Strawberry offers Rim Country views and a seasonal mountain pace
You might recognize Strawberry’s Rim Country setting from reruns of "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams." The community’s rolling hills, pine forests and grassy meadows made it a perfect filming location for the rustic adventure series, and they continue to define the area as a peaceful mountain getaway today. The small Gila County town is just below the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic rock formation that makes up the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and rises thousands of feet above central Arizona. For those considering a move or a second home, Strawberry offers more than mountain views. It comes with a distinct seasonal pace, a range of housing options and a lifestyle grounded in the land and the Tonto National Forest.
Home prices range from the mid-$200,000s to the low $800,000s
Prices here are comparable to the neighboring town of Pine and nearby Payson, says longtime local Guy Pfister, a Realtor with DeLex Realty. He notes that Strawberry doesn't have a city sales tax, so residents "get a little break.” Manufactured homes are located throughout the community and sell from the high $200,000s to the low $400,000s. Single-family homes, from ranch-styles to contemporary cabins and A-frames, generally sell from the low $200,000s to around $800,000. The median lot size is about half an acre, with homes on a full acre or more selling at a higher cost. Homeowners in gated communities, such as Strawberry Hollow, will also have HOA fees. Short-term rentals are allowed, but you’ll need an annual state permit, and some HOAs set their own rules.
Homeownership considerations in Strawberry’s natural setting
Strawberry’s pine-filled setting makes wildfire awareness part of everyday life. Some neighborhoods participate in the Firewise USA program, which helps homeowners take steps to reduce the risk of fire damage. Additional considerations for homeowners here include:
- Flood zones and insurance: Homes near creeks or drainages may fall within special flood zones, for which lenders may require flood insurance.
- Water and wastewater systems: Many properties use private wells and septic systems, so inspections are a normal part of owning a home here.
- Internet access: Service is available but varies by address, with options ranging from cable or DSL to fixed wireless or satellite providers.
What it’s like living in Strawberry through all four seasons
Strawberry is largely a seasonal town, but there’s also a year-round community, Pfister says. And while many seasonal residents come from Arizona cities to beat the summertime’s 100-degree heat, “visitors come all year long," he says. "People like the pine trees for the holidays. Nothing better than hot cocoa and a Christmas tree." Snow is another reason Strawberry’s a favorite for winter retreats. “The roads stay clear. Typically, the snow melts off in a few days,” Pfister says. “It’s mild, with an occasional dump where we get [a few] feet, but that happens rarely.”
What outdoor recreation looks like near the Mogollon Rim
Pfister says, there’s “no resort nearby,” but that’s part of the appeal. Since Strawberry’s right by the Mogollon Rim, recreation has more to do with access to public land than defined amenities. Recreational avenues include:
- Hiking trails and hunting areas within the Tonto National Forest
- Direct access to the Mogollon Rim for high-elevation exploration
- Cross-country skiing opportunities on the Rim during winter
- Short drives to Blue Ridge Reservoir for casual trout fishing
Wildlife viewing is also popular, but folks don’t have to leave home for that. Elk and deer are common sights throughout town, often wandering through neighborhoods, playing or resting in yards. According to Pfister, you’ll probably see them every day.
Where locals eat, shop and drive for more amenities
A couple of Italian restaurants and some pubs with good eats are around the local bend of the Beeline Highway. More restaurants are nearby in Pine, which is also the closest town for grocery runs and doctors’ visits, thanks to Ponderosa Market and Banner Health Clinic. For chain restaurants, big-box shopping and the closest 24-hour emergency room, Payson is within a 20-mile drive, roughly 25 minutes when roads are clear. The Beeline Highway is a direct path to Payson and Phoenix, just over 100 miles away. Folks can also take Interstate 17 to the Valley, adding roughly 20 miles to the ride. Both routes typically take about two hours.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
