Sierra Vista vs Kingman (Sedona, Bisbee: relocating, military, work)

[Snippet2]

Last fall I asked for information about the Kingman area and got lots of great info from several people. We visited the Kingman and BHC area last winter and liked some things and didn't like some others. We love Arizona and plan on relocating as soon as our house sells. (Now have a little place in the woods of northern Florida on a canal with great fishing if anyone is interested)

After lots of internet exploration, I think Sierra Vista sounds great overall. I've read the posts here about it, and things sound great. Just wondering if anyone can give me some comparisons between Kingman and Sierra Vista Ex. - things to do, cost of living, general feel of the place, etc. I remember that Arizona Bear was very helpful regarding Kingman, and it sounded like his taste was a lot like ours, so if you're reading this, Az Bear, all input is appreciated.

Thanks

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Snippet2

Last fall I asked for information about the Kingman area and got lots of great info from several people. We visited the Kingman and BHC area last winter and liked some things and didn't like some others. We love Arizona and plan on relocating as soon as our house sells. (Now have a little place in the woods of northern Florida on a canal with great fishing if anyone is interested)

After lots of internet exploration, I think Sierra Vista sounds great overall. I've read the posts here about it, and things sound great. Just wondering if anyone can give me some comparisons between Kingman and Sierra Vista Ex. - things to do, cost of living, general feel of the place, etc. I remember that Arizona Bear was very helpful regarding Kingman, and it sounded like his taste was a lot like ours, so if you're reading this, Az Bear, all input is appreciated.

Thanks

Thank you for the kudos.

To be blunt: when just overall climate and physical beauty are considered; Sierra Vista wins hands down.

But: the problems for SV are twofold IMHO; #1 water shortages (Kingman despite being more arid apparently has better supplies of groundwater) and #2, SV's proximity to Mexico (try maybe 10 miles as the crow flies) worries me if that country decides to unravel.

In the final analysis: if unable to 'feel the flesh' in both areas; and if you and your hubby need to make a snap decision re: either Kingman or Sierra Vista--------go with your gut--------it is never wrong.

[Snippet2]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Thank you for the kudos.

To be blunt: when just overall climate and physical beauty are considered; Sierra Vista wins hands down.

But: the problems for SV are twofold IMHO; #1 water shortages (Kingman despite being more arid apparently has better supplies of groundwater) and #2, SV's proximity to Mexico (try maybe 10 miles as the crow flies) worries me if that country decides to unravel.

In the final analysis: if unable to 'feel the flesh' in both areas; and if you and your hubby need to make a snap decision re: either Kingman or Sierra Vista--------go with your gut--------it is never wrong.

Our guts are definitely pointing us to SE Arizona. I loved Tombstone and Bisbee when I was there in the past but Sierra Vista sounds good from a practical aspect - more services, retail, etc. Water seems to be a serious consideration in most places. If only money were no object, I think we'd be Sedona-bound as would many others but, all things considered, southeastern AZ sounds like home. Thanks once again for your insight, Arizona Bear.

[LordBalfor]

Personally I think security concerns about SV (in regards to proximity to Mexico) are way overblown - and I say this as someone who's first choice (in regards to climate) was in fact SV. I was however detered from considering SV because of the various security concerns I saw listed on boards such as this one and didn't end up visiting there until after I'd bought my J-6 property. As it turns out, once I did finally get down to SV and take a look at those incredible views south of the city (which was the exact area I had been considering) I have to admit I was a bity sorry I hadn't looked there first.

Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY happy with the land we bought, but the idea of waking up to those views south and east across the San Pedro Valley - well, it sure sounds nice.

In any event, upon further research it turned out SV has pretty darned low crime - despite it's proximity to the border, probably because the level of security is extremely high. Border patrol is everywhere and the military presence is also very, very noticable (Fort Huachuca is the US Army Intelligence Center and School so it's a pretty important place).

Water of course is very legit concern - as it is throughout the SW US.

Ken

[Snippet2]

Originally Posted by LordBalfor

Personally I think security concerns about SV (in regards to proximity to Mexico) are way overblown - and I say this as someone who's first choice (in regards to climate) was in fact SV. I was however detered from considering SV because of the various security concerns I saw listed on boards such as this one and didn't end up visiting there until after I'd bought my J-6 property. As it turns out, once I did finally get down to SV and take a look at those incredible views south of the city (which was the exact area I had been considering) I have to admit I was a bity sorry I hadn't looked there first.

Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY happy with the land we bought, but the idea of waking up to those views south and east across the San Pedro Valley - well, it sure sounds nice.

In any event, upon further research it turned out SV has pretty darned low crime - despite it's proximity to the border, probably because the level of security is extremely high. Border patrol is everywhere and the military presence is also very, very noticable (Fort Huachuca is the US Army Intelligence Center and School so it's a pretty important place).

Water of course is very legit concern - as it is throughout the SW US.

Ken

It really does sound terrific. I'm not overly concerned with the crime thing. (We lived in SoCal in the 1980s and early 1990s near San Bernardino during LA riots, etc).

Sorry SV didn't work out for you. Glad you're happy with it though.

Thanks for the positive information, Ken.