Tucson is divided up into distinct neighborhoods, or Barrios. These neighborhoods make up a rich tapestry in Southern Arizona across indigenous communities, hispanic strongholds and early west settlements. When prefaced with “barrio” the community was historically hispanic.
Barrio Hollywood is an area on the West side of Tucson. Speedway Blvd to the north, Silverbell Rd to the west, St. Mary’s Rd to the south and the Santa Cruz River to the east. This neighborhood dates back to the 1930s when it was so poor that locals starting calling it “Hollywood” as a joke in contrast to the wealth of Hollywood proper. In the early days of this barrio, many homes were simple adobe houses with dirt yards. One resident told me that Tucson’s oldest home was actually located here, although, I’m not so sure… La Casa Cordova is *literally* inside the Presidio wall.
Barrio Hollywood is known for the local cuisine. Grande Ave is dotted by some of Tucson’s oldest local eats such as Pat’s Chili Dogs and Tanias 33 as well as some of the Barrio’s newest places such as Barista del Barrio and Taco Giro.
Today the neighborhood is in a state of transition, with some infill projects being completed in recent years. The neighborhood association voted in 2015 to limit the influence of business owners who do not live directly in the neighborhood. Just north of Menlo Park which has seen sizable change and gentrification, this barrio is once again considered a desirable location on Tucson’s West Side.
Taking a walk through the barrio today highlights that it remains a working class neighborhood that still struggles with the title of “Barrio Hollywood.” Residents are proud of their homes, kids still ride their bikes around and in the afternoon you’ll hear the chimes of the local ice cream truck making its rounds. Homes are brightly colored, but the sense of community is vibrant.
Blue Topaz Properties proudly owns property in Barrio Hollywood and Menlo Park. We are actively searching for more. We love these neighborhoods and wish to see them thrive. Please reach out if you interested in selling your home in Barrio Hollywood.
Sources:
Pima Library: Historical Barrios in Tucson
Tucson Weekly: Barrio Hollywood: If You Don’t Live in the Barrio, You’re Not Allowed to Vote in Our Neighborhood Association
Downtown Tucson Partnership: Neighborhoods
Facebook: Barrio Hollywood Neighborhood Association
