It has it's good side and it's bad...
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3/21/2007
Show Low is a little community about 45 miles from the New Mexico border. Take it from somebody who has lived here their whole life: the job opportunities here are terrible. Minimum wage is the norm. A high paying job is $13 to $15 an hour. Major employers are Navapache Hospital, Wal-Mart & Home Depot. And if you plan on opening up a business, the rent for space is based on California rental costs, so it's extremely high. And to buy commercial land in nearly impossible. There's very little to be had, and what's available is super high.
Lots of doctor's offices, yet health care here can be terrible. If you compare the wages to the home values, it's totally out of balance. A 1400 square foot home can go for $235,000 here, and it's not anything special. Rentals run around $1,000 a month. Most homeowners here are 2nd home owners/vaction homes.
The pollen in the spring makes everyone sick. The summer has terrible traffic throughout the mountains. And the winters can be cold, lots of snow and ice.
On the plus side, it's a relatively safe community. Sure, we have some crime, but nothing like the big cities. We have a casino on the Reservation, 2 multiplex theatres, and lots of little mom & pop resturants. No big chains. In the last few years, we've had JC Penney, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Sears move in. The summer weather is fantastic, with highs in the low 80's. The fall is beautiful when all the aspens and oaks change color. And if you like to ski, the ski resort is one of the best in the state.
It would be a great place to visit or have a vacation home in. But keep in mind the low wages and high housing if you plan to move here permanently.
Abhd | Show Low, AZ