Thinking of spending two months in Tucson
 

My DH and I are looking for a place in Arizona to spend two months, either January-February or February-March. We visited once southeast part of the state and loved this area so thinking about staying in Tucson or Serra Vista. We are interested in outdoor activities, having mountains not too far away with many hikes would be a big plus. Any personal suggestions for places to stay or rent? Do you recommend staying one month in Tucson then going to Sedona for another month? Or is staying in one place preferred, in your opinion? Should we go January/February or February/March? What do you think? Thank you for your help

Correction:
Should be 'Do you recommend staying one month in Tucson then going to Serra Vista for another month?'

Any other places to spend two months?

I live in Tucson so I am somewhat biased. Sierra Vista is growing by leaps & bounds but it is basically a military and military-retiree town. It's not where I would choose to live but each to their own. To me it is a long drive up to Tucson if you want to go "out" so to speak (theater, nice restuarants, the airport, etc.). I'm sure S.V. has a few nice places, but the town does not appeal to me.

Sedona is very touristy and will be quite cold in the winter. Actually winter is not all sunshine and warm weather out here. All the months you are considering can be cold (50's in the daytime is not unusual and 30's at night). It's kind of a crap-shoot as to which of the months you are considering would be best. If you are from a cold climate it will still seem warm to you here. We do get days with 65-70 degree weather too, but we also get rain in these months (and we need it, have not had much the last few years).

For a two month stay I'd suggest contacting a realtor and seeing about getting a condo, there are plenty of winter rentals in Tucson. Just do a web search.

There is plenty of hiking, mountains, around the Tucson area and Mt. Lemmom often has snow (makes for a nice ride up to "see" the snow, have lunch, etc.)

Tucson has lots of places to eat, lots of stores, theater, the University of Arizona and in general, more going on then a smaller place like S.V. or Sedona. It really all depends on what you want. If you wanted to visit Sedona you could always take a few days and drive up there if you were staying down this way. Likewise for Phoenix, it's only 100 miles up I-10 and easy to get to to attend sporting events, shop, theater, etc.

I was thinking about your question and also thought about Yuma as a place to winter. Apparently many "snowbirds" love the place (to me it's town you drive through on the way to San Diego). It also is growing like crazy. I guess it's ok if you like quiet living, golf, and being about 3 hours from San Diego (that's the best part). Winters are fairly mild too.

Having just moved from Tucson, I'd recommend you spend the time there. Don't care much for Sierra Vista and Yuma is a big NO!

If you decide on Tucson, the best area to be,IMO, is the north side next to the Catalina's. Plenty of hiking trails, a bike/walk path nearby,golf and a plenthora of good restaurants.

That's plethora as in many, numberous. I really can spell. Well most of the time!

"numberous"? I take that back, I can't spell!