Utility Bills in Prescott

[Kabfon]

I have read somewhere (maybe on a different thread) that people should inquire about the water bills as they can be outrageous for some communities. In one of the thread (which I can't remember which one) this guy was paying the same price for his water bill than someone else in a different community who had a house double his size. So I would keep this in mind,

[Keehome]

I wonder why this should vary so much, except for usage maybe? Aren't rates all the same? To me, usage should be the only thing that differs.

[BriansPerspective]

Originally Posted by Keehome

Thanks BiggsHomes. Well, on my short visit out to AZ in September, I did notice that Lowes sells fake grass!! Looked pretty good too :-)
I may have to consider that! But then again, I did hope to have a pool........

Some of that fake grass is amazing. You cannot tell the difference by looking at it. The first time I saw some was in Las Vegas by the Wynn casino. I literally had to touch it to figure out that it was fake. Anyway, it's also extremely expensive - something like $5/sqft.

You must be looking in the Phoenix area. A Lowes is just being built in Prescott, but has not opened yet. Also, you probably would not want a pool in Prescott.

[BriansPerspective]

Originally Posted by Kabfon

I have read somewhere (maybe on a different thread) that people should inquire about the water bills as they can be outrageous for some communities. In one of the thread (which I can't remember which one) this guy was paying the same price for his water bill than someone else in a different community who had a house double his size. So I would keep this in mind,

This is not surprising, because home size does not always correlate with water usage. Picture a retired couple with desert landscaping in a 3600 sqft house. Now picture a family with three kids and grass landscaping in an 1800 sqft house.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Kabfon

I have read somewhere (maybe on a different thread) that people should inquire about the water bills as they can be outrageous for some communities. In one of the thread (which I can't remember which one) this guy was paying the same price for his water bill than someone else in a different community who had a house double his size. So I would keep this in mind,

There are different water rates in different areas - for ex, Prescott Valley water is generally cheaper than Prescott, and Humboldt water district is higher than Prescott Valley (if that's what you mean by "different communities"). The towns all have maximum gallon usage, too, and once you go over that max limit, then your bill can really skyrocket.

Here's a quirky one for you - my water bill was $30 last month. That included quite a bit of lawn watering, too. My daughter and her husband live in a tri-plex in the same subdivision (no yard, just the 2 of 'em). Her water bill for the same month was $78!!! She's calling the water department to find out what's going on. Strange, for sure. My water bill with a small lawn and quite a few trees and shrubs is usually somewhere between $20 - $40/month with our high being in May & June (our 2 driest months).

[Keehome]

Ok, so is water and sewer included together? Or....is sewer an "extra" charge in addition to the water? I am trying to figure out budget wise before we move there, a GUESStimate on how much utilities would be along with an HOA fee, etc. I also noticed that the HOA fees can be different in the SAME community, another thing I do not really understand.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Keehome

Ok, so is water and sewer included together? Or....is sewer an "extra" charge in addition to the water? I am trying to figure out budget wise before we move there, a GUESStimate on how much utilities would be along with an HOA fee, etc. I also noticed that the HOA fees can be different in the SAME community, another thing I do not really understand.

In most areas the sewer charges are included in the same bill; however we have many areas with private sewer systems and also some areas with septics . . . so it just depends on the area. If you go to the City of Prescott website or Town of Prescott Valley website, you'll find all the rate info on the utilities.

Re HOA's - probably Prescott Lakes area is the most confusing. Some will show the mandatory athletic club membership in with the HOA, other agents will make a separate note of it in Realtor Remarks. Also, in Prescott Lakes, there are different "communities" which have different HOA dues. The gated sections are the most expensive HOA dues there.

Remember, too, the $ amount under HOA is only as accurate as far as what the agent and/or homeowner knows it to be. To be really sure on the fee it's best for you (or your agent) to contact the HOA office directly.

Here are the links to the official town/city sites for utility info:
Prescott Valley
City of Prescott, Arizona Official Website

[Keehome]

Gretchen, you were very helpful, thanks! I am learning alot in this forum. I just want to research as much as possible before relocating. I want to minimize the surprises!

[Keehome]

BiggsHOmes, yYes, I was looking in the Phoenix area Lowes at the "grass"! I could use some of that back here in Virginia too! It felt great. Wonder if it is worth the investment instead of the upkeep of a lawn.