Alright folks....tell me about Sierra Vista AZ (Tucson, Bisbee: crimes, homes)

[LordBalfor]

The thing to keep in mind about the 60 or degree January average highs is the fact that although to you folks from Phoenix and other warm winter places 60 may not be all that warm, to MOST folks from MOST other parts of the country 60 degrees in January is pretty darned nice - and remember, that's the COLDEST month and by mid-February the average high has climbed into the mid-60's - which is REAL nice to folks from many parts of the country.

Yeah, it's not quite as lovely in January as Phoenix is, but the trade off is that May through September are much more livable.

Ken

[crazyme4878]

Alright, about the golf courses according to my husband:

There are two golf courses in SV, one private, one public. The public course, Mountain View, is a military course that is cheap, easy and not well maintained. Its cost depends on if you are military or work for the government, but would be under $1,000. The private course, Pueblo Del Sol, is longer, harder, and better maintained. Last heard, membership was $3,500 equity plus $225/month for dues.

[wfurm]

CrazyMe...thank you so much for the information you've been kind enough to offer. We're very excited about this move, and I'm sure we'll be able to handle the winters just fine. If we can deal with 32 degree highs out here, 60 degree highs will be wonderful.

With regards to the golf course, yeah...hubby wants to join the private country club. Hey on a side note, how long does it take to get to Tuscon? I've read everything from to 2 hours to only taking 45 minutes.

[crazyme4878]

If you live right in SV, then it is approximately 80 miles. Hwy. 90 (or is 92?), going north to I10 is mostly 65 mph and all of it four lanes, divided (although beware, there always seems to be police along that stretch--don't speed!). Once on I10, the speed limit is 75 mph until Tucson. From there, it depends on where you are going in Tucson. They have been working on I10 on the west side of town, so all of the exits there have been closed since we moved here. It definitely takes a lot longer than 45 minutes! I would say 1 to 1.5 hours from door to final destination, although it could be quicker if you are living on the north side of SV and are traveling to the east side of Tucson.

I have been exploring Tucson a little bit, so I could possibly help you with questions about that area too. Of course, there is the whole Tucson thread file, as well!

Oh, the Fort course has a lot of tournaments; I'm sure Pueblo does as well.

I wish there were more posters from SV to help you out. I'm pretty new, too. How old is your son? They have teen nights at the pool throughout the year that look like they would be pretty fun (the pool has a wave machine). There is also a community college in town, in case he is college-age but wants to live at home for a little while longer.

[wfurm]

Originally Posted by crazyme4878

If you live right in SV, then it is approximately 80 miles. Hwy. 90 (or is 92?), going north to I10 is mostly 65 mph and all of it four lanes, divided (although beware, there always seems to be police along that stretch--don't speed!). Once on I10, the speed limit is 75 mph until Tucson. From there, it depends on where you are going in Tucson. They have been working on I10 on the west side of town, so all of the exits there have been closed since we moved here. It definitely takes a lot longer than 45 minutes! I would say 1 to 1.5 hours from door to final destination, although it could be quicker if you are living on the north side of SV and are traveling to the east side of Tucson.

I have been exploring Tucson a little bit, so I could possibly help you with questions about that area too. Of course, there is the whole Tucson thread file, as well!

Oh, the Fort course has a lot of tournaments; I'm sure Pueblo does as well.

I wish there were more posters from SV to help you out. I'm pretty new, too. How old is your son? They have teen nights at the pool throughout the year that look like they would be pretty fun (the pool has a wave machine). There is also a community college in town, in case he is college-age but wants to live at home for a little while longer.

Thank you so much for your help!!! The kid is 18 and is a senior in high school, though he attends an online high school, due to all the travel he does with golf tourneys. I am a bit concerned about him making some new friends. So any info for kids that age would be wonderful. He would like to attend U of A next year.

I'm hoping the country club has a few junior golfers for him to make some new friends with.

On a side note....my son will be flying into Tucson on the 12th of next month, he's in southern CA right now, so how long would it take me to go from Sierra Vista to the airport in Tucson?

Also any real outstanding authentic Mexican restaurants that you love in Sierra Vista? Thanks again to everyone that responded!

[crazyme4878]

I believe there are some junior golfers at the country club. My husband played in the city championship (its the Fort course players vs. the coutry club players), and he was wowed by some of the younger players. I'm sure the club could probably hook him up. I would think it would easier to meet other kids in this town, as it is a very transient town (because of the Fort), so many of the kids are very use to both being the new kid and meeting new kids.

Like I said before, the Parks and Rec seems to have a lot of programs, depending on the time of year. I'm not sure what all they offer teens and how many attend, because I have young children, but everytime I glance there seems to be at least a couple events or classes geared toward teens. I hear that the movie theater at the mall is over-run by teenagers on weekend nights.

UofA seems pretty nice (although I'm sure some people will disagree). I was on campus ten years ago (yikes!) and enjoyed it. I also have an high school classmate that seemed to reallly like it (graduated in WI, she is still in Tucson as far as I know). And I really like the areas around the college. Plus, it would be close enough to come home once in awhile for meals!

Its pretty easy to get to the airport--once you have been there before. I missed the turn-off the first time. I would still rely on the 1.5 hours, just to be safe. (maybe more if its rush hour?) I will ask my husband again. He helped out as a runner this summer during the fires, and was stationed out by the airport. By the way, I found parking in the open lot much easier then parking in the ramp.

I have heard that Ricardo's in Hereford has very good Mexican food. It certainly is busy all the time. (we live close by and so pass it if we go anywhere). I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to once my friend comes to visit in October. I figured we could just walk there and then not have to worry about how many margaritas we have! Everytime I think about eating at a Mexican restuarant, I think of how cheap and easy it is to do it at home. My husband and I have always loved a good bean burrito, but our craving increased ten-fold once we moved here! I even keep margarita fixings on hand, and before I never even kept liquor in my house.

[momofour]

It was nice to read all the nice things people had to say.
I actually live in Hereford, which is just south of Sierra Vista.
I grew up in Tucson and still have parents there and a summer home in Show Low. If you want "winters", go check out that area.
My husband grew up in this area, so I guess sense of community is stronger with our family because we know a lot of people who have been around for a while. We have a diverse community because of all the people in the military, and with that comes the pros/cons. People who don't care about the town have bad attitudes and don't involve themselves in affairs of the community,in turn teach their young to do the same. Then we have people who actually get involved and add to the community.
I've seen a big change in the town since I moved here in 1991. It has grown bigger and more stores and restaurants are here now and even the "mall". Target, Walmart, Sears, Dillards, Lowes, Home Depot, The Out Back, AppleBees,of course the normal fast food and tons of mom&pop places we love.
My husband designs custom homes and I work retail (both for 20+ yrs).
We both stay very busy. Our four children have received a great education! 2 have graduated from the high school "Buena". Buena is a good school, but parents HAVE to be involved. It helps if the kids are involved in groups too (I have atheletes and musical children.) If not, I've seen kids just fade away and get in to things they shouldn't.
That is one thing I'd have to say negetive about the community. We only have ONE high school and we don't even fill the stands at our games football or basketball (let alone any other of the sports!) I wonder if all those people talking lack of community get out and support OUR CHILDREN. They are our future (I know you heard that before, but do you really believe it and incourage them?)
The Palominas district for the younger kids is great! and there you get a real Family feeling (again you have to get involved).
The weather here is wonderful! Not too hot and not too cold. The only problem I have is when the wind blows, unfortunately that is spring and fall. We are major outdoor people; hiking, biking,walkers. We live near the mountains (well everyone in Sierra Vista does , short distance) so we have many trails tough and easy. We run the Bisbee 1000 every year, check that out! We make drives to the chiricahua mtns. for hikes too. Our family is big on wake boarding and other water sports so we head north for those but we spend a fishing day at patagonia lake not far from here either.
I don't golf but friends talk about the one down in Naco, a lot of good things.
Yes we do see "traffic" from the border. and YES we are tired of it. That is a whole other forum. We do carry protection (at the hip and the 4legged kind) but I'm not afraid. I'm more afraid of running into a bear or mountain lion!
Community sports are big! We have kids involved in softball. There are leagues out there for all ages and soccer too, I've even seen volleyball.
If you are the type to step out and do things you will love Sierra Vista.
Check it out!

[goodday]

If you live in s/v, are the side roads off [black top] as bad as they say?
We are looking for a home there and was wandering about the area out east ramsey rd.. past moson..
Whats the job market like now?
Propain cost?

[crazyme4878]

Originally Posted by goodday

If you live in s/v, are the side roads off [black top] as bad as they say?
We are looking for a home there and was wandering about the area out east ramsey rd.. past moson..
Whats the job market like now?
Propain cost?

Roads: Yes, they can be. I have seen some okay ones, but I have also seen some horrible ones. The wider ones seem better.

No idea on the jobs or propane cost--sorry.

[wfurm]

Originally Posted by goodday

If you live in s/v, are the side roads off [black top] as bad as they say?
We are looking for a home there and was wandering about the area out east ramsey rd.. past moson..
Whats the job market like now?
Propain cost?

I don't find the roads bad at all, but then again...I relocated from AL.

With regards to jobs...can't really help you there as you didn't specify what line of work you are in.

Propane...I have no clue. Sorry.