Too many choices - AZ, UT, NV, NM? (Phoenix, Sierra Vista: college, live)

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Andrew Wilson

Someone has issues.

Why would you say that? It’s true.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by Andrew Wilson

Someone has issues.

Just my observation.

[Deelighted]

I didn't see Southeastern Arizona on your list. If you've never been through this part of the state, I suggest you take the time to look at the area. I live in Cochise County and the weather is cooler here than in either Phoenix or Tuscon because of the higher elevation. Sierra Vista is home to the 2-year community college, Cochise College, so there is a possibility for employment. If you want to go skiing, it's not far to Mount Lemon in Tuscon (a little over an hour drive). There are lots of hiking and running trails. Canyon Vista is the name of SV's hospital complex.

If you do decide to visit, avoid Fry Blvd if you can. Fry Blvd. is filled with stoplights and strip malls, and it wouldn't give you a good view of the area. Instead take Hwy. 90 or Buffalo Soldier Trail.

[keninaz]

When looking at various areas make sure you look into medical availability.
We also traveled to several cities and spent a few days there to get a feel for the place.
Jobs may not interest you are you are close to retirement you say.
I know we considered Payson as one possibility until we found out the lack of doctors and the small clinic they had for a hospital at the time.
If anything had happened to either of us in the future (as it did) we would have been looking at a helicopter ride to get to Phoenix or Flagstaff. Expensive yes, but does your insurance cover it?
Medical for older folks can be an issue.
And getting a feel for the town or area can really keep you from making a mistake you may regret.

[TooManyChoices]

Originally Posted by Deelighted

I didn't see Southeastern Arizona on your list. If you've never been through this part of the state, I suggest you take the time to look at the area. I live in Cochise County and the weather is cooler here than in either Phoenix or Tuscon because of the higher elevation. Sierra Vista is home to the 2-year community college, Cochise College, so there is a possibility for employment. If you want to go skiing, it's not far to Mount Lemon in Tuscon (a little over an hour drive). There are lots of hiking and running trails. Canyon Vista is the name of SV's hospital complex.

If you do decide to visit, avoid Fry Blvd if you can. Fry Blvd. is filled with stoplights and strip malls, and it wouldn't give you a good view of the area. Instead take Hwy. 90 or Buffalo Soldier Trail.

Thanks for the tip. I am thinking of adding a southern leg to my trip this summer. Perhaps start at El Paso or Tucson and work my way up.

[TooManyChoices]

Originally Posted by keninaz

When looking at various areas make sure you look into medical availability.
We also traveled to several cities and spent a few days there to get a feel for the place.
Jobs may not interest you are you are close to retirement you say.
I know we considered Payson as one possibility until we found out the lack of doctors and the small clinic they had for a hospital at the time.
If anything had happened to either of us in the future (as it did) we would have been looking at a helicopter ride to get to Phoenix or Flagstaff. Expensive yes, but does your insurance cover it?
Medical for older folks can be an issue.
And getting a feel for the town or area can really keep you from making a mistake you may regret.

Thanks. While I am OK now, we all know that things change. I'm thinking that being within a couple of hours of a larger city (Phoenix, Tucson, ...) or a bit closer to a decent size (e.g. 100K) city would be wise. One of the advantages of where I currently live is that I have 40+ acres of land yet am only 25 minutes to a Level I trauma center.

[saffordpastor]

Originally Posted by NDak15

I can't speak for the other states but would give Utah a pass unless you're LDS. That place is as close to a theocracy as you'll see in the USA.

Not totally true....Salt Lake is a majority non LDS city run by democrats and has a very diverse culture.

I understand the % in SLC is 34-41%

Lots of other faiths, a growing racial diversity and surprisingly for Utah a whole lot of gay folks.

Overall Utah is about 60% LDS.

[saffordpastor]

Originally Posted by TooManyChoices

Thanks. While I am OK now, we all know that things change. I'm thinking that being within a couple of hours of a larger city (Phoenix, Tucson, ...) or a bit closer to a decent size (e.g. 100K) city would be wise. One of the advantages of where I currently live is that I have 40+ acres of land yet am only 25 minutes to a Level I trauma center.

You really should look at Cochise County...Sierra Vista in particular

[Hschlick84]

I noticed you haven't considered the western slope of CO, places around Grand Juntion, Delta, Montrose and Fruita. I wouldn't count those out.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by saffordpastor

Not totally true....Salt Lake is a majority non LDS city run by democrats and has a very diverse culture.

I understand the % in SLC is 34-41%

Lots of other faiths, a growing racial diversity and surprisingly for Utah a whole lot of gay folks.

Overall Utah is about 60% LDS.

Not only that, we have a married lesbian woman as our mayor. That doesn't sound very much like an LDS theocracy to me. As always, misconceptions and stereotypes abound.