Dangers, downsides, or other considerations before buying a house that borders empty lot? (Tucson: real estate, crime)

[waywardphilosopher]

I'm interested in buying a house that has a backyard that looks out into an expansive vista. I'm wondering if there are any downsides that I should consider when contemplating this scenario. I've read all the threads I could find about scorpions, snakes, etc and it sounds like properties that border empty land will have more of those to deal with. Would increased crime also be an issue? I'm a young single woman. Anything I might be overlooking that you could point out to me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[jamies]

Build a 2-3' block wall with wrought iron around the property. Use snake guard fencing on gates. That will keep out 99% of crawlies. Spray the grounds, kills bugs, no bugs = no scorpions.

As for crime, lights, alarms, and guns should about cover it.

[gemstone1]

"I'm interested in buying a house that has a backyard that looks out into an expansive vista"....as far as I can see (pun intended) the benefits outweigh any potential critter downside.

Regards
Gemstone1

[observer53]

Where, generally, is the house? By "expansive vista" are we talking open, native desert or...? Is there a wall around the yard now?

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by jamies

Build a 2-3' block wall with wrought iron around the property. Use snake guard fencing on gates. That will keep out 99% of crawlies. Spray the grounds, kills bugs, no bugs = no scorpions.

As for crime, lights, alarms, and guns should about cover it.

[curly5759]

One thing to keep in mind is whether or not someone can build on the empty land and block your view with a McMansion or a wall/fence/trees,etc.
We have wonderful view where we are, but the property to the west has been cleared, subdivided and streets put in. We will lose our mountain views the homes go up over there. At least our southern view will remain open.

Curly

[wpme]

Anytime you buy next to vacant property its a gamble, even if it is BLM land it can someday be sold to a developer. If your lucky nothing ever happens in your lifetime, or it can be developed into homes nicer than yours, trashier than yours, commercial development, a used car lot, a body farm, a rendering plant, etc, etc, etc, etc

[waywardphilosopher]

Thanks, everyone. All very useful information.

Originally Posted by jamies

Build a 2-3' block wall with wrought iron around the property. Use snake guard fencing on gates. That will keep out 99% of crawlies. Spray the grounds, kills bugs, no bugs = no scorpions.

As for crime, lights, alarms, and guns should about cover it.

Great tips; thanks.

Originally Posted by gemstone1

"I'm interested in buying a house that has a backyard that looks out into an expansive vista"....as far as I can see (pun intended) the benefits outweigh any potential critter downside.

Regards
Gemstone1

I agree! Hoping there aren't more downsides I haven't thought of other than the greater number of critters.

Originally Posted by observer53

Where, generally, is the house? By "expansive vista" are we talking open, native desert or...? Is there a wall around the yard now?

Originally Posted by curly5759

One thing to keep in mind is whether or not someone can build on the empty land and block your view with a McMansion or a wall/fence/trees,etc.
We have wonderful view where we are, but the property to the west has been cleared, subdivided and streets put in. We will lose our mountain views the homes go up over there. At least our southern view will remain open.

Curly

So sorry to hear you're losing your beautiful view. Thanks for the advice, though... I will definitely keep it in mind.

Originally Posted by wpme

Anytime you buy next to vacant property its a gamble, even if it is BLM land it can someday be sold to a developer. If your lucky nothing ever happens in your lifetime, or it can be developed into homes nicer than yours, trashier than yours, commercial development, a used car lot, a body farm, a rendering plant, etc, etc, etc, etc

Yes, these are my concerns. Is there any land around Tucson that is completely protected? I see some nice homes on the outskirts of Tanque Verde, looking out into the "Santa Catalina Natural Area" (using GoogleMaps' terms; not sure what locals call these areas). I am assuming if one gets a property adjacent to these "natural" areas there's a high chance they won't be developed..? Is there a way to find out if there are any plans in the making -- public records I could search, etc?

The same goes for the Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley, Tuscon Estates. I'm looking for a property that borders some kind of protected area, if that's possible.

[wit-nit]

Check with your realtor about the issues you have. Check with your city's Planning and Zoning Dept about future zoning or growth plans for the area. Talk to existing neighbors about what they may know for future development.

[wpme]

Parks and Federally mandated Wilderness areas are pretty safe bets, but they do come with premium price tags. The holy grail of protected real estate is an in-holding