Moving to Bullhead City vs Laughlin?? (rental, work, company)

[zonababe]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

The Tri-State area is known for its Meth problem......I have lived in both BHC as well as LHC for most of the 21st Century and returned to Phx summer of 2006.

Between the 'river rat' lifestyle, remote location, and the gambling culture......connect the dots.

That stated: if a person is straight; read that a non drinker/druggie, he/she will tend to do well $$$ but oftentimes said individual will be ostracized due to being 'clean'. Can someone say double edged sword?

What is a "river rat" lifestyle? River toys, boats and wave runners are expensive to purchase, maintain and store. I guess this area could be considered a remote location however each area, is well patrolled by city, county or tribal police.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by zonababe

What is a "river rat" lifestyle? River toys, boats and wave runners are expensive to purchase, maintain and store. I guess this area could be considered a remote location however each area, is well patrolled by city, county or tribal police.

I should have been clearer, my bad.

A River Rat to me is someone who likes his/her solitude, enjoys a simple life along the Colorado River, etc.

Till about 2001; it was quite inexpensive to buy property in direct line of sight to the River.

The Sea-Doo, etc, folks tend to have lots of money (or credit)-----think Californians, etc. cashing out and buying up everything in LHC, etc. yet not forcing wages upwards to compensate hence running off many of the otherwise 'straight' Old School folks who want to just live.

LHC used to be a funky eclectic type of place especially in 1988-----had I had the money, I would have lived there in a heartbeat. 2007 it would have been adios------money being no object.

[BWfromCA]

My husband are some of the people who moved up the river from the Yuma area, when BLM bought out the area that we had been in for years. The Bullhead City area gave us the opportunity to buy and build a better place and actually live there part time. Our house is in the Sun Ridge Estates, so no gated community, just really good neighbors and a nice place to be. The house was very reasonably priced and the lot is nice and large, to accommodate our boat and motorhome when friends come over. The commercial property was in the Colorado River Estates area, which is across Hyway 95 from the police and city offices and between to the shopping center with JC Penney's and the Super Wal-Mart. Our property was at the end of the road (Industrial Rd.) with no structures around us, only the power sub-station there. After the robbery at the commercial property, we did go to the newspaper and the gentleman there did a big write-up about us and what had happened and even talked about the city's hand in not giving us our business license (so that our insurance would not cover the loss), and the deal with the fence and allowing the robbers to spend all day going in and out without being seen by anyone. Anyway, that is past and the newest problem is being broken into at the house. I know that it has become a real problem, all over the town, because talking to the police, they indicate that the crime is becoming overwhelming. My neighbors, who live there permanently, indicate that they are concerned about leaving their houses just to go to the store, because the people who are doing the breakins are watching houses and waiting and making sure that no one is there when they do the breakin. My next door neighbor says she won't even go to the grocery store after dark any more because she is afraid of the people outside in the parking lot hanging around, says they look scary and unsavory and freighten her. I haven't been over to the house in a few months myself, maybe things will get better, but I don't see how until the police and local government get together and start weeding out the bad elements in and around town. We had (passed away very recently) who lived out in Golden Valley and he told us that there are so many meth labs out there that when the wind blows just right you can smell the cooking all over the valley. I don't know, but I have heard that before. I really like going up there and taking the boat out on the river and lake and taking the kids and grandbaby up there, but now I really do not have any big desire to do that any more.
I sure hope that at some point things will turn around.

[jinks]

I don't live in a gated community either but I don't feel things are as bad as the previous poster. I guess if I ever get robbed or my home broken into I may feel different. I rarely lock my door as I don't think anyone will get by my dogs. They have the run of the house and the yard. Besides my dogs I have neighbors that are vigilant and aware of anything going on.

My neighbors on one side came over one time and asked if I had seen anything out of the ordinary. It seems someone broke into their home and stole some items. Right away I suspected that it was a brother that had come to live with them. After attending a Christmas party with several of my neighbors it seems that they also had the same thought.

Also, when my home burnt down the fire chief told us to get whatever we could because the thieves would scour the land for stuff. Neighbors helped us get as many tools and stuff, but it was just so overwhelming. We had a brand new 3 1/2 ton A/C unit sitting here and even after the lot had been cleared the A/C unit sat here for days without anyone stealing it.

[BWfromCA]

I don't want to bash BHC, but things need to be cleaned up and even having good neighbors can't keep you safe. The dogs are a great help, but be careful because if the bad guys want it they will find a way. I may be coming that way in the next week or so, how is the weather right now, is the rain doing any damage over there or is it pretty light??? Are the snowbirds coming in pretty strong yet or is that pretty light yet?

[zonababe]

Originally Posted by BWfromCA

I don't want to bash BHC, but things need to be cleaned up and even having good neighbors can't keep you safe. The dogs are a great help, but be careful because if the bad guys want it they will find a way. I may be coming that way in the next week or so, how is the weather right now, is the rain doing any damage over there or is it pretty light??? Are the snowbirds coming in pretty strong yet or is that pretty light yet?

You don't want to bash BHC? Your first three posts in this forum all bash BHC. What was your purpose of joining this thread?

[jinks]

The weather is good. We've had some much needed rain and I think that there is only one area that has had flooding, but it seems that that is an expected occurance. Right now the sun is shining brightly. The snowbirds are here, but traffic seems to be a little lighter than normal so it may be that there are not as many here this year.

[pnut2000]

Originally Posted by caraid17

Hello out there!!!

My wife and I are considering moving to Bullhead City or Laughlin. Can someone kindly explain the Pros and Cons of each city? We have lived in Reno and also in Prescott but we are not familiar with Bullhead or Laughlin.

My family moved here from Reno. This area is nothing like what you know. I really think you will regret it. The only thing this area has going for it is the water life. The area is beautiful but the town and people leave something to be desired. White trash are the words that come to mind. Teeth do not seem to be a priority in this area although drugs are from what I've been told time and time again. Life is a slower pace here, no traffic which is nice but also no shopping. Not that a lot is needed but one can only go to Wal-Mart so many times. They are putting in a Kohls and a Target which will be nice, and maybe make it feel more like a town. I highly recomend you spend a few days here first and walk around and interact with the people. As for which town either one will work there are pros and cons to each. Power is cheaper in Bullhead contrary to what you've been told, car insurance is cheaper but there is state tax in AZ. Home prices are comprable. Bullhead does have dumpy parts to it but as long as you live off the Parkway it's great. Laughlin has about an 8 mile drive to get to anything which is a bummer but they do not have state tax. Also if you have children of highschool age I wouldn't even look in Bullhead only in Laughlin. I hear horror stories about the highschool in Bullhead but great things about Laughlin. Anything you need to do will need to be done in Bullhead. Laughlin has nothing more than a mom and pop grocery store so you'll be making that 8 mile drive a lot. Not that 8 miles is far but the way the towns are set up with only two bridges makes it seem frustrating. You can see where you want to be but not get there. Hope this helps you. If you do move here I recomend renting not buying you don't want to commit before you know exactly what you are commiting to.

[Candice - Next Wave]

I've never been to Reno but I've seen Reno 911, JUST KIDDING! No preconceived notions here. All areas have pros and cons.

The fourth bridge is coming, at last (River Bend area north of Parkway if I am not mistaken).

Highway 95 realignment is also coming soon. That will eventually open up all the area northeast of the congested areas and make it very easy to get from Havasu to Laughlin with stops along the Valley.

I lived on the Laughlin side 8 years, Fort Mohave side almost 8. So I can compare the two areas pretty well and I believe I even have in other posts.
There are gorgeous communities in our area nowhere near the parkway. Los Lagos, East Shore Villas, Sunridge to name a few.

That's one of the great things about our area. There is truly something for everyone. Ranches to park models to riverfront high rises. It is a wonderfully diverse area.

I'm a real estate broker. Every day, more calls from new businesses moving over from CA, NV and other areas. More shopping than ever before. And we do need them to service the expanded population. I'd love a Trader Joes, and some decent Indian restaurants, though.

My car insurance has been basically the same on both sides of the river but like Zonababe, AARP wants me too so my rates should be going down.
Schools? The standards were too low but actions to recruit better teachers AND PAY THEM have been taken. Same with the medical. Much improved from 10 years ago.

As for the drugs, I didn't even know there was a drug problem here for a long while and I'm from CA and survived the 70s and 80s. I just don't move in those circles because I'm busy with my family and 3 businesses. And I couldn't care less who does or doesn't like me because I like to gamble, run with my dog and have organic food with my champagne.

Crime? Show me a place with none and enjoy your private island paradise.
Anyone entering my house with malicious intent would likely regret it. God bless AZ.

I'm always sorry to hear from someone who is unhappy here because this area truly isn't for everyone, and investigating prior to any residential move or property purchase is essential. So many people got caught up in the frenzy and skipped the due diligence part of the real estate process that is so critical. People who should have never moved here. We've told lots of people this area may not be for them. During the boom and lately as well. Unhappy clients are more costly than any commission. But we love the good neighbors we have!

I go back to CA all the time and am always so glad to get home to the River! Have you seen Orange County lately . . . LOL

[zonababe]

Candice is right, there are a lot of gorgeous communities in Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley and Laughlin. Sunshine, palm trees and a clear blue river, I love this this place! There is always some form of entertainment at the casinos. Lots of places to go off-roading and exploring. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Mohave County plans for growth by improving infrastructure. My other home is located in Yavapai County, Arizona. Y.C. is large, slow and backwards. Here Mohave County, is planning a future city named Sterling. A new city with new business, new housing, new jobs...that kind of forward thinking just amazes me.