Living a College Town Lifestyle in Flagstaff, Arizona

 Flagstaff, a small city of 60,000, is a bustling college town thanks to Northern Arizona University and its 17,5500 students. The university has 39 satellites scattered throughout Arizona. The school offers graduate and undergraduate degrees. Flagstaff is also home to the historic Lowell Observatory. At an altitude of 6910 feet, the climate is dry and much cooler in the summer than anywhere else in Arizona. Cecil B. DeMille tried but failed to make Flagstaff into an earlier version of Hollywood because of its great scenery, which includes the nearby Grand Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks (extinct volcano cones), Oak Creek Canyon, and the highest point in Arizona – Mount Humphreys. The town has won numerous awards as a “best place to live." The population grew 13% from 2000 to 2008. Some of Arizona's best skiing is just outside of town.

Where to Retire in Flagstaff and Home Prices

Many active adults have chosen Flagstaff as their community for its mild climate and beautiful setting. There are many high-end active adult communities, either built or planned, that would be ideal for active adults in retirement.
Real estate prices are not nearly as high as in nearby Sedona, reflecting the area’s diversity. Views and acreage have a dramatic impact on pricing. Zillow reports the median home value to be $603,547 in early 2023.

What Is Special about Flagstaff

• Stunning scenery and access to top national parks • Grand Canyon • Hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding, and biking in Walnut Creek Canyon • Historic Route 66 • Meteor Crater • Walnut Canyon National Monument • Northern Arizona University • Mild, dry climate • Lowell Observatory •  Old-Fashioned Mountain Bike Festival and Race

What Is Not Special about Flagstaff

There are a lot of tourists (5,000,000 a year), crime rates are higher than the national average.

Climate and Physical Environment

Flagstaff has an altitude of 6910' and a high desert environment. It has low humidity and mild temperatures most of the year. The average Jan temp is is the high 20's and the average July temp in the low 60's (evenings are cool). It is on the northern edge of the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pine in the world in north central Arizona. Phoenix is 145 miles south. View Google Maps

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

In the downtown the Lumberyard Brewery and a handful of other breweries and restaurants are located. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra performs concerts from September through April at the Ardrey Auditorium at NAU. Museum of Northern Arizona is worth a visit. Flagstaff is justifiably proud of its Native American heritage. In addition to historic displays at the many ruins in the area, many galleries and stores feature Indian jewelry and clothing. There are also many tourist attractions in addition to Grand Canyon Natural Park, that are fun to visit. There are also several theatre companies including Theatrikos and the Flagstaff Light Opera Company. The Northern Arizona Book Festival is one of many.

Crime

Crime in Flagstaff is just below the national average.

Medical Facilities

Flagstaff Medical Center is one of the 3 largest employers in town.

Transportation

Flagstaff Airport offers commuter service to Phoenix. Amtrak has a station in town. Flagstaff Public Transit Mountain Line provides economical bus service.

Valuable Links

Flagstaff on Wikipedia

Flagstaff, AZ

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