Lost, sick 'n tired of heat - where are there four seasons?

[NMAZ]

I ended up finding Oklahoma was the nearest place with decent lakes and trees that was "affordable".

I probably wouldn't recommend areas near the NM border eastward, unless you like the constant threat of tornadoes during tornado season.

[_Charles_]

In short:
1. Payson, Strawbery and Greer on the Mogollon Rim
2. Crown King
3. Mount Lemmon

If you google any of these names you will get the info you need. Also all are an easy drvie from the Valley.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by _Charles_

In short:
1. Payson, Strawbery and Greer on the Mogollon Rim
2. Crown King
3. Mount Lemmon

If you google any of these names you will get the info you need. Also all are an easy drvie from the Valley.

Agreed that Payson would be an easy drive from the east Valley. Strawberry is about another 30 minutes past Payson.

Greer is not on the Mogollon Rim. Greer is in the White Mountains near the NM border - about a 4 hour drive from Phoenix. Greer is mostly vacation cabins and lodging. Property is extremely expensive in Greer.

Crown King may look close on a map, but the road from I-17 is a rough dirt mountain road that will double your drive time as you can only go about 25 -30 mph on it. Allow at least 1 hr after you leave the interstate to reach Crown King.

Mount Lemmon - this is close to Tucson.

Of the towns on the list, only Payson has groceries, gasoline, and other basic shopping needs.

[ArizonaBear]

As Gretchen B stated.