Liz's Havasu Lifestyle Blog: March 2010

If you love the exhilaration of four-wheeling or dirt-biking on rugged terrain, then you'll agree that Lake Havasu City, Arizona is definitely one of the most fun places for this extreme sport. 

It's quite surprising, but many people have relocated to Lake Havasu City real estate just for its abundant open public lands that are perfect for off-roading.  The open areas are great for all types of vehicles.  The public lands are open to vehicles anytime, anywhere.  You can also find limited restriction areas, which restrict riding to certain times, certain areas and certain vehicle use. 

Most of the area's off-roads lands are managed by the Arizona Bureau of Land Management, better known as OHV areas, and are designated as limited restriction areas.  Most are also designated roads and trails that are routinely maintained.  Some trails and roads are clearly marked, but many are not.

Here are some off-road areas that you may enjoy visiting: 

Crossroads OHV Area - This is one of two OHV open areas that are adjacent to the Colorado River on the California side.  It has a staging area and is 1,500 acres of open land with no travel restrictions of any kind.  However, you must still obey California OHV laws.

Cooper Basin Dunes - You'll find a vast 1,275-acre wonder on the Parker Strip that also has a staging area.  It even has parking, restrooms, and several sand dune areas for unrestricted vehicle travel.

Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway - This is the perfect opportunity for scenic, natural, historic and prehistoric values along an 11-mile road that winds down the Colorado River on the Arizona/California border.  This area is perfect for recreational and leisure activities such as off-roading, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing and quiet relaxation.

Visitors can even rent ATV's and Jeeps for their off-roading adventures.

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Students love to have fun and some got their chance when three Lake Havasu City High School special needs classes recently made paper rockets and launched them using bicycle pumps and plastic piping.

Each student was very excited as they placed the open bottoms of their rockets on the open end of plastic piping, which was then connected to a bicycle pump.  Students then took turns pumping until there were 50 pounds of pressure in the piping before they released a valve that allowed the air to force their rockets intothe immediate atmosphere.

After a Lake Havasu City High School teacher saw the demonstration at a local festival, she knew it would be a great way to help incorporate academic lessons with her special needs students.  The students learned how to turn two-dimensional shapes into three-dimensional shapes, measurements and science.

This is another great display of how wonderful Lake Havasu City schools and teachers are continuously going above and beyond for the community's students.

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Real estate trends are showing that Americans want smaller homes and they are willing to forgo many of yesterday's popular rooms in order to accommodate their lifestyles.  As we have all seen over the past year, real estate has not been 100% sure for anyone and it's been traumatic for many people.  Therefore, home buyers just want authenticity. 

Today, buyers are looking for cost-effective plans that have focused on the home's space and homes that are "green" in design from the beginning.  Many buyers are looking for a smaller home than their current one. 

Here are some "must have" features in today's real estate trends:

* Energy-efficient items - Energy- efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and top window efficiency.  These are among the top "green" features in today's real estate trends.

* Large kitchens - Many families spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  Therefore, large kitchens with an island and granite countertops are a must have.

* Main-floor master suite - This is one of the most popular features of today's real estate trends, especially for empty-nesters.

* Home office/study - Many people are preferring this space over a formal dining room.  The home theater may also be another room addition headed to the scrap yard.

* Outdoor living room - This is one space that continues to grow in popularity.  More people are just simply willing to spend more time outdoors.

* Stone and brick exteriors - Vinyl and stucco are no longer making the cut.

* Master suite soaker tub - Whirlpools were once very desirable to many homes.  But now, they are not as desired as oversized showers with seating areas.

* Two-car garages - Even three-car garages are popular.  The third-bay garage is now used more often for additional storage.

Today's real estate trends are changing in many cases, but definitely not in all.

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