Douglas, Arizona (Phoenix, Safford, Thatcher: real estate, gated, employment)

[Blking]

Hello to anyone and everyone who has ever been to douglas, arizona or any of the surrounding areas. I was wondering what you could tell me about that area. I am thinking about re-locating and moving down there. How is the crime rate, fun things to do, shopping, ...
Thank-you

[Ponderosa]

Oh no! Douglas is a little border town that is completely overrun with human and drug smuggling. I don't think English is even spoken there anymore.

[scottyc]

Hi. Was there last year. Do not move there. Lots of nice places, Safford, Thatcher, Wilcox etc. Depending on what your needs are, these are small towns but have things to do and quite safe.

[Steve97415]

Douglas used to be a copper town. When the smelter shut down, the economic base vanished and the place went bust. As Ponderosa mentioned, it is notorious for human trafficking. If you go to an internet real estate site, you will see that you can pick up a house for a song in Douglas. A historic turn-of-the-century relic that would go for 1.2 million if it were in San Francisco can be had for 80 or 90K. But there's a reason for the cheap property -- this is a paramilitarized part of the country. Technically, the international border is still between Douglas and Agua Prieta, but the Mexican mafiosos are coming close to making Douglas a de facto part of Sonora.

[chula]

I guess living here for over 20 years might qualify me for a good response or reliable response. Douglas is one of the top 100 small towns in the country. The only Arizona town to receive that distinction. Depending on what you are looking for it is a nice quiet community with a low crime rate. I moved here from the Phoenix metropolitan area. Which is a nice place to visit but I can never stay too long and I am very happy to return to the cooler climate and peaceful life in Douglas.

[JeepGirl118]

Douglas, AZ
http://www.city-data.com/city/Douglas-Arizona.html
http://www.borderaction.org/campaigns2.php?articleID=57
http://www.usazipinfo.com/city/Douglas-Arizona.html
http://www.homesurfer.com/crimerepor...Z&area=Douglas
http://realestate.yahoo.com/Neighbor...csz=Douglas,AZ
http://www.topix.net/city/douglas-az
http://www.azdhs.gov/bhs/prevention/pdf/douglas.pdf

[ranchoperillaestates]

There are a lot of new exiting things happening in Douglas. The border crossing is expanding, the mine is opening back up, there are plans for an U of A branch, and a new civic center. Also, there is a new gated home community with quality homes being built on the golf course in Douglas for some great prices. Moderator cut: advertising

[Bummer]

My one word response to your question, Blking . . . WHY?

There are a number of much cleaner and safer towns in Arizona.

I'm gonna lean towards Ponderosa, Scottyc and Steve . . . why risk the filth and high crime when there are so many great alternatives?

[NIK1]

Can someone please tell me about douglas,arizona I keep hearing people going back and forth saying that it is nice, then it is awful b/c of crime. I was wondering wether or not to go to college there.

[esselcue]

That's why you need to visit and see for yourself. Douglas is a border town and has a large prison, which provides employment...I would never want to live there...but for those who like that area it's probably paradise. I cannot imagine it being one of America's 100 best small towns, though... I'd love to see where that came from! Crikey!!! Stats show it is a problematic area when it comes to illegals and crime in general. Also not very picturesque compared to other desert communities...but that's just my personal eye. Go see for yourself before deciding!