Land North of Phoenix (Northern AZ) (Flagstaff, Prescott: transplants, real estate, condos)

[magnum0417]

Good evening everyone. I have spent time in Phoenix for work and plan on relocating there permanently later this year. My hope is to eventually invest in some land in the Northern part of the state to get away from the high summer temps on occasion.

There are three areas that seem to have readily available land. Kingman area, Flagstaff/Williams and Winslow/Holbrook.

My personal observations through travel on I 40, I think all three areas have many positives.However, I will list the drawbacks I see on the three areas.

1) Kingman area is becoming an extension of Vegas and So Cal.

2) Ash Fork to Flag is the most beautiful stretch but home to some kooky far right nutjobs (esp Ash Fork/Seligman).

3) Winslow/Holbrook safest area and has deep SW roots. Yet, lacks the amenities of Flag and Kingman.

If you had to choose one of these three areas for a weekend getaway and go camping on some raw acres, which would you choose? Thanks !

[magnum0417]

I will also add that Payson and Prescott are not considerations. The I 40 corridor is what I am solely considering .

[observer53]

You will hear from a lot of people who live in that area that Kingman is NOT an extension of Vegas or So California.

I like Flagstaff, but I wouldn't want the bother of winterizing a summer home. Winslow and Holbrook don't appeal to me. For me, Kingman is the best of that group.

[magnum0417]

Thanks Observer 53. Kingman is a spot I haven't been through since the late 90's. I imagine with the Hoover Dam bypass it will be getting more built up in the coming years.I am just looking for raw land at this time and will take it from there.No intentions of any building anytime soon. I'm into outdoors activities all the way around.

Being a New Yorker, Williams and Flagstaff reminded me of the Adirondack Mountains in NY. Flagstaff is very expensive in relation to job prospects however. A guy I went to college in NY with has been a teacher in Flagstaff for 15 years. He purchased a 700 square foot condo a few years ago for $150,000. That was as cheap as he could find and admits to this day it was a bad decision. Now he's married and starting a family soon. He's stuck with a bad mortgage and feels trapped. As beautiful as Flagstaff is, the real estate prices for land or homes is ridiculous to say the least.

I actually like the contrast of Winslow somewhat. Not to ever live full time at . However, the desolate ruggedness of the area is intriguing for raw land/camping purposes.

Kingman I agree makes the most sense for proximity to weekend entertainment in Laughlin, NV. Plus, I will trust your take that Kingman still has the Wild West culture without complete Californication.

[Zonie5]

Kookie nutjobs in Ash Fork/Seligman ! Sir , i will have you know we are proud of our kookjobs . we call them "charecters" , they are their own persona and not a cookie cutter "Joe Blow"from who knows where .

[kdog]

Originally Posted by observer53

You will hear from a lot of people who live in that area that Kingman is NOT an extension of Vegas or So California.

I don't even know what that means. Extension in what regard? I will say at least 1/3rd of the town are transplants from SoCal. I'm not sure that makes it an extension, but they don't seem to bring much California influence with them. Most SoCal expatriates are happy to leave that life behind and enjoy the simpler, slower pace of life here. Very few people move here from Vegas though. I've probably only met one or two. There are lots of mid-westerners moving here, so I'd say we're becoming an extension of Minneapolis for example more so than Vegas.

[keninaz]

When I think of camping and outdoors I think of trees and lakes.
I would think that the Prescott area or Flagstaff area would suit you. Land is available in both areas.
I am not sure Kingman has much in the way of national forests if that interests you at all.
Payson is also nice but property is very expensive as there is only so much there as it's pretty much surrounded by the national forest.

[magnum0417]

I'm sorry if anyone took offense to the "kooky nutjobs." My take is a small but noticeable portion of Seligman and Ash Fork are loose cannons who will shoot and ask questions later. I am conservative myself but certainly no militant type. I've driven around Ash Fork and think it's beautiful. However, just came across some strange characters at the gas station off I 40.

I remember in the 80's my dad and I were driving down the hill from Williams towards. It was late at night and we were exhausted after spending a whole day at the Grand Canyon . Anyhow, my dad was going about 50 on I 40 down that hill tired and was pulled over for going TOO SLOW. This sheriff who looked like something out of Gunsmoke said he was driving TOO SLOW.LOL. Never before or after have I seen someone pulled over for driving too slow.

Just east of Kingman is forest I noticed when you pass that route that goes towards Phoenix off I 40. Seems there is readily available land in that neck of the woods.

I think Winslow gets a bad rap. Yeah, it seems a lot of the people struggle. However, can't beat the location being less than 2 hours from the Canyon and Petrified Forest.

[kdog]

Originally Posted by magnum0417

Just east of Kingman is forest I noticed when you pass that route that goes towards Phoenix off I 40. Seems there is readily available land in that neck of the woods.

Right. The Hualapai Mountain range is all heavily forested and goes from Kingman as far south/east as Wikeiup, and as far west as Yucca (maybe even further).

[magnum0417]

I think Payson is beautiful and a great change of pace from Phoenix. However, it would be too close to consider a "retreat."

I have seen condos in Payson BTW selling for 30K and under on Frontier St in Payson. My question is why so cheap ?