Moving from DC to Sierra Vista (WEATHER QUESTION)

[hgraham777]

Sounds really beautiful!!! Thanks so much for all the info (do you know all that because you used to live there?). I suppose people who want 'night life' head over to Tucson, an hour north? The further I can get from big cities (where I've spent most my life), the better! So I think I'll be quite content there. Good weather and great scenery, I think you're right about southeast AZ being overlooked.

COOL about the hummingbirds, I didn't know that. I held one in my hand a few years ago, after it flew into my RV and landed on the curtains. I gently cupped my hand over the curtain and felt it fluttering in my hand - walked over to the doorway and let it fly away. Don't know that I'll ever experience that again!


Take care.

Helen

[hgraham777]

JUST CURIOUS if anyone has lived in (or near) Austin Texas, or knows someone who lives there, friends or family?

I have two choices in front of me, a job in Sierra Vista or one in Austin.
(After hearing from people on this forum, I'm feeling inclined to go with AZ )

Have heard Austin is a cooler area than most other places in TX.
Wondering if it is typically hotter in Sierra Vista (and for a longer amount of time, more months of 'summer' ) OR if it's worse in Austin, which has more humidity.

I've heard LOTS of great things about Austin, the "music capital".


Any thoughts or advice ??

[lolligrump]

Lived in AZ for 38 years - born and raised in Tucson, then settled above Benson, AZ (in the foothills), for 7 years before moving to Austin. Now live in the Raleigh, NC area. I am very familiar with Sierra Vista - the weather is wonderful and the mountain vista's can't be beat. The heat, due to the humidity is worse in Austin and it seems to go on forever. Sierra Vista cools down at night and the early mornings are also very comfortable. Having said that however, I loved Austin and was sad to leave. Been here in NC for just over a year and still long to return to Austin, which is a vibrant, dynamic city with great towns all around it. Most likely my husband and I will retire in Austin or the surrounding area. I don't miss the dust and desert so much, although I do miss the monsoon rains. The lightening can be spectacular in the desert, especially if you are lucky enough to watch it over the valley as the storm swirls between the mountains. Smells wonderful too! I will never forget that desert rain smell! If you are young, you might like Austin better, or if you are ready to retire, then Sierra Vista might just be the place for you. Good luck in your decision. Be happy where ever you end up.

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by hgraham777

Some pics I saw of the mountains near Tucson (when I did a google search) looked really gorgeous too, much bigger than the little foothills of the Blue Ridge here.

If you Google "Arizona Sky Islands", you'll find a lot of interesting stuff about the mountains in that area. Here's one interesting article I saw.

Land of the 'sky islands'

You'll also be close to Kartchner Caverns.

Kartchner Caverns Arizona - Kartchner Caverns AZ - Kartchner Caverns State Park - azcentral.com

I lived in Phoenix for about fifteen years and didn't know anything about southeast Arizona. I always drove north and east whenever I would take a trip. After I moved to Tucson, I discovered what a beautiful and interesting place southeast Arizona is. The history and culture is also different from the rest of the state. One of the things I really love about Arizona is the diversity. It seems there something unique wherever I go.

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by hgraham777

I've heard LOTS of great things about Austin, the "music capital".

I've heard so much about the music scene in Austin. I would love to visit there for a week sometime. Probably a good trip to leave the kids at their Aunt's house and just go with my wife.

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by hgraham777

Sounds really beautiful!!! Thanks so much for all the info (do you know all that because you used to live there?

No, I just tend to be somewhat of a researcher and did lots of investigation before heading to the area to check it out personally. Have made two trips to Tucson last year and used the time to explore the SE corner of the state a bit. Still have LOTS more to explore, but have seen enough to get a pretty good feel for the area.

As mentioned, the Monsoon Season thunderstorms are awesome. SE Arizona is part of a region known as the Sky Islands - this is because there are lots of scattered clusters of mountains in all directions, separated from each other by the lower elevation deserts and grasslands - rather like islands. During the Monsoon Season (July/August) clouds will typically form over the various "islands" then spread out over the desert bringing scattered bouts of brief heavy rain and lots of thunder and lightning. Such storms are VERY impressive - and as mentioned cool things down nicely.

Ken

[hgraham777]

Ken,
Sounds awesome! I'll look forward to the monsoon season in July/Aug.


Thanks again!!








































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