'It’s Like Being On Vacation Every Day': Meet The People Of Tucson

Damon Dahlen and Jenna Amatulli

Tucson, Arizona, was the 21st stop on our Listen to America road trip. We spoke to residents to find out what they love (and don’t!) about the city. Here’s what they had to say:

“One of the things I really appreciate about Tucson is the sense of community and social connections that I’ve experienced through my career as a firefighter/paramedic for Tucson. Actually, I’m the first woman firefighter in the history of the Tucson fire department.”

― Deanna Lewis, 55, graduate student/physician assistant

“I’m originally from Denver, Colorado ... I really liked Arizona so I wanted to stay. So, I chose U of A.”

― Brenden Harris, 19, student

“The heat is a challenge here ... Otherwise, I like the climate here.”

― Brenden Spangler, 18, student

“I really do love this city a lot. Partially because it is where I grew up, but I think there’s a lot of charm to it that a lot of people don’t quite see.”

― Brittany Taylor, 19, student

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“Sometimes I feel safe. Sometimes I don’t. There are points in time when I’ll get scared when something happens ... I am hopeful. I hope that it gets better.”

― Abigail Williams, 19, student

“My husband and I were heading west in 1978 and ran out of gas here and stayed. We really do like it.”

― Dorothy Cook, 69, retired

“My family lives in Phoenix. I moved down here on campus so I’ve been here for about a month and a half.”

― Mckayla Smith, 18, student/barista

“I got here by accident, but I love it.”

― Alora Cohen, 26, behavioral health technician/certified recovery support specialist

“I’ve chosen to stay because I fell in love with the city. I love what I do for my job. I love the people. I love that every day I’m surrounded by people with like-minded ideals.”

― Cristina Siqueiros, 28, job coach/catering manager

“Fate brought me here ... I’ve had plenty of opportunities to leave ... I don’t want to leave. I think that Arizona is a great place to live. Tucson is my center of existence.”

― Robert Morris, 59, engineer

“It’s like being on vacation every day.”

― James Harrison, 61, engineer

“I have been here for 40 years ... It’s my home and I’m very proud of Tucson. Arizona’s a red state and Tucson’s a blue city. It’s a safe place for me to be able to express my opinions and live the life I value.”

― Claudia Oreck-Teplitsky, 60, educator

Also on HuffPost

The HuffPost bus sits amid cacti during HuffPost's visit to Tucson, Arizona, on Oct. 20 as part of "Listen To America: A HuffPost Road Trip."
The HuffPost bus sits amid cacti during HuffPost's visit to Tucson, Arizona, on Oct. 20 as part of "Listen To America: A HuffPost Road Trip."
People visit the "Listen to America" tents during HuffPost's visit to University of Arizona in Tucson.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents during HuffPost's visit to University of Arizona in Tucson.
Chris Wayne helps Katherine Graves sign up to be interviewed.
Chris Wayne helps Katherine Graves sign up to be interviewed.
Brittany Taylor waits to be interviewed.
Brittany Taylor waits to be interviewed.
A student puts stickers on a water bottle during HuffPost's visit to University of Arizona.
A student puts stickers on a water bottle during HuffPost's visit to University of Arizona.
Nate Airulla speaks with James Michael Nichols and Rachel Elman during HuffPost's visit.
Nate Airulla speaks with James Michael Nichols and Rachel Elman during HuffPost's visit.
Jose Ramirez and Francisco Leon play a game of cornhole.
Jose Ramirez and Francisco Leon play a game of cornhole.
Students visit the "Listen to America" tents.
Students visit the "Listen to America" tents.
Brint Milward signs up to be interviewed.
Brint Milward signs up to be interviewed.
Brennan Menta and Jazmin J. Morales chat during HuffPost's visit.
Brennan Menta and Jazmin J. Morales chat during HuffPost's visit.
Deanna Lewis is interviewed during HuffPost's visit to Tucson.
Deanna Lewis is interviewed during HuffPost's visit to Tucson.
HuffPost and Peak XV staff fill swag bags.
HuffPost and Peak XV staff fill swag bags.
Emma Reilly hugs Hillary Frey during HuffPost's visit to University of Arizona in Tucson.
Emma Reilly hugs Hillary Frey during HuffPost's visit to University of Arizona in Tucson.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents at the University of Arizona.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents at the University of Arizona.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents.
Shane Blum, Ethan Moos and Ben Norma sign up to be interviewed.
Shane Blum, Ethan Moos and Ben Norma sign up to be interviewed.
D.J. Munoz plays a game of jumbo Jenga with Ariel Munoz and Andrea Munoz.
D.J. Munoz plays a game of jumbo Jenga with Ariel Munoz and Andrea Munoz.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents in Tucson, Arizona.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents in Tucson, Arizona.
Bus driver Bobby Jansen hugs daughter Nicole Davidtz.
Bus driver Bobby Jansen hugs daughter Nicole Davidtz.
Rachel Elman helps Alora Cohen and Cristina Siqueires to sign up to be interviewed.
Rachel Elman helps Alora Cohen and Cristina Siqueires to sign up to be interviewed.
Curtis Wong signs up Stuart Teichner to be interviewed.
Curtis Wong signs up Stuart Teichner to be interviewed.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents.
People visit the "Listen to America" tents.
Gemma Kerbs prepares to be interviewed by Nick Schaffer and Hayley Miller.
Gemma Kerbs prepares to be interviewed by Nick Schaffer and Hayley Miller.
Adam Schultz puts a mic on Mindy Bernstein in preparation for an interview aboard the bus.
Adam Schultz puts a mic on Mindy Bernstein in preparation for an interview aboard the bus.
People are interviewed in tents in Tucson, Arizona.
People are interviewed in tents in Tucson, Arizona.
Michael Phillips is interviewed by Louis Roug.
Michael Phillips is interviewed by Louis Roug.
The HuffPost bus sits amid cacti on the outskirts of Tucson.
The HuffPost bus sits amid cacti on the outskirts of Tucson.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.