Any Decent Towns Near Phoenix? (Prescott, Casa Grande: allergies, living in, airport)

[Bates419]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Estrella park looks like it's pretty much in Phoenix...

Estrella Mountain Ranch is the Community. Definitely secluded from Phoenix.

[hikernut]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Cali would be ok,if it wasn't for wildfire season...

Same problem here in AZ if one lives in an area with trees or brush.

[pathrunner]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Then my assessment of Payson was correct,however it's a bit too far from the amenities I had mentioned.

Also you are correct about my snowbird tendencies,I was lucky enough when I was in my 20s to be able to travel like that. However now I am sort of stuck in one place,but am scouting out new horizons...

I myself would not live in Payson or nearby because I have health issues. It takes way too long to get to Scottsdale which has world-class healthcare but Payson's healthcare is lacking. I imagine that might improve in the next few years if more and more people move there.

Another thing that people researching AZ need to be aware of is seasonal allergies in a place like Payson. There is a huge problem there with "Mountain Juniper" trees, of which there are a lot. They shed twice a year. I believe it's October and April -- someone can correct me if that is wrong. I had a friend who stayed up there for several months in her daughter's A-frame. She had to leave because her allergies went nuts. It's a very common complaint.

I also understand that there are homeless folks (those who are unfortunate enough to be without a vehicle) living in the nearby forests in recent years. I'm not sure how much of a problem it has posed, but it is what I heard from a couple of locals.

[Sno0909]

I think you might be better served in Texas. Plenty of small towns near major metros. What you're looking for is not commonplace here.

[caryberry]

Arizona is hot as hell three months out of the year. Year round residents will freely testify to this. Don’t believe everything you read.

[agorski]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Too close to cold Flagstaff...

The Verde Valley (Cottonwood, Camp Verde) is not cold. It's all about the altitude. I live in Prescott and consider that area too warm for me (low 100's) but the winters are pleasant. And it's an easy drive to Sedona for more services if you need them.

[pathrunner]

4 years ago when I tried being a nomad briefly I ended up in Cottonwood at the end of April. I had planned on staying there for a couple weeks but I had to leave because it was so bloody hot. I'm talking 95. Thats too hot for even me (I love heat). Maybe that was unusual for Cottonwood and especially that time of year. I had just come from camping near Williams next to Dogwood Lake and that was bloody cold at night (April 21-25).

[hikernut]

All in my own subjective opinion...

The best "not too cold" and "not too hot" places in Arizona are at elevations of 4000-5000 feet. These areas see some summer highs north of 100 degrees, but unlike lower elevations the summer mornings are generally pleasant. They get some snow, but not large amounts like in Flagstaff.

If Payson is too far away, then there's nothing in the orbit of Phoenix that will meet the stated criteria.

Wickenburg's elevation is only 2000 feet, and it gets very hot in the summer.

[timothyaw]

Originally Posted by caryberry

Arizona is hot as hell three months out of the year. Year round residents will freely testify to this. Don’t believe everything you read.

"Arizona" is a very large state and not everywhere in the state is hot. Pretty much only the lower deserts get very hot. But even in the worst part of the summer Payson, Prescott and Sedona can still get into the 90's and low 100's.

[WK91]

Originally Posted by Truth11

I have no interest in cities...except for access to hospitals,airport etc. Are there any decent,uncrowded,non hick towns near Phoenix? Dare I say suburb even? Btw I don't care for cold weather either,that's why I'm looking near Phoenix...but not too hot either. I had been looking at places like Payson,but it might be a bit too far.

As best I can tell, here is your criteria based on your very vague post.

1) You want a small town somewhat close to Phoenix. I’m guessing your idea of close is 1 hour drive?
2) This town can’t be a hick town. I’m guessing your idea of a hick town would be Tonopah or something similiar?
3) Can’t be too cold.
4) But also can’t be too hot.

Man, that place does not exist. You are going to have to waive your requirement of proximity to Phoenix or your requirement that it can’t be too hot.

The Phoenix area is miserable in July, August, September. June and October are so-so. The other 7 months are paradise though, as far as the weather goes.

Prescott is probably your best bet, but it’s closer to two hours away than one.

But I no longer think Prescott is a good deal because housing is really expensive.

I still think it’s best to rent in AZ for half the year, like a Canadian snowbird, then go back home to wherever home is for the summer months. If you have the money, maybe buy a condo in North Scottsdale or Fountain Hills, but just have an exit plan to leave end of May and come back mid October.

That’s my plan. You don’t want to be stuck in the Phoenix area year round.