How safe is Nogales these days? (Tucson, Bisbee: buy, shop, airports)

[Rick Lee]

Wifey and I are thinking of heading to Tucson, Bisbee and Nogales for the long weekend. I don't want to take my car into Mexico, but am hoping there's something worth seeing and doing within walking distance of the border. How is it?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Wifey and I are thinking of heading to Tucson, Bisbee and Nogales for the long weekend. I don't want to take my car into Mexico, but am hoping there's something worth seeing and doing within walking distance of the border. How is it?

See my post here:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...ml#post2516338

It's perfectly safe around the border during the day to me.

[ZonyPony]

You most likely mean Nogales, AZ and not Nogales, Mexico, but regardless...haven't been down to "Nogie" since the 60's, and even ventured down into Mexico as far as Magdalena back then. That was when it was a lot easier to drive across the border and buy stuff from all of the local stores, and everything was inexpensive, and the food was very good.
However, we have not gone back since then, prolly because of all the problems with drugs and immigration, and its made crossing over into Mexico a very unenjoyable experience. To me, it seems that Nogales, AZ, makes attempts at keeping a safe town, and a good ol' American image, but it still has the feel of a "border town" and still has to deal with all of the continued problems as well. Its been a while for me, so hopefully someone from the area will reply for you.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Wifey and I are thinking of heading to Tucson, Bisbee and Nogales for the long weekend. I don't want to take my car into Mexico, but am hoping there's something worth seeing and doing within walking distance of the border. How is it?

Tucson and Bisbee are fine, Rick Lee,

However, I would never consider crossing the border for two reasons . . . not worthwhile and definitely not worth the risk.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

You most likely mean Nogales, AZ and not Nogales, Mexico, but regardless....

Amazing how different people's assumptions could be... I'd never consider wasting time in Nogales, AZ, much less make THAT part a destination.

[Rick Lee]

I mean both Nogaleses. BTW, how good are the duty free deals? They usually suck in airports.

[haaamean]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I mean both Nogaleses. BTW, how good are the duty free deals? They usually suck in airports.

They suck everywhere, including Nogales. Nogales Sonora is very safe though, around the border/tourist shopping area is probably slightly less safe than the rest of the city. I enjoy going back to wal-mart, sounds funny huh. Well the walmart there brings in foods and goods from all over the rest of Mexico so you can get some good stuff, and there's a new mall that I haven't been in across the street.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I mean both Nogaleses. BTW, how good are the duty free deals? They usually suck in airports.

Depends on what you're interested in. Alcohol and cigs are still good deals; perfumes, jewelry, watches, etc. - not so much.

[westerndog]

How are "cigs" ever a good deal?

[AZ2FL]

Why don't you go to Sonoita and check out the vineyards? It's about an hour from Tucson and you can get to Nogales from there. Callaghan Vineyards makes the best wine out there and to be truthful, in most places. Here's a link to their website: Callaghan Vineyards - Arizona's Award Winning Winery, Elgin, Arizona