Prescott Homes and living (Phoenix, Flagstaff: real estate, budget, vacation)

[mobred]

1.What are some good sites to look at to see developments that are being built or that already exist in Prescott.

2.Also for those that live there... What kind of critters, bugs and wildlife dwell there.

3.What are the people like... Age, attitude, are there many retirees or young people etc...

4.How's the food.

5.What kind of recreation and commercial areas exist.

[Gretchen B]

mobred - as a current Prescottian, I will try to answer your questions. :-)

1) That's a tough one as most of the new-home builders/subdivisions have their own websites. You might try the online version of some of our local real estate magazines (Homes & Land, Today's Real Estate, The Real Estate Guide, etc) Because of Prescott's topography, there are more spec and custom homes rather than new home subdivisions. Prescott Valley is starting to have more of those.
2) Critters - not too many bugs, an occasional spider or cricket. Eating outside is always pleasant because we hardly ever have flies, mosquitos, gnats, etc. I think it's not humid enough for those. Four legged critters - javelina's, coyotes, rarely a mountain lion.
3) Quite a few retirees. Go to the city-data page for Prescott for the exact figures. Prescott Valley and Chino Valley are part of the "tri-city" area and those demographics may be slightly different.
4) Food - I guess that depends on what you're looking for. We've got the usual chains, i.e. Outback, Applebee's, Olive Garden, Chili's, etc. But what I really like are the locally run restaurants. I love the ambiance and unique cuisine that many feature.
5) Recreation - hiking out your back door. Prescott is at the edge of the Prescott National Forest and we're 1 hr from the red rock of Sedona, 1-1/2 hr from skiing (if there's enough snow) in Flagstaff, and 1-1/2 hr from Phx. (Of course, Phoenix has all the shopping you want.) Up here in Prescott we've got a decent mall, plus the big box stores (Best Buy, Home Depot, Costco, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

Hope this gives you an idea about Prescott.

[MotleyCrew]

Gretchen,
Are the prices for buildable lots coming down any? We are looking for a retirement/ vacation lot to build on in the next 3 years. We fell in love with Prescott and really like the little town, but we could not find a lot that did not have a scary slope and was under $80K. Thanks.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Jill Warner

Gretchen,
Are the prices for buildable lots coming down any? We are looking for a retirement/ vacation lot to build on in the next 3 years. We fell in love with Prescott and really like the little town, but we could not find a lot that did not have a scary slope and was under $80K. Thanks.

Hi Jill - unfortunately land went sky-high in 2005 (hey, that sort of rhymes ) Even though lots are not selling as quickly right now - the price really has not come down substantially. I think that might be because there are just very few "easy-build" lots left in Prescott. I did see a flyer today for a lot in Cathedral Pines (beautiful area) almost 1/2 acre for $119,900. That's about as cheap as I've seen lately in Prescott. There's still a few lots left in PV that are closer to $80k.
Wish I had better news.

[silverbear]

Although I'm based in Phoenix, I have family in Prescott and go up there frequently. I agree with all of Gretchen B's answers and would like to add just a few more details of my own:

#1) As stated above, in Prescott city limits there are not a lot of big developments. That's something you'll find more out in Prescott Valley. My favorite parts of Prescott are Timber Ridge, a neighborhood at the south end of town near the National Forest, and Mount Vernon Avenue, an historic district near downtown. Unfortunately, neither is cheap, but both are worth the money if within your budget.

#2) If you live on the edge of the national forest, you may see javelinas, coyotes, bobcats, etc. As for bugs, I've never had a problem.

#3) The cowboy stereotype seems to be slowly riding off into the sunset. As stated above, Prescott has become a retirement mecca. It is also becoming more diverse.

#4) As stated above, the usual chains are all out on Route 69, but in town you'll find good independent restaurants such as El Gato Azul (Spanish with emphasis on tapas), Iron Springs Cafe (Southwestern and Cajun), Bin 239 (winebar), and Sweet Tart (croissants and pastries). The ethnic options are not great, but continue to improve with decent Indian, Japanese, etc.

#5) In addition to great hiking trails all around Prescott, there is also kayaking at Watson Lake.

[MotleyCrew]

Thank you Gretchen. We shoulda coulda a few years ago when we had the chance. We still like to come up and visit.

[mobred]

Thank you Gretchen and Silverbear.

Good info.

[Prescott Valley mom]

Read the threads under ' Dewey or Prescott Valley' answers to some of your same questions.

[Ladywithafan]

So what do people really do for employment in the Prescott area?

[BiggsHomes]

They mostly work in: retail, restaurants, education, health, real estate, or construction. Lockheed Martin recently moved in with about 250 jobs. They are probably the most high-tech company around here. Presumably with Lockheed moving in, other high-tech companies are going to see the Prescott area as a great place to do business.