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Flagstaff, Arizona

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What It Is Like to Retire in Flagstaff

Tooling along in your Corvette across Arizona on classic Route 66, you will eventually drive through Flagstaff. This small city of 52,000, centered amidst some of the most enchanting physical landmarks in the world, is a top rated community for retirement. 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 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” or “best place to feel young”. The Babbitt Brothers were early entrepreneurs here, creating a large empire consisting of retail (trading posts), lumber, and cattle. That star has faded but been replaced by an ambitious new plan of development and a booming economy where jobs for retirees are relatively plentiful. The Lowell Observatory (Pluto was discovered here) and Northern Arizona University contribute to the economic and cultural life of the region Many active adults have chosen Flagstaff as their community for its mild climate and beautiful setting. 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. There are many high-end active adult communities, either built or planned, that would be ideal for active adults in retirement.

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. . Views and acreage have a dramatic impact on pricing. Zillow reports the median home value to be $609,545 in mid-2023. Real estate prices are not nearly as high as in nearby Sedona, ($881,905 ), reflecting the area’s diversity.

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 average.

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Who Will Like Retirement in Flagstaff

Flagstaff attracts people interested in great scenery and outdoor activities.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Flagstaff has a healthy economy and lower than average unemployment thanks to its popularity as a tourist and retirement destination. Northern Arizona University is a major employer.

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 120 miles away.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The Lumberyard Brewery and a handful of other breweries and restaurants are located in downtown Flagstaff.  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 many tourist attractions in addition to Grand Canyon Natural Park that are fun to visit. There are several theatre companies including Theatrikos and the Flagstaff Light Opera Company. The Northern Arizona Book Festival is one of many held throughout the year.

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. The town isn't considered a walkable community.

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