It wasn’t when I lived there—way back!
And the U of A is still no Berkeley or Stanford—for good or for ill!
A spread-out desert city with wonderful Mexican restaurants, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Monument, etc. etc.! Watch out for the monsoons, thought!
We bought a little house in NW Tucson (Oro Valley) for a 2nd home near relatives and fora potential bolt-hole if thing went to hell politically in Hawaii.
Wife and I eat at several favorite restaurants when we visit. Guadalajara Grill is out favorite place.
The multiple days of well over 100° soured her on moving to that area permanently. I like the low humidity, but.
Do not mind the rain, we are somewhat used to that. The view of the Catalinas is astounding.