Poet’s Square is a neighborhood in central Tucson. It is most notable for its streets which are named for various poets such as Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, Robert Burns, and Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. The homes were built in the years surrounding 1950 as part of Tucson’s postwar expansion, which saw the city limits expanding as the population increased.
The boundaries of Poet’s Square are between Columbus Boulevard and Swan Avenue and Broadway Boulevard and 5th St. The neighborhood is bisected by Belvedere Ave which is paralleled by a wash which runs north-south along Desert and Venice Stravenues. The Stravenues are maintained by the neighborhood association and feature seating and tables, bag stations for dog walkers, and a Little Free Library on Venice Stravenue.
Statistics
According to Niche.com, Poet’s Square has a population of around 2,364 with a median home value of $282,592. The median household income is $83,013 and approximately 18% of families have children. The Poet’s Square Neighborhood Association states that there are 530 homes in the neighborhood.
Schools
Poet’s Square has four schools, which are within the Tucson Unified School District:
Peter Howell Elementary
401 N Irving Ave, Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: (520) 232-7200
Alice Vail Middle School
5350 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: (520) 584-5400
Rincon High School/University High School
421 N Arcadia Ave, Tucson, AZ 85711
RHS Phone: (520) 232-5600
UHS Phone: (520) 232-5900
Poets Square Cats
A local effort in service of a feral cat colony, Poets Square Cats traps, neuters, and releases cats to minimize overpopulation. The Instagram account gained worldwide popularity by featuring members of the colony with colorful monikers such as Sad Boy, Lola, Monkey, Crunchwrap Supreme, and Dr. Big Butt. While renting the house where the cat colony resides, Courtney (creator of Poets Square Cats) received news that her landlord would be selling the house. Within 24 hours, $50,000 was donated by her followers so she could purchase the home and continue to care for the colony. She currentlys feeds the Poets Square Cats and assists in the trap, neuter and release of other local cat populations.
Nearby Landmarks
Kon Tiki Restaurant and Lounge- Opened in 1963 as part of the original wave of tiki themed bars in mid century America.
4625 E. Broadway Blvd
The Hungry Fox Restaurant- American style eatery opened in 1964, located next to Kon Tiki.
4637 East Broadway Boulevard
thehungryfoxrestaurant.com
The Painted Lady Tattoo
This tattoo studio relocated from the university area to Swan Rd just north of Poet’s Square. They offer tattoos, microblading and piercings, and specialize in areola tattoos for survivors of breast cancer.
903 N Swan Rd.
520-326-8450
paintedladytattoos.com
Tucson First Bretheren Church- offers online worship, services in Spanish as well as childcare during services.
201 N Columbus Blvd
http://www.tfbchurch.com/
Heroes and Villains- Bookstore selling comics, games and records, voted "Best Comic/Game Store" from 2009-2022 by The Tucson Weekly
4533 E Broadway Blvd
Little Bird Nesting Company- Children’s boutique that offers new and gently used children’s clothes and gear. Offers selling or trading options for qualifying items.
References:
https://www.poets-square.com/
https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/poets-square-tucson-az/
https://www.thewildest.com/cat-lifestyle/poets-square-cat-colony
