BF sounds like the place for me ... wish it had been around when I was very young! However, I still have a lot of energy & desire to be with critters in nature - currently I'm a "Bark Buddy" with the local SPCA.
Would I be better off visiting in December (or any of the winter months) or is it necessary or best to wait for the roads to open, etc? Reading the website I have the impression that the most inexpensive time is the winter (cost is important to me). Currently I live in Florida, however I have lived in Chicago - probably one of the coldest place I've been.
Also, if after visiting I found I really wanted to go back - maybe semi-permanently or even permanently - is it pricey to live in the area?
Thank you for any advice and insights!
Diane
Hi Diane,
Welcome to the network. From Planning Your Visit:
http://www.bestfriends.org/atthesanctuary/angelcanyon/visitorfaq.cfm
Climate/Time Zone. Kanab sits at a high-desert elevation of approx. 5,000 ft and is in the Mountain Time Zone. Jan-March: Typically cold and sunny, often snows or rains. Can also be sunny, warm, and in the mid-60's. Be prepared for all types of weather. April-June: April can be stormy and windy. Otherwise sunny 50's-70's through May. June is warmer, usually into the 80's. July-Aug: Our hottest months, often 90-100 degrees. We typically experience summer thunderstorms and rain during this season, although it is usually brief. There is a danger of flash floods in canyons and washes. Hikers need to exercise great caution. Sept-Oct: Once the summer rains are over, it is typically dry, mild, and sunny. Our best season to be outdoors. Beautiful fall colors. Nov-Dec: Occasional snow before Thanksgiving, but November can also be mild and beautiful. December is cold, often with rain or snow.
I'm not sure what the housing prices are like now since the crash. I think there is a forum just for that, but I cannot recall the name.
Until one has loved an animal, part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France
I actually visited last December and the weather was fine. I was there from like the 5th to the 10th I believe somewhere around there. It got cold at night and was cold in the morning but by late morning the warmed was ver comfortable. Just a sweatshirt was fine.
The Cabins and Cottages on BF's property are cheaper to rent , I believe the cabin was about $55 a night and cottages were 70. I stayed in the cabin because I went by myself and the cabin was GREAT, I really loved it ,big enough for me and a sleepover dog. There are hotels in town and I know some are BF's friendly and some give discounts. I'm not sure what you ment by "the roads being open" because the roads aren't closed. The only thing about renting one of their cabins or cottages is that they fill up very fast, you can go on the website and they update daily which cabins/cottages are avail when and for how long http://network.bestfriends.org/groups/visitors/pages/Resources.aspx click on the updates vacancies for cottages/cabins.
I've looked into the living idea out in Kanab and its not the cheap. I thought you might beable to get a good deal on houses there since its a VERY SMALL town, but to my surprise they aren't that cheap.
I've been told it gets extremly hot there in the summer but no humidity. Anyway I really enjoyed my time there in december because I actually enjoy cooler weather and when your walking dogs for most of the day which I did it was great that the weather was cooler and more comfortable
Hope this helped and if you go you wont be dissappointed.
Laurie
I think the cost of living is relative to where you are coming from. I live in South Florida, so it would be more cost effective living in Kanab at the moment. I think most who feel that Kanab is expensive may be living in areas of the country with low cost of living. If you are used to Chicago weather, I doubt you'd find mountain desert winters all that challenging, though you are having to deal with curvy mountain driving which can be treacherous with the wind and a light dusting of snow. I always recommend several visits before making any kind of decision about a permanent move.
Pat
"The road to a Forever Home is paved with Sleepovers."