Lake Havasu City, AZ Reviews

the last, best place - 2/21/2011
I spent 50 years in Illinois. Great for what it was, but: weather, taxes and congestion drove me to consider a change. Moved to Lake Havasu City to continue my current career. I would NEVER go back. Climate, people and overall environment are unparallelled. Winter snowbirds are a mixed bag, but nothing objectionable; spring break college kids are...college kids.
Negatives: commercial air would be nice; a Costco would broaden shopping a bit. Economy is soft: like every other place in the country. Upside: 60some thousand residents. Downside: 60some thousand residents.
Never Read More

Lake Havasu City - 1/31/2011
Climate:
Probably one of the nicest changes for me, no more white stuff to shovel, leaves to rake and bag or grass to water, fertilize and mow. The weather here in Lake Havasu City is bright and sunny (300+ days per yr) and about 30 degrees warmer than what I was used to. There is no frost line; water pipes get run in the attic of homes as it never freezes here. Most of the year residents are in sunglasses, shorts, sandals and T-shirts. The humidity is very low, which makes the heat more bearable, and the air is extremely clear, so if you are in direct sunshine, regardless of time of year, you will feel much warmer than in the shade. That sounds simplistic, but what I’m trying to get across is that the sun/shade difference here is more extreme than in the Northeast. The bright sunshine will rapidly age anything left outside. Canvas (Boat Cover) turns brittle and will shred, PVC gets sunburned and brittle, shingle roofs have a short service life. If at all possible all storage Read More

love it here - 4/24/2009
I have lived in Lake Havasu since 1989. After spending time in numerous places throughout our country, I wouldn't live anywhere but here. Yes, it is hot in the summer, but that's why they invented air conditioning. The vistas are awe inspiring and the wild life is spectacular. Though some have a difficult time supporting themselves, there are many educational opportunities available at the 2 year college level where job skills can be updated and aid in obtaining better paying jobs. I personally went from eaking out a minimum wage living to being able to build a brand new home just by getting a 2 year computer degree at our local Mohave Community College campus. Over the last couple of years, the only negative thing I can say about Lake Havasu, is that is becoming more and more "Californicated". Our neighbors to the west have been moving here and trying to change our rural lifestyle into the over regulated suburban gated community living they left behind. That being said, this is a Read More

Housing Costs - 1/1/2009
Having just built a home in Lake Havasu City, I can tell you there a few bargains to be had in new construction. Even with a good price for the lot and home, extras such as retaining walls, landscaping, and swimming pool can push the price up substantially. On the other hand, if you can find an existing home that you like, you can make a very good deal. Approximately 60% of all homes for sale in LHC are in forclosure right now, and many have been on the market for 6-18 months. I bought my lot at the very peak of the real estate boom and paid more than twice what it's worth now. It won't matter since I'm not selling but it would have killed the deal as an Read More

Climate - 1/1/2009
For anyone wanting to escape the cold northern climates, Lake Havasu City represents the opposite extreme. Record low temps of 25-27 degrees F are rare with avg Jan temps around 64 for a high and 44 for a low. The real issue for anyone considering living here is how hot you like it. Havasu is in the Colorado River valley at about 500' elevation and surrounded by desert and low mountains. Summer temps are regularly in the 110-120 range with a record of 128. Washes run through the city to allow for rapid run off of the occasional down pours that can drop 1/2 to 1" in minutes and account for the approx 3 1/2" total precip annually. For me the heat and low humidity are Read More

Snowbirds and "Boat People" - 6/15/2008
Pros: The air is clean and clear. You can step outside your door and have a "postcard" view of the mountains or lake from almost anywhere in the town.
Most of the year the weather is absolutely beautiful.
Our drive to work is 5=10 minutes... there is virtually no traffic.
Very little crime. We sleep with our doors and windows open and feel safe.( I believe the local newspaper still prints the names/addresses of those who have been arrested)
There are no HOAs in most areas, you can let the weeds grow in your yard or paint your house pink with purple trim if you like.
If you have children it seems like a great place to raise kids. Lots of sports, activities for children. (but, I don't have small children, so don't know for sure.)
New mall just opened. Finally after years of having limited shopping. New restaurants and Movie theater coming!!

Cons: The town becomes a ghost town in the summer. Half the population (it seems) and winter Read More

FREE LAUNCH RAMP - 9/8/2007
I LOVE IT HERE L.H.C. AZ. GETS A LITTLE WARM BUT CAN LIVE WITH THAT. CAN'T LIVE WITH ALL THE INCONSIDERATE IDIOTS AT SITE SIX-FREE LAUNCH RAMP. I WAS TAUGHT TO GET YOUR STUFF READY BEFORE YOU BACK DOWN THE RAMP. SO MANY PEOPLE BACK DOWN THE RAMP, LOAD THE ICE CHEST,FISHIN' POLES, KIDS ETC.THIS SHOULD BE ALLREADY DONE WHEN YOU BACK DOWN. I HAVE LAUNCHED MY BOAT BY MYSELF, TIED IT OFF AT THE DOCK, JOGGED BACK TO PARK MY TRUCK, AND PEOPLE ARE STILL LOADING THERE BOAT OR PLAYING AROUND. NOT VERY CONSIDERATE WHEN YOU TAKE INTO ACCT. IT'S ABOUT 105-110DEG. OUT AND THERE ARE 1-80 BOATS AND OR TRAILERS WAITING TO BACK DOWN, IN Read More

As good as it gets - 1/5/2007
Sure lake Havasu has about 90 days where the heat can and will take your breath away but Buffalo NY has at least 120 day of the cold that takes your breath away. Personaly I would rather have heat than cold. The rest of the year the weather is pretty much perfect. The school systems here are a whole lot better than So Calafornia. Business are growing because Havasu's population has reached the 50,000+ mark and the surrounding cities are all experencing rapid growth. Lake Havasu City is a great place to live with housing still aforable for what you get. Those who came here to live in the 70,s and 80,s just might move on because realestate has gone up, however you still can get a whole lot of house for a resonable price. We moved here 2 years ago, bought a house for $325,000. that in most parts of America would of cost at least 20% more with out the great weather and views, to say nothing about the beautifull lake. Does it sound like I am trying to sell you something? Iam not, as far as Read More

Lake Havasu Lacks World Class Economic Development - 12/12/2006
Lake Havasu has shown great resolve at staying mired in antiquated economic development strategies and not investing in their community with regard to making it a place that talented, bright and productive people would find comfortable. They have refused to invest their own dollars to create a destination that would be attractive to residents other than retirees. Such examples are the recent decision not to redevelop their hallmark ancillary waterfront development "the English Village," in order to create a real community asset and bolster their lagging tourist economy. In addition the community has shown no interest in developing amenities that would make residents want to live there in the future such as performing arts, better schools, a real downtown, world class waterfront development, and even better shopping zones. They have chosen to disregard their thematic success from the days of the London Bridge and instead just do nothing. The only real reason retirees moved there Read More

Yuck! - 7/26/2006
I have lived in Lake Havasu City since 1998. I have never adapted to this place and I never will. Not to mention the unbearable heat, the lack of jobs, and the amount of drugies here is unbelievable. I thought moving here may better mine and my families life.....but I was wrong. I want to move away from here w/ my boyfriend and our children....I just need some direction! Please help if you can, ty. Natalie Dawson Read More