Flagstaff, arizona (real estate, renting, skateparks)

[Schooley's]

Now i've done some research on Flagstaff, and even have read alot of post's here about the place and understand the two hardest things to come by are jobs and housing.
My family (hubby, teen son, and I) have been considering moving there for a couple of years.
I'm only asking for people that specifically live in Flagstaff, or near Flagstaff to answer.

Here are my questions:

1) My hubby is what you all consider a 'contractor'. Here, Alaska, he is considered a journeyman plumber that does plumbing and heating for commercial and residential places. What are the chance's of him starting his own company and getting clients there?

2) We will be renting. I have some seen some say that there are family neighborhoods. Where are they?

3) Is there Downhill Mountain Bike races and a BMX races? My hubby and son are both into BMX and Downhill Mountain Biking.

4) My hubby and I work with teens/young adults. What are the chances of bringing in a facility that held an indoor skate/bike park, auditorium, cafe area, with a bike store in the future? Is it needed?

[BillR1]

1. I would think a licensed plumber would do quite well here, particularly if they were skilled in remodeling.

2. University Heights, Ponderosa Trails, Cheshire, Continental are all good family neighborhoods. It depends on how much you want to spend.

3. There is LOTS of mountain biking here, although I'm not sure how much is downhill racing. I've also never heard of any BMX tracks in the area.

4. I'd bet it would do well, and it's certainly needed. The existing skate parks here are usually pretty busy on the weekends, even thought they're not in the greatest neighborhoods. The key is going to be getting the city to grant a permit for such a facility.

Hope I helped out....

[jjross17]

Although it was not my question it was a good answer, my family as well as my sons family are relocating and he is a journyman plumber. We would swap the BMX for rock climbing. We has a 16 year old son and a 20 month old granddaughter and the posts have all been very helpful.

[BillR1]

Originally Posted by jjross17

Although it was not my question it was a good answer, my family as well as my sons family are relocating and he is a journyman plumber. We would swap the BMX for rock climbing. We has a 16 year old son and a 20 month old granddaughter and the posts have all been very helpful.

There are many places to go rock climbing around the area, including an indoor gym near downtown. Several sports shops also sell climbing gear. It's a very popular activity in this area.

[Sensimilla]

Skateparks ner NAU are always packed on the weekends, an indoor one would be great for the cold months.

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by BillR1

I'd bet it would do well, and it's certainly needed. The existing skate parks here are usually pretty busy on the weekends, even thought they're not in the greatest neighborhoods. The key is going to be getting the city to grant a permit for such a facility.

That's a great idea and it would REALLY help The City w/ their Economic Issues. Since they rely so much on tourism taxes, then User Fees for a Skate Park for the permanent population, that isn't transient, would really help.

The other issue is how to fund the Skate Park. Bill as you know over in Durango, they built a Superwallmart, using the Impact Fees to help pay for the new Recreation Center. Perhaps a similar arrangement could work to pay for a new Indoor Skate Park paid for from Impact Fees from the Superwallmart.

Also, what will happen to the two Bashas properties? Are they planning to sell? They are on prime real estate on the desirable Westside location for a Costco, Whole Foods, Borders, REI, & Trader Joes, five of the most highly valued stores in college towns less than 100K with an average age between 25 and 34. Perhaps the Costco could take over the old Wallmart, with an expanded Whole Foods in the Bashas area?

Also, the OP may wish to search for "Flagstaff Biking Organization"