Lake Havasu City, Prescott, or ?? (Phoenix, Tucson: rental, crime, co-op)

[theyellowhouse]

Can any of you tell me some information about Lake Havasu City, AZ and Prescott, AZ? My boyfriend and I are planning to move somewhere in Arizona (we are from olympia washington) soon and so far, we are thinking about Prescott and Lake Havasu City.

We're both in our early to mid twenties - my boyfriend is a musician and I am an aspiring yoga teacher. Are there any good yoga studios in the area? And what is the music scene like in LHC? Are there any good dance clubs, live entertainment, etc? Would this be a good choice for a young couple like us or is Prescott a better bet? Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[observer53]

I don't think either is a particularly good fit. There is no "music scene" in LHC that I'm aware of, and not much of one in Prescott. You'd have better luck in Tucson, perhaps, or the Phoenix area.

[PaulieM]

Ditto, this one is such a ground ball I'm envious I didn't catch it first. Might look at Tempe with the University influence and Tucson for same reason.

[theyellowhouse]

So [mod cut-- merged threads] LHC is definitely a no and Prescott is still undecided.

[mod cut-- merged threads- removed duplicate info] Our ideal location would be where there is good air quality, lower crime rate, weather that doesn't get TOO extreme, a somewhat decent music scene, yoga studios, reasonable rent, food co-op or farmers' market, outdoor activities (we love to hike, camp, swim), etc (although we do know that we will have to compromise as there is no 'perfect' place). My boyfriend is a musician (drums, guitar), as am I, but I am an aspiring yoga instructor. Any suggestions for possible AZ locations to move to?

Thank you so much!

[BillieHiser]

If those are your only two choices, I'd go for Lake Havasu City. Both have bar scene music but Lake Havasu would be more upbeat for young people like yourselves.

[BillieHiser]

Thats quite a mix you have there. Good luck finding it. Let us know where you end up that has the things you want, I'd love to know for next time!

[ErikCortez]

Def Prescott. Havasu is dead these days and is NOT known for music; just getting drunk and playing in the river. Prescott has stuff like Whiskey Row for live music on Cortez St, no joke

[rambrush]

In my opinion Havasu would be a culture shock for you and as posted not a whole lot happening there.
Prescott in my opinion is way over rated over crowded but does have some music and other options available.
Old Town Tempe is or was a happening district around ASU that may fit the bill.
Tucson does have the university and options abound there as well.
Flagstaff and NAU areas have some possibilities but come with a abundance of snow and crowded roads.

Sedona/Oak Creek canyon may have something going but not to familiar on there action.

[thedirtman]

Have you considered Page? Page, on Lake Powell, has an annual event in September where hundreds of musical artists perform live. It is called Powellapalooza. There is a website if you're interested.

[Card Shark 2]

I have been checking out LHC, Prescott and Sedona. But we are 50 somethings looking to move on after our sons left home and got married. We are coming from Northern Nevada but I grew up in Yuma and went to NAU back in a day. I have family around AZ which would be great to be closer.
Sedona - cost of living is quite high, great art scene, get outdoor activities, too quiet, travel to shop
Prescott - bigger city, more shopping, lower home rates, higher evevation which can mean snow
LHC - great for retired older folks, congested, lots of water related sports, clusters of homes all close together, very low elevation, close to So California, in a canyon where flooding is possible, desert landscapes, did I say "0ld Folks" who act old.

We are still trying to find the right spot. Az is a different world now than when I grew up there. I am sad to see so much poverty. I spent the winter in Billhead City and that was a real eye-opener. People camping down by the river, sitting on their suitcases at the intersection looking for handouts, half the towns shops closed up, and the casinos across the river doing everything possible to keep the money flowing in. I won't go back there and 7 mos was way to long.

I have found it best to rent a short-term rental in the area you are considering first. Try it out before you move. I have been staying in spots the last two years and have elliminated most. Don't just pick a place and move there you may be in for a surprise later.