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Prescott, Arizona

What It Is Like to Retire in Prescott

Located at an elevation of 5400 feet in the mountains of north central Arizona, the City of Prescott (population just under 47,000 in 2023 was the original capital of the Arizona Territory. This old mining town and now popular retirement community borders the Prescott National Forest to the south and west. Prescott and the nearby towns of Chino Valley and Prescott Valley form what is known locally as the Tri-City area. Carrying the nickname, "Everybody’s Hometown", Prescott is home to the downtown Courthouse Plaza, famous Whiskey Row, World's Oldest Rodeo, Prescott Fine Arts Association, Sharlot Hall Museum, and the Phippen Art Museum. The State of Arizona has been officially designated Prescott as "Arizona's Christmas City". Prescott is home to several colleges including Yavapai, Prescott College, Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University, plus other specialty campuses. The downtown's Courthouse Plaza, framed by towering elms, is the focal point for much of what goes on in this active tourist and retirement community. Activities include crafts fairs, antique shows and art shows. Prescott was number 3 on the Topretirements list of the 100 best places to retire. Photo of Courthouse and Buckey O'Neill statue, and photo of Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain in Prescott, .both courtesy of Wikipedia and Cityofprescott,Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Prescott and Home Prices

Many active adults 55+ have moved to Prescott for its warm climate and interesting setting. The variety of housing choices keeps increasing to meet the demand of baby boomers who would like to retire here. You can choose to live in town or outside in an active adult community, many of which are gated and golf-oriented. Zillow.com reported the median home value was $597,416 in early 2024.

What Is Special about Prescott

• Prescott National Forest • Charming ambience with historical background • 525 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. • Whiskey Row • 5400 ft. altitude

What Is Not Special about Prescott

There are a lot of tourists. Colder winters than the rest of Arizona. Prescott has watering restrictions.

Who Will Like Retirement in Prescott

Retirees who like the outdoors would like all that Prescott has to offer. There is also health care and cultural events.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Manufacturing, health care, hospitality, education, retail.

Climate and Physical Environment

Prescott is in the mountains north of Phoenix. At an elevation of 5400 feet it has cooler summers than most of the rest of Arizona. If you love the outdoors and majestic scenery, this is a great place. The average July high temperature is 91, and the average January high is 51 (the average low is 23). The wettest month is August (3").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Prescott has a vibrant cultural environment. Leading institutions include the Fine Arts Association, Sharlot Hall Museum, Phippen Art Museum, Folk Arts Fair, Frontier Days, and Territorial Days. Yavapai College and Prescott College, along with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are located in Prescott.

Crime

Crime here is a little less than the national average.

Medical facilities

Yavapai Regional Medical Center

Transportation

Love Field is the Prescott Airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor is about 80 miles away. Prescott is below average in walkability when compared to other communities.