Historic Cochise County, which sits in the southeast corner of Arizona, features quaint cities with a small-town feel. Towns such as Benson, Bisbee and Sierra Vista average temperatures 10 degrees cooler, and the weather and terrain are captivating. The county’s beautiful terrain varies from grassland and arid-dry, flat desert, to pine-covered mountains.
Cochise County’s cost of living is lower than most larger, nearby urban areas, such as Tucson and Phoenix. The four major industries that reign are cattle, copper, cotton and vineyards. Fort Huachuca also has played a role in the development of the county and contributes to the local economy.
For the older demographic, the town of Benson has become a desirable retirement community. For example, Benson has access to medical facilities, green space, exercise and indoor swimming facilities, fairs, festivals, RV Parks, lakes, fishing, golf courses, hiking, national parks, museums, public transportation, and a nearby major airport. Housing in Benson is affordable with a range of choices from adult communities and assisted living, to rentals and homes. For senior assistance, Benson also offers eldercare facilities, Meals on Wheels, home care, visiting nurses and van services.
Local treasures
Cochise County also hosts a variety of state parks and museums, which spotlight the region’s beauty and rich cultural heritage. Kartchner Caverns State Park offers tours of living caverns, as well as Chiricahua National Monument. Cochise, who the county is named after, was the leader of the Chihuicahui local group of the Chokonen tribe, as well as chief of the Chiricahua Apache. Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” this monument features walking trails, a natural bridge and magnificent rock formations. Ash and Miller Canyons offer bird-lovers a treat with rare bird sightings. The Amerind Foundation Museum (http://www.amerind.org/) is a nonprofit archaeological and anthropological research center for Native American cultures. Benson Museum offers a look back to 1880, when Benson became a railroad town. Plus, both Bisbee Restoration Museum and Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum tell the story of the Warren Mining District.
Cochise County represents a great mix of interesting, active and affordable living. Keep an eye out for LandCentral properties in this desirable corner of the country.