Finally taking the make or break it trip!

[fadeddaisy26]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

Thanks for the update and glad you had a nice trip during our "winter!" I'm curious, what did you picture?

Honestly, I pictured a lot more "beige" and flat land. The rural towns shocked me by how small they really were...and in general how spread out civilization [town] really is. Different places felt like different states and a lot to do and learn..and I was pleasantly surprised. Seen a lot of pooled water and light flooding over streets. The lack of lighting and signs...Ordinances I was told, VERY different here where they can't cram enough signs and lights. Also when we were there it was topping out around 55 degrees. That felt cold [minus the Canadian Winds], I wish I had packed a light winter jacket..but there were still people out in shorts!? I look forward to future visits and seeing late summer.

[gemstone1]

"but there were still people out in shorts!?".....those were not natives. They were snowbirds, who when questioned about the shorts say "this isn't cold, it's -12 at "home", that's cold". Snowbirds are easy to spot....

Regards
Gemstone1

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by fadeddaisy26

Honestly, I pictured a lot more "beige" and flat land. The rural towns shocked me by how small they really were...and in general how spread out civilization [town] really is. Different places felt like different states and a lot to do and learn..and I was pleasan
tly surprised. Seen a lot of pooled water and light flooding over streets. The lack of lighting and signs...Ordinances I was told, VERY different here where they can't cram enough signs and lights. Also when we were there it was topping out around 55 degrees. That felt cold [minus the Canadian Winds], I wish I had packed a light winter jacket..but there were still people out in shorts!? I look forward to future visits and seeing late summer.

Yes it is pretty spread out and I believe that is part of the allure for people. However, as it continues to grow I think that aspect will slowly go away. Developers can't wait to build new housing developments on any open parcel here. We are at a critical point because, barring a total economic collapse, we should see continued growth and that usually leads to other issues familiar in other large cities. We have been fortunate to fly under the radar up until this point. Not anymore.

As for the topping out at 55 degrees you definitely hit our "winter" and I was miserable! Lol! Temps are now back into the mid 70s and I can smile again! Regardless of whether it's the mid 50s or mid 70s I appreciate that our weather is consistent and for the most part you will get sunshine nearly every day! Do come back in the summer, July if possible, to see how you react to the extreme heat.

[mattywo85]

I am glad you redirected your search effort to Tucson and surrounding areas. I have been to Tucson MANY times as I have family there. I am honestly not 100% fond of it but its better then KGM-BHC-LHC. If you are interested in those areas, or still planning on taking a trip here is what you need to know:

KGM is the smallest of the three in population. And its "growing" is severely overrated. The town has a mix of good areas and bad, and others on this forum will tell you KGM is a utopia...its not true. It has a huge drug problem, due in part to its travel corridor to/from Las Vegas and Phoenix. It is the closet to Las Vegas, but the 1.5 hour drive each way got to me. The town is actually very resistant of growth and has passed up on many business opportunities. Kingman would thrive if it would utilize its transportation location potential.

BHC is in the middle of the pack in terms of population. It is known for its river location and its next door neighbor, Laughlin, NV. There are casinos, watersports, etc and usually its pretty cheap to stay for a weekend vacation. BHC overall is a lot of bad, and a little good. The town has more of a gang influence and more serious crimes tend to take place.

LHC is the "nice city" in Mohave County. It has the largest population but is the most secluded. It is a huge spring break destination, which people tend to make a bigger deal then it is. There is not too many bad areas of LHC and more crimes tend to be more California warrants and small time drugs.

- The COL will be highest in LHC
- Summers are hotter in BHC/LHC, similar to Phoenix....maybe even a little hotter. But they also have warmer winters.
- LHC does have its share of retirees and people that are tired of California.
- Jobs are limited in Mohave County in general, and it tends to be a get experience county then go elsewhere.

[fadeddaisy26]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

Thanks for the update and glad you had a nice trip during our "winter!" I'm curious, what did you picture?

Originally Posted by mattywo85

I am glad you redirected your search effort to Tucson and surrounding areas. I have been to Tucson MANY times as I have family there. I am honestly not 100% fond of it but its better then KGM-BHC-LHC. If you are interested in those areas, or still planning on taking a trip here is what you need to know:

KGM is the smallest of the three in population. And its "growing" is severely overrated. The town has a mix of good areas and bad, and others on this forum will tell you KGM is a utopia...its not true. It has a huge drug problem, due in part to its travel corridor to/from Las Vegas and Phoenix. It is the closet to Las Vegas, but the 1.5 hour drive each way got to me. The town is actually very resistant of growth and has passed up on many business opportunities. Kingman would thrive if it would utilize its transportation location potential.

BHC is in the middle of the pack in terms of population. It is known for its river location and its next door neighbor, Laughlin, NV. There are casinos, watersports, etc and usually its pretty cheap to stay for a weekend vacation. BHC overall is a lot of bad, and a little good. The town has more of a gang influence and more serious crimes tend to take place.

LHC is the "nice city" in Mohave County. It has the largest population but is the most secluded. It is a huge spring break destination, which people tend to make a bigger deal then it is. There is not too many bad areas of LHC and more crimes tend to be more California warrants and small time drugs.

- The COL will be highest in LHC
- Summers are hotter in BHC/LHC, similar to Phoenix....maybe even a little hotter. But they also have warmer winters.
- LHC does have its share of retirees and people that are tired of California.
- Jobs are limited in Mohave County in general, and it tends to be a get experience county then go elsewhere.

As to explore for potential relocation, no. We will visit the area eventually. I am content with Tucson and its surrounding area(s). Just hoping to not miss water. Hundreds of lakes in lower MI and we kayak almost daily in the summer..that was the biggest reason Kingman and LHC came up. The dangerous heat is like the dangerous cold. I am hoping for a September trip..waiting for those airline ticket prices to drop again