Bisbee is a hidden gem, not just because of the precious metals found here, but also its propensity to win awards. For example, this city has been rated as one of the top 50 places to live according to "Modern Maturity, and Money Magazine named it on a list of Top Ten Vacation Destinations.
Bisbee is a town of about 5,575 people and probably just as many tumbleweeds
Bisbee is a hidden gem, not just because of the precious metals found here, but also its propensity to win awards. For example, this city has been rated as one of the top 50 places to live according to "Modern Maturity, and Money Magazine named it on a list of Top Ten Vacation Destinations.
Bisbee is a town of about 5,575 people and probably just as many tumbleweeds. It is located about an hour and a half southeast of Tucson, and more importantly, a half hour north of the US/Mexico border. Like many tiny Arizona towns, Bisbee got its start in the mining field, due to the silver, gold, and copper found there. So whether you're into shiny stuff or saloons and cacti, you should be eager to start looking for a rental apartment in Bisbee.
Whether you are in search of tiny studio apartments or house rentals, you shouldn't have trouble finding what you need. That's because the vacancy rate here is a little higher than the national average. Apparently the cowboy life just isn't for everyone! Their loss is your gain, especially when you also factor in the cheap prices for homes here. Both the median rent and purchase price is less than the state and national average.
That should make the process of finding a place to live all the more pleasant for you. Just be sure to have some proof of income, a summary of your rental history, and a check for the amount of the deposit. And consider asking about all utilities paid rentals; when you can find them, they tend to simplify your life when it's time to pay the bills.
This city only has a little over 4 square miles, so it should come as no surprise that there are only three neighborhoods here. But each one is pretty distinct from the other two. Check out a few facts about each area of Bisbee before you decide where to start looking for houses and apts for rent.
City Center: This city center is not exactly in the center of the city. Confused yet? It's really on the northern edge, but that's just a minor detail. The main things you need to know about this area is that it is pretty walkable and has mostly single-family homes and a few rental apartment complexes. It is also home to the historic Copper Queen Hotel, which features a caf̩ and saloon inside.
Galena / Warren: If you want to live as close to Mexico as possible without actually crossing the border, this neighborhood is for you! It is also walkable, with a mixture of detached homes, mobile homes, and apartments. This area is just east of Arizona State Route 92, and it encompasses the Bisbee Municipal Airport.
Don Luis / Huachuca Terrace: This is on the western side of the city, right by the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Just be advised that it's not very walkable, but it does have a good mix of mobile homes, detached houses, and apartments.
In the good ol' days, Bisbee's Brewery Gulch boasted more than 40 saloons, which the city's many miners and ranch hands visited until prohibition forced them to close. Bisbee's nightlife might not be as hoppin' as it was in the 1800s, but you can still grab a cold one at Old Bisbee Brewing Company, St. Elmo's Bar, or Stock Exchange Bar, to name just a few of the "saloons" around these days. If you just want a bite to eat, Caf̩ Roka has won awards for its food, while Screaming Banshee Pizza and Wine Bar just sounds fun.
If the history of this old mining town interests you, head to Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum for some fun facts about the area. You can also check out Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park or the Arizona Cactus Botanical Garden. Other fun things to do here include taking a tour of the Copper Queen Mine, or heading a bit out of town to see nearby Benson's Karchner Caverns State Park. In fact, if you are up for traveling to another cowboy haven, drive north for 20 minutes to visit the historic western town of Tombstone.
And once you have put down some roots here, you will appreciate the events this city puts on. They include everything from the Bisbee Blues Festival to the Fiesta de las Aves. Whether you like the Wild Wild West or just want a quiet desert town to enjoy, you should check out Bisbee.
