Tucson Rental Houses - Nice affordable areas

I'm moving from Ca to Tucson soon and I've been worried about what areas to be looking to rent a house. I am not interested in apartments or town homes unless they are very private with a yard. I have 2 cats and a dog so a yard is very important. I'm just curious what areas are best. I live in East Oakland CA right now and I'm looking to find a neighborhood I feel safe taking a walk or riding my bike around which has not been the case here. Although, I need something affordable and close UofA. Please give me any insight you might have or suggestions on realty/property management companies etc. I will be there in a couple weeks to start the hunt for a place so any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!