Northern Arizona (Mesa, Flagstaff, Kingman: foreclosures, condo, big home)

[jrmarshall]

My wife and I are looking for a place to move to within about 30 miles of Flagstaff. Any suggestions for nice areas to have a small family farm?

[Laura]

last I was there(5 yrs.),land was relatively cheap a bit west of there- but unless you like farming sand.......Az. is a 'right to work' state- wages are low;cost of living is not-(state income tax form is a nightmare) some housing is not too expensive, but there "seems to be a lack of middle class homes"(my Mom said that- it's either big homes or shambly mobiles, etc.) Flagstaff has gone the condo route recently,however, and developers are on the move there. Once there, it is hard economically to get out. I refer to Az as the Vortex. Most jobs in the area are service type(waitress,housekeeping,etc.) and are usually taken by college kids. It ,statewide,has been economically depressed for more than 25 yrs. Lot of alcohol and meth problems with a lot of the areas,statewide. Beautiful state with not a lot going on- but they keep trying to impress everyone that they got it going on! Indian reservations are doing better there due to Casino's and pumping for tourist,however. I would suggest you visit first- then make an informed decision. Maybe look at ratio of foreclosures and unemployment/welfare figures in relation to overall picture. They are building like crazy, but jobs? There are no true industries there- forestry is down- mining is down- kind of reminds me of a pool of pyranas feeding off each other. I've had a fair amount of time spent there,and haven't noticed any serious changes- just lots more stuff being built,but you'll have that when developers start tooting an area- However, if you are Mormon, you'll get on fine.... (obliged to tell some truths about glorious Az. It is not all sun and fun,unfortunately)

[Sundance]

A Morman?
You're thinking of Utah.

[blues]

well, I just bought a house in dolan springs.
and will drive to henderson nevada for work. just under an hours drive at this time,
arizona is to me,, a free state, as there are no bad gun laws, as I like guns,.
and it is real pretty,
so,, see you there.......

[SKaren]

Property values have sky-rocketed in the past few years everywhere around Flagsaff and Williams. There are some 40 lots west between Seligman and Kingman that you could get for not too much. Be careful that you have water though. Solar electricity, and wind, are a good option. Good luck

Regarding Blue's comment above...Dolan Springs has that kind of rep, if you like that sort of thing...

[Parks Arizona Guy]

Originally Posted by jrmarshall

My wife and I are looking for a place to move to within about 30 miles of Flagstaff. Any suggestions for nice areas to have a small family farm?

yea move too parks arina looks nice up there and very cool during summer and Elevation is 7079 feet it be 66 on sunday now thats cool weather i like 2 have but cant fine any property up n that area might b moving there after next thanksgiving janurary 07 maybe so check it out and theres williams az too

[Sean_Harrington]

Originally Posted by Sundance

A Morman?
You're thinking of Utah.

Actually, there are a large number of Mormons in Arizona. Many are "old families" involved in many things, both in the Northern part of the state, and in the PHX area, especially Mesa.

In rural areas of the state, it helps to be well connected.