Looking to move to central AZ (Phoenix, Flagstaff: employment, job transfer, living in)

[Amerigo]

Hello all,

I've been living in southern California for the past 6 years, but due to financial and personal situations I can no longer afford the cost of living out here. My dad and I are looking towards central Arizona because of it's reasonable prices, access to national parks, canyons, forests, and so forth. What are your guys opinions of Prescott and the surrounding areas?

[observer53]

Compared to CA, Prescott prices would seem reasonable. It's a very nice area in many respects, but good jobs are not plentiful. Whether it would be a good move for you depends on what you (and perhaps your dad as well) are looking for in terms of employment and what your housing budget would be.

[Lostone1413]

leave Ca in Ca if you come Most don't

[Amerigo]

Originally Posted by observer53

Compared to CA, Prescott prices would seem reasonable. It's a very nice area in many respects, but good jobs are not plentiful. Whether it would be a good move for you depends on what you (and perhaps your dad as well) are looking for in terms of employment and what your housing budget would be.

My dad is on disability, and cannot afford anything over $800 a month. I work and can easily get a job transfer with my company.

As for the Lostone1413, I've personally had enough of SoCal. The lack of rain here recently, the arrogant and speedy drivers, and the ever increasing high cost of living is pushing me away. Hopefully that 6 years didn't rub off onto me lol.

[infocyde]

Prescott area is really nice. Finding something under $800 a month is doable but it might take a bit of looking. You might wind up in Chino Valley or Prescott Valley. I've lived in the area for about two years. Jobs are very tight as Observer53 said but if you have a company up here that can transfer to then you should be ok...as long as you plan to work for that company. Another thing to note is that almost one out of three people is over 65 and retired living in Prescott. That might be good for your Dad but changes the demographics for social opportunities for you (there will be less but they are not absent). There is tons of hiking in the near by area plus you are within two hours of pretty much what the entire state has to offer except the Southern part down by Tuscon...Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome, all the small cool towns. I took my dogs out walking up past Costco in the forested area the other day and literally had the mountain forest paths all to myself. I dig it up here. It does get cold in the Winter but cold is relative...it should be a nice change of pace from SoCal to get a little snow and weather. The monsoon season in the Summer gives you some really good light shows and keeps things cooler than say Phoenix by a significant amount. Come out for a visit first if you can swing it.