Flagstaff advice--moving with fam (Phoenix, Kachina Village: best neighborhood, day cares, houses)

[zalabha]

I'm moving to Flagstaff and would love some advice about the best daycares and the best neighborhood to live in that has access to best school and isn't too far from trails/forest. I have an 18 month old that plays a huge role in my life decisions these days. Any Flag advice would be much appreciated.

Monet

[synapse]

Originally Posted by zalabha

I'm moving to Flagstaff and would love some advice about the best daycares and the best neighborhood to live in that has access to best school and isn't too far from trails/forest. I have an 18 month old that plays a huge role in my life decisions these days. Any Flag advice would be much appreciated.

Monet

Can't help you much with daycare, as I don't have children, but I can help you with neighborhoods. There's two major areas that are very nice that are close to trails and forests. The first is along Appalachian Road and the surrounding streets such as Linda Vista and Paradise Lane. Those are close to the EPA trails of Mount Elden, walkable to several stores and schools, and have beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks. The only problem is those are a bit further from the freeway and downtown.

Another area is that of Continental Country Club, in and around Country Club Boulevard and Oakton to Butler - lots of twisty, pretty streets and homes, and not far from the freeway and Flagstaff Mall. It's one of the ritzier areas.

There's also some cute areas northwest of downtown, near the library and the base of Mars Hill, where Lowell Observatory is, particularly as it's walkable to downtown - the biggest problem there, though, is that you're by the trains, so it's kind of loud.

[lelise]

I disagree that the Country Club area is good for little kids. There are no sidewalks in that neighborhood and fences are not allowed. I have two school-aged kids, and after having looked at neighborhoods in Flagstaff for a couple of years, we have narrowed it down to: Ponderosa Trails (has a charter school in the neighborhood, a park, and access to the urban trail), University Highlands (De Miguel is a really good elementary school, also located within the neighborhood) or Walnut Meadows (close-knit neighborhood, close to trails and has "the duck lake" with a sidewalk all around it). More pros and cons for each neighborhood: Ponderosa Trails: huge houses and small lots mean not much privacy in back yards. Also a strict HOA. Lots of kids though, but it is a huge neighborhood. University Highlands: can be hard to find a pretty house and also a nice lot. Many homes are on a hilly lot or are older and aren't that pretty. However, in general, the lots are larger than P. Trails or Walnut Meadows. Walnut Meadows: small, close-knit neighborhood. We've heard it can be clicky, but if you like to hike and bike and are friendly, you'll probably fit right in. Also close to the Flagstaff Athletic Club which has an indoor swimming pool. Kids go to Knoles Elementary, which has excellent ratings. Smaller lots than University Highlands, but a very pretty neighborhood.

Good luck!

[country pride]

I know that KV (Kachina Village) may sound reasonably cheap....but, fyi, theres a reason for that.

[carecare7]

You would have to define what you mean by "best schools." If you prefer diversity, then Marshall, Thomas, Killip and Christiansen would be the best. If you are looking for better test scores and don't mind snooty people, then Knoles and Sechrist are the best. So perhaps you could define what you are asking for so you could get better answers that are more definitive.

I live behind the hospital in a very nice neighborhood that is diverse. Though my kids are zones for Sechrist, I have chosen Marshall because I prefer diversity and a less snooty attitude. It all depends on what you really want.

As for daycare, I am not sure what is best but I do know that Peace Lutheran has an excellent preschool and daycare (at least last I heard they had those) and they are excellent folks that run it. Peace Lutheran is near the Linda Vista Rd. area that in the west of 4th street is wonderful to live in.

[hugsandkisses]

I can't tell you about day cares. It has been 10 years + that I have lived in Flagstaff. It doesn't grow much and the employment sucks. It is beautiful and expensive and COOLER than Phoenix.