Rural community with open space, home of the Whetstone Mountains
Whetstone is far from town and close to livestock. “People who move here want a country lifestyle,” says Elizabeth Graves with Service First Realty, a Realtor since 2015 and an area resident since 1993. She’s also the local president of the Women’s Council of Realtors. “Sierra Vista is about 10 miles south, which is more like neighborhoods with subdivisions. You still have little communities out here, but everything is more spread out. If people have chickens, horses or goats, or if they want to farmstead, they’ll probably go to Whetstone.” This area isn’t totally disconnected, though. It still has a fire department, bar and grocery store. Homes, unless they're far out in the desert, have access to the power grid. It’s also the site of a major intersection between state routes 82 and 90, so tourists pass through here often. Huachuca City is a little town roughly 5 miles south, but most Whetstone residents work in Sierra Vista. The Whetstone Mountains are north for hikers, and the Chihuahuan Desert covers the region. “I love it here. The weather is always wonderful, and we have beautiful sunsets,” Graves says.
Get fresh ingredients at the Sierra Vista farmers near Whetstone.
The Whetstone community have large parcels often with livestock.
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Multiacre properties in the Chihuahuan Desert
Land is often why people buy in Whetstone. One acre starts at $15,000. For close to 400 acres, prices can reach $385,000. These bigger lots are usually farther from the community’s highways, and they’re typically zoned for livestock. For a multiacre property that’s already built out, ranch-style homes range from $225,000 to $450,000. They usually have gravel or dirt driveways, and neighbors have abundant space on either side. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are closer to the main roads, and they typically have a half-acre or less. They range from $30,000 to $200,000, so they’re the most budget-friendly option. Whatever their price, all homes were built between the 1950s and 2020s, and septic systems and wells are common. Mobile home parks cater to temporary residents along the neighborhood’s south side, just off state Route 82. The neighborhood’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4.
You are never too far from an ATV spot in Whetstone.
There are also traditional style ranch style homes availalbe in Whetstone.
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Desert exploration: Whetstone Mountains, San Pedro River
The Whetstone Mountains are just north of the neighborhood, a few miles up state Route 90. A part of the Coronado National Forest, this range has few established trails, but some people scale its 7,000-foot peaks. Apache Peak is the tallest at 7,711 feet, accessible from the range’s east side at French Joe Canyon. Kartchner Caverns State Park is at the base of these mountains, and park guides offer tours of its limestone halls. The central chamber, known as the Throne Room, has some of the largest formations in the state.
The San Pedro River flows along the neighborhood’s east side, and its San Pedro Trail follows the shallow water for about 40 miles. Additionally, San Pedro National Riparian Area protects this portion of the river, as many plant and animal species inhabit it. Fairbank is in this area too. This historic site started as a railroad town in the 1880s but is now abandoned. Visitors can learn about the ghost town’s history and see landmark buildings.
Buddy’s Bar, Dollar General and trips to Sierra Vista
Buddy’s Bar is the only restaurant in Whetstone. Just off state Route 82, this nightlife hub is popular with bikers and ranchers, and it usually has live music on the weekends. Visitors can play billiards or throw darts here, with sports games on the TVs in the background. Sante Fe Arts Pottery & Patio Furniture is a half-mile away with handmade goods. Nearby, Dollar General is the major grocer for this community, but the Safeway in Sierra Vista is roughly 10 miles south. Sierra Vista also has department stores and more shops, in addition to other restaurants. The German Café has imported beer and traditional German fare; Angry German is both a full-service restaurant and bakery.
Play billiards or darts at Buddy’s Bar in Whetstone.
For great deals, Whetstone locals head over to Dollar General.
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Top-rated high school in Tombstone Unified School District
Huachuca City School is in the neighboring town of the same name. About 5 miles south of Whetstone’s central intersection, this school serves prekindergarten through eighth grade and gets a B from Niche. Tombstone High is a short drive away, about 20 miles east of Whetstone. Niche gives it an A-minus and ranks it the No. 1 public high school in Cochise County. Its clubs include everything from esports to Dungeons & Dragons.
Huachuca City School
Tombstone High School Aerials
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The intersection of state routes 82 and 90
Whetstone has few sidewalks, and neighboring towns are miles away. Most people drive here, and highways are close to many homes. State Route 82 goes about 20 miles east to Tombstone; state Route 90 goes about 10 miles south to Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Driving 35 miles farther south, Naco serves as a port of entry into Mexico. Municipal airports are scattered throughout the desert, but Tucson International Airport offers commercial flights. It’s about 60 miles north of Whetstone.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Piter Beyt
Video By
Jordan Sain
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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