Most overrated and underrated in state spot to visit or live (Phoenix: mobile home, school)

[jamies]

Zombie thread but I'll play.

The most overrated spot. Lake Havasu. Just because they got a good deal on an old bridge they think they are too cool for anyone but Californians who have infested the place to show off their overpriced boats and plastic surgery.

The most underrated spot. Bullhead City.

Where else can you get up at 10 in the morning and it's already 118 degrees? It's the only place in Arizona where the wind from summer storms kicks up so much dust it rains mud. Some people pay big money for hot mud baths.

It's the only place in the country where you can stand in the middle of the Colorado River with one foot in AZ, the other in CA, and the other other in Nevada!

And it's the only place where an aging baby boomer with no retirement plan can buy a trailer for 8 grand and live pretty decently on a $400 Soc Security check with a few bucks left for gambling at the 11 casinos just across the river in Ritzy Laughlin, the Jewel of the Desert.

And Bullhead is home to the famous River Run! 30,000 bikers! Other than the occasional gang shootout and a few knifings it's a great time for all! Some sweet motorcycles.

And we follow that with the biggest river rafting float trip in the world! Just think - just you and 30,000 of your friends and theirs swimming in a river of beer and pee for three hours!

Runners up:
Overrated - Oak Creek Canyon. Of course it is kinda hard considering it competition is the Grand Canyon.

Underrated - Supai. If you haven't sat on the cliff next to Mooney falls under a full moon, your life is not complete. If you don't know what I'm talking about - google it.

[Colt AZ]

Most overrated and underrated in state spot to visit or live

Some of these older-than-dirt resurrected threads can be mind-numbing and boring, but this one ain't bad. However, here's a twist for you: I personally believe that the entire state of Arizona is both over & under rated. Why, you ask?

Arizona is one of those places that people either love to hate or love to love. Not much if any middle ground. It's either love or hate. Why? Different reasons. Usually politics & weather.

If you're not convinced, just wait... and it won't be long before the next noobie hater appears for a one & done hit & run! In fact, even some of our regulars continually love/hate Arizona at the same time. Just pay attention to the threads they start or how they respond.

It's very revealing.

[Salpointe59]

Overrated, Tombstone. Underrated, Globe

[HTY483]

Overrated - Monument Valley. Way way overrated IMO. Doesn't even compare to nearby Grand Canyon, Sedona, Bryce or Zion. It was a complete waste of gas driving over there on your return trip from Zion.


Underrated - Patagonia area. Not much in Patagonia itself but the overall area is really really pretty.

[jamies]

Maybe it's overrated because Monument Valley is in UTAH.

[magnum0417]

My perception of Winslow and Holbrook has changed greatly since I started this thread 4 years ago. Not only do I have my name on a brick at Standin' on a Corner Park in Winslow but also have a raw acre to camp on near Holbrook right near the Petrified Forest. I have grown to really appreciate the rugged high desert openness of this corridor and Little Painted Desert Park 15 miles north of Winslow off AZ 87 just breathtaking.One word about cold winter nights...INVERSIONS. The Little Colorado River Valley traps the cold causing subfreezing night temps well into May. Short growing season good for allergy sufferers.

I agree that Tombstone is a bit overrated as it is one big tourist trap but nearby Bisbee far more authentic and less touristy.

Globe is definitely underrated. 3500 ft makes it an ideal climate without the extreme temps of the low desert and high country with 8000 ft Pinal Peak making a nice backdrop. Plus, great Mexican food and my favorite Italian joint in the state called DeMarco's. DeMarco's opened a second location in Superior too.

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by HTY483

Overrated - Monument Valley. Way way overrated IMO. Doesn't even compare to nearby Grand Canyon, Sedona, Bryce or Zion. It was a complete waste of gas driving over there on your return trip from Zion.


Underrated - Patagonia area. Not much in Patagonia itself but the overall area is really really pretty.

I actually like what is just 20 miles north of MV near Mexican Hat UT...Valley of the Gods. I do not find MV overrated but those who do not drive into Utah to experience Gooseneck State Park and Valley of the Gods are shortchanging their long journey from PHX. San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat best place to stay for me. Plus unlike lodging at MV and Kayenta, alcohol is served. You can buy Polygamy Porter beer made by Wasatch Brewery which is quite good despite its 4.2% content given that it is Utah beer.

[elkotronics]

One reason that Bisbee, AZ, hasn't...two reasons it hasn't boomed or just become more popular with people.


1) It's too far from I-10 and people don't want to make that drive
2) Bisbee town proper is limited in growth by the geography it's built upon.


If you ever get the chance to head to Bisbee take a look at the houses and how they're built. These projects they had to undergo just to get driveways and flood-control taken care of are interesting. It's part of the fun with history - imagining how they did it. One implement they would of had to have used is something to chip and crush the rock away in order to lay those driveways down.


The town in literally built into the Mule Mountains. There is room to grow just to the south because the land flattens out. There is Bisbee's bedroom community of Warren already built in that area. Bisbee at one time was the largest city between San Francisco and St. Louis.

[ShampooBanana]

Originally Posted by magnum0417

I actually like what is just 20 miles north of MV near Mexican Hat UT...Valley of the Gods. I do not find MV overrated but those who do not drive into Utah to experience Gooseneck State Park and Valley of the Gods are shortchanging their long journey from PHX. San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat best place to stay for me. Plus unlike lodging at MV and Kayenta, alcohol is served. You can buy Polygamy Porter beer made by Wasatch Brewery which is quite good despite its 4.2% content given that it is Utah beer.

Thanks for the info on those two other lesser known locales. Next time I'm up that way will have to pay a visit. Also, I agree wholeheartedly about the Polygamy Porter. One of my favorite brews!

[More Rock]

Originally Posted by Colt Cassidy

Some of these older-than-dirt resurrected threads can be mind-numbing and boring, but this one ain't bad. However, here's a twist for you: I personally believe that the entire state of Arizona is both over & under rated. Why, you ask?

Arizona is one of those places that people either love to hate or love to love. Not much if any middle ground. It's either love or hate. Why? Different reasons. Usually politics & weather.

If you're not convinced, just wait... and it won't be long before the next noobie hater appears for a one & done hit & run! In fact, even some of our regulars continually love/hate Arizona at the same time. Just pay attention to the threads they start or how they respond.

It's very revealing.

I agree. I am asked incredulously by out-of-state folks "how could I live in Arizona?" I answer about the land...then realize they are talking about the culture. Then I explain that Arizona is land with few people per square mile. Arpaio or Sedona hippies have no bearing on my enjoyment of the place.