What do you know about Bisbee, Ariz? Has anyone spent any time there? Is it a good place to retire or just a day visit?

Thanks.

Hi, Sharon. If you repost under the heading, "What do you know about Bisbee, AZ?" it will catch the attention of anyone who can help you. Headings that are non-specific are usually not as effective.

We spent two days there. It was one day too long. If you go, see if you can find my camera that was snatched practically in front of my eyes off a hotel counter while I was checking in.

Patrick, you didn't have that electronic device to show the % of pickpockets in the area or was it turned off?

Patrick, Thanks. That's what I was afraid of.

There is an article in this month's Sunset magazine about Bisbee. They make it sound pretty interesting.

Sharon, I would suggest you tour it first to see if you would like to retire there--that's obvious, right? Just because Patrick didn't care for it doesn't mean you won't; you must have had some reason to consider it in the first place.

Yes, I totally agree with E. We don't all have the same ideas about what's neat and what isn't. I know thousands of people who retired to Cape Coral, Florida! I'd rather retire to New York City. So there!

Yes, E, definitely would visit and spend time there before even thinking of making a move. A family member is thinking about doing just that. So, I'm trying to get info. Also, pdxgirl, thanks, I will get Sunset mag and take a look. As always, thanks to everyone.

If you are looking to retire in an artist colony with nothing else to do,
Bisbee is your place. However, Tucson is a very popular retirement location (Pulte Homes is doing a great deal of construction there), and it is close enough to Bisbee if you want to spend a day there.

Bisbee is a strange oasis in the desert, the kind of place where a nonconformist wanting to drop out of the mainstream and slow life down a bit would feel right at home. The historical aspects of Bisbee certainly warrant a visit. Two nights would be fine. Stay at the Copper Queen hotel, dine at Cafe Roka, take a mine tour, and visit the funky galleries and shops. Also don't forget the museum downtown. The visible populace on our visit was a mix of aging hippies, historical preservationists, artists, and lost youth. I don't think it would be a place I would want to retire, but is well worth a weekend visit. Also visit nearlby Coronado Nat'l. Monument. Don't bother with southern Arizona's notorious tourist trap of Tombstone unless you want a Clark Griswold variety vacation.

I agree with Binthair's assessment (cute name, btw!). I wanted to add that there are loads of retirees in Sierra Vista and Hereford, which are less colorful but larger towns (well, SV is larger)about 20 min from Bisbee; Patagonia and Sonoita are slightly more remote, but picturesque, and also are popular with retirees. We lived in SV for 2 years and loved the weather and scenery; understand the palce is really growing in population, attracting chain restaurants and the like. I think that's too bad, but it makes the area that much more attractive to some.

We just spent a week in so. arizona. One day in Bisbee is enough. There is not enough amenities there to retire. The only place in so. arizona that offers enough to do is Tucson. The problem with Tucson though is the jet traffic in the area is too much. They have a commercial and a miltary airport in Tucson. I found Sierra Vista extremely disappointing. I was very suprised at the traffic and run down strip malls in that town. There are many tourist things to do in So. Arizona, but I would never retire there; even though I do like the desert.One thing not to miss in the area is the Sonoran desert museum. We LOVED it.

As usual, you guys are great to take time to respond. Thanks, Sharon

If you want to read any books with Bisbee as the locale - read J.A. Jance -with the Sheriff Johanna (can't remember her last name) any library will have some books.

Seems like a pretty dry dusty place - I'm more the Pines,Aspens, Mountains type of person. But someone must like it.