Moving to Sierra Vista in 2010,,what's it like?

[terryandcandace]

Originally Posted by Richard44

am moving to sierra vista next year from colorado,anyone who lives there,i would like to hear from you!,well,you know,things like neighborhoods,things to do,weather,btw,what is fall like in sierra vista?

We moved here from Phoenix in June 2009 to manage an Moderator cut: no advertising allowed and we LOVE it ! It's 20 degrees cooler and we have a constant view of the surrounding mountains. It is windier than we expected and have had to replace a couple flags. Being a desert climate it's hard to keep the potted plants watered enough. Now being October it's around 70-80 during the day and drops to high 40's at night .... no more AC at our house!

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, 3 grocery stores, 4 or 5 banks, an Ace Hardware, Home Depot and Lowes, plus a good choice of fast-food restaurants to choose from. The local farmer's market is wonderful - wish we had a REAL health food store - but the Bisbee Food Co-Op works just fine. Check out Visit Sierra Vista, Arizona for more links.

When we are desperate for a "city-fix" Tucson is 90 minutes away. We still have friends in Phoenix, so we've made that 4 hours trip a time or two. Otherwise Bisbee Chamber of Commerce - About Bisbee, Patagonia and Sonoita are all great day-trip getaways. There is great tent or RV camping at Lake Patagonia and Parker Canyon Lake - Home within 2 hours drive. The Best RV Park we've found so far is Welcome to Quail Ridge RV Resort in Huachuca City just north of Sierra Vista.

You definitely need a vehicle to get around outside of the city limits (there is a public bus for in-city commutes), andthe drives are well worth it. LOTS of twisty mountain roads, great mountain vistas (sierra vista means mountain views) just perfect for motorcycle riding - solo or with local clubs.

We were VERY disappointed in Karchner Caverns State Park, not impressed at all with Benson or Tombstone. The 2nd hand stores in Sierra Vista are NOT stocked with items I would purchase. Job market is VERY tough here - unless you have a job lined up - don't plan on finding one quickly - there are very limited jobs here.

Getting back to a positive note, most of the under 30 year olds here are VERY respectful and of course there are soldiers and Border patrol agents everywhere. The July Fourth events in Cochise County « Tour Cochise County was better than many in big cities I've attended. There is a wonderful, clean, well-maintained city park adjacent to a public indoor swimming pool AND a great COCHISE COLLEGE - Creating Opportunities... Changing Lives nearby.

As for housing - Sierra Vista is one of the few places I know of in Arizona that is still building NEW homes for home buyers. There are also re-sale homes available. Pricing is higher than I would have expected being as remote (90 miles from big-city Tucson) but the market sets the sale price. There are plenty of APARTMENTS-AZ.com - Home as well as Extended Stay Hotel - Suburban Hotels for short-term living arrangements.

Bottom line - if you have a job or an income --- come on down ! The living is GREAT in Sierra Vista !

[TXknitter]

I graduated from Buena back in 1971 in SV AZ. Back then, it WAS a small town. Double-dippers (retired military, then govt employees like my Dad) have retired there in droves. In the 1990's, you got the explosion of shopping, etc. The history part is on the Fort Huachuca, Bisbee (absolutely breathtaking drive between the two towns) and Tombstone (truly hasn't changed much in 100 yrs!) side of things. SV is the hub where everyone goes shopping. The sad part for those of us who remember when the Huachucas and Miller Canyon, were so pristine and not loaded up with homes. They always said they would never do what has absolutely happened to SV. Ah well, money. Climate - other posters perfectly right except I like to ski so we didn't stay for that reason. If you work at the Fort, are retired military, etc. SV is a great great place. It will only continue to grow at the fast pace it has been and perhaps that is good for property values. My sis is still there, so I get the scoop on what's up in the city. I have great memories with my horse and friends riding up Fry Blvd - back then - kids could do that cuz there weren't that many of us. Ah, memories!

[terryandcandace]

We moved here in June 2009 and really like it. Small town, yes - but with all the improvements we need. Home Depot, Lowes, Frys-FoodCity-Safeway grocery stores, nice Target, small Walmart, useless K-Mart. Expensive car wash, plenty of restaurants - cheap and good, a small mall with a Sears AND a Best Buy !

Auto parts stores, Discount Auto, plenty of small dealers and other services are all conveniently located within a 5-10 mile radius.

Sights to see are nearby and if you REALLY need a big-city fix, Tucson is only 90 miles away.

Housing is NOT cheap for a rural small-town and food prices are higher than would be expected also. I assume because of the post - but then many merchants give a military discount.

The visitor's center is awesome - -- there is a nice indoor swimming pool and the rec department as well as the community college offers a good selection of classes. Fourth of July was one of the best shows we have seen in years !

Come on down - be sure you have a job though- they are scarce - unless you work on post.