RGV or AZ this Winter?

USAFBILL wrote:
We spent 4 seasons in the RGV before going to Apache Junction, AZ. Each has appealing features and each are totally different. Because we love the Southwest we stayed in Arizona. Never in Florida again, and it is the next state over so would really be a short drive...I recommend trying them all out while you can. Probably need a passport to visit over into Mexico now.

You still do not need a passport to get into Mexico from Texas but need one to get back!

We spent 4 seasons in the RGV before going to Apache Junction, AZ. Each has appealing features and each are totally different. Because we love the Southwest we stayed in Arizona. Never in Florida again, and it is the next state over so would really be a short drive...I recommend trying them all out while you can. Probably need a passport to visit over into Mexico now.

We go to Florida for several reasons one of which is that it is closer than AZ and we like the paved bicycle trails located there.

The RGV is the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It is the southernmost tip of Texas including towns like McAllen and Brownsville. Like someone else pointed out, is as much Northern Mexico as Southern Texas. That is not a slam, just the way it is. Last winter was much wetter and cooler than parts of Arizona. Over 400 RV parks to choose from.

okay -- I'll bite.....what/where is RGV??

I live in AZ and work in the RGV.

For me, since I am used to hot AZ summers, the RGV is more tolerable in winter, due the increased humidity. But since you are from MN and already like the winter weather in AZ, that is not much of an issue.

That said you said RGV compared to AZ which is not really a fair comparison since the RGV is a small part of TX and AZ is an entire state. So it would depend on where in AZ you want to stay: there are differences between PHX, Yuma, Quartzsite, and other areas.

In general I would say in the RGV it is much more of an "I am in Mexico" feel than in most areas in AZ. I hope that is not taken wrong, or as something as a negative.



Mike

We spent one winter at RGV then one winter in Az. That was 17 years ago. We like Az better as it is closer for old farts like the DW and I

We really like the RGV. They do a very good job of welcoming the snowbirds, and many community activities are planned to include them. In fact, at many of these activities, the snowbirds are the major attenders. You can find college and semi-pro basketball, as well as a fun hockey team. It's pretty cheap too.

That said, we may try Arizona for a while, since we would like to experience Quartzsite and the ham radio Quartzfest

Check out the RGV for one season. I did and have been coming back for ten. Cheap and windy, but fun. Especially if you are a dancer. Half the price or less than Florida, don't know about Arizona.

If you don't like the dust in (I'm assuming) Phoenix area, how about an area outside of Phoenix? How about East like Apache Junction or Red Mountain area?