Arizona retirement land? What do you think?

[birdnutz]

I'm thinking that with the way the economy has dropped that the rancher is selling out to keep the main ranch in the green. Thats happening here anyway.
I've researched Willcox and the average temps normally 95 highs and 34 lows. But has been recorded as 109 and 28 for lows. None of that scares me. I'd still rather have 2 months of extreme heat over 8-9 months of extreme cold!
Mamadragon, you have alot of good advice. I'll see about researching some and making phone calls on the others. And I LOVE adobe homes. DH and I were discussing an underground with an adobe front. Really want to try and stay as close to nature as possible. I'm not sure about the electricity though. I'd love to be able to say I'd stay off the grid,but not sure about that right away. Can't do without my internet or hubbies TV.
As for heat it would probably be a corn burner stove. In the video corn shouldn't be a problem. As for cooling a swamp cooler would be the way to go.

 

[poltroon]

I think I've been seeing ads for Eureka Springs for at least 3 years.

Ranches in that territory have to be huge to have enough vegetation and water to support cattle.

Go visit, stay a few weeks at least.

If you're looking at off the grid living, two great sources are the magazines Mother Earth News and Home Power.

Don't underestimate the issues with being far from medical care.

Good luck, wherever you end up. Just remember, there are no bargains in AZ real estate, especially not ones as heavily advertised as this one is.

 

[ole-crone]

My mother lives in AZ. She says she's starting to forget what rain looks like.

 

[Desertridingal]

I moved to arizona in 03 and love it. I am near phoenix right now, but, like you, am looking for land to retire on. There is lots of it...and hauling water is a very common and quite popular option. There are wells in many of these deserts and the land is going fast. North, is a town called St Johns...I have not been there yet, but have freinds who have...elevation is around 6500 and you can buy 30-40 acres for around $30, 000. I am seriously considering it...although you will have snow. Southern Arizona in the far south east offers the best deals...you can get cheaper by heading to Yuma but its kind of ugly out there. The south east has Tuscon and a cute western town called Tomb stone...you can get 30 acres out there for 40, 000 on up...and of course, the more you want the higher the price...the lots with electric are much higher. So...hope this helps! Maybe we'll be neighbors!

Those who buy in the south, tend to spend the summer months further north...to get away from the heat...it is quite possible to do that...and is what I am considering. Buying a lot in both areas. Its wonderful here...buit dont tell too many about it!

 

[Desertridingal]

Eureka springs is beautiful....it is an HOA however...you will have some restrictions which is why I am not interested.

 

[birdnutz]

They didn't mention a HOA in their ads. Takes me out of the picture. I'll see what I can find around Tombstone. Thanks Lots!