Prescott Valley utilities (Phoenix, Chino Valley, Williamson: rent, homes, neighborhood)

[funflyer99]

Well, it looks like the wife and I decided on the PV or CV areas when we retire from the Air Force in 23 months to stay close, but not too close to family in Phoenix. We are looking for a few acres out in a rural area like north of highway 89 in PV or NW Chino Valley and we're wondering about the available utilities like phone for DSL, cable, water and natural gas when too far from town. We never had to think about it in the last 30 years as we always lived in well populated areas and had several choices on most. Also how is the cell service up in those areas?


Thanks, Todd

[wretched wrench]

Originally Posted by funflyer99

Well, it looks like the wife and I decided on the PV or CV areas when we retire from the Air Force in 23 months to stay close, but not too close to family in Phoenix. We are looking for a few acres out in a rural area like north of highway 89 in PV or NW Chino Valley

There is not much natural gas available in Chino Valley, particularly the NW area.. Propane is expensive, so plan with that in mind if out of natural gas service areas..

and we're wondering about the available utilities like phone for DSL, cable, water and natural gas when too far from town. We never had to think about it in the last 30 years as we always lived in well populated areas and had several choices on most. Also how is the cell service up in those areas?


Thanks, Todd

If you look at property with wells, get the well tested for flow and quality. Well water can vary from one place to the next. The cell service is not as good as the company maps say, but usually good. Check for yourself.

[BriansPerspective]

You will be on propane and a well, with few exceptions. You should be able to get cell reception, but it probably won't be 4/4 bars. You should be able to get telephone, and probably DSL. You could pick a random address and call Century Link to ask them. You probably will not have cable. Again, you can pick an address and call CableOne to find out if there is service to that area.

Be ready for dust and wind. There are positives for living on acreage as well as negatives. Make sure you weigh the two to be sure that you are making the best choice. If you can afford it, there are acreage lots up Williamson Valley that have more services and less wind and dust. The terrain is more rolling hills with junipers as opposed to flat grassland.

[wretched wrench]

You should come here and rent while you window shop. This is a decision that will require a lot of information and getting the "feel" of a neighborhood

[funflyer99]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sounds like I should expect a well for water and propane for heat. Are there any restrictions on installing/using a wood burning or pellet stove? or have those areas banned their use?

[smilinpretty]

I live in Chino Valley, no restrictions in my area.

[wretched wrench]

There are restrictions on new construction in a number of jurisdictions. Not sure on existing, so check.

[funflyer99]

What can you tell me about areas with no water? I saw a few homes that require you to haul your own water. Sounds like a PITA. I imagine there are companies that will deliver and fill your tank when needed.

[BriansPerspective]

Yes, hauling water is not optimal. There are companies that will come fill your tank, or there are places where you can drive a tank (on your pickup) down to fill it up. These homes are always hard to sell and will always be cheaper than similar homes that have water.