Looking for suggestions in Arizona to live. (Phoenix, Tucson: real estate, college)

[wildcat465]

You can get into Verrado in the mid-300s. It goes up from there and will go as high as you can take it. It is very nice regardless of price point.

[Tall Traveler]

Originally Posted by Skoster

My wife and I are moving back to the US after an extended period abroad and we are currently looking at places that meet our criteria.

Here is what is most important to us in terms of places to live:
1. Friendly people.
2. Good healthcare.
3. Small/medium sized city (perhaps around 10K - 30K people).
4. Reasonable COL with nice homes available for under 300K without high property taxes.
5. Warmer rather than colder weather, without significant extremes and with lots of natural beauty.
6. Local government that respects human rights and does not infringe on Constitutionally protected activities.
7. Excellent internet access.
8. Low crime - High safety.
9. Nowhere there has been rioting, looting or burning during the recent protests.

Pluses would be:
1. Organic markets.
2. Vegetarian options for dining.
3. Educational opportunities for my wife (ESL classes, perhaps a university or college if she chooses to attend).

Things that do not matter to us:
1. Job prospects - I work online.
2. Education - We intend to homeschool.

Please make some suggestions.

Thanks!

I don't think anywhere hits all of those marks. I would say Vail is a pretty good mix of what you are looking for.

[Hschlick84]

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Vail, Cottonwood check those areas.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Skoster

My wife and I are moving back to the US after an extended period abroad and we are currently looking at places that meet our criteria.

Here is what is most important to us in terms of places to live:
1. Friendly people.
2. Good healthcare.
3. Small/medium sized city (perhaps around 10K - 30K people).
4. Reasonable COL with nice homes available for under 300K without high property taxes.
5. Warmer rather than colder weather, without significant extremes and with lots of natural beauty.
6. Local government that respects human rights and does not infringe on Constitutionally protected activities.
7. Excellent internet access.
8. Low crime - High safety.
9. Nowhere there has been rioting, looting or burning during the recent protests.

Pluses would be:
1. Organic markets.
2. Vegetarian options for dining.
3. Educational opportunities for my wife (ESL classes, perhaps a university or college if she chooses to attend).

Things that do not matter to us:
1. Job prospects - I work online.
2. Education - We intend to homeschool.

Please make some suggestions.

Thanks!

Payson if you're definitely looking for a small town between 10,000 & 30,000 population, but internet access is unreliable, and health care isn't the best. Prescott if you don't mind a place with a population over 30,000. Both Prescott & Payson have an elevation of roughly 5,000, both have warm summers & cold winters with some snowfall, but you usually won't find extreme weather conditions in either place. Overall, I don't know of anywhere in AZ which fits exactly what you're looking for, although you'll certainly come close if you don't mind sacrificing a few things on your list.

[Skoster]

Just as a point of closure, we've decided to go to the Prescott area and surrounding (PV, Cottonwood, etc.) and check it out.

I really appreciate everyone's input and it's been a huge help!

[Code Stemi]

Originally Posted by Skoster

Just as a point of closure, we've decided to go to the Prescott area and surrounding (PV, Cottonwood, etc.) and check it out.

I really appreciate everyone's input and it's been a huge help!

Let us know what your thoughts once you're there! Beautiful nice area to live in

[Woody01]

Originally Posted by Skoster

Just as a point of closure, we've decided to go to the Prescott area and surrounding (PV, Cottonwood, etc.) and check it out.

I really appreciate everyone's input and it's been a huge help!

We love it here, moved about 9 mos ago.
It certainly checks all of your boxes :-)

Except the population is a bit larger, but with that you get the improved medical care, etc

Prescott and PV are at 40k each, but there are little towns around that have less, and you can always drive into the big city.

Good luck!

[Sour D]

Like Meth? Payson

Like Crime? Phoenix

Like Snakes? Tucson

Hope this helps.

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by Skoster

Just as a point of closure, we've decided to go to the Prescott area and surrounding (PV, Cottonwood, etc.) and check it out.

I really appreciate everyone's input and it's been a huge help!

I find that whole stretch from Cordes Lakes to Ash Fork traveling AZ 69 AND 89 to be quite ugly. That whole yellow grassland below the expensive Prescott pine line is as ugly as it gets to me. Prescott Valley Chino Valley and Paulden especially. Cheaper than Prescott but it is to me the worst of AZ. Very Red demographic too.

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by Sour D

Like Meth? Payson

Like Crime? Phoenix

Like Snakes? Tucson

Hope this helps.

I actually enjoy the Tucson area a great deal.Prettier and more diverse scenery at doorstep than in PHX. Not having a beltway does make east west travel difficult on city streets however. I feel it represents true SW charm not found in most of PHX area however. If one can make a reasonable living in Tucson...I recommend it.