Community Forums

RV Lifer · 08-18-2021, 05:26 AM

My wife and I are full timers (living but not traveling yet) for the last 6 years in Houston. I am taking a new job in Phoenix and have started looking for a place to live out there. I was hoping to get some suggestions on a good place in or around Phoenix that allows full time living. I also found out that electricity is crazy high and was looking for who you use. I looked into the taxes and we are looking to upgrade from the fifth wheel to a class A but now I am not so sure. I know this is long winded and the questions are all over the place but just trying to do things with the best information possible.

mrboyer · 08-18-2021, 07:04 AM

Are planning on staying in your RV? If so in Surprise, AZ is Happy Trails Resort which has 2000 lots. All lots are owned by individuals. Cost to rent varies greatly based on amities. Our electric cost was $75-$95 per month. We used electric for everything except LP Gas cook top.

96Bounder1st · 08-18-2021, 07:10 AM

APS is the expensive electrical utility.

Do not remember other one but I hear they are cheaper.

Terry

A winter Arizona resident

**hamm2018** · 08-18-2021, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Lifer

My wife and I are full timers (living but not traveling yet) for the last 6 years in Houston. I am taking a new job in Phoenix and have started looking for a place to live out there. I was hoping to get some suggestions on a good place in or around Phoenix that allows full time living. I also found out that electricity is crazy high and was looking for who you use. I looked into the taxes and we are looking to upgrade from the fifth wheel to a class A but now I am not so sure. I know this is long winded and the questions are all over the place but just trying to do things with the best information possible.

Allot of places I know of are age qualified, meaning over 55. If over 55 check into Cotton Lane RV in Goodyear. We stayed there 4 months over the winter and it was $600/month plus electric (about $50.00).
In April this year we did not leave until the 15th, it was already hitting triple digits at that time. People we meet that full time in their Class A at Cotton Lane told us that you do things in the early morning or after 8pm because it is just hot there.

Firewrench · 08-18-2021, 08:10 AM

We stayed at Destiny RV Park on Cotton Ln. They have sewer vent pipes at each end of every row. 6” pipes sticking 12 feet up in the air. The stench is bad. We won’t stay there again.

scenic route · 08-18-2021, 11:15 AM

It sounds like you intend on an extended stay once you choose your site. I'd keep what you have...there's more living area in a 40' foot 5th wheel than in a 40' MH. And, why deal with all the complicated 'travel' systems/maintenance of a MH when that is not your intention...for now?

Capt Steve · 08-18-2021, 11:19 AM

If you do end up buying another RV know that private private party sales in Arizona are not subject to sales tax... which can be a big number, just sayin. Also get familiar with the greater Phoenix area as it is huge. Your do not want to be someplace that necessitates a long commute every day so look for a place fairly close to where you will be employed.

Old-Biscuit · 08-18-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Steve

If you do end up buying another RV know that private private party sales in Arizona are not subject to sales tax... which can be a big number, just sayin. Also get familiar with the greater Phoenix area as it is huge. Your do not want to be someplace that necessitates a long commute every day so look for a place fairly close to where you will be employed.

Exactly...........

Where job is would have huge impact on where to look for FT RV Parking.

5 million folks all looking to go some where all the time
Add in the upgrades/construction to Loops, Interstates, Interchanges
Distance is measured in TIME not Miles

Good Luck!

96 Wideglide · 08-18-2021, 11:58 AM

Wow!

You get to chose who supplies your power? There must be power lines running everywhere!

mbridinger · 08-18-2021, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Wow!

You get to chose who supplies your power? There must be power lines running everywhere!

He is wrong. It depends on where you live.
OP
Le us know where you will be working unless you dont mind a 90 min commute.

twogypsies · 08-18-2021, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrboyer

Are planning on staying in your RV? If so in Surprise, AZ is Happy Trails Resort which has 2000 lots. All lots are owned by individuals. Cost to rent varies greatly based on amities. Our electric cost was $75-$95 per month. We used electric for everything except LP Gas cook top.

Look into this place. It's huge. The one perk is that many lots have a covered shelter which is a must for the summer heat. Of course, all those shelters aren't attractive, in my opinion, but if living year-round you need that. You didn't say how old you are though. Many places are 55+.

If staying long you might consider getting into a park that has Park Model permanent trailers or even mobile homes. They may be a little more efficient with electric use.

Old-Biscuit · 08-18-2021, 12:30 PM

APS & SRP are the 2 major Utility Service Providers

Depends on WHERE one lives as to which one is your provider

APS Phoenix proper and to the North/to the West
SRP surrounding Phoenix Proper and to the South/to the East

11 cents to 34 cents per KW/H depending on which Plan
APS/SRP rates are similar.....SRP does have higher PEAK cost

ftrvgypsi · 08-18-2021, 01:49 PM

I’ve been full timing for almost 2 years! Wound up in AZ about a year ago and have stayed at a few places. I now found my home at the latest place!! Monte Vista RV Resorts in Mesa!! It’s off the 202 and Guadalupe!! It’s clean, friendly and amazing and so are the people here! Activities are endless, 4 pools including a salt water pool, shuffleboard, silversmithing, stained glass, ball room, baseball Diamond, post office and the RV sites are brand new!! It’s about 20 minutes or so to Phoenix which isn’t bad!

RV Lifer · 08-19-2021, 05:07 AM

I want to thank you all for the tips. I will be working downtown at Banner health and yes my wife and I definitely qualify for the 55+....lol. Unfortunately living in Houston I am used to the 30 - 45 min. 15 mile commute everyday so living out a little way is not going to be a problem. We just want something quiet and safe that provides a certain amount of activities (my wife is home all day). I was looking at sunflower rv resort but am unsure how far out it is, but will definitely be checking on the other recommendations given here.