Verde Valley (Phoenix, Tucson, Sierra Vista: zoning, work, housing)

[waxpacks]

Just 2 more retired Californians here looking to move to AZ. We both like the Prescott area. Concerns there were the potential overcrowding and my wife's preference for a place to grow citrus (gotta keep the wife happy). We considered the areas just north of Tucson, but are hoping for a slightly more temperant climate with perhaps a little less concern about crime. Soooo, it seems we are looking for something higher in elevation than Tucson and lower then the Prescott area, with small town charm yet reasonably close access to everything a large town or city has to offer. We are wondering about the area around Camp Verde, never having been there, merely driving by the exit off the 17. Any input would be appreciated (good or bad), especially from current or former residents. Sorry to run on for so long. Thanks in advance.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by waxpacks

Just 2 more retired Californians here looking to move to AZ. We both like the Prescott area. Concerns there were the potential overcrowding and my wife's preference for a place to grow citrus (gotta keep the wife happy). We considered the areas just north of Tucson, but are hoping for a slightly more temperant climate with perhaps a little less concern about crime. Soooo, it seems we are looking for something higher in elevation than Tucson and lower then the Prescott area, with small town charm yet reasonably close access to everything a large town or city has to offer. We are wondering about the area around Camp Verde, never having been there, merely driving by the exit off the 17. Any input would be appreciated (good or bad), especially from current or former residents. Sorry to run on for so long. Thanks in advance.

Too cold for citrus. Jt's downright cold (low 20's at night in Camp Verde in winter. Tucson is marginal, Phoenix is a little better but even there you have to frost protect on some nights. How about apples? There's lots of good apple growing areas that would be great for retirement.

[Gretchen B]

Sorry, citrus isn't going to work in the Verde Valley. However, as Ponderosa mentioned, there's a lot of other fruit trees that do very well in the area: apricot, plum, peach, apple, etc. Check out Page Springs, a beautiful little valley nestled along Oak Creek between Cottonwood and Sedona. A couple of wineries in that area, too, as well as many orchards.

[jenkaye]

I grew up around Camp Verde and they have lot's of pecan trees and you can grow a garden. My grandpa had a peach tree but the birds always raided it.Very nice neighborhoods but run down ones as well. The zoning in Camp Verde is not very good but if you find a nice neighborhood it's a nice place to retire.
I have always loved Salt Mine road and Quarter Horse Lane very nice properties with land. You definately need to drive around and get a feel for the area. They have a really cute farm where you can buy corn and veggies in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, farmers market and verde river runs through it so you can fish. Great weather. Check it out!

[retiredtwo]

I hope you got the message I sent you about living in the outskirts of Tucson. If not
let me know. I do have citrus trees in my yard and they are doing very well, if it gets
down to freezing too many nights in a row you do need to cover them but I never
have. I did loose my bananna tree though. Be aware that some areas north of Tuscon
are right in dust storm alley, just on the out skirts of Tucson, north is Marana which
is growing and has some nice areas but it is farm area so you have to contend with
seasonal mesquitos which we do not have out where we live. Vail which is east of
Tucson is really a nice area but a lot more expensive when it comes to housing prices.
East side also get hit with more storms during the monsoon season. Green Valley which
is south is nice but I don't know alot about Green Vally. Sahaurita which is south east
also has some nice areas. Stay away from Sierra Vista, they have a cancer cell there
that they haven't been able to figure out last I heard. For me being retired, I like the
southwest side, well I should say the area where we live anyway there are some parts that are not so nice. We are a little higher in elevation in the foothills, it quiet, peaceful,
safe, beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife but only 20-30 min to town. The way the
mountians sit, it seems that during the monsoons when the storms come through they
just skirt us. Being in the foothills we never have to worry about flooding. Other than
growing citrus which you can do here easily, what other things are you concerned
about or what interests do you have that would influence your location. I will try to answer any of your questions.

[abdc]

I am a Camp Verde resident. The weather is very nice although I don't think the citrus trees would do well with the cold. Camp Verde is a small town and most everyone knows everyone, but we are growing rapidly. I love Camp Verde and would be happy to give you more information. If you have any questions just email me at roper_girl_13@yahoo.com.