What are the top zip codes in Tucson for new apartments?

Over the last decade, developers have completed 5,011 new apartments across Tucson, offering renters significantly more options than in other Southwest metros while maintaining the city’s distinctive Sonoran Desert character. Understanding where construction has concentrated can help apartment hunters find the best combination of location, value, and lifestyle fit.

Which Tucson neighborhoods added the most apartments?

Living in Tucson offers a balance between the energy of a major university city and the tranquility of a high-desert retreat. The cost of living in Tucson, AZ, is about 5% lower than the state average and roughly 3% higher than the national average, offering residents stunning mountain views, 350 days of sunshine, and a rich blend of cultural influences at a still-reasonable cost of living.

To help renters navigate this expanding market, we’ve identified the areas where new apartment development is most concentrated:

1,377 new apartments put zip code 85719 at the top of Tucson’s construction list

Zip code 85719 added 1,377 new apartments, making it Tucson’s most active area for new residential development. This hub surrounds the University of Arizona and benefits from the Sun Link modern streetcar, which provides frequent transit to Main Gate Square and Downtown. The neighborhood offers a walkable environment unusual for car-dependent desert cities.

Residents enjoy proximity to major employers such as the University of Arizona and Banner University Medical Center. Additionally, the area serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation at Sabino Canyon, while facilities for Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base are easily reachable by car.

Zip code 85705 added 945 new apartments

Zip code 85705 gained 945 new apartments, providing accessible housing options in the city’s central corridor. This area balances a central location with budget-friendly rental rates, supported by the Sun Tran bus system, which offers connections throughout the metro area. It is a strategic choice for healthcare professionals, as it sits near Tucson Medical Center and the TMC Healthcare campus.

The neighborhood also offers a short commute to the University of Arizona and various downtown government offices. Its proximity to major shopping along Oracle Road and accessibility to regional employers such as Raytheon Missiles & Defense make it a popular choice for working families.

Zip code 85701 welcomed 841 new apartments

Zip code 85701 built 841 new apartments, reflecting the successful urban revival of the city’s historic central business district. This area provides an urban lifestyle with superior transit access via the Sun Link streetcar, connecting residents to the University of Arizona and the eclectic 4th Avenue district. Major employers within walking distance include the State of Arizona regional offices, Pima County government, and federal agencies.

The neighborhood’s growing arts scene and proximity to the Tucson Convention Center attract young professionals. Residents also benefit from convenient commutes to aerospace hubs and healthcare facilities operated by Banner Health.

Zip code 85742 added 836 new rentals

Zip code 85742 welcomed 836 new apartments, reflecting rapid suburban expansion in the northwest corridor toward Marana. This family-oriented area offers modern communities with excellent schools and newer infrastructure. While largely car-dependent, the Sun Express Route 204X provides limited commuter service to the city core, and easy access to Interstate 10 facilitates travel to central Tucson and Raytheon Missiles & Defense.

With the Tortolita Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop, this zip code is ideal for professionals and military personnel from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base seeking a quiet suburban environment away from the urban center.

624 new apartments grow zip code 85747’s inventory

Zip code 85747 added 624 new apartments, focusing housing growth near Tucson’s critical aviation and defense employment centers. Located in the Southeast, this area offers immediate proximity to the gates of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Tucson International Airport. It is a prime location for military and civilian employees at the base, as well as engineers working for Raytheon Missiles & Defense.

While car ownership is standard here, Sun Tran bus routes serve the major corridors. The area provides exceptional value and short commutes for those working within the aerospace cluster and regional manufacturing facilities.

Top 5 zip codes for new apartments in Tucson, AZ

* Total new apartments completed between 2015 and 2025.

Source:
RentCafe analysis of Yardi data as of July 2025

Tucson’s rental market remains remarkably affordable, with prices sitting 39% below national averages. Developers continue to focus on the university corridor and downtown core to meet demand from young professionals.

Future construction will likely target the northwest corridor and central neighborhoods, as affordability attracts transplants from higher-cost markets like Phoenix and Denver. While car dependency remains high, the streetcar provides increasing urban mobility. The local economy remains driven by specialized aerospace and defense hubs.

Methodology

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.

This study uses data from 2015–2025, with the ‘past decade’ referring to this period.