Move to AZ or NM....asap (Scottsdale, Flagstaff: sale, how much, mobile home)

[merky]

Hi All, I'm an American, born in Michigan, but now living in Ontario, Canada for the past nine years. I have bad Arthritis and has put me on a disability pension up here for the past two years. The wife left me because of it. Been here to long and can't get States SS cause of their point system.
I'm a artist in ceramic sculpture and establishing my own style up here and bring that artwork to my "new" State, but which one, AZ or NM?...and city / town?
I've put a lot of thought into this move, but could use some direction from anyone who is living their.
I don't need much but here's the list. I have no family so a mobile home would be fine and a bit in the country so an outdoor kiln would not freak the next door folks. Pet friendly, I have three Border Collies. Access to Nat. gas or propane, for heat if needed and the kiln.
Arthritis hates damp and cold, so dry heat and sun is best, I think.
An Arthritis specialist in a nearby city for my medical needs. Low cost of living and property taxes. Where is the art areas in these two States compare to the living areas I'm talking about?
Can a person buy cheep tobacco at the reservations or Mexico? Most of my time will be spent in my art work and exploring the area for inspiration.
Anyway, that's the main personal wants or needs, the rest food and drug stores, Wall-Mart, etc is what everyone needs.
Thanks for any info,
John

[MarcoMartillo]

merky, hey you have a similar deal as I do. Bad arthritis and living on art. NM is very very poor in the desert areas and in not very attractive condition so it doesn't really draw much tourism. But tourism is the best bet for the arts so NM could be tough. I have been in the NM desert for 8 months now and it's OK for me cause I have my own money and it's incredibly cheap to live here for awhile. I just came from the Cottonwood area which is near Jerome, Sedona, Prescott, and Flagstaff. It sounds like you could do well in Camp Verde or Lake Montezuma. They are way desert, affordable still, I think and in the midst of tourism ultra maximus. You could get a good deal on a MH and get all you need in Cottonwood which has like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Food City. It's also not hard to get clay etc. for pottery around there but I don't know the specific outlet. I do know of some potters and sculpters though and they always have the stuff they need including a good market. Check the Verde Valley newspaper, see what you think.

[merky]

Thanks Marco,
I'll check out those locations and newspaper.

[Steve-o]

Sante Fe or Scottsdale have HUGE art communities, more so Santa Fe. Both are expensive to live in, but outside Santa Fe is your best bet. The heat in the valley of PHX might be a bit much, Santa Fe's climate is much more liveable, and the town is phenominally beautiful, the most gorgeous city in the southwest.

[brian_2]

"I just came from the Cottonwood area which is near Jerome, Sedona, Prescott, and Flagstaff. It sounds like you could do well in Camp Verde or Lake Montezuma. They are way desert, affordable still, I think and in the midst of tourism ultra maximus."

My 2 y/o CV house is going on the market FSBO. You can see my previous posts here. I will not add sale specifics here as this is an informational forum (not craigslist). I can be contacted off-forum if I've piqued your interest.

[utsava]

It sounds like you would like places north or Flagstaff, the White Mountains or Tuscon, Bisbee.
Check these out.
Also check the climate and how much entertainement you need.
I met a woman she lives on propane and solar by the painted desert in a trailer, it is just so gorgous there.

Don't go anywhere else in arizona, but this is god's country up here.

[merky]

Thanks to all for the tips on the different areas. I'll check them out.