Arizona Relocation (Flagstaff, Prescott, Prescott Valley: home, rent, lease)

[kickboxer]

Hi, my family is planning to relocate to the Prescott, Prescott Valley or Flagstaff area in a few months and would appreciate any tips or advice on life there, i am 51 and retired from 32 years on Wall st and looking for a new start, my wife 31 will be attending nursing school and our 4 year old pre-k. We have researched a little and it looks like nurses are in demand but at half NYC pay, as for the public schools, charter seems the only option and as for myself i am still trying to find what options a 50 yr old has here., The primary reason for our move is the air quality as i have some lung damage due to 9/11 and breathe better in the low humidity, and also the nursing programs are less crowded than nyc. We will rent a home initially but plan to buy within a year or so if things work out here, Any advice or suggestions from this forum will be appreciated. Thnx

[Gretchen B]

Kickboxer & fam - welcome to No AZ! Don't know where to start with suggestions for you. We do have some good charter schools here, a good private school, and some excellent public schools, too.

As you've already noted, health care professionals are in high demand here. As far as jobs for yourself, you'll really want to check things out before you get here. Lots of retirees in the community, and there are a number of stock brokers, investment advisors, etc here. It can be a little tough to get your network setup initially, though, being new to the community. However, I've got friends who have done is successfully. One resource might be to check the online version of the Sunday edition of the Daily Courier: http://www.dcourier.com/index.asp and I've heard a website advertised called Prescott Jobs - BetterPrescottJobs.com: Jobs in Prescott and Careers in Prescott - Haven't gotten any feedback on that one, so don't know how good it is.

Please feel free to send me a PM or email and I'd be glad to help further if I can.

PS We love it here! Hope you will too!

[BiggsHomes]

The Prescott area is certainly nice. Personally, I find Flagstaff too cold. Prescott sits at about 5,000 feet. Make sure that your lungs can handle the lower amount of oxygen before making a move here. I think we have about 25% less oxygen compared to sea-level. Also, the air is more humid during the summer monsoons. We are typically about 15-20% most of the year and around 50% during the summer monsoon season (July-August).

Be prepared to accept and be happy with a significantly laid back life style. In Prescott, life is relaxed and no one is in any big hurry. If you are used to decisions made in seconds on Wall St, then you might be in for a culture shock. Make sure that you are excited about taking life slowly.

As for nursing, there are two large hospitals here. Your wife will have no shortage of opportunity. I do not know how the pay compares to NYC. I would guess that it is significantly less. However, so is the cost of living.

Good luck with you decision!