Tucson isn’t just a sunny spot in the desert—it’s officially one of America’s most elite college towns. According to longtime college basketball insider Andy Katz of NCAA.com, Tucson clinched the #4 spot on his nationwide ranking of Top 10 College Towns. And here’s the kicker—it’s the highest-ranked city in the West, trailing only Madison (WI), Austin (TX), and Gainesville (FL).
But here’s where it gets interesting: within the Big XII footprint, only one other city made Katz’s cut—Lawrence, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas. And when it comes to basketball programs, Katz gave special nods to Arizona and Florida for the culture and atmosphere they bring to their towns.
Katz singled out the legendary McKale Center as a major reason for Tucson’s high placement. In fact, he has praised McKale before, ranking it ninth in the nation for college basketball arenas. He also recognized the Zona Zoo—the University of Arizona’s spirited student section—at an impressive #7 nationally. For Katz, Tucson’s basketball pedigree owes much to the late Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson, whose decades of success turned the city into a magnet for national attention and top-tier talent.
Speaking to NCAA.com, Katz didn’t hold back: “There’s so much to like: the weather, hiking in the mountains, the food, and McKale is one of the best arenas.” He’s not wrong—Tucson’s climate offers hikers eight to nine months of perfect outdoor conditions each year, with breathtaking mountain ranges framing the skyline. And in the world of culinary recognition, it’s one of only two U.S. cities (sharing the honor with San Antonio) designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Food, of course, is deeply personal—everyone has their own favorites, whether it’s a nostalgic bite from their college days or a new hotspot beloved by current students. Katz’s visits for Arizona games have surely included diverse tastes of the local scene, but he didn’t specify his top picks—perhaps deliberately, knowing such choices spark heated debate.
And this is the part most people miss: Tucson’s appeal stretches beyond its campus borders. The surrounding desert region of Southern Arizona offers endless day trips, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes. Unlike many smaller college towns, Tucson even boasts luxury resorts—perfect for visitors who want a blend of academic energy and upscale relaxation.
So here’s the big question—does Tucson truly deserve its place among the nation’s very best, or is Katz’s love for the Wildcats culture swaying the rankings? Is the McKale Center’s legacy enough to put it in the same conversation as Madison or Austin? Let’s hear it: would you rank Tucson higher, lower, or exactly where Katz placed it?
