Transitional Zone (Phoenix, Tucson, Sierra Vista: homes, prices, moving to)

[Nana27]

We recently moved to Tucson, we are staying with relatives. Newly empty nesters and needed to be in a dryer climate for my health issues. We love Tucson but would like a little more grass/trees with the mountains. We are looking at moving to somewhere in the transitional zone in Arizona. Any suggestions on small conservative towns with some history, old town buildings, where property isn't crazy expensive? Thanks in advance for any help!

[keninaz]

The Prescott area comes to mind but prices would be high on homes in Prescott proper.
But many smaller towns around it to take your choice of that are cheaper.
4 seasons here, a little snow once in awhile too depending on where you are. Cooler than Tucson or Phoenix on any given summer day by 15-25° which makes it tolerable compared to the valley too.
We moved up here from SE AZ to get away from the border and the problems with it 8 years ago now.
Good move for us.

[sloguy1496]

I would strongly consider Prescott.

[Nana27]

We've looked at Prescott and like it. But my husband really likes the Payson area but its very expensive there so we are looking about areas around Payson that wouldn't be expensive and is small town, within an hours drive maybe?

[keninaz]

We looked at Payson as well but it's surrounded by the national forest so the amount of property is very limited.
We also found poorly rated medical care there in that there were not many doctors and very little in the way of a hospital or ER to speak of.

[Packard fan]

Prescott.

Too; if the OP's willing to drive less than 1 hour away from Courthouse Square in Prescott, there's Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, Mayer, Cordes Junction and so on.

Another place that might be good is Sierra Vista.

[Nana27]

Thanks for the suggestions.