Rural Living Today

Last Updated on October 30th, 2019

Our guide and recommendations for the Best Cell Phone Booster for Rural Areas.

Cell phones are a way of life nowadays, and having no signal or weak signal can be frustrating.

This is especially true if you live in a rural or remote location where you already must contend with a limited signal.

A lot of different issues can cause this.

Things like distance from cell towers, landscape interruptions like mountains and the materials your home is built with.

So how do you solve this problem?

One way is a cell phone signal booster.

These electronic devices will help boost your signal and allow you access to your cell phone service easily.

But there are so many to choose from that finding the one that will work right for you may cause you unwanted stress.

So, which one should you buy?

Best Cell Phone Booster for Rural Areas Reviews

In this guide, we will be giving you a few of the best cell phone booster for rural areas broken down into reviews and comparisons so that this decision doesn’t have to be so stressful.

To help you out even further, we will also impart a few factors and features you should use to weigh your options carefully.

Hopefully, by the time all is said and done, you will feel equipped and ready to pick up those dropped calls.

Let’s start with some of the best options on the market.

weBoost Connect 4G Indoor Cell Phone Booster

Our first entry is from a company that will show up on our list quite a few times, weBoost.

This indoor 4G cell phone booster is a great way to enhance your reception and make sure you don’t lose any important calls.

weBoost Cell Phone Boost Highlights

When you want an all-round super compatible booster, this model from weBoost is a great option.

Designed with features and benefits that will help you live a connected life even in the most rural areas, the 4G indoor booster is crafted with attention to the minutest details.

Benefits and features that make weBoost a great choice

• Ability to be used no matter what carrier you are with
• Capability to boost signal up to 32x
• Extended area of coverage (5000 sq. Ft.)
• All parts for easy installation included in the box
• Technology built-in to sense signals and their strength
• Tech that maximizes performance up to 75 OHM impedance
• Enhanced battery life of devices with minimized consumption of phone battery

weBoost Cell Phone Booster ~ The Good

The team that designed this cell phone booster wanted to make a piece of equipment that would be able to help the most people possible, and with the inclusion of smart technology and high compatibility with multiple devices and carriers this model certainly does that.

This model is easy to use and set up while being a high-performance booster.

Its ability to detect the signal strength and intelligently adjust its settings to get the optimal boost is a feature that simply makes this one of the best options out there today.

weBoost Cell Phone Booster ~ The Bad

Though it is mighty when it comes to boosting strength and all its specialized technology, there is still one flaw that we need to address.

The booster may have a little problem obtaining the required signal to do its magic when it is dealing with a weak signal of poor quality.

Even with this small flaw, which is not a universal issue, you can look at the specs, listen to the reviews and know that you are getting a high-quality piece of equipment that will help you stay connected.

weBoost Pros

• Compatible with all US cell providers
• Works with multiple devices
• Able to detect signal quality around the building

weBoost Cons

• The booster may struggle with weak signals

weBoost Home 4G Cell Phone Signal Booster

The second entry from weBoost has many of the same features and benefits as our last but is in a class all its own.

It is designed to help with multiple room enhancement of your cell phone service; the Home 4G is an excellent option for those families with multiple phones that simply want a little alone time.

weBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster Highlights

The tiny computers we all hold in our hands or keep in our pockets can be the answer to many of our questions, but only if they work.

That means finding a booster that is compatible with your service.

The Home 4G from weBoost amplifies 4G LTE and 3G signals allowing for a smoother browsing and less chance of issues with your service.

weBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster features and benefits

• Service coverage enhancement (1500 sq. ft.)
• Compatible with all US carriers
• Works with multiple devices
• Everything you need for set-up is included in the box
• Improved connection of up to 32x the source signal
• Built-in smart tech to sense signal conditions
• Optimized signal gains up to 60 dB

weBoost Signal Booster ~ The Good

This weBoost model is fitted with some of the best technology.

They ensure that what you get is a piece of equipment itemized for the most range and best signal enhancement possible.

With the easy-to-setup and use of the system, you get an extended range that will allow boosted service in multiple rooms in your home.

This means that everyone can be in their own corners while having those private calls or as they browse the web trying to find a great gift for the ones they love.

weBoost Signal Booster ~ The Bad

Though this model has everything you want and then some, many feel that it is a bit more expensive compared to similar models from other brands.

This may make it a poor choice for those looking to work on a little tighter of a budget.

If the price is not a concern for you, then making this the booster you choose for your cell phone needs is a great choice.

It is a well-constructed optimized piece of equipment that will help you out if you are living that quiet rural life.

weBoost Home Signal Booster Pros

• Enhanced high-grade signal boost
• Easy to set up and use
• Helps extend your cell phones battery life
• Warranty
• Automatic reception improvement
• Works with all carriers in the US

weBoost Home Signal Booster Cons

• Price

SureCall Fusion4Home Cell Phone Booster

Our next entry is a tremendous whole-home solution for anyone living a rural lifestyle.

The SureCall Fusion4Home is fitted with tons of great aspects that make this one of the best cell phone boosters available.

SureCall Fusion4Home Cell Phone Booster Product Highlights

This SureCall model offers the best optimization of your cell phone signal in comparison to many of its competitors.

Fitted with technology that serves to eliminate some issues that other boosters must deal with, the design team focused on efficiency and ease of use.

To construct the SureCall Fusion4Home cell phone booster, the team included the following features and benefits:

• Signal amplification that reaches up to 4000 sq. Ft
• Compatible with all North American service providers
• Works with multiple devices
• Comes with a high gain antenna (+9dB)
• Comes with all components needed for set-up
• Adjustable signal extender for better gain

SureCall Fusion4Home Cell Phone Booster – The Good

Making a complicated process easy to set-up and use, SureCall has some unique features that easily makes this stand out.

The ability to manually manage your gain gives you great control too, to ensure that you are getting the best quality sound while maximizing your signal coverage.

This is a great choice for anyone living in a multiple-levels home that wants to be able to easily access their cell, and any other devices freely as they stroll around their home.

SureCall Fusion4Home Cell Phone Booster – The Bad

There are, however, a few design issues that some take issue with.

The first is that the power cord is connected to the unit through the top, and that may make it more challenging to discreetly tuck away.

The owner’s manual does not make the process of set-up easier as many find it hard to follow and read.

The installation can be done quickly, though, with just a little patience.

Lastly, some do feel that the internal antenna does have some limitations when it comes to the signal strength it outputs.

None of the issues above are ones that are complained about by every customer.

However, knowing about them may deter you from making this your final choice.

If, however you overlook these slight drawbacks, you may find that the SureCall Fusion4Home is just the right high-quality cell phone booster for your home.

SureCall Cell Phone Booster Pros

• Easy to set-up and use
• Ability to manually adjust gain settings
• Large coverage area (3000 sq. ft.)
• Works with multiple floor home layouts

SureCall Cell Phone Booster Cons

• Reception strength of the indoor antenna
• Power cord connection (top of unit)
• Owner’s manual is hard to read

weBoost Connect 4G-X Cell Phone Booster

Our last entry from weBoost comes in the form of their 4G-X model.

This unit brings with it the weBoost focus on crafting high-quality pieces boosters that help enhance your life.

weBoost Connect 4G-X Cell Phone Booster Highlights

This model once again comes with many of the patented abilities and features that make all the other models such great choices for rural areas.

This model does have a few extra features as well.

Here is everything you will be able to take advantage of when using the weBoost Connect 4G-X model:

• Works with North American Carriers
• Technology designed to optimize 3G and 4G LTE signals (32x)
• High-grade gain capability (up to 70dB)
• Large range of coverage (7500 sq. ft.)
• Comes with everything you need for set-up
• Built-in auto-gain capability
• Extends the battery life of devices

What’s Good about weBoost Connect 4G-X

You want a booster that is going to be able to handle a large area that is especially needed when dealing with a home unit, and this is perfect.

That, combined with the high quality of the gain and the ability to be compatible with multiple carriers, make this a versatile and high-quality choice for any rural home.

What’s Bad weBoost Connect 4G-X

It takes a lot to work as hard as this unit does and unfortunately that leads to a little bit of a heat dissipation issue.

That means that when in heavy use, you may find that this model tends to heat up easily, and that could affect the life span of the unit in the end.

By making sure you situate the unit in a well-ventilated area, you can combat the heat issue.

This will make it avoid the problem and leave you with a great quality option that will boost your signal easily.

weBoost Connect 4G-X Booster Pros

• Built-in auto-gain technology
• Decreased battery use
• Works with carriers in both the US and Canada
• Extended coverage range

weBoost Connect 4G-X Booster Cons

• Issues with booster heating up

HiBoost 15K Smart Link Cell Phone Booster

Our next entry is elevated through its use of a downloadable app to help with set-up.

The HiBoost 15K Smart Link is a system that brings with it a lot of great features.

HiBoost 15K Smart Link Cell Phone Booster Highlights

When you want to boost your bars, this system from HiBoost is an excellent option.

Constructed with tons of features and benefits solely designed to create the optimal signal-boosting no matter where you live.

Features and benefits of the HiBoost 15K Smart Link Cell Phone Booster include

• Multiple signals boosted (2G, 3G, & 4G LTE)
• Works with all North American carriers
• Downloadable app for easy install
• Extended signal coverage (15,000 sq. ft.)
• Fitted with an easy to read LCD
• Built with a heat dissipation system

HiBoost 15K Smart Link Good

The installation using a downloadable app may be nothing new to some industries, but it is when it comes to signal boosters.

The fact that this system includes that capability as well as an easy to read LCD screen makes the HiBoost 15K Smart Link stand out above the rest.

Then when you think of the square footage of coverage, you soon realize that this is the perfect option for large homes or even offices and businesses that are rural but still want ultimate connectivity.

HiBoost 15K Smart Link Bad

Though it does cover a large area, it does have one minor flaw in its design.

This is that the more people that use this system at the same time, the slower the system will work.

If you are a small company or family, then this unit will be a fantastic option for you.

HiBoost 15K Smart Link Booster Pros

• Installation is easy
• Enhanced and optimized cell phone signal
• Ability to be used by multiple devices
• Works with all North American carriers

HiBoost 15K Smart Link Booster Cons

• Speed may vary depending on how many are using it

Cel-Fi GO X Cell Phone Booster

Our last entry is from Cel-Fi and is an extensive coverage booster that is designed with the highest efficiency in mind.

Cel-Fi GO X Highlights

Built to be a single carrier booster with the capability to work with whatever carrier you use, this cell phone booster is created with the highest level of features and benefits that you can get.

Cel-Fi GO X features and benefits include:

• Multiple carriers compatible with one carrier use
• No wired internet connection required
• The kit comes with everything you need for installation
• Extended coverage up to 15,000 sq. Ft.

Cel-Fi GO X Pros

Another great choice for rural businesses or large floor plan homes the Cel-Fi GO X offers an elevated performance of multiple devices.

The enhanced signal allows for faster browsing and less cell phone interruptions when trying to get your work done.

• Optimized enhancement of signal
• Faster browsing speeds
• Great customer service

Cel-Fi GO X Cons

Though the benefits of this unit are great, there are still some things that some recent buyers took issue with.

The first and biggest is the actual set-up.

Many feel that it is too complicated and may end in some serious manual adjustments needed to get the most out of the unit.

The last issue is that where it is compatible with multiple carriers, you will only be able to set it up for use with one.

Even with the complicated set-up, choosing this cell phone signal booster will leave you, and your cell phone needs more than covered.

• Set up can be complicated
• May need to adjust the setting for optimal use
• Not able to use more than one carrier

Cell Phone Signal Booster Buyer’s Guide

Technology can be a great tool to help you with your daily lives and any hurdles you develop along the way.

But choosing how to do this and which piece will give you the best results can be quite tricky.

There are so many new concepts and features that, for most, seem confusing and foreign.

Even with the permeation of technology in our society, there can still be a little stage fright when you start reading all the complicated terminology and trying to dive in deep to make your decision.

That’s why we have carefully curated a list of some of the most essential features and factors that you, as the consumer, should keep in mind when considering which cell phone booster is right for you and your location needs.

Finding one that meets the requirements of your situation can be easily determined by paying close attention to the following:

Wireless vs. Cradle Cell Phone Signal Boosters

This feature comes into importance when you are looking at the ability to boost one or many cell phones.

The wireless models are, of course, wireless and use this signal to be able to provide a beefed-up signal to multiple devices all at the same time.

These models will tend to be more expensive, but if you are living in a house with more than one cell phone user, then that expense may be worth it in the long run.

The other option is a cradle model.

These, as the name infers, use a cradle as the boosting source and are only useful if you are intent on boosting only one cell phone.

They work well to amp the signal, but if you are a family or a small business in a rural area may not be the right choice for you.

Signal Booster Band Coverage

Cell phone bands need to be another consideration when looking at which cell phone booster will work for you.

These are the radio signals that each carrier uses and distributes through their towers that allow your phone to connect and use data.

This can be affected by your phone make as well (but we will talk about that in just a moment).

Typically, newer models go up to 4G, and some are even starting to do 5G.

Depending on your cell phone carrier you will have access to multiple bands all with different frequencies, and that means making sure that your booster works with the carrier’s band coverage is vitally important to get the most out of it.

Signal Booster Cell Phone Compatibility

Making sure that your cell phone model will be compatible with the booster is the first piece of this compatibility process.

Not all phones are created equal, and if you have a phone that isn’t supported by the above band coverage, then your cell phone booster won’t be able to interact and boost that cell signal.

The second part of the compatibility quandary is making sure that it works with your carrier.

Once again, every carrier has different frequencies and bands and choosing a cell phone booster that doesn’t coincide with their specs will render our choice useless and a waste of money.

Cell Phone Signal Strength

There are two main signal strengths when you are looking for your cell phone booster.

You can choose between high-gain and low-gain antennas.

Neither is worse than the other, rather better equipped for specific situations.

You will want to go with the high-gain option if you are in a rural area, not near any towers.

Try looking for one that has at the very minimum a 5dBi signal strength; this will increase your chance of uninterrupted service and make for a better all-around performing cell phone booster.

Now if you are rural, but not that rural, and live where there is a tower close, but there are a lot of buildings and obstructions like mountains, then trying a low-gain option would probably work best for you.

Home vs. Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Boosters

The last thing you need to consider is just where you will want to put this booster.

The most obvious is in your home.

If you are just doing it for downtime cell phone time or even if you work out of your home, this may be the perfect fit for you.

However, if you are on the move all the time in that rural community, for instance, you run a small farm and are continually needing to check the fields you may want to consider a cell phone booster for your vehicle.

If you are really in need of better service, then maybe one of each is a good idea.

Cell Phone Booster FAQs

The terminology you are unfamiliar with.

Concepts that you learned about in school but have never used since.

These are all things that you may run into when you are looking to purchase any new piece of technology.

That is why, as you begin your research, you may find yourself full of questions that you just know need to be answered before you make that final decision.

So, we have gathered together some of the most commonly asked questions and answered them below so that we can make this process as quick and painless as possible.

Without further ado, here are some FAQs that we think will help you out:

What is a Cell Phone Booster?

This piece of phone equipment is designed to take the already existing cell phone signal and amplify it.

It does this by using its three main elements: an outside antenna, an amplifier, and an inside antenna.

These three pieces combine to increase the gain and power of reception.

Do Cell Phone Boosters Work?

The answer is yes if you have a few things present.

The first is you must have some sort of signal already there for the unit to amplify.

The second is to make sure that you have purchased a cell phone booster that is compatible not only with your device but your carrier as well.

Then make sure to use the rest of our buyer’s guide to making sure you get the right one for your needs.

Are Cell Phone Boosters Worth it?

If you are anything like the rest of us, then yes there is a lot of great reasons to purchase a cell phone booster when you are living in a rural area.

The biggest and probably the most obvious is the uninterrupted service.

That means no more dropped calls or hard to understand calls that keep cutting in and out.

Plus, you will be able to live on that charge longer.

The enhancement of your signal will help your phone not have to eat so much battery up while roaming for service.

Plus, a cell phone booster is not only good for calls; it can help you be able to browse faster as well.

Then there is the important stuff like a boosted signal that will allow you to have access to emergency services if needed.

So, these simple to install and use tools are worth it if you want to stay connected as much as possible.

Are Cell Phone Signal Boosters Safe?

You may wonder if these little lifesavers are safe?

Do they emit some sort of radiation we should worry about?

Many people ask these questions, and the answer is there is a small amount, but no more than your cell phone emits on its own.

In fact, by using a cell phone booster, you may be decreasing that radiation as well.

You see a weak signal will cause your cell phone to use more power looking for that signal, and that means more radiation is present.

As a note the radiation emitted by your cell phone is less than 1 watt, and so it is not something that you should worry about.

So yes, a cell phone signal booster is perfectly safe.

How Does a Signal Booster Work?

Understanding how a signal booster works could help you determine where to house it and which one you should buy.

How a cell phone signal boosters works:

• The outside antenna searches the airwaves for the band coverage from the carrier’s tower and brings it to the amplifier.
• The amplifier then takes that signal and boosts it. This takes the signal from the tower and enhances your reception to your cell phone.
• Through this boosted connection, your device can more smoothly interact with the signals being delivered via that cell phone tower that is so far away.

Why Do Signal Strength Weaken?

Three big culprits may be causing you to lose, or experience interrupted service.

The first is that you may be too far from a tower.

Though as the reliance on cell phones become more and more important, this becomes less likely as most carriers have built several and are continually building cell phone towers.

Still, some rural areas just aren’t serviced by every carrier (or any) yet.

The next reason for the weakened signal is the materials used to construct some buildings.

Depending on what materials are used, you may find certain buildings are better for your service than others.

Buildings made of thick concrete or heavy metals sometimes interfere with service.

The last of the three significant contributors to cell phone signal degradation is good old mother nature.

Certain natural structures can interfere with signals.

Most commonly mountains.

These have the same issue as the man-made structure, as radio signals cannot always penetrate them or follow those curving paths, we have crafted through them.

Best Cell Phone Booster for Rural Areas

In the end, having access to a strong signal is a crucial part of everyday life nowadays.

That is why even when you are living the quiet life out in those rural areas that you may want to invest in a cell phone booster.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas

Hopefully, with the six different for best cell phone booster for rural areas options and information that we have taken the liberty of pulling together for you in this guide, you now feel better armed and ready to make a choice that will bring better reception and no more dropped calls into you, your family or your business’ life.

Last Updated on October 14th, 2019

Rural Property Investment – There are about 60 million people, or one in five Americans, who live in rural areas in 2017, according to the US Census.

These people opted to enjoy rural living by residing on farmhouses, ranches, lake houses, or in cottages within the forests or on top of the mountains for a variety of reasons.

But is it really better to invest in rural properties instead of choosing to stay in the city?

Rural Property Investment: The Pros & Cons

Here are the advantages and disadvantages that you must consider when thinking about owning or investing in a rural property.

Advantages Of Investing In Rural Properties

Those who are thinking of owning a rural property can have a lot of options since there are a lot of properties available in the country.

This is because the US is composed of 97 percent of rural mass land while only 19.3 percent of the country’s population chose to live there.

Because of the lack of competition in rural areas, property prices are lower compared to those sold in the urban areas.

Most of the time, investing in a rural property only requires you to pay less than half of the price of a home in big metropolitan cities.

Also, there are fewer restrictions in rural property development compared to urban properties.

Most importantly, you can consider buying a rural property for your long-term goals.

This is caused by the continuous growth in urban and suburban populations every year.

You may invest in a very cheap rural property then sell it in a much higher value in the future.

If you are thinking of a property in Austin, Texas, you can take advantage of offers from Paradisa Homes and other real estate development teams to help you plan and construct the rural property of your dreams.

Disadvantages Of Investing In Rural Properties

Since the population is scarce in rural areas, you might not enjoy the same quality of public services that one might get in the metropolitan cities.

This means that there will be fewer hospitals, shopping centers, or federal offices near your location.

Also, investing in rural properties can be a risky move due to the small property market in the area.

The economic opportunities could also be very limited because of the fewer demand in these parts of the country.

In fact, you might have to think twice if you are planning to loan a huge amount to buy a property in the rural area.

This is because it is not advisable to have the property rented and depend on its revenue to pay for the loan.

In addition, rural areas have limited tourist attractions compared to bigger urban cities.

This could be a disadvantage for those who are planning to invest in a property in these areas.

These advantages and disadvantages will allow you to have an idea about what it is like to own a rural property.

It will also let you decide if you want to push through with the plan to own a property in the rural areas or not.

Investing In Rural Property: Challenges To Expect

But buying a rural property can still be a wise decision.

This will happen if you are willing to accept the fact that not all perks that you will enjoy the city are available in these areas.

But if you want the peace and quiet that comes with living in rural locations, then a property in this place will be the best choice for you.

Last Updated on October 30th, 2019

One of the benefits to rural living is seeing wildlife. When we set up our homestead in Tucson, Arizona, we didn’t expect to see desert wildlife on our property daily.

Mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians are right outside our window. Once there was a lizard in our kitchen sink.

We’ve seen a mountain lion snatch a rabbit. Another time, we watched a Gila monster amble by.

In addition, we’ve seen a variety of snakes, javelinas, bobcats, coyotes, roadrunners, packrats, kangaroo rats, ground squirrels, raccoons, a variety of toads and lizards, quail families, hawks, roadrunners, rabbits, bats, and owls.

While Tucson is a thriving city, we live in an area of town very close to the base Mt. Lemmon. It’s northeast of downtown Tucson in an area called Tanque Verde.

There is abundant wildlife in this area of native desert habitat. We see fauna on our property, traveling through dry washes in search of prey, and when we are out driving or walking along the dirt roads and paved streets.

We will continue to update this is pictures and videos of wildlife.

Desert wildlife Tucson

Many types of wildlife thrive in the desert. Here is some of what we’ve seen.

Snakes in Tucson

We’ve had our fair share of snakes on our property, including several western diamondback rattlesnakes. There was even a rattlesnake in our pool which we relocated to outside our pool wall with a snake grabber.

No matter what, we keep a safe distance from all snakes. About half the time they’ve been western diamondback rattlesnakes. The other times they were the very similar-looking, non-venomous snakes.

A few times we’ve seen (non-venomous) Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes on the road. They resemble the Sonoran Coralsnake which is venomous. There are many varieties of snakes in the Sonoran Desert.

Desert dwellers love having non-venomous snakes on their property. (More reptiles below.)

Mammals in the Sonoran Desert

Before moving to Tucson, we didn’t expect to see so many desert mammals. We see coyotes and bobcats regularly.

Bobcats

We see bobcats often, but there is one we see regularly taking the same path.

The bobcat comes out and walks under along the front of our shaded house to where we can no longer see it to hunt. We see it on his/her way back with something in its mouth.

We’re not sure if they are packrats, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats or other small mammals.

One time, we scrambled to video the baby bobcats when we saw a bobcat with her babies. They were so cute!

Coyotes

We see coyotes galore outside our front window and in our neighborhood.

Coyotes cross Catalina Highway, Tanque Verde Loop Road, and Soldier Trail at dusk.

We see them in the washes and often trotting down the street.

Once, when I was walking behind a residential neighborhood approximately two miles from my home, eight coyotes crossed the road.

They were half a block ahead of me — they just kept coming, one after the other! They didn’t pay me any attention, however, I turned and walked back from where I came from!

White tailed deer and mule deer

While we’ve seen deer within a mile radius of our home, this past spring and into early summer is the first time we saw them on our property. We saw them five different times.

Sometimes they were just passing through and other times, they stayed awhile to eat from the tops of the barrel cactus and from some bushes.

Mountain lions

Twice we’ve seen mountain lions. Each time, there was just one of them.

While it was in different years, the mountain lion was in our property in June, before the monsoons.

Both times, at first we thought it was a very large bobcat. However, mountain lions stand taller and are larger. When we learned there were mountain lion sightings in the Tanque Verde area, we realized that’s what it was. There were several posts about mountain lions on the neighborhood NextDoor site.

Javelinas

We see javelinas often around dusk. Homeowners know to keep their garbage cans secure so the javelinas don’t tip them over.

Like with all wildlife, residents here know not to approach javelinas.

Sonoran Desert mammals: rabbits, badger, bats, raccoons, pack rats

Other desert mammals we’ve seen around are black-tailed jackrabbits, a badger, Harris’ antelope squirrels (we thought they were chipmunks), pack rats, kangaroo rats, ground squirrels, a coati, bats, and raccoons.

We saw raccoons with a toad. My husband shined a light on them to see them better. A few minutes later, the raccoons came back, stood on their hind legs, and peered into our window. They wanted to see what the light was! It was incredible to see how smart they were.

So far we haven’t smelled or seen any skunks near our property though I did see one while camping at Molino Basin on Mt. Lemmon.

Arachnids in Tucson

Spiders in the Sonoran desert

Most of the spiders we’ve seen have been “good spiders.” These include wolf spiders and tarantulas. We leave these spiders alone — transport them outside — because they help with pest control.

We’ve had wolf spiders in our home — including our stove-top!

There are tarantulas as well. You will especially see them active at night.

So far we haven’t seen brown recluse spiders or black widows.

Scorpions

We learned the more residential the area, the greater chance scorpions will be inside your home.

The more rural your property, the less likely you will find them inside. This has been the case with us and our Tucson scorpion experience.

Our first home in Tucson was in a gated community — not very rural — and we had scorpions in our pool, out on our patio, and inside our home frequently. Now that we live in a rural setting, we’ve only had them a few times inside our home.

We’ve seen bark scorpions and whip-tailed scorpions since living here.

Reptiles in Tucson

We’ve already written about desert-dwelling snakes. In addition, we see various types of lizards daily.

Lizards

We see them so regularly we don’t think to take a picture. Soon we will add some pics.

Gila monsters

We’ve seen Gila monsters along the side of the road several times, in different locations in our local area.

In addition, we’ve had three sightings on our property in different places in two years.

Turtles and tortoises

When we visit Agua Caliente Park, we are sure to see turtles in the ponds.

In addition, many people are custodians of Sonoran Desert Tortoises outside their homes. The Sonoran-Desert Museum has a Tortoise Adoption Program and offers a lot of information.

Birds in the Sonoran Desert

Roadrunners, quail, hummingbirds, and hawks are a few of the birds we often see. We see cardinals, wrens, doves, and woodpeckers. There are other desert-loving birds as well.

We see woodpeckers on the high reaches of saguaro cactus. Hawks soar through the sky. At dusk, there are different bird species that swoop down by our pool.

Depending on the time of year, we see quail families — the adults quail shepherding their little baby quail. It’s common to see them crossing the road.

We see great horned owls also. Twice we’ve had mallard ducks in our pool.

Nearby Agua Caliente Park has many bird-watching opportunities. They have a board outside which lists all the bird species common to the Tucson area. It lists which birds are present year round, which are present in the winter and summer, and which are migratory. It also lists if the birds are common, uncommon, or rare.

Visitors and staff can mark off the birds they see in the park that month.

There are many bird species in Tucson.

Amphibians in the desert

Frogs and toads

We see tadpoles in the washes in the spring. In the summer, we see frogs and toads galore — some big, some small.

Some are outside our patio doors at night and some we find swimming in our pool during the day.

Common Sonoran desert toads include the Colorado river toad. We see them often. They are harmful to dogs. We don’t touch any toads (or any other living thing).

Insects in the desert

There are many types of insects in Tucson. What we see depends on the temperature, season and weather.

A lot also depends on how much rain we did or didn’t get. We’ve seen so many different insects living here. 

After a rain, our pool will be filled with flying ants. When we turn on an outside light, we attract many different species, including many beetles.

There is always something interesting coming or going!

Desert wildlife in Tucson

There are many places to visit in Tucson to see wildlife.

If you enjoy seeing them in their desert habitats, you may get to see them when you visit Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, or driving out to Redington Pass.

In addition, the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum is 21 acres of desert in which you can see animals in a desert setting. You can also see the pollinator gardens, walk through the aviary, and see other animals such as the Mexican gray wolf, Black bear, Bighorn sheep, javelinas, and more.

Taking a drive up Mount Lemmon will take you to additional eco-systems, depending how far up you go. Starting off, there are opportunities to see wildlife in a desert setting. The higher up you go — it reaches 9,157 feet — you will see different wildlife.

There is also the Reid Park Zoo.

Tucson desert wildlife

Our property feels very rural. Over time, we’ve set up solar, a water harvesting system, gardens, a woodworking area, hydroponics, and more.

Our two-acre homestead affords us privacy. However, everything we are doing to have a more rural experience we could do with much less land. We love seeing the wildlife and try to keep as much of the property native desert so we can encourage wildlife habitats.

It’s important to note, we don’t feed any wildlife. We don’t have bird feeders. Also, our garbage cans are in a secured area so javelinas can’t get to them.

In addition, we don’t have pets. So there isn’t a barking dog to scare away wildlife. Animals come and go — able to pass by undisturbed.

We had no idea there were so many species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and insects native to Tucson. On any given day, we can see 10+ different types of animals and other wildlife. It’s really an incredible experience.

Desert fauna abounds here near the base of Mt. Lemmon. It’s truly the Sonoran desert wildlife experience.

Last Updated on October 14th, 2019

Refinancing or Financing of Rural Properties – Despite 97% of America’s land area being rural, only 19.3% of the population lives there according to Census Bureau.

This can be attributed to several factors including desirable amenities in urban areas.

One major factor that, however, facilitates this phenomenon is the fact that financing or refinancing a rural property is way harder than an urban or suburban one.

Financing of Rural Properties

Even with federal programs such as the USDA loans that are aimed at encouraging home ownership in rural areas, getting money to buy a rural home is still hard.

Truth is, it takes a lot more to buy and develop a rural space or property compared to an urban one. Why?

Absence of Standard Utilities

Most rural properties lack utilities that are considered basic such as electricity and safe drinking water.

A factor that might deter mortgage lenders.

One may encounter problems with financial institutions in cases where the rural home’s water supply is from a well, which occurs more often than not.

They may decide to completely refuse to finance the purchase or hold off a certain percentage of the agreed amount until the water is tested.

Luckily, taking a water potability test early on before approaching these rural property finance lenders should be able to help eliminate this challenge.

Once the test which is done by the municipality or county proves the well water meets the guidelines of drinking water quality, lenders will be more open to the idea of financing or refinancing the property in question.

Lenders Dislike Uncertainty

Purchasing a rural home is harder because the rural property market is not as predictable as the urban property market.

A factor that makes mortgage lenders more hesitant. Lenders dislike uncertainties.

Normally, an individual seeking a mortgage loan has to present the lender with an appraisal report.

Now, appraisal, which is a fancy term for determining the value of something, is usually based on using the values of at least 3 houses sold in the last 6 months within a mile of the subject property.

Rural areas are sparsely populated and there way fewer houses that can be used to draw the value of the property.

The uncertain estimates which may be far from the property’s true value make lenders more unlikely to grant loans since they like working with known quantities.

Zoning, Size, and Use of Property In Question

Most rural properties are zoned into two categories; country residential and agricultural.

The first features small parcels of land say 1-3 acres.

Most property lenders prefer loaning cash for residential homes.

If the size of a property features a large land, a farm, livestock, a barn, etc., one is advised to seek the loan to finance the purchase from a local bank that finances farms or an agricultural lender.

Alternatively, the extra areas which are not inclusive of the garage, home, and 5-10 acres are not made part of the mortgage loan to value calculations. What No One Tells You About Selling a Home

Strict Loan Requirements When Refinancing or Financing of Rural Properties

Federal government programs that offer loans to support rural development have very strict requirements.

The United States Department of Agriculture, for example, does not issue loans.

Instead, it acts as a guarantor so one still has to find and convince the lending firm alone.

In cases where it does offer direct loans, not many can meet the set standards.

They only offer these direct loans to very low and low-income individuals whose income must be below 80% of the locality’s median salary.

If a property is far from a major city and therefore harder to get to or if the property is inaccessible due to bad roads, property lenders will most likely turn down a loan request.

Location, utilities, size, zoning, and challenges in establishing value are all factors that make it harder to get a lender to finance or refinance a rural home purchase.

This is however not to mean the venture is impossible.

Investing In Rural Property: Challenges To Expect

All one has to do is find fair lenders available in the specific type of property they wish to buy and to take necessary precautions to ensure the loan is approved.

Last Updated on November 12th, 2019

Air Conditioning Maintenance – By keeping your air conditioner well-maintained, not only will you avoid costly repair bills in the long term, but it can help reduce your energy costs right away.

When an air conditioner is in disrepair or even when there’s just dirt built upon the components, it has to work a lot harder to keep working.

Each year, air conditioners will cost homeowners $29 billion a year– and that’s in energy costs alone.

When you figure in maintenance and replacements, that number can quickly end up being more than half a trillion dollars a year.

Whether you’re looking for air conditioning installation in Aurora, CO, or want to ensure that your current system lasts another decade, these are maintenance steps you should keep in mind.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

The savings you get will probably be worth a small investment, too.

Below are the steps you may want to take to keep your air conditioner well-maintained all year.

Check, Clean, and Replace HVAC Filters

Having new, clean filters can reduce the energy consumption of your air conditioner by as much as 15%, according to the US Department of Energy.

Clean filters make it much easier for air to pass through them.

This allows the machine to work more efficiently.

Choosing the right filter may be a bit of a chore if you haven’t replaced your screens in a while.

However, once you know what you need, finding your next replacement will be a breeze.

Depending on the type of filter you purchase and your environment, how often you need to change your filters will vary.

However, most filters for home AC units will need to be replaced once a month or once every four weeks.

Clean AC Vents, Drains, and Air Conditioner Coils 

Your unit should be kept as clean as possible both inside and out…including portable air conditioner.

Any type of dirt on a coil, fin, and in a vent can block airflow and end up costing you more and more over time.

Pets, plants near an outdoor unit, or living in a rural area may mean you need to spend more time maintaining these types of things.

After cleaning, it’s a good idea to inspect any vents for leaks or damage.

Weather and wildlife can cause problems with any ventilation or air conditioning system.

Check to make sure vents are solid, airflow is steady, and all fins are in their original positions.

The condensation drain should also be maintained once in a while.

Doing so can help prevent the formation of clogs that may lead to necessary, costly repairs.

If a clog does occur, and you don’t catch it quickly, water damage may lead to more than a cosmetic imperfection.

You could end up with a weak or collapsed floor, mold, or worse.

Professional HVAC Maintenance

Every few years it’s a good idea to bring in a professional to take care of tasks like these as well as some maintenance tasks you may not be able, trained, or comfortable enough to do yourself.

For example, a professional can check refrigerant levels and replace it, if needed.

They can also perform several tests with specialized equipment that can quickly check the efficiency of your unit.

Last Updated on October 30th, 2019

Rural Home – Size of America’s homes are shrinking, according to Business Insider, with higher construction costs and higher wages charged by builders affecting both city and rural homeowners alike.

Even if you have a sizeable rural home, new additions to the family, a change on your home business, or even a new hobby can require an extension of space.

Clever Ways to Extend the Space of Your Rural Home

From glass extensions to a dedicated cabin for guests or your home business, there are many ways to create contrasting yet complementary spaces that fit into the natural surrounds.

Let in the Light

Glass has been touted a ‘modern’ material since the 1970s, yet if this material has one appealing quality, it is its ability to complement any style – from art deco to traditional brick, and of course, simple minimalistic constructions.

If you have enough space on either side of your home, adding a sunroom with glazed glass and an insulated roof and wall will enable you to enjoy floods of natural light while staying warm.

For inspiration on how glass can be used to increase space, check out work by Koichi Takada Architects, who recently topped traditional brick archways in Sydney with a stunning round glass tower.

Extending Outdoor Space

Building an al fresco terrace with the help of a remote control pergola or constructing a permanent flat roof to cover your terraced space will enable you to create various additional spaces in your home.

One terrace can house three or more spaces, including a resting area, dining room, and TV area.

Ideally, this space should have glass sliding doors or moveable crystal walls, to keep you safe from the elements in cold or hot weather.

Terraces can be pushed further forward through the use of decking.

Cedar, pine, and wood are some of the most popular choices for wooden decks.

Investing in an Independent Log Cabin

Ample plots of lands can definitely benefit from a log cabin construction.

Depending on how you wish to use the space, your cabin can contain specific pictures that will enhance your working or living experience.

Understanding what goes into log cabin plans is key, as it will stop you from making mistakes that can be expensive to fix.

Important considerations to consider include the number of stories you need, how much light your cabin will need, and whether or not you will need a basement.

If your cabin will be used for anything other than storage, make natural light a priority.

Large windows, sliding doors, and atrium rooftop are just a few ways to up the appeal factor of your cabin.

Adding Height

High ceilings add major style to living areas, increasing volume considerably and relaxing the mind by opening up available space.

If you have an attic, you can probably raise the ceiling in the space beneath it.

If you have a stick roof, you may have to remove the existing roof and build a completely new one.

You should also inquire about any building regulations, since a permit may be necessary before you create more vertical space.

Most people who own rural homes have one luxury that urban dwellers crave: space.

By either extending your home or building an entirely new space on your land, you can create your own home office or guests house without breaking the bank.

To whiz your home into the future, vertical height is definitely the way to go, since it will significantly increase volume and create the airy, elegant look that is gracing luxury homes featured in home style magazines across the globe.