Does this place exist? (Phoenix, Gilbert: environment, smog, rental)

[Trisher]

My husband and I are wanting to move out to AZ for climate (I have mild asthma and some other minor health problems for which the climate will be very beneficial). We're used to small town life, just folks, but want amenities not too awful far away. We want a place we can feel safe and welcome. We aren't rich, so for all of you who are posting on places to buy - can you throw in some rental info? We've got some savings, and are adding to it hoping to move within about 1 to 1 1/2 years. I'm a secretary, my husband is a data/personnel type person - both employed by the State of WV. So we're also interested in the job market. We had seriously been considering Kingman, but I've recently read about high crime, so that could change. Gilbert sounds nice from what I've seen. I am originally from Tennessee and if I thought I had to go into downtown Nashville to work every day, I'd hate it - so I'm wondering if going into Phoenix would be the same. Just a thought to consider.

We like to explore our world - Grand Canyon and that stuff just sounds awesome - just the scenery that we've never gotten to see....so all that is very attractive to us as well. We're both in our early 50's so we're looking for a small community we can call home the rest of our lives - have a small house with a yard and our cat and maybe a puppy and a garden - all those things a lot of people find boring. We enjoy meeting others, but also value our quiet time together - sitting on the porch enjoying the evening kind of thing.

So.....is there a place for us in Arizona? Of course I know you all have your favorites, but the more I hear, the better decision we can make.

Thanks for your input!

[kawgpz550]

Seriously, yes there is crime in Kingman, but I really doubt it is any worse than other parts of Arizona . I live in Bullhead, there is crime here too, but not so rampant to make one want to decide to not come here.

I don't know if you have done any research about Bullhead City, AZ or Laughlin, NV, but you may be intrested to find there are always jobs in the casinos as well as many offices that are here and going up. If you want a little more rural, look at Ft. Mohave or Mohave Valley (both on Arizona side).

Here's a link to our local paper's website...rental classifieds:
Classifieds

It does get very hot here though from June through part of September

Good luck on your move!

[LHCBOOKLADY]

Originally Posted by Trisher

My husband and I are wanting to move out to AZ for climate (I have mild asthma and some other minor health problems for which the climate will be very beneficial). We're used to small town life, just folks, but want amenities not too awful far away. We want a place we can feel safe and welcome. We aren't rich, so for all of you who are posting on places to buy - can you throw in some rental info? We've got some savings, and are adding to it hoping to move within about 1 to 1 1/2 years. I'm a secretary, my husband is a data/personnel type person - both employed by the State of WV. So we're also interested in the job market. We had seriously been considering Kingman, but I've recently read about high crime, so that could change. Gilbert sounds nice from what I've seen. I am originally from Tennessee and if I thought I had to go into downtown Nashville to work every day, I'd hate it - so I'm wondering if going into Phoenix would be the same. Just a thought to consider.

We like to explore our world - Grand Canyon and that stuff just sounds awesome - just the scenery that we've never gotten to see....so all that is very attractive to us as well. We're both in our early 50's so we're looking for a small community we can call home the rest of our lives - have a small house with a yard and our cat and maybe a puppy and a garden - all those things a lot of people find boring. We enjoy meeting others, but also value our quiet time together - sitting on the porch enjoying the evening kind of thing.

So.....is there a place for us in Arizona? Of course I know you all have your favorites, but the more I hear, the better decision we can make.

Thanks for your input!

Check out the AZ state government. Go to economic profiles and you can read about the many different communities in the state. My advice is to check the job ads for any communities you might like. Most of the industry centers around Phoenix but local and county governments in AZ towns are also in the state retirement system. You could gain an additional retirement pension that will not be taxed if you remain in AZ after retirement.... I moved at age 45 to AZ to work towards my retirement and due to husband's illness.
I don't regret it!

[sablebaby]

Do NOT move to Phx or surrounding suburb with asthma. You will not fare well here. In past it was THE place to go, but not anymore. It's probably better up in the northern areas of the state.

[dan k]

If you want to come to arizona for asthma make sure you live at least 50 miles from phoenix.On a normal day when i go to work i drive past south mountain and i am within 2 miles of it and most of the time it is like looking through a pair of glasses you havent cleaned in months.
the smog and pollution is horrible.Prescott, anthem and camp verde are nice.For someone who wants to enjoy life and not feel threatened or worried about going to your car at night stay away from Phoenix! I hang with harley riders and have seen my share of bad things in my life but our kids are not allowed to go anywhere unless we are with them or in a group.We are getting out before something happens to us or the kids and moving to the mountains.

[Trisher]

Thanks everyone for some good advice. It will be quite a while yet, but we are watching the classifieds and as time gets closer we will be making contact with resumes, etc. Thanks especially for the info on Phoenix, if I had to work there it would be a problem - something to keep in mind.

[AMERICAN TUG]

My wife Peggy and I moved from San Diego to Parks, AZ with 3 dogs and 3 Mangalarga horses from Brazil 3-years ago. Parks has a population of 1,160 with 927 homes (427 full-time) and a home density of 5 per square mile. Homes are scattered amid ancient forests and prairies. 85% of the land is state owned or National Forests. The only traffic occurs on the Fourth of July during the parade from the Parks Mercantile to the Maine school. Flagstaff is 20 minutes East and Williams is approxiamately the same to the West. Parks is a wonderful environment with regular sightings of antelope, deer and elk. Since we live 1-mile from old Route 66; you can truley get your kicks livin' off of Route 66. Check out our Circle C Ranch at: Circle C Ranch (271307).

[dan k]

How are home prices there and are there any places for rent.Where do kids go to school.
Dan k

[Trisher]

Wow, Am Tug - you sure make that place sound inviting! My husband and I both love animals and especially God's wild life - beautiful creatures such as antelope, deer and elk - that sounds like a little bit of heaven, indeed. With Flagstaff so close, I would imagine a halfway decent job is within a decent commute. We both are pencil pushers, so we can work in a lot of different business. We're hoping to buy a small lot of land and perhaps put a mobile home on it while we build. What are options for something like that? It's just the two of us, so we don't need a huge lot, just something to be able to enjoy life in - maybe have a rather small garden spot for some veggies, and maybe a flower bed or two....a place to cook out and sit and watch the evening sun go down in the desert. Any clues on something like that? You have a beautiful spot!!! Absolutely awesome from every angle. Do you have guests come to stay or is that just for family?

[twiggy]

I know Flagstaff is not that affordable, is Parks better? The problem living in a cute little town here has always been money. Payson and Pine are really cute but it cost a lot to rent up there. Parks sounds great! A garden would actually be possible there.