UniSource natural gas crews are supporting increased home construction in White Mountains communities where the cooler climate is attracting more residents and visitors.

Builders are adding to infill developments near retail and business centers in Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, and other areas as the housing market improves. UniSource is tying in natural gas lines that will fuel affordable, reliable heating, cooking and clothes drying for new residents.

Some of these housing subdivisions were initiated around 2007 or 2008 before the real estate crash prompted developers to halt construction, said Phillip Rose, Gas District Manager for UniSource’s Show Low office.

Roads and other infrastructure, including gas line extensions, were built into the framework of these unfinished neighborhoods. But many of the lots remained empty for years.

“Now we’re starting to see homes being built in these neighborhoods,” Rose said.

The White Mountains population tends to double in the summer as visitors from warmer cities find rentals or move into vacation homes to escape the heat, said Ben Matthews, Supervisor of Construction and Maintenance for the Show Low District. The communities also are attracting more retirees and remote workers.

The median home price in Show Low is lower than in many other Arizona communities, according to the City of Show Low.

UniSource crews are called to run natural gas service lines and set meters at lots before full home construction begins. In 2023, about 300 new home sites were added. Through September this year, 215 jobs had been completed, with another 55 expected by the end of 2024.

“We pride ourselves in providing quality service to our community,” Matthews said. “Here at the gas company, we want to see our community grow and we’re happy to be part of that growth.”

Read more about growth in other UniSource communities, including Flagstaff and Chino Valley.