Why Do Sierra Vista Residents Travel to Tucson and Phoenix?

I've lived in Southeastern Arizona for more than three decades. I've seen many businesses and enterprises come and go in Cochise County. Despite the growth, there are still many services we don't have here, and because of that, many of us hit the road to fill the gaps.

I asked our social media audience why they leave town and travel up to Tucson or Phoenix, and I found many similar answers. Here's what our audience said.

Medical Care: The Biggest Reason We Hit the Road

Living in Sierra Vista means you don't have to deal with a lot of things you'd find in a big city, like traffic jams, for example. But it also means there are things you might need that you do not have ready access to—and that means a drive to Tucson or Phoenix.

Medical care tops the list of reasons folks travel outside of Cochise County. Nearly half of the respondents said they head to Tucson or Phoenix for specialist appointments, procedures, or care at major hospitals.

Related: Top 20 Retailers Cochise County Residents Would Like

According to a study by the University of Arizona, people who live in rural parts of our state often travel long distances for specialty care because their hometowns offer limited local availability. Whether it’s Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale or the VA in Tucson, healthcare is the number‑one reason people head to the bigger cities.

Shopping Runs: Costco, Trader Joe’s, And Everything We Don’t Have

Right behind medical needs is shopping. I'm sure no one is surprised by this one. Whenever I've asked what Sierra Vista needs, the top three answers are always Costco, Sam’s Club, and Trader Joe’s.

Sierra Vista has said it loud and clear: bulk groceries, home goods, and those Trader Joe’s snacks are worth the drive, and even when these places aren't the primary destination, they're often a side-quest after an appointment.

RELATED: Family-Owned Culver’s Sierra Vista Delivers Top Service

Entertainment And Family: Making A Day Of It

We're also looking for entertainment. Sure, we love catching live music at Veterans Memorial Park or a movie at Cinemark, but there's more to entertainment, and we'll drive to be part of it.

From concerts and sports to kids’ activities, zoos, aquariums, and Broadway tours, Tucson and Phoenix offer the kind of entertainment you just can’t get locally, and that often means a weekend trip to the big city.

Food, Cars, And Everything Else

Restaurant cravings, car service, and airport trips round out the list.  Sierra Vista may be home, but Tucson and Phoenix are where we fill in the gaps, with a day trip or a weekend getaway.