Small Arizona Mountain Communities Report Population Growth
by Blanche Evans
Realtors in communities such as Tombstone, Pinetop, and Maricopa, Arizona are reporting rapid population growth and lots of new housing. Tombstone "Tombstone is the town that is too tough to die," jokes Realtor Vicki Lewis. "Located in the heart of the Old West, we are surrounded by beautiful mountains, open ranges and lots of blue skies. Our people are friendly and our atmosphere is relaxed. Come sit a spell and bunk down in Tombstone, Arizona." About the market, Lewis says, "Tombstone is booming. We are in the 'Sun Belt,' one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. We are seeing lots of new construction and new manufactured housing. Our commercial area is also growing. Our buyers consist mainly of retiring Baby Boomers and young families wanting to raise their children in a small town. We are surrounded by state land so we will always have that small town feeling. Our market is also strong with buyers wanting a second home. This is a good place to invest!" Pinetop "Pinetop is located in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona with cool summer temperatures," says Realtor Tom Clancy. "The Pinetop-Lakeside community is growing rapidly. As the population of Arizona continues to grow at such a rapid rate, new residents from out-of-state are looking for second homes with cooler summer temperatures. With the limited amount of land available for private ownership in the White Mountains, prices continue to move upward and make this a very good area for investment. Also, as Hwy. 260 from Payson continues to be improved, the commute time from Phoenix will be even shorter. The Pinetop-Lakeside community is in high demand because of everything it has to offer: cool summer climates, golfing, fishing, boating, hiking and skiing in the winter." Maricopa "Maricopa County is the fastest growing county in Arizona and many other states at this time," says Realtor Marilyn Fitzpatrick. "We have recently acquired numerous new business interests, sports complexes, the next Super Bowl, and even Donald Trump is giving us a look over! Our county is nestled between glorious mountains and is well known as the Valley of the Sun. She continues, "The building boom in Maricopa and surrounding areas will bring the population to double by 2010. Communities are popping up every three months. Builders have exhausted the central locations and have purchased every large tract of land in sight. All price ranges from $90,000 to $600,000 are available. With the mortgage rate favorable, and taxes reasonable compared to other major metro areas, first-time home buyers, upgrade home buyers, retired people, and second home buyers are coming in from everywhere. New and modern planned communities, shopping centers, sports complexes, schools and recreational facilities are a big draw. More businesses are opening and the renewal of Phoenix downtown will spur the financial growth." |
