Bisbee & Tombstone (Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Bullhead City: cliquey, employment, living in)

[all of the sun]

That's one of my favorite areas of the city!

[jrdudas]

I was in Tombstone last week; this was the most recent of many such visits. There seemed to be a "biker" (not the good kind) element that has moved in and was hanging around a couple of the local bars. One local resident told me that during the previous week there were two "biker" fights that required life-flights to Tucson for the injured. I also ride a motorcycle, but the folks I saw are ones I would not ride with.

As for Bisbee; I am amazed that some folks find the area appealing. From my point of view it's a town that's full of run down buildings and businesses, retired hippies, and those trying to make a living doing arts and crafts of oddball and barely marketable styles.

I have not looked at property in either location so I can't comment on prices or availability. I lived in Tucson for many years and was reminded on our visit last week that the crime rate there is approximately three times the national average, and is not isolated to lower income areas; the whole town is "fair game" for the criminal element.

I was also in Sedona two weeks ago and I agree with the earlier comments that it's a great place that has been ruined. Sedona is an example of money talking louder than common sense.

JR

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by jrdudas

I was in Tombstone last week; this was the most recent of many such visits. There seemed to be a "biker" (not the good kind) element that has moved in and was hanging around a couple of the local bars. One local resident told me that during the previous week there were two "biker" fights that required life-flights to Tucson for the injured. I also ride a motorcycle, but the folks I saw are ones I would not ride with.

As for Bisbee; I am amazed that some folks find the area appealing. From my point of view it's a town that's full of run down buildings and businesses, retired hippies, and those trying to make a living doing arts and crafts of oddball and barely marketable styles.

I have not looked at property in either location so I can't comment on prices or availability. I lived in Tucson for many years and was reminded on our visit last week that the crime rate there is approximately three times the national average, and is not isolated to lower income areas; the whole town is "fair game" for the criminal element.

I was also in Sedona two weeks ago and I agree with the earlier comments that it's a great place that has been ruined. Sedona is an example of money talking louder than common sense.

JR

That is a bummer about both Bisbee and Tombstone.

I will admit the vibe down there seems 'off': why I say that; every time I attempted to move down there in the last 10 years----------I have been blocked. Suffice to say: over the years I have learned not to ignore any strong 'gut' premonition.

The other place that feels wrong for me is Tucson, unfortunately.

[kdog]

I know a relatively young fellow here in Kingman, a local business owner whose done quite well for himself. He and he recent bride had been looking in Bisbee for a year or so, and finally bought a house there with the intention to relocate down there soon. He'll probably start a business there I imagine. Anyway, point being it's still attractive to some people. I haven't visited there yet, but I want to.

[stan in san diego]

Bisbee is one of the 5 or so best old mining towns in the West. It compares very favorably with those on Hwy 49 in CA. The best place to live there would actually be in Warren, which is on the east side of the open pit mine. It is relatively flat with some really nice old homes. The Bisbee area is the only place in AZ that we would ever move to.

[Ron Brooks]

I Would like to relocate to bisbee.I am single and do not need much to get by.What are the chances of finding a small place and so part time work?

[Boompa]

I live in Sierra Vista, about 20 miiles from either Bisbee or Tombstone.

Bisbee is a strange place it see's itself as the San Francisco or Berkeley of Arizona, Its politics are left wing, theaters and small shops abound. At the same time it has been suffering from a lack of planning and many of the shops have been selling the same thing for the past ten years. Real Estate is a little pricey but if you are moving there from San Francisco you will feel at home.

Tombstone is a Tourist area with lots of souvenier places, resturants and bars. Wild West Shows, it is still making the transition from RV Parks to Motels. Living there, like anywhere else in Cochise County, is remote. If you want something you will probably have to go to Sierra Vista or Benson for it.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by Ron Brooks

I Would like to relocate to bisbee.I am single and do not need much to get by.What are the chances of finding a small place and so part time work?

There are lots of small shops and stores in Bisbee so you probably could find part time work.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by Candice - Next Wave

I LOVE Tombstone! Such a fun place. I think I got one of the best margaritas north of the border there. Bisbee too, very artsy quirky.
We bought a 36 acre parcel off Davis Rd between Tombstone and McNeal . . . my broker friends down there tell me there is a theme park a la Six Flags going in around there somewhere. Haven't authenticated that but certainly that could affect growth in the area if it's true. Anyone local there know anything about it, let me know?
One thing I know for sure . . . the property taxes sure have gone up since we bought there in 2004! Mine on my parcel has more than tripled.

The "Theme Park" was supposed to be Eloy, in the dust bowl between Tucson and Phoenix. I could just ss the folks out there frolicking in the 110 degree heat when a sandstorm the likes of the movie the Mummy hits.
I think it died.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Boompa

There are lots of small shops and stores in Bisbee so you probably could find part time work.

I think most of them are run by their owners and most likely don't hire outside help. Finding work in Bisbee would be pretty tough IMO.