Best and Worse of Living in Flagstaff?? (Prescott, Prescott Valley: real estate, housing)

[kansaslady]

I'll be retiring in a few years and am doing a lot of homework on different places I'd like to live.

I have visited several places in AZ, north and south, and for me, I keep coming back to Flagstaff. I know it gets cold in the winter, but hey, we get blasted here in KS too. In fact, I have been informed by those who live, or have lived in Flag, that the winters are not nearly as severe as what we get here in the plaines. The cold doesn't bother me at all and I love the beauty of Flag, the S.F. Peaks, the Ponderosa Pines, and the alpine climate...deep blue skies and fresh air.

Have been reading and hearing about the water shortage in Flag due to the reduction of snow levels for several winters now. And I realize that the snow is what Flag depends on for it's water supply. Is it as bad as I'm hearing?

Housing costs in Flag have risen, that I know too. If I rented, I would be able to spend around $1,000/mo, and if I decide to buy, I'd be looking at condos/etc., in the $250k range.

There used to be a place called Kit Carson park (I could have the name wrong) that had modular homes...is that place still there? Or, are there places that have senior housing at reduced costs?

As far as work....I would probably like to do some part-time office work, but not needing full time. Are jobs readily available at NAU, or Flagstaff Medical Center...or the city or county? What about W.L. Gore?

I know, I've asked a lot of questions...sorry. Just wanting input from those who are in the know and can shed some light on the topic for me.

Getting out and about during winter doesn't bother me at all...not after living and surviving the Kansas winters for several decades! LOL

Thanks for any advice you can give me on the pros and cons of living in Flag.

[kansaslady]

Any opinions about Flag?

[Gretchen B]

Hi Kansaslady - I grew up in Kansas/Nebraska and moved to the Prescott area about 6 years ago. I love it here! Weather is great - no extremes like in Kansas. Flagstaff tends to be colder (but won't feel bad compared with Kansas) and windier (again, nothing like Kansas). The negative - be prepared for sticker shock. Housing costs in Arizona are much, much higher than Kansas, and Flagstaff is probably one of the priciest ($/sf) in the state. I think it will be pretty tough to find something in your price range in Flagstaff. A couple of other areas you may want to check out are Payson and Prescott Valley. You can actually buy a single family home in Prescott Valley for under $220k. Or rent a nice 1000+/- sf duplex for under $800. And I think Payson prices are similar. Weather at either town would be a little milder in the winter than Flagstaff (we have lows in the 20's, occasional snow) and a little warmer in the summer. Flagstaff hardly ever hits 90. Prescott and Payson will be mid 80's and 90's most of the summer.

I think you maybe haven't had many replies to your question because there have been several recent threads about Flagstaff. I think if you look on the next page or two of the AZ forum you'll find a ton of info about pros/cons of Flagstaff. Keep in mind, though, that alot of disgruntled residents use the boards to vent their gripes, so try to read between the lines to get the real picture. And come for a nice long visit at different times of the year. That's the only way to tell whether you want to relocate here or not. Personally, I love northern AZ. But be prepared for LOTS of other people that love it, too. The area is growing incredibly fast.

[Gretchen B]

PS: Just reread your question. You brought up a concern about water. Water is indeed a HUGE issue in northern AZ. If this drought pattern continues (and it sounds like it may due to this global warming thing), then the lack of snowfall coupled with the rapid growth definitely spells trouble. I remember visiting my grandma in Flagstaff in the winter during the 60's. One time, the snow was over the windows! Now it seems like heavy snowfalls (12") are a rarity in Flag. I think this past winter it snowed in Flag maybe 3 times that they got more than an inch or two. We drove past Lake Mary (the reservoir that supplies the water for Flag) last weekend. Here it is the time of year when it should be at it's highest level, and it's almost dry! IMHO, there is no easy solution to the water situation in northern AZ.

[kansaslady]

I really appreciate your input/advice! It helps a lot. I have checked the various postings and didn't read anything about "senior" housing or the Kit Carson park I was curious about, so that is why I reposted about Flag.

I too am very concerned about the lack of water in AZ, and I understand that the cost of water will be over the top before long. I love the mountains in Flag, but am keeping an open mind as far as where I want to relocate to, if I do at all. Who knows, I may just end up staying right where I am. Lots of things to consider and I won't make any rash decisions.

I have visited both Payson and Prescott and Prescott Valley; also Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Sedona, Strawberry, Pine....etc. And I realize that the cost of housing has significantly risen over the last ten years. I didn't care too much for Cottonwood or Camp Verde. Sedona is beautiful, but the nickname of "Beverly Hills on the Rocks" is accurate.

The only thing I dislike the most about the area I am in now is the cold winters and the ice, but no place is perfect.

Thanks again!

[Patty Kemnitz]

In regards to your inquiry, yes the Kit Carson RV Park is still there. Here is their URL and info: http://www.kitcarsonrv.com/

Depending upon your health, and what you will like to do in your retirement, you have options that you may not have considered.

I own a townhome in Flagstaff, it is 1600 square feet, new, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and fantastic appliances.

I rent two upstairs rooms to a female masters student, and a female masters graduate with a great position in Flagstaff, both are neat, clean, quiet, and busy, and are hardly ever home, especially on the weekends. The master suite is available for only $650.00 per month, is downstairs, private, and big!

You may consider renting a room similar to mine from someone in Flagstaff, allowing you a great house to live in and the freedom to keep your options open. Some others that have written are correct about the cost of housing in Flagstaff, but with the recent issues in real estate, you may also be able to find a forclosure at a great price.

The winters in Flagstaff are nothing like Kansas, and Flagstaff is a fantastic place to live, the Museum of Northern AZ also offers many fantastic programs for the community.

The Flagstaff Womens Club is also a great way to enjoy living in Northern AZ becoming a part of the community will open up the secrets of Flagstaff living to you to share with your guests.

Best wishes to you in your retirement, and AZ welcomes you!

Keep an eye on Flagstaff by logging on to www.azdailysun.com

Best regards,

Patty

[Patty Kemnitz]

Also the water issues in Flagstaff are being addressed by the AZ dept. of water resources, although some nearby towns are now hauling water, Flagstaff is a part of a different watershed. For long term answers contact the AZ department of Water Services, and they will give you an accurate answer.