Prescott, AZ or Anchorage, AK for young family? (Phoenix, Tucson: real estate, housing)

[cinders67]

We are deciding between Anchorage, Alaska and Prescott, Arizona for our new home.

The job offers in both places are equally great, stable, long-term, middle class positions.

We would welcome comments on raising girls, in both locations.

Our children are young, 6 and 3. Any thoughts about raising kids in Anchorage compared to Prescott?

[RockyRoadg]

I would say Perscott would have a better climate, there is a lot of economic growth going on right now and the people are very nice. There is a lot to do there and a lot of sights to see in the area with large cities near by.

[nitram]

That's a dramatic difference between the two cities.
In Prescott you'll be able to move around 24/7 all year around.
In Anchorage, you'll be stuck in your igloo for 6 months.

[altus2006]

Prescott would also be my vote. There are a lot of wild animals within the Anchorage city limits and the girls would need to be watched at all times while outside because of bears and moose.

When we lived in Fairbanks, there were always newscasts showing moose walking on top of people's roofs in Anchorage due to the high snow. Also, it was necessary to shovel a roof twice a year so it didn't collapse. Living in Prescott would be much easier, although it is beautiful in Anchorage.

altus2006

[Gretchen B]

Do you love cross-country skiing and winter sports? Then I think Anchorage might be a place you'd love. I have some friends from Anchorage that bought a vacation home here in Prescott. I personally think all the wildlife in Anchorage is pretty cool. You just have to be cautious and treat the moose and black bears as wild animals. They said they usually see about 3 bears or moose everyday when they take their daughter to school -- and they live right in town.

I know I personally couldn't handle those long, cold winters. My other concern would be earthquakes - hasn't there been a couple major ones up there?

Prescott has my kind of weather. About 3 months where we'll get an occasional snow. About 2 to 3 months of summertime temps in the upper 80's/low 90's. And the rest of the time it's 60's to low 80's which is what I love.

Prescott is much smaller than Anchorage, but it was growing pretty rapidly (probably about 85,000 for the "tri-city" area - Prescott/Prescott Valley/Chino Valley). Right now, though, things are slowing down, although they're finishing up with some commercial development that's been in the works for a couple of years. And lots of road construction right now.

I think it will just be a matter of personal preferance. Explore both places and see what you really like.

[Ponderosa]

I have a sister in Anchorage that I have visited a couple times. I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would choose Anchorage over Prescott. Anchorage is gloomy, cold, dark and depressing for most of the year. Prescott is a lovely small town with a near perfect climate. My gosh, most people in Phoenix would give their eye teeth to be able to live in Prescott (high prices, no jobs). If you get a position where that is possible, jump at it. On the other hand, if your income will only let you live in Prescott Valley or Dewey or the like and not in/very near Prescott, then I'd give Anchorage serious consideration.

[AZWildcat]

I don't know where you would be moving from so it is hard to put it into context. The two cities are so different. If you love cloudy, rainy, snowy weather than Anchorage is for you. Granted summer is beautiful and there is an abundance of sun (20hrs/day) but that is just for a few months, the rest of the time is pretty gray. Housing/living expenses are very high here. It is also very expensive to travel in and out of Alaska, so if you plan on visiting family in the lower 48 that is also a consideration. Violent crime is pretty high here as well. I have a 3 year old and frankly I don't let her play outside alone, not only because of crime, but because of wild animals. We have lived in two different neighborhoods in Anchorage and there have been both moose and bears roaming in both.

I haven't lived in Prescott, but I was born and raised in Tucson and visited Prescott a few times. It has absolutely beautiful weather and seems like a safe, smaller town atmosphere.

Good luck with making your decision, moving is never easy

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I have a sister in Anchorage that I have visited a couple times. I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would choose Anchorage over Prescott. Anchorage is gloomy, cold, dark and depressing for most of the year. Prescott is a lovely small town with a near perfect climate. My gosh, most people in Phoenix would give their eye teeth to be able to live in Prescott (high prices, no jobs). If you get a position where that is possible, jump at it. On the other hand, if your income will only let you live in Prescott Valley or Dewey or the like and not in/very near Prescott, then I'd give Anchorage serious consideration.

Remember that if someone were to buy a place in PV/Dewey, etc. one not only builds up equity (the housing crash will be ending soon I suspect) but also learn 'the lie of the land' in/around Prescott proper.

[Ria Rhodes]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Remember that if someone were to buy a place in PV/Dewey, etc. one not only builds up equity (the housing crash will be ending soon I suspect) but also learn 'the lie of the land' in/around Prescott proper.

"..the housing crash will be ending soon I suspect"

Sounds like Realtor-speak

..overheard the oil sheiks and real estate brokers say, "it's always a good time to buy!"

[Zonie5]

Prescott would be a good choice . i go to Prescott at least once every two weeks for shopping and relaxing . i live North of Prescott and am equal distance from Prescott and Flagstaff .