly.
It feels intentional. 

My wife teaches three-year-olds at the school.
She loves it. 

Warm families.
Happy children.
A calm, healthy environment. 

In the afternoons, we walk together in a nearby park.
Winter here is cool, comfortable, and beautiful. 

We cook.
We study.
We spend time as a family. 

The zoo is affordable and fun.
The outdoors are always accessible. 

Life feels balanced.

Rebecca’s Perspective

What stands out most to my wife?

The pace.

People here are relaxed.
Present.
Human. 

There’s also space — real space — to make a difference.
To use your strengths.
To help shape the future of the community. 

That matters.

A Community That’s Alive

One of the most special parts of Tucson is the visitors.

Families from New Jersey.
Philadelphia.
New York.
Florida.
Seattle.
All over the U.S. 

People come to visit.
They stay for Shabbos.
They fall in love. 

There are always guests.
Always new conversations.
Always warmth. 

Since we moved, multiple new families have joined the community.
And more are exploring. 

It’s growing — organically.

Why Tucson Works

Affordable cost of living.
Lower taxes.
Family-friendly pace. 

Clean air.
Outdoor beauty.
Well-priced real estate.

It’s peaceful.
It’s grounded.
It’s a good life. 

How to Explore a Move

If you’re even slightly curious, start with a conversation.

We strongly recommend reaching out to Rabbi Palgon.

Have a phone call.
Ask real questions.

Education.
Day-to-day life.
Shabbos.
Holidays.

Every family is different.
Those conversations matter.

We were in touch for about a year before our first visit.
Rabbi Palgon was always available.
Always helpful.

When you visit, stay for Shabbos.
Stay a few days.
Explore the Southwest.

The hospitality here makes everything easier.

Moving a family is big.
It can feel overwhelming.

This community makes it manageable.

Who Tucson Is For

Young couples.
Growing families.
Retirees.

Anyone who wants to grow in Torah.
Anyone who wants a Makom Torah.
Anyone who wants warmth — spiritually and practically.

Tucson surprised us.
In the best way.

And it might surprise you too.