Uff, I am sorry. Try to get a place in the Sam Hughes 'hood near Glen Street (I had a cute place over there and there was little crime) or else stick by the University. I agree with checking out the houses instead of apartments. The look of the most of houses down in Tucson is "surprising" to say the least. Don't worry, the majority of them are all like that. You likely will hear dogs barking often (I lived in 3 completely different areas and heard dogs pretty much all the time) no matter where you live in the city. South Tucson is pretty harsh crime wise and I do not recommend living there. Its its own city that has not been annexed yet, I guess. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Tucson
Tucson really is a culture shock btw so be prepared. If you are a woman dress conservatively (no shorts mid thigh or higher, no halter tops) or risk constant harassment by people driving by. The climate is extremely oppressive, if you are fair of skin or have sensitive eyes take extra precautions covering up. You will get used to living with the AC unit always on 24-7. You will also get used to sky high bills and the shock that comes from entering any store which will never be over 60 degrees - bring a zip up hoodie for when you go shopping because after being in 110 degree heat the store will feel like an arctic tundra. Almost everything that grows outdoors is either poisonous or will have spines/spikes on it - usually both. Dehydration is rampant and you have to constantly drink lukewarm water so your body will absorb it quickly and to not shock you. The majority of the streets have no sidewalks and the traffic is terrible. The sun never goes away, however the novelty of it quickly does. And the economy is worst I have ever seen unless you are military or with the University. At least it sounds like you got something lined up so that is good for ya! Anyway I moved there when I got sick of Seattle to live with my man and I couldn't wait to get back up here. Hopefully you will have a better experience than I did.
There are a couple cool attractions- Nuclear Missile Silo, Davis Monthan Air Force Base has the most awesome airshows (puts us to shame up here!), International Wildlife Museum is cool but sad to see all those stuffed beasts. The Desert Museum really is cool. In fact, the Desert Museum is one of my favourite places to visit there. You can catch tons of wildlife in their natural habitat and it was pretty neat to see rattlesnakes and gila monsters basking along with javelina trotting about. There is an biosphere but I think it has closed. Mount Lemmon is really fun to drive up, its just a short ride away from the city and they even have a place to ski in the winter(I suppose it depends on how much snow they get). Its the southernmost ski life in the US. The Tucson Mountains are really fun to explore as well as the Saguaro Parks. Both features are vast and hazardous so be well prepared!
Also Congress Hotel is cool, its an old hotel with a bar and music venue on the bottom floor. Supposedly its haunted. Its fun to walk about exploring downtown once you get used to the heat, and 4th Ave has some cool bars and a couple hipster cafes that are worth checking out. If you are single there are TONS of hot men and women near the University. Bumstead's on 4th makes a good sandwich. The food scene is touch and go. I definitely recommend checking out Raging Sage espresso and Frank's Philly Steaks - both on Campbell sorta between Glen and Grant. La Salsa is the SW version of Taco Del Mar and its so bomb, I do miss that place for cheap eats. Anyway, overall I didn't like living there but I would like to take a trip back just for the novelty of the place.
Good luck!
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