Question for People Living in Arizona

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Big cities: Oro Valley NW of Tucson

Little towns: Bisbee or Jerome.

Oro Valley ... a big city???
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Actually, it's a sprawling suburb of Tucson (northern region). The Catalina Mountains are nearby, so most of it is pretty scenic. It's considered to be an upscale area. There are lots of nice homes tucked in the foothills, and plenty of businesses along the main drag (Highway 77) ... but it's not a "big city". The population is just over 40,000, which is typical for a suburban town.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Oro Valley ... a big city???
()

Actually, it's a sprawling suburb of Tucson (northern region). The Catalina Mountains are nearby, so most of it is pretty scenic. It's considered to be an upscale area. There are lots of nice homes tucked in the foothills, and plenty of businesses along the main drag (Highway 77) ... but it's not a "big city". The population is just over 40,000, which is typical for a suburban town.

That like saying Goodyear or Avondale or Surprise is not a big city. Technically accurate, maybe, but misleading. Oro Valley a completely connected burb of Tucson. You live in Oro Valley, you live in the Tucson metro area, a big city. It is a nice place, yes. That is why I recommend it for a retiree.

[danisha]

i live in michigan currently and i was thinking of moving to arizona i love the summers here and lately the summers have been quite hotter than usual but i also know that michigan summers probably have nothing on arizona summers would that be correct to say for at least the most i am 25 years old no children where would be a good location for me i also work in the medical field

[azkidmom]

i live in Maricopa and never have let the heat stop me from going outside. just used plenty of sunscreen. i gardened, bike rided, and took my chi for walks (shoes on him though so he won't burn his feet). we made sure when we bought our lot that we got the morning sun in the back in the morning so we wouldn't cook in the afternoon. i love it here.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by norm

What's the point of being kept prisoner in your house when the sun is out? I am interested in moving to AZ but it has to be a place where I can enjoy being outdoors during the day and not have to be out at 5 AM.

Most of AZ is VERY hot in summer. The northern part is cooler. If you don't like the heat AZ is probably not for you.

I don't think people feel they are being "kept prisoner" in their houses when the sun is out. They are just being practical, getting chores done before it gets real hot. I imagine people arrange their schedules for snow in the colder climates.

From the tone of you msg, I don't think this is the place for you.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by Pattig

Hi Everyone,
My husband and I are planning a tour through Arizona during the summer. We are choosing to go in the summer to see if we can tolerate the extreme heat that happens during the summer months, before we choose a retirement spot.My question to you all is which do you think is the most beautiful or scenic town? Which town has the most scenic vistas, desert blooms, rock formations and lovely downtown area? Although it might not be practical to retire in that town we just don't want to miss the beauty that town offers while on our trip. Thanks to all of you.
Patty

Definately see Sedona! Very beautiful. I also like Payson...it's not very fancy, but a nice little town. Christopher Creek is very pretty, it's near Payson.

Check out Bisbee, south of Tucson. It is touristy, but interesting. An old mining town. The temp is cooler than Phx. Worth looking at.

My favorite part of the Phx area is the Carefree/Cave Creek area. It is just north of Scottsdale. You can spend an afternoon looking around downtown Cave Creek and Carefree. If you like old fashioned french food try Sans Soucci on Cave Creek Road. Very charming. Also, if you like tea there is a lovely tea house in Carefree....right in the middle of town. If you are an arcetecture buff check out the houses on the east side of Black mountain. There is one really cool Frank Lloyd Wright house...built into the boulders. Also, check out El Pedregal Shopping Center by the Boulders resort. Some nice galleries.

Have a nice visit!

[Pattig]

Elmonellie,
Thanks so much for the info. You gave me some great places to go and visit. I'm so looking forward to the trip to Arizona. I've been to Vegas in the heat of the summer so if Arizona is about the same I think I'll be able to tolerate the heat for the most part. I lived in Mississippi for 3 years and their summers are hot and humid. The only thing that concerns me about retiring in Arizona is I'll miss the color green. The desert, although beautiful, isn't green and I'll have to see how I like it after I'm there.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by Pattig

Elmonellie,
Thanks so much for the info. You gave me some great places to go and visit. I'm so looking forward to the trip to Arizona. I've been to Vegas in the heat of the summer so if Arizona is about the same I think I'll be able to tolerate the heat for the most part. I lived in Mississippi for 3 years and their summers are hot and humid. The only thing that concerns me about retiring in Arizona is I'll miss the color green. The desert, although beautiful, isn't green and I'll have to see how I like it after I'm there.

Pattig...

I've been to the south and experienced the incredible humidity. Even though it gets REAL hot here it is pretty darn dry and more comfortable. I think it gets hotter here than Vegas....I just don't want to mislead you...it gets plenty hot and by the end of September you are aching for a cool day. Luckily they come and fall is so pleasant you forget how crabby the heat made you.

There are a lot of green areas in the phx metro area! Really. There are communities built around golf courses that have a lot of grass and trees. The older areas are usually green...the newer suburbs usually do the desert landscape. There very lush areas that get irrigation in their yards....so the lawns are beautiful....some with many orange trees and flowers. The Arcadia area in central phx (expensive) or some parts of Scottsdale and Tempe (home of ASU). Plus, the northern part of the state has pine forests. It's only a hour or two away.

I forgot to mention Prescott. Definately check out that town on your trip. It's historic, has a cute down town and is cooler than Phx.

You must check out Tucson. It is a bit cooler than Phx and a nice small city.

If I think of any other fun things to do in AZ I will post again.

Oh, if you have a morning to waste while in Phx you should check out the Magic Castle...I think that is what it is called. It is by South Mountain in Phx. For $5.00 you get a tour of the craziest house you will ever see. Google it for more info. It's a hoot!

[lulubug]

There are so many small towns and great places to live in Arizona. Phoenix and Tucson are pretty brutal in the summer (Which is why you will find us natives in San diego or Durango.) My advice is to figure out what you want to be doing with most of your time and settle there. Sedona is great-but pricey- a bargin, however if you are into the arts and want to be close to snow in the winters. Southern Arizona is perfect if you like the "old west" feel it's all beautiful and the people are fabulous.