Greetings!
As I write this, tomorrow marks the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—and I find myself fully immersed in my first true Arizona summer. While my friends and family back in West Virginia are paddling through flooded streets from record rains, I’m glued to my weather app like it’s a stock ticker: "Are you KIDDING me?!? 114°F?!" To add insult to injury, yesterday’s electric bill hit numbers that doubled the temperature. Yikes!
Yet, as someone who loves living outdoors—porch-swing evenings included—I’m learning to dance with the desert’s rhythm. Sunscreen and water bottles have become my constant companions. Early mornings are for outdoor chores and walking the dogs, afternoons call for retreating indoors, and late evenings on the patio hum with the quiet secrets of the desert night.
For those of us choosing to adapt—and thrive—here are a few strategies I'm using that might also help keep your Tucson home comfortable, energy-smart, and beautiful all summer long.
Finding Shade: Nature’s Cool Embrace
If you’ve ever trolled a Tucson parking lot for one of those rare shady spots, you know shade is a premium. That’s why I recommend the Trees for You program through Tucson Electric Power. For just $5 per tree, you can select native, fast-growing shade trees from local nurseries.
I planted desert willows and mesquites in strategic spots around my home to sculpt outdoor spaces that invite wildlife, soften the heat, and add timeless value to the property.
While the program pauses during the hottest months, it reopens in early fall—perfect for planting. The difference a well-placed tree makes is tangible: lower cooling costs, increased property value, more graceful landscaping, and a deeper connection to this land we call home.
Smart Energy Choices for the Desert Market
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) also offers multiple electric rate plans and energy rebates for Tucson homeowners. Options include off-peak billing, smart thermostat discounts, and solar readiness programs. These not only cut down your utility bills but also reflect a modern homeowner’s desire for sustainability and long-term efficiency.
On my short list of things to do? Book one of TEP’s free home efficiency inspections. Especially in older Tucson homes—burnt adobe, block construction, or vintage styles—insulation, duct sealing, and airflow improvements can dramatically impact comfort and cost.
Shielding Your Home: Windows, Roofs, and Reflective Materials
After purchasing my home, I installed UV-blocking window film and retractable sunshades—my invisible guardians against Tucson’s intense sunlight. But the most vital upgrade? Roof maintenance.
A reflective roof coating on a flat roof does more than protect against monsoon leaks—it reduces interior temps and extends your roof’s lifespan. Depending on your home’s style and needs, silicone or elastomeric coatings offer excellent waterproofing and flexibility, while acrylic options provide cost-effective solar reflectivity.
Think of it as a ritual of preservation—a way to protect your investment and offer comfort to everyone under your roof. And if you ever decide to sell, you can be sure buyers will ask: “How old is the roof?”
Outdoor Comfort in the Desert Heat
Evenings on the patio remain a sacred retreat. I use evaporative coolers enhanced with re-freezable gel packs for a subtle boost in chill. Regular cleanings with vinegar help prevent mineral buildup from our notoriously hard Tucson water.
Water is life—not just for us, but for every wild visitor. I keep fresh water sources throughout the yard, including birdbaths and pet bowls refreshed daily. Hummingbird nectar must be changed every couple of days to prevent fermentation in the heat, which can be lethal to our tiny winged friends.
Dog owners: take it from me, multiple water bowls indoors and out are a must. Our desert asphalt can reach 160°F—dangerous for paws. Early morning walks have replaced evening strolls to keep my slightly chubby Lab from overheating. Respect the rhythm of the desert, and it will reward you with peace and beauty.
Cool Off in the Catalina Mountains: Summerhaven Open House
Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to rise above it—literally. In Summer Haven, on Mount Lemmon, the air cools, and the pace slows. Given the opportunity, I enjoy hosting open houses there, for the change in scenery, pace, and temperatures.
Living the Legacy: Smart, Stylish Desert Living
Arizona’s summer is more than a challenge—it’s a calling. A call to live intentionally, efficiently, and beautifully. Whether you're coating your roof, planting shade trees, or upgrading your home’s energy systems, you’re creating a legacy of stewardship, resilience, and refinement.
You’re not just buying property in Tucson. You’re investing in a lifestyle that honors the land, embraces its intensity, and finds joy in the transformation.
As both a longtime Realtor and a stained glass artist, I understand the harmony between structure and soul—between lasting craftsmanship and natural light. I’d love to help you find not just a house, but a home where your own desert story can bloom.
For more insights on luxury homes, historic properties, and desert living in Tucson, visit heather-neill.com.
Warmly,
Heather Neill
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.”
— Isaiah 35:1‑2