In the Western Apache language, Globe's name is Besh Ba Gowah, which means "place of metal." This refers to Globe's history in the mining industry, since silver and copper are among the resources found here.
Globe is a small town a little over an hour hour east of Phoenix and two hours north of Tucson. Think of a typical dusty little mining town with a heart of gold -- er, silver and copper -- and you've got Globe! Many people find it hard to discuss Globe without also mentioning its neighbor, Miami -- a very similar tiny town. So, if you hear people talking about heading to nearby Miami for the day, they're not about to embark on a road trip to Florida! They're just going from one friendly town to the next. If that sounds swell to you, it's time to start looking for home rentals in Globe.
Moving to Globe
One of the best things about moving here is the lower housing prices. Median rent is lower than the state average, which is already lower than the national average. The affordable pricing often convinces people to buy here, too, since the median purchase price is about half the national average.
You should be familiar with the vacancy rate no matter what city you are checking out. In Globe, that rate is a little higher than average, so you should not have a problem finding a home here. Before you start your search, you should grab your checkbook. That way you can put down a deposit as soon as you find your dream apartment, condo, house, mobile home, or shack for rent in this city. Your landlord will probably be interested in making sure you have enough income to pay your rent, so consider bringing proof that you've got a job. Your last two pay stubs should do just fine.
Globe Neighborhoods
Globe features about 18 square miles of, well, mostly wilderness. You'll see some tumbleweeds, lots of rocks, and maybe some cacti. And then, like an oasis in the desert, you will see the three neighborhoods that make up the inhabitable part of this city.
Midland City and Central Heights: If you want to find affordable places for rent, you should look here, in the northern part of Globe. It's also the largest area by far, and it's rather remote. Sure, it will be hard to find a condo for rent here, but you'll have no problem finding a detached house or mobile home with plenty of land around it. Have you always wanted cows, horses, or just a giant trampoline in your yard? Now is the time to get it since you'll finally have the space!
City Center: This is basically the only walkable part of Globe, so this is where you will want to look for an apartment or house rental within walking distance of the U.S. Post Office, Vida e Caffe, Globe Public Library, and United Sporting Goods and Jewelry. Yeah, it's pretty convenient.
Pinal: This is the most expensive neighborhood in Globe, and its rural setting means it's not walkable at all. It's sprinkled with a nice mix of mobile homes and single-family houses, plus an apartment complex or two. This is also the site of Pinal Peak and Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum, so you will still have amazing sights to see.
Living in Globe
This is the kind of city that has a store called the Pickle Barrel Trading Post. -- it's right across the street from the small local library. Yeah, Globe is that cute. If you want to find out how this city got its start, head straight to the Gila County Historical Museum. And if you want to see some evidence of life even before Globe was founded in 1875, check out the Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum. This archaeological site shows how life was about 700 years ago, before even your grandma was born. If you have ever been curious about what furniture looked like back then -- or if it even existed -- now you can get some answers by poking around a real pueblo.
Most of the buildings in Globe are pretty old, so you can't really ignore history anywhere you go. Embrace it by making it a point to visit the many historical buildings here, such as the Gila County Courthouse and Jail. Don't worry -- you don't have to break the law to get a glimpse of this building. You can take in some theater instead, since the building itself is now a center for the arts. The Elks Lodge building has been around since 1910 and is now an antiques store, while Noftsger Hill School is currently an adorable bed and breakfast.
Clearly this town's buildings have seen lots of transformations, except the Drift Inn Saloon. That's been a bar since 1902, and it still is today -- you're in luck! Considering that Globe only has 7,532 residents, you're sure to meet some of your neighbors when you stop by the saloon and any of the other popular businesses in this town.