$352,887Average Value$289Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
From miners to artists in the Bisbee Historic District
In 1877, scouts and cavalrymen were sent to the Mule Mountains in search of rebel Apache. Instead, what they found was reddish soil — evidence of copper, zinc and other minerals. Soon they filed mining claims in the valley, and thousands of eager pioneers arrived in the “Queen of Copper Camps.” Bisbee, the town that followed, was incorporated in 1902; by 1910, it had grown to around 25,000 people and was considered the largest city in the territory. Old Bisbee was the center of it all, housing many miners and businesses.
This prosperity stopped in 1979 when ore deposits depleted and the mines closed. Most of the town’s population left, but a new crowd moved in. They weren’t miners seeking silver and gold, they were hippies seeking low housing prices and a simple life. Now, in the 2020s, artists and other free-minded folk live and work in historic brick buildings, and murals cover the town’s walls. This eccentricity has also attracted tourists from Mexico, Arizona and beyond. “People love to come here for vacation. It almost has a European flair,” says Joanna McMullen with Arizona HomeStores, a Realtor since 2013 and a longtime local. “It’s an artsy, cute community, but it’s also antiquated with the old storefronts. People used to ride horses around here, so the streets are narrow. It’s also hilly with over 300 stairways, so you have to be a walker if you want to live here.”
Old buildings repurposed as art spaces, Bisbee museums
Among the many studios in the area, Central School is perhaps the most unique. The 1905 building was the town’s original high school, but after Bisbee High opened in 1914, it became government owned. That was, until 1982 when a tenants’ association of artists moved in. They formed a nonprofit, the Central School Project, in 1985 and purchased the building roughly a decade later. Now the space has multiple studios and hosts events such as performance art, poetry readings, concerts and more. Belleza Gallery Fine Art is nearby, too, and it’s one of the most highly rated galleries in the area. Its 20-plus artists are thematically centered on the desert, and it’s been around for over 25 years. Mixed in with these galleries, Bisbee’s museums are another hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum has underground mine tours that feature a crystal cave, and its exhibits highlight mining artifacts and equipment. Bisbee Restoration Museum is a similar venture, and it’s run by volunteers. Nicknamed “The People’s Museum,” all items were donated by Bisbee residents or their families. Copper Queen Mine offers tours nearby, and visitors ride a miniature trolley into the old tunnels, going 1,500 feet deep.
Antique shops, specialty boutiques and New American restaurants
Old Bisbee’s galleries and museums are matched by its eccentric shops and restaurants. Acacia Collectibles is an antique store with goods from across the world, selling everything from octopus flags to record players. Bisbee Soap & Sundry sells a different soap for every season, in addition to gifts and linens. Mimosa Market is toward the top of Old Bisbee’s hills, and this small grocer is owned by a local couple. Visitors usually have to call for an appointment before they shop, but on Saturday mornings, the couple sells fresh-baked bread in the store's driveway. On the district’s south side, Mercantile on Main is a big hall with book stores, coffee shops and restaurants. Bisbee’s Table is one of these spots, and it serves New American food in a casual setting. Café Roka has similar food and live jazz, and it’s just west on Main. “You can dress however you want, but it’s definitely a five-star restaurant,” says Brenda Petitt with Haymore Real Estate, a Realtor Associate since 2013 and a local to nearby Hereford. “They change up the menu a lot. But you can get a soup or salad to start and a sorbet at the end to cleanse your palate.” Centered on Brewery Avenue, the Brewery Gulch district is a short walk north of these restaurants, and it has abundant breweries and bars.
The Bisbee 1000, The Prowl and Bisbee Pride
The Bisbee 1000 takes advantage of the community’s elevation and staircases. Also called the Great Stair Climb, this October race is only about 5 miles, but they’re entirely vertical — per the name, participants climb 1,000 stairs in the course of a few hours. In March, The Prowl brings hundreds of classic and chopper motorcycles to Old Bisbee. Bisbee Pride is a three-day festival in June, and since the first event in 2004, it’s grown into a parade, games and doggy drag show. These are only a few of the town’s get-togethers; in addition to smaller concerts and shows, there are over 20 citywide events.
Craftsman homes built by Copper Queen miners
Like its people, none of Old Bisbee’s homes are exactly alike. These colorful properties often have an artist’s touch to them, painted in blues, pinks or greens, and they sprawl across the town’s hillsides. They were originally built by miners in the 1900s and 1910s, so they’re historically protected. As a result, potential homeowners should consult the Bisbee Restoration Association and Historical Society before making any renovations. Most of them have already been updated and brought up to code, but some look fresher than others. They’re usually Craftsman homes with minimal square footage and siding exteriors. Most feature porches or verandas, and northernmost properties have views of the valley below. Fixer-uppers on flatter ground start at $70,000; renovated homes up the hill can reach $575,000. The top end of this range can feature two stories, but one-story homes are the most common. Land listings are less common, and they’re priced between $20,000 and $85,000. Old Bisbee’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Mule Mountains and neighborhood parks
The Mule Mountains were the original destination for the scouts and cavalrymen who founded the town, but now they’re a major recreation spot. On the town’s north and south sides, this range has abundant hiking trails, and some of its peaks go above 7,000 feet. The city maintains several small parks around Old Bisbee, though, such as City, Goar and Grassy parks. Some feature murals and sculptures.
Short drive to schools in Lowell and Warren
Schools are about 3 miles south of Old Bisbee’s businesses, in nearby Lowell and Warren. Greenway Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade and scores a B-minus. Lowell Junior High gets a C, and Bisbee High receives a C-plus. Bisbee High's baseball team won its sixth state championship in 2024.
Main Street and state Route 80
Most people walk around this small community, but cars are used to get around the wider region. Old Bisbee is a hilly area with extremely narrow streets, so drivers going uphill might have to back down for oncoming traffic. Tourists can also lead to traffic and, because spaces are minimal in downtown, a lack of parking opportunities. Main Street is the most-used route through the valley, and it’s also called Tombstone Canyon Road. It connects to state Route 80; this highway goes east to other parts of Bisbee such as Lowell and Warren. Tombstone is about 25 miles north, and Tucson is about 75 miles farther. Old Bisbee has a bus system that connects to neighboring towns, and it operates Monday through Saturday.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Old City Park
Higgins Park
Vista Park
Grassy Park
Garfield Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Bisbee
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Bisbee, Bisbee sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Old Bisbee, Bisbee over the last 12 months is $333,397, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to become the proud owner of Arizona's most storied hotel. The Copper Queen boasts a bar & restaurant and 48 meticulously remodeled rooms and suites, each appointed with private bathrooms. Every space is adorned with period antiques, vibrant wallpaper, sumptuous curtains, and luxurious bedding, evoking the opulence of a bygone era. The hotel has
This charming home offers front-row views of coaster races and the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb. Enjoy a cozy bedroom with a mini-split system and two closets, plus a versatile loft that can be used for extra storage or guest space. A utility room with a washer/ dryer and tankless water heater adds convenience. Ideally located just minutes from vibrant Old Town Bisbee restaurants and shops, this
Here's a lot in a prime location right across from the County Courthouse and right behind a high traffic area with restaurants and shops on Tombstone Canyon. Located 75' from the courthouse making it a great spot for high visibility! AZ Water Co services property. Building use will need to be approved by Bisbee historical committee.
Two bed, two bath home built in 1906 on quiet street with friendly neighbors. Wood floors in the living room and small bedroom. Tile in the bathrooms and kitchen. Carpet in main bedroom. Full kitchen with dishwasher, garbage disposal and gas range. Large backyard with sprinklers and patio. Laundry on site with new washer and dryer and storage shelves. Ceiling fans, mini-split and window units for
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Leidenheimer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
857
Median Age
59
Population under 18
8.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$61,698
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,085
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
37.7%
Advanced Degrees
19.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
33.4%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
9/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
