Cottonwood inquiry - Mingus foothills (Phoenix, Mesa: relocation, houses, rent)

[Azmamato3]

Hi,
My husband and I are seriously considering a relocation to Cottonwood. I've read many mixed reviews thus far and want to see if I can get some more input. We currently live in Gilbert so hot weather is not a problem. We've been very lucky to never have a problem with scorpions, snakes, etc. in our current location. Are there really more of these "creatures" in the Cottonwood area? No one has mentioned snakes yet. We are looking at homes in the Mingus foothills area. Are we more likely to encounter these in the higher areas?
Has anyone else relocated to this area from Phoenix area? How does it compare? Is it easy to meet other people when you relocate there?
Any information would be helpful! Thanks.

[zonababe]

I'd worry more about having water than having bugs in that area. You can always call an exterminator to get rid of bugs. You'll be in the high desert, but it's still the desert.

[mcbadhair]

I live in Cottonwood. I never worry about the bugs snakes, maybe once or twice a years find a scorpean in the house. In the summer it is round 10 to 12 degrees cooler than phoenix. So in the summer, usually low 100s to upper 90s. We have can have monsoons in the afternoon that cool everything off since we are closer to the rim and Mingus mountain.

To go shopping have to prescott, flagstaff, or phoenix so dont for get about the drive to go shopping. From cottonwood to Anthem its like 1:05 mins to 1:10mins.

We do have 4 supermarkets including walmart. Mingus hills are nice are through.

[Badland wonder]

The Verde River runs right through Cottonwood and there are nice recreational areas to enjoy. You can see the Verde from the Mingus Hills. Nice enough area.

[RetiredAZTeacher]

I lived in Cottonwood for several decades. It is a very nice alternative to the Phoenix heat, yet still a desert environment. We did have a couple of snakes & scorpians, but had monthly exterminator service and the snake problem became less once more houses were around us.

As to meeting people...it's a bit harder than just going "out" like you could do in a big city because there really isn't an "out" to go to. I would suggest becoming involved in a church or taking a night class at Yavapai College (they have lots and lots of "fun" classes designed for non-major-just-for-fun people). You'll have to make an effort, imo, to meet people, but it's still a very nice place to live and close to so many other great places (Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, Flagstaff, Phoenix, etc.).

The Mingus foothills area is very pretty, but, if you aren't on city water, make sure the well is dug deep enough...they have had some problems there in the past during droughts.

[hollywoodaz]

I live in Cornville, outside of Cottonwood. The whole area is awesome. Most people who move here, stay, and live very happily. But if you like to shop or have access to a booming nightlife, you wont find that here. IF you live in gilbert, yo are only a few hours away. Come up and spend a few weekends. Go to the restaurants, browse our shops, chat with the locals at Walleyworld.....come and spend a little time and experience it for yourself. I used to live in Mesa......I am so happy to be here. Phoenix is nice for the airport and weekend shopping trips here and there...but that is as much of the rat race that I want to deal with!

And do a little research about our water supplies, it is not a panic issue in this area whatsoever. We have springs in the area which bubble up millions and millions of gallons each day....some people in some areas with very shallow wells have had issues, but there are also wells in the area that are only 9-30 ft deep and have been pumping water from those depths for decades. Hope that helps!