Budget-Friendly Ways to Explore Sierra Vista

desert neighborhood

Sierra Vista is a great place to live, whether you are just starting a career, looking for a safe place to raise your children, or relocating for retirement. When you move into your new home, you might be in search of ways to get to know your new city without spending lots of money—you will have new furniture to buy and moving expenses to cover, after all. Fortunately, Sierra Vista has a thriving outdoor culture that you can easily become involved in as well as annual special events that can help you get to know your neighbors and absorb some local color. Keep reading for a closer look at some ways to explore Sierra Vista that won’t break your budget.

Get Outside

Many Sierra Vista residents love hitting the outdoors for some sun and exercise, and there is no shortage of beautiful places to see. Sierra Vista literally means “mountain view,” so you can get probably get a great view of the outdoors right from your backyard. Of course, you’ll also want to do some up-close exploring with these activities:

 

  • Hiking – The Huachuca Mountains may become your playground if you love to hike, and there are trails ranging from steep and rugged climbs to gentle nature walks. The Perimeter Trail is one of the easier hiking options, while Miller Canyon and Parker Lake offer trails with more elevation gain and rougher trails. The Lutz Canyon and Pomona Mine Trails will be some of the most difficult options out there, but they do reward with exceptional views and possible wildlife sightings.
  • Biking – If you’d rather go by bike, you’ll be delighted at the local mountain biking culture in Southern Arizona. Trails in Carr Canyon and Brown Canyon can offer thrilling rides, and you can easily find a mountain bike rental if you don’t yet have your own bike—though you probably will be motivated to buy one once you hit the trails. You can also do plenty of exploring in the city by bike, as Sierra Vista has invested in dedicated bike paths to make it easier to get around without taking your car out of the garage.
  • Birdwatching – Ramsey Canyon, which is a close drive to Sierra Vista, has been named as one of the best birdwatching areas in Arizona. It has been nicknamed the “Hummingbird Capital of the World,” and it offers easy hiking and great bird watching. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is also a prime birdwatching spot, since it is a protected wildlife area.

Explore the Local History

Fort Huachuca has more than just an Army base. There are places for civilians to visit, including the Fort Huachuca Museum. Admission to the museum is free of charge, and visitors will learn about the U.S. Army in the American Southwest as well as the Buffalo Soldiers in the Apache War.

Hit the Farmers Market

Sierra Vista has a vibrant Farmers Market that brings in vendors from throughout the area selling locally grown produce, meat, and other foods. Craft and restaurant vendors are also on site, so you can easily get a taste of Sierra Vista in one convenient place. The event is also a popular gathering, so you can meet other residents and mingle with your neighbors. The Farmers Market is held year-round every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check Out the Aquatic Center

It can heat up during the summer in Southern Arizona, and even fall days will remain fairly warm despite chillier evening temperatures. So, you might cool off in the wave pool at the Sierra Vista Aquatic Center. The center also has enclosed tube slides, lap pools, and diving boards, and admission is just four dollars—and less for children and senior citizens. You can also find great deals with seasonal passes or family passes, so you can enjoy recreation in the water whenever you want!

Attend Special Local Events

There are events happening in Sierra Vista in every season, and many are free to attend. In the fall, you can expect to see locals flocking to Cars in the Park, Art in the Park, and the Huachuca Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show.

If you are thinking of moving to Sierra Vista, a beautiful house built by Castle & Cooke may become the perfect place to call home. We have several growing neighborhoods in Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca, and many move-in ready homes are available to view today. To learn more, visit us online or give us a call at (520) 378-5110.

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