Arizona---Prescott vs Payson

[madmmac]

Looking at a sun belt possible land or home purchase in the near future for my semi-retirement present. I really can't sit still very long. Other city recommendations are welcome also.

Give me the +'s and -'s of both if you are able.

I don't want to swelter with the crowds and the heat of the valley, but I like the proximity to the college and pro sports and a bit of culture now and then. So the 100 or so mile drive does not bother me.

I enjoy golf, beer and good food...not always in that order.

May even look into buying or building a brew pub restaraunt there so that may play a role in the choice also.

Thanks ahead of time,

[Joeaksa]

Prescott just has a different feeling. They have several schools there, and its close to Sedona, where all the hippies tended to land years ago. Yes, many of them are still there, pushing everything under the sun.

Payson is more laid back and more of a retirement area, no college there (that I know of) and just up in the hills and slow living.

If I wanted some nightlife and were interested in a brewpub, believe that Prescott would be a better choice for you. Might come down and spend time in both places but they are really different.

[Moneyguy1]

"Preskit" is more what you are used to re: climate; four distinct seasons but with a western flair....one of the best known rodeos in the west. It is a sleepy place, and was on the "short list" when my wife and I were debating where to live. We opted for the southern part of the state...Still only hours away from all the northern goodies (Flagstaff, four corners, etc) but also close to Mountain retreats (sky islands if you prefer), Tombstone, Bisbee, Douglas, a number of national parks, and only a few hours from Rocky Point in Mexico for the Sea of Cortez.

The North has great access to Nevada, Utah, places in AZ like Jerome, Flag, Laughlin (Nev) Lake Havasau (where the London bridge is relocated), Sedona (beautiful). No place in AZ is a real loser. There is such a varied climate and scenery.

[Joeaksa]

Since Bob chimed in here, have you looked at Tucson? Its a larger city but still feels like a smaller town. I would move to Tucson in a heartbeat and have lived there before.

Also lived in the Douglas/Bisbee area and like it, but its isolated and right on the Mexico boarder. The illegals and drugs issue might preclude it. When I was there it was not a big deal but has mushroomed lately from what I hear.

[Moneyguy1]

Hey Joe...

You are welcome anytime!!

Bob

[DonDavis]

Presott has been Californicated. Real estate is through the roof unless you've been there >7 yrs. There's a couple brew pubs there.

I would look much more closely at Payson. As a matter of fact, I think I will. Can't think of a brew pub in Payson, though. Golf, casinos, tons of hiking, camping, drinking, fishing, lakes, drinking, dancing, and drinking.

[KNS]

Lived in "Preskit" for eight years, very nice town with four seasons. The size has exploded though in the last several years - tons of Californians and real estate is not so cheap. Much more social activties than Payson. Payson is much smaller, similar climate, a bit more forested.

[madmmac]

This is exactly what I'm looking for...keep them coming.

I have been to Tucson and Sedona.

Tucson = too hot and very little trees, unless you count cacti.

Sedona = amazing one of a kind beauty, kind of pricey, kind of wacky, but at least in a peaceful sort of way and the climate is not too extreme.

[Jeff]

Getting to and from Phoenix to Payson is easier/ quicker due to a four lane highway. There is some great fishing just north of Payson on the Mogollon rim. There are more Pelicans in Prescott.

[KNS]

Payson has a very small Porsche community but they are up there. I know of one guy who has a very nice P car collection including a 962 tucked away in a hanger.
C U L8R is right, much quicker shot to get up to Payson from Phoenix. Traffic on I-17 (main hwy heading up north) has gotten very congested in the last five years. Arizona is years behind on Highway construction.

[air-cool-me]

i live in prescott now...

Lots of outdoor activities.. lots of very nice drives..

sleepy tho

[Moneyguy1]

mad....Go a bit south of Tucson toward Tombstone and except for the mountains in the distance you would think you are somewhere in the northern part of the country. Trees, farms, open ponds, etc. They even have a considerable amount of snow down there, being above 4,000 feet (Nogales is actually cooler than Tucson although about 100 miles further south) Heck, here in the Old Pueblo we have a number of trees including a humongous lemon tree which shades an entire patio. Grass, even, in the back yard....good old hardy Bermuda. Needs very little water. As for the heat; it is something you get used to. I actually look forward to Summer. It all depends. In some areas you run from your heated house to your heated car to your heated office. Here we run from the air conditioned house to the air conditioned car to ...you get the jist....Not only that, but I can work outside 12 months of the year. The only difference is in the Summer I start at 7 and quit before noon.

[RoninLB]

La Quinta, Calif is surrounded with over 100 golf courses. It has its own water supply that no one else can tap into. A lot outside a gated community is about $150k. Snowbirds are mainly from west of Miss R. Great location but it's hot in the summer.

[air-cool-me]

I see your from Washington.... hum... I made the same move.

[madmmac]

Been to La Quinta and it gets pretty dang hot there.

Tombstone is pushing 200 miles to Phoenix and anytime you name a National Forest after a cactus, well, it's really not a forest to a person from Washington, The Evergreen State.