Considering around Sierra Vista...climate questions (Phoenix: cost of living, gardening, activities)

[gemstone1]

"There are a lot of goat heads in desert areas"....reminds me of my first time in Benson I rode my bike from the RV park behind Safeway, down main street and back....next morning both tires were flat....my introduction to goat heads. At the time, 2005, there was a bike shop on main street, he sold me something called No More Flats...it replaced the inner tubes, was a soft foam like flip flops.....can no longer find it. It was the best thing since rubber tires.

Regards
Gemstone1

[Bygeorge]

I think Sierra Vista is the best place to live in AZ. The only thing lacking is major medical and for that you might have to go into Tucson. Not a big deal unless you have a chronic condition demanding greater care. Otherwise, SV is super. I'd love to live there again but that goes back to the medical issue for me. Cannot have everything.

Now, if cycling is a big issue for you, then Tucson is exceptionally bike friendly. Check out "the loop" online. But, if the agriculture bit is more important, then you are likely to be happier around SV. I think you can find some acreage with a livable house on it to enjoy. HOWEVER, this is AZ and water is the 1000 pound gorilla. I urge you to establish your water source with any perspective properties.

Good luck to ya.

[Schwartzmann]

Originally Posted by ksdog

Am considering a retirement move to the Sierra Vista area. My concerns are climate related. I want to exercise more, ride bicycles, and grow a big garden. Was wondering how people fare in that region regarding working, exercising, and gardening ?

On growing a garden, Sierra Vista averages 14" of precipitation per year and half of that falls in July and August. The University of Arizona has published online a list of plants for the Sierra Vista area: https://cals.arizona.edu/cochise/mg/plant-list. A lot of the plants on the list are adapted to the high Sonoran desert and don't need additional watering. Many people's homes in the area are well (prettily, IMO) landscaped/planted.

This is an interesting article on cycling through Fort Huachuca: https://www.sierravistaaz.gov/biking...-kept-secrets/.

[Dangerous Dave]

Originally Posted by gemstone1

"There are a lot of goat heads in desert areas"....reminds me of my first time in Benson I rode my bike from the RV park behind Safeway, down main street and back....next morning both tires were flat....my introduction to goat heads. At the time, 2005, there was a bike shop on main street, he sold me something called No More Flats...it replaced the inner tubes, was a soft foam like flip flops.....can no longer find it. It was the best thing since rubber tires.

Regards
Gemstone1

Maybe Amazon? I remember seeing those, but never tried them. Mr. B's Bicycles in Yuma used to install thorn proof tubes, a thorn proof liner, and put the green slime in and all the labor for $50 and they guaranteed it for three years... if you got a flat, just bring it in and they would fix it but I never had an issue. And that place was goat heads galore!

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by Katera

I've not read anything about Sierra Vista being overrun by illegal immigrants. Does it being a military town maybe cut down on this some?

That's because it isn't "overrun by illegal immigrants". Neither is Benson for that matter. You actually see very few in either place. Are there some? Sure - but not nearly as many as you find further from the border. Folks sneaking across the border leave that area as fast as they can. In outlying areas around the city, you might see them from time to time as they pass through the border area itself, but you don't really see huge quantities of Hispanics in SV in general.

Much of what you hear about SE Arizona and illegal immigrants is BS spouted by folks pushing a political agenda. Some folks like to make it sound as if Cochise County is some kind of illegal immigrant war zone - something that is not even REMOTELY true. SV is VERY SAFE.

Ken

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by gemstone1

"There are a lot of goat heads in desert areas"....reminds me of my first time in Benson I rode my bike from the RV park behind Safeway, down main street and back....next morning both tires were flat....my introduction to goat heads. At the time, 2005, there was a bike shop on main street, he sold me something called No More Flats...it replaced the inner tubes, was a soft foam like flip flops.....can no longer find it. It was the best thing since rubber tires.

Regards
Gemstone1

Goat heads - like twisted water hoses - are the bane of my existence.
LOL - OUCH!

Ken

[meo92953]

The only thing I caution about is visiting in September. If I would have done that, I may not have moved here as I found it to be the hottest month.

Instead I visited in July and was captivated by the sunsets. They are gorgeous. And I liked the weather, especially coming from Minnesota which was having a really cold summer that year.

I think I will always be grateful that I visited when I did as it was so pleasant. I've been here two September's and both have been the only time it was really hot. It's nice mornings and evenings even then though.

One month out of twelve is not bad.

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by meo92953

The only thing I caution about is visiting in September. If I would have done that, I may not have moved here as I found it to be the hottest month.

Instead I visited in July and was captivated by the sunsets. They are gorgeous. And I liked the weather, especially coming from Minnesota which was having a really cold summer that year.

I think I will always be grateful that I visited when I did as it was so pleasant. I've been here two September's and both have been the only time it was really hot. It's nice mornings and evenings even then though.

One month out of twelve is not bad.

September is not typically the "hottest month".
JUNE is the hottest, followed by July, followed by August.

https://www.city-data.com/city/Sierra-Vista-Arizona.html

Ken

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by LordBalfor

September is not typically the "hottest month".
JUNE is the hottest, followed by July, followed by August.

https://www.city-data.com/city/Sierra-Vista-Arizona.html

Ken

Yeah, I was just about to respond with this. Not that it's the end of the world, but I never like it when people just post crap that isn't true. Thanks for your posting of the "facts."

https://www.google.com/search?q=us%2...a%20vista%20az

[ksdog]

Sure do appreciate all the replies. Booked our flight out to Az. mid August.