Clarkdale or Page AZ (Phoenix, Scottsdale: home, purchase, to live)

[SWP]

This is my third post now. I did some research on Clarkdale and think it is another good possibility for relocation. I'm looking for a small town to live where I can thrive as an artist and grow with the community. I am a self-employed writer/photographer and must be surrounded in ideal, natural landscapes. I have never lived in the desert. I am from Michigan and now live in Seattle. Seattle is the first large city I've lived in. I have enjoyed my stay here but look forward to leaving this behind for a more tranquil, slow paced small town. I am attracted to AZ because of its beautiful nature and climate. I'd eventually like to open a gallery/gift shop in the area surrounding my home town. I realize that the town of Page is tourist driven and somewhat secluded. On the other hand, Clarkdale is a small town near Sedona, Prescott and Scottsdale. I'm looking to be near a thriving art scene. I participate in art shows and have heard marvelous reviews on AZ. If you are aware, let me know whether the art show circuit is held year-round or seasonally. Also, what are the best locations in AZ for artists? I'd also like to know about the monsoon season and lightning storms. Is the entire state of AZ affected? Is there a climate difference between Clarkdale and Page?

[Badland wonder]

Clarkdale might be a better choice. The access to surrounding beauty and art outlets would be readily available. Jerome has nice galleries and a lot of different art as , of course, does Sedona (some call it an art mecca). And a nice of amount of traffic in between the two if you do start your own gallery in little Clarkdale. It also would be near many supply stores.
Page, on the other hand, is quite isolated and is seasonal. Page is located on the border of the Navajo reservation and its main shopping population are the Navajoes. There are not many art outlets in Page. You would be able to get to Page within 4 hours and southern Utah areas within 5 to 6 hours in order to utilize those areas for art "work" and play.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Badland wonder

Clarkdale might be a better choice. The access to surrounding beauty and art outlets would be readily available. Jerome has nice galleries and a lot of different art as , of course, does Sedona (some call it an art mecca). And a nice of amount of traffic in between the two if you do start your own gallery in little Clarkdale. It also would be near many supply stores.
Page, on the other hand, is quite isolated and is seasonal. Page is located on the border of the Navajo reservation and its main shopping population are the Navajoes. There are not many art outlets in Page. You would be able to get to Page within 4 hours and southern Utah areas within 5 to 6 hours in order to utilize those areas for art "work" and play.

As you stated.

Clarkdale is close to Prescott and Flagstaff as well as not being a terrible drive to Phoenix either .

[azdr0710]

Clarkdale is not really a thriving arts community, I think....there is some tourism, but it's not a mecca....wondering how you picked it out....it's not really a hot spot, frankly.....but it is quiet and hometown-ish....cold in the winter and hot in the summer, just like Page.....and Page may not be a good spot, either...most visitors are lake-bound and not looking to purchase art

but Clarkdale is near Jerome and Sedona, which are definitely "art-driven" and already discovered.....it's about two hours from Scottsdale/Phoenix to Clarkdale.....

the popular artsy small towns are already packed with artists, of course, so you may have some competition....

the "monsoon" comes in July and August...humidity goes up, but the rains don't always hit everywhere everyday.....hit and miss.....very nice clouds and dramatic showers....nice time of year

[observer53]

I think Clarkdale is a great choice, or Cottonwood, which is nearby and a little larger. Not artsy necessarily, but it's close to all the same places as Clarkdale. Either is a better choice than Page, I think.