Hi all - We are Canadian snowbirds (husband, wife and dog) in our 60s who would like to stay in or near Tucson, AZ next winter during the months of January and Feburary. We are hoping for something like a trailer park model in a resort but would consider renting a private home if available. We like quiet and do not like traffic. A place where we could hike and run the dog would be an asset.
Wife likes to shop and I like to ride my bike and we both like nice restaurants.
Any good tips on the campfire?
check out Green Valley, Benson, and Sierra Vista.
What kind of bike? Lot's of great mtb biking to be had,
Because I just stayed there for two nights earlier this month, I can tell you that the big Tucson KOA is very nice with lots of amenities. It is on the south side of town. They have about 400 spots and they were all full while I was there because the annual rock and gem show was going on.
That is all I know, but it is one idea for you. Good travels.
Sister rented a house in a development called Sadlebrook. This is 25 miles or so north of Tucson if i remember correctly.
http://www.saddlebrooke.org/
Little farther south is Pategonia, High desert with mearns quail and other critters.
Judging by "restaurants" and "shopping", I think you'd better stick to Tucson. It has a lot of beauty and some great access to lots of public land. Since you won't be a full timer, local politics isn't a concern I'm thinking.
It's a very big step from Tuscon to any of the other towns mentioned. If you're driving down, we'll have coffee in Phoenix.
We own a rental townhouse in Green Valley. January and February are peak months for vacation rentals there, and we and most other owners want at least three-month occupancy. Suggest you start checking Green Valley rental agents, the Green Valley News (both are on line) and other internet sources now, especially for January. Add December or April and you'll have a better chance at finding a reasonably priced unit.
Bill Quimby
"It's a very big step from Tuscon to any of the other towns mentioned."
Not so. Green Valley to downtown Tucson is a bit less than 20 miles via a 75mph highway.
Green Valley's infrastructure is based on short-term rentals. Tucson's is not. Green Valley is quiet, virtually crime-free and mostly restricted to persons 55 and older. Green Valley has about 22,000 people (in January/February). The several communities in the Tucson valley are pushing a population of a million people, with all that brings.
There are Green Valley golf courses a cart-ride from just about everywhere in town. Rentals like ours include access to multiple recreation and educational facilities tailored for retirees in the rental fees. Madera Canyon's U.S. Forest Service trails are 25 minutes or less away, and a casino regularly featuring known stage performers is even closer than that.
I was born and still live in Tucson, but if I were looking for an escape from Canadian winters, I'd check Green Valley and rent a place for three months instead of two.
Bill Quimby
PSE, I live between Tucson and Benson. Little place called Mescal. The weather is nearly perfect year round. We came here from Yuma so the summers here are enjoyable. Snowed Christmas Eve this year and gone by the end of Christmas Day.
We throughly enjoy living here. Benson is the closest town, about eight miles away. In Benson there are no movie theaters, restaurant aren't very good, Benson city government sucks, no fishing, non-resident hunting license are expensive, difficult to find a place to shoot legally unless you drive to Tucson or Sierra Vista. Several RV parks for winter visitors and the parks have their own recreation for the residents.
I am bragging not complaining because I enjoy my own company more than most people. I also have a nice black lab. The wife and I get along just fine.
If that kind of life suits you, check out Benson.
Green Valley is also just a short distance from Tubac which has very nice dining and lots of artsy shops. if i live long enough i will build there and spend winters there. been saying that for 20 years.lol