where should we move? Prescott, Twin Falls, or Walla Walla? (Phoenix: environment, relocate)

[cleanairkids]

We are looking to relocate to a town in the Western US that has clean air. We currently live in central Calif. (the #4 worst rated air quality county in the country). We have 3 children aged 6 and under and are expecting another baby in May. Two of our kids have respiratory problems which we have been told by 2 doctors is directly related to the poor air quality. Both doctors also said, "If you can, move out of this valley!"

Currently, we are seriously considering the Prescott, AZ, Twin Falls, ID, and Walla Walla, WA areas. We would love our choice of towns to not only have great air quality but also have great schools, low crime rates, a family oriented small town atmosphere, quality housing that isn't overpriced and an active Catholic Church.

I know no town is perfect but, any information you could provide on these towns or any other towns would be extremely helpful in our decision making process.

Thank you!!

[AksarbeN]

If you’re looking for small town with strong Catholic values avoid Utah with the Mormons. They are wonderful people and kind, however you could be on your own trying to fit into a small town with Mormon values.

You’re from central Calif. you may be more liberal then the politics might offer in Prescott which is a strong republican town. This could also be a problem depending on how strong your political values and thoughts are.

I don’t know much about Walla Walla, but it’s got’a be good for they wouldn’t have named it twice?

Hope you find the right spot.

[AksarbeN]

I just remembered – have you thought about Bellingham Washington?

[cleanairkids]

Thanks for the response! Can anyone tell me about the elem. schools in Prescott vs. Prescott Valley? Specifically, Abia Judd vs. Taylor Hicks vs. Franklin Phonetic? Also, it seems that there are not a lot of main streets that run through Prescott. Does this cause a traffic problem? Again, any information would be great!!

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by cleanairkids

Thanks for the response! Can anyone tell me about the elem. schools in Prescott vs. Prescott Valley? Specifically, Abia Judd vs. Taylor Hicks vs. Franklin Phonetic? Also, it seems that there are not a lot of main streets that run through Prescott. Does this cause a traffic problem? Again, any information would be great!!

My kids went to school in the midwest, but here's what I hear about our schools in the Prescott/PV area. Both Taylor Hick and Abia Judd are reportedly very good schools. I don't know much about Franklin Phonetic. You'll want to get some more input from parents here who have kids in the schools - I just know about them by their reputation. I think Prescott schools are supposedly a little better than Prescott Valley schools, but I'm sure you'll find opinions the other way, too. In general, Prescott schools are supposed to be among the best in AZ.

As far as traffic goes - the worst traffic is the Hwy 69 traffic from Prescott Valley in to Prescott. Once you're in Prescott, it's just typical unless you're on a street that they're doing road construction (right now Iron Springs is a mess from Gail Gardner to Williamson Vly Rd - but it really needed improvement so it will be worth it). Also the Sheldon/Gurley Street intersection can be bad between 4:00-5:15 in the afternoon. By bad, I mean you might have to wait 2 light changes to get through, or 3 on a really, really bad day. Because of alot of people out and about around Courthouse Square, I usually avoid going right past the Courthouse - it's just narrow and alot of people pulling in and out of parking spaces. Outside of those intersections (and there are alternative routes around them) I don't find a problem in Prescott - I can be anywhere in Prescott within about 10 minutes. The main problem is between Prescott Valley and Prescott, and that will probably continue to get worse as more businesses are going in along that Hwy 69 corridor. So, bottom line, just don't travel between Prescott & PV during rush hour.

[joeyla91601]

hello my mom and dad have lived in prescott valley for over 13 years noe i lived there as well for 1 year. i am thinking about movingback or phoenix have not made a final thought on it yet. schools are fairly good. avoind coyote springs elementary school in prescott valley the other schools are good. mountain view is good i know people whose kids go there. that the school that serves the area my mom is in. i made the mistake of moving back to LA in 1998 and i am about to have a nervious breakdown from this. so i have narrowed my move to the prescott area, phoenix or palm springs. the reason i threw palm springs is its nice there schools are good there as well and i could get a job transfer there.
good luck

Originally Posted by Gretchen B

My kids went to school in the midwest, but here's what I hear about our schools in the Prescott/PV area. Both Taylor Hick and Abia Judd are reportedly very good schools. I don't know much about Franklin Phonetic. You'll want to get some more input from parents here who have kids in the schools - I just know about them by their reputation. I think Prescott schools are supposedly a little better than Prescott Valley schools, but I'm sure you'll find opinions the other way, too. In general, Prescott schools are supposed to be among the best in AZ.

As far as traffic goes - the worst traffic is the Hwy 69 traffic from Prescott Valley in to Prescott. Once you're in Prescott, it's just typical unless you're on a street that they're doing road construction (right now Iron Springs is a mess from Gail Gardner to Williamson Vly Rd - but it really needed improvement so it will be worth it). Also the Sheldon/Gurley Street intersection can be bad between 4:00-5:15 in the afternoon. By bad, I mean you might have to wait 2 light changes to get through, or 3 on a really, really bad day. Because of alot of people out and about around Courthouse Square, I usually avoid going right past the Courthouse - it's just narrow and alot of people pulling in and out of parking spaces. Outside of those intersections (and there are alternative routes around them) I don't find a problem in Prescott - I can be anywhere in Prescott within about 10 minutes. The main problem is between Prescott Valley and Prescott, and that will probably continue to get worse as more businesses are going in along that Hwy 69 corridor. So, bottom line, just don't travel between Prescott & PV during rush hour.

[Erika Fosmire]

Wickenburg, AZ - population, about a little over 5000, the crime rate is nil, choice of private Christian or public schooling (Christian one-nondenominational has some great reviews) the public school facilities are broken into separate year groups such as grades 3-5 and 6-8. Located between Phoenix and Prescott. Nice, clean area that's environment friendly. Google the city and also the cities' schools for more detailed info. Good Luck!

[AZ_singlemother]

Walla Walla WA is a prison city. Where all prisoners are sent in Washington State.

Lake Havasau, AZ has the cleanest air in the nation. Seems like it would be the perfect fit for you and your family.

[dano]

Mabe the air is clean in Havasau because all the impurities are vaporized in the heat.

Don't know much about Walla Walla but I do know about Prescott and Twin Falls. Of the two, I would choose Prescott. Great climate and close to alot of cool Arizona stuff. Also metropolis Phoenix is a close drive. Twin falls gets cold in the winter. It is also somewhat isolated with a bit of a red-neck flair. Although I must admit, most the the people there are very nice and polite.

[redwingfan1]

I have a question about Yuma. My husband is flying down to Az this weekend for an interview. I know nothing about Arizona, let alone Yuma. I found the city's website, and from that, it looks like it might be nice. However, I have read some of the posts about Yuma, and quite frankly, I am getting a little nervous..lol. Is Yuma growing as the website and video say? According to it, Yuma is fast becoming the "it" city in Az. help!...lol..