THE TOWN OF PRESCOTT
Prescott, at 5,200 feet, is in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the U.S. It has nice weather with four seasons and beautiful nature, including granite mountains, lakes, streams, and wildlife-filled meadows. Prescott is known as a top place to live in North America. Visitors enjoy horseback riding, golf, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, plus local breweries, restaurants, shopping, and a welcoming small-town feel.
Prescott city population is 48,000.
Next door is the town of Prescott Valley. Pop. 46,000.
The metro area population is 234,000 (Est. 2024).
Demographic data- <click here>
The median Age in the Prescott Metro area is 51 — compared to the US median age of 37. (Geared toward a retirement town)
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime).
Prescott violent crime score is low 20. (The US average is 23).
Prescott property crime score is low 30. (The US average is 35).
Medical Centers in region.
Mayo Clinic, 90 minutes away in Phoenix is recognized nationwide.
Prescott Chamber of Commerce- provides a wealth of information for tourist and families relocating.
Abundant shopping including Costco, Trader Joe’s, REI, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting, etc etc.
Groome Transportation is recommended should you need a shuttle service between Phoenix Airport and Prescott.
The Prescott Circle Trail is a non-motorized 54 mile loop of mostly single track around the Prescott Basin.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Whiskey Row - at the center of town consisting of saloons and other entertainment venues.
Where to Eat: Top Restaurants.
Some Favorites:
<El Gato Azul > <The Finn> <Murphy’s> <Colt Grill>
<The County Seat - breakfast and lunch>
<The Local - breakfast and lunch>
<Oliva’s Mex> <Donut Hole> <Lindos Mex>
The Top 10 Breweries.
Watson Lake—home to many bird species and trails winding among the granite boulders along its shore.
Read more about other top activities around Prescott.
In the surrounding hills and forests are towering Ponderosa pines and clear lakes.
Lynx Lake - located 15 minutes from Prescott, this lake is prime for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. Swimming is prohibited.
Goldwater Lake - the lake is just 5 miles from Prescott. It is small, only 15 acres, but you can enjoy many activities like picnics, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and boating.
Biking:
Biking in Prescott .
Peavine Trail. The highly rated trail was built by the Santa Fe Railroad.
Read more about Prescott bike trails.
Other Arizona biking trails - asphalt and gravel trails available at:
Grand Canyon - discover the scenic Greenway trail.
Flagstaff - is a charming town in known for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant downtown area.
Phoenix - Arizona Canal Path, Scottsdale Greenbelt, Indian Bend Wash Path and the Rio Salado Pathway.
Tucson - Santa Cruz River Park trail is one of the best in the mountain states.
Hiking:
Prescott trails:
Top trail is the Peavine trail. <learn more>
Best Hikes in Sedona.
Kayaking: recommended top spots.
Birdwatching - birds in this stretch of the Verde River are: Common Black Hawk, Bald Eagle, Black Phoebe, Wood Duck, Spotted Sandpiper, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Crissal Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher.
The Club at Prescott Lakes. - membership fees apply.
ACTIVITIES AROUND TOWN:
208 N. Marina St. Prescott
117 E. Gurley St. Prescott
Upcoming shows
Prescott YMCA.
Check the events at the Findley Toyota Convention Center.
Prescott community:
Festivals in Sedona, Flagstaff and Phoenix.
<Check out the Calendar of Events-Sedona>
<Check out the Calendar of Events-Flagstaff>
<Check out the Calendar of Events-Phoenix>
Verde Valley Parks and activities - Learn more
The Verde Valley Farmers Market is back for the summer! Find fresh local produce, natural meats, local honey, bakery, and listen to live music every Saturday from May 13 through October 7th.
List of State Parks in Verde Valley.
Distance: Prescott —> Verde Valley, 1 hour
Drive time from Prescott to Sedona: 1 hr 15 min (67 mi) via I-17 N
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Learn more about Northern Arizona wineries.
Top Must-Visit Verde Valley Wineries:
The wineries are all approximately one (1) hour drive from Prescott.
— Caduceus Cellars
—Chateau Tumbleweed
—Page Springs Cellars
—Southwest Wine Center
—D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards
—Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
—Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery
—Verde Valley Wine Trail
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Saddle Mountain Brewing Co. (Goodyear): Gold in the American wheat beer category with Taildragger 5G and silver in the Scottish-style ale category with Taildragger Clan-Destine.
State 48 Brewery (Multiple Valley locations): Gold in the strong porter category with Baltic Porter.
Flying Basset Brewing (Gilbert): Bronze in the coffee beer category with Alchemist Breakfast.
LazyG Brewhouse (Prescott): Bronze in the English ale category with Sunshine Blonde.
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Hiking: Sedona has an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular trails include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Devil's Bridge.
Jeep Tours: Explore Sedona's backcountry with a guided Jeep tour. You can choose from various tours, including off-road adventures, scenic tours, and sunset tours.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience Sedona's breathtaking views from the sky with a hot air balloon ride.
Spiritual Tours: Sedona is considered a spiritual center and is believed to have a strong energy field. You can take a spiritual tour to learn more about Sedona's spiritual history and energy.
Art Galleries: Sedona has a thriving art community, and you can explore various art galleries showcasing local and international artists.
Stargazing: Sedona's clear skies make it a perfect spot for stargazing. You can book a stargazing tour or visit the Sedona Star Party at the Sedona Heritage Museum.
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Historical significance: Jerome was once a booming copper mining town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark with many preserved buildings that give visitors a glimpse into its rich history.
Artistic community: Jerome has a thriving artistic community, with many art galleries, studios, and workshops. The town is home to many talented artists, and visitors can purchase original artwork and attend art shows and events.
Unique charm: Jerome's steep streets and narrow alleys give it a unique charm that is not found in other towns. Many buildings are built into the side of the mountain, and the town's quirky architecture adds to its character.
Scenic beauty: Jerome is located on a mountainside, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take in the scenic beauty by hiking, driving, or taking a tour.
Ghost town: Due to its history as a mining town, Jerome has been labeled as a ghost town. This designation has helped the town preserve its historical buildings and attract visitors interested in the town's spooky stories and legends.
Wine tasting: Jerome is home to several wineries, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours. The town's high elevation and volcanic soil create unique growing conditions that produce high-quality grapes.
Haunted history: Jerome's history includes many tragic events, such as mine collapses and fires, which have led to ghost stories and legends. Visitors can take ghost tours to learn more about the town's haunted past.
Overall, Jerome's combination of historical significance, artistic community, unique charm, scenic beauty, and haunted history makes it a special destination for visitors to Arizona.
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what is speial about cottonwood az
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Cottonwood, Arizona is a charming small town located in the Verde Valley, just 20 minutes from Sedona. Here are some of the things that make Cottonwood special:
Historical significance: Cottonwood has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric Sinagua people. The town was also an important agricultural and mining center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the town's historic buildings have been preserved and are now part of the Old Town Cottonwood Historic District.
Wine country: Cottonwood is located in the heart of the Verde Valley wine region, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting and tours at several wineries and tasting rooms. The region is known for producing high-quality Arizona wines and has become a popular destination for wine lovers.
Outdoor recreation: Cottonwood is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Verde River and the Mingus Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in the area.
Artistic community: Cottonwood has a thriving artistic community, with many art galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The town also hosts several art festivals and events throughout the year.
Eclectic shopping and dining: Cottonwood's historic Main Street is home to many unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, offering visitors a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences.
Verde Canyon Railroad: The Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic train ride that takes visitors through the Verde Canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Historic Old Town: Cottonwood's Old Town is a charming district filled with historic buildings, antique shops, and local eateries. Visitors can stroll through the streets, taking in the town's unique character and architecture.
Overall, Cottonwood's combination of historical significance, wine country, outdoor recreation, artistic community, eclectic shopping and dining, and charming Old Town make it a special destination for visitors to Arizona.
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what is special about cottonwood az
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Cottonwood, Arizona is a small town located in the Verde Valley, known for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the things that make Cottonwood special:
Historic Old Town: Cottonwood's Old Town is a charming district filled with historic buildings, antique shops, and local eateries. Visitors can stroll through the streets, taking in the town's unique character and architecture.
Wine Country: Cottonwood is located in the heart of the Verde Valley wine region, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting and tours at several wineries and tasting rooms. The region is known for producing high-quality Arizona wines and has become a popular destination for wine lovers.
Outdoor Recreation: Cottonwood is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Verde River and the Mingus Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in the area.
Artistic Community: Cottonwood has a thriving artistic community, with many art galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The town also hosts several art festivals and events throughout the year.
Eclectic Shopping and Dining: Cottonwood's historic Main Street is home to many unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, offering visitors a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences.
Verde Canyon Railroad: The Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic train ride that takes visitors through the Verde Canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Historical Significance: Cottonwood has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric Sinagua people. The town was also an important agricultural and mining center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the town's historic buildings have been preserved and are now part of the Old Town Cottonwood Historic District.
Overall, Cottonwood's combination of historic charm, wine country, outdoor recreation, artistic community, eclectic shopping and dining, and stunning natural beauty make it a special destination for visitors to Arizona.
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what is special about williams az
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Williams, Arizona is a small town located on historic Route 66, about an hour's drive from the Grand Canyon. Here are some of the things that make Williams special:
Historic Route 66: Williams is one of the few towns that still retains its original alignment on Route 66, the iconic highway that once connected Chicago to Los Angeles. Visitors can experience the nostalgia of the Mother Road by strolling along the town's main street, which is lined with vintage motels, diners, and shops.
Gateway to the Grand Canyon: Williams is known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon" because it is the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes visitors on a scenic ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The town is also just a short drive from the Grand Canyon, making it a convenient base for exploring the national park.
Outdoor Recreation: Williams is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Kaibab National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the area.
Historic Downtown: Williams has a charming downtown area that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stroll along the brick sidewalks, taking in the historic buildings and quaint shops.
Wild West History: Williams has a rich history as a wild west town, with a colorful past that includes cowboys, outlaws, and gunfights. Visitors can learn about the town's history at the Williams Depot and the Wild West Junction, which recreates an Old West town.
Dark Skies: Williams is located in an area with some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a popular destination for stargazers.
Overall, Williams' combination of Route 66 nostalgia, proximity to the Grand Canyon, outdoor recreation, historic charm, Wild West history, and dark skies make it a special destination for visitors to Arizona.
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Historic Old Town: Cottonwood's Old Town is a charming district filled with historic buildings, antique shops, and local eateries. Visitors can stroll through the streets, taking in the town's unique character and architecture.
Wine Country: Cottonwood is located in the heart of the Verde Valley wine region, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting and tours at several wineries and tasting rooms. The region is known for producing high-quality Arizona wines and has become a popular destination for wine lovers.
Outdoor Recreation: Cottonwood is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Verde River and the Mingus Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in the area.
Artistic Community: Cottonwood has a thriving artistic community, with many art galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The town also hosts several art festivals and events throughout the year.
Eclectic Shopping and Dining: Cottonwood's historic Main Street is home to many unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, offering visitors a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences.
Verde Canyon Railroad: The Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic train ride that takes visitors through the Verde Canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
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Flagstaff, Arizona is a vibrant mountain town located in the northern part of the state. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the best things to do in Flagstaff for visitors:
Visit the Lowell Observatory: Lowell Observatory is a world-renowned research facility that was founded in 1894. Visitors can take guided tours of the observatory and learn about its history and current research projects. They can also view the stars and planets through telescopes.
Explore the Historic Downtown: Flagstaff's historic downtown is filled with charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can take a stroll down Route 66, which runs through the center of town, and take in the historic buildings and neon signs.
Flagstaff’s best breweries: This city has a thriving microbrewery scene with numerous establishments crafting unique and flavorful beers.
Hike in the Coconino National Forest: Flagstaff is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, which offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails through forests, canyons, and mountains. Some of the popular hikes include the Humphreys Peak Trail, the Inner Basin Trail, and the Arizona Trail.
Visit the Museum of Northern Arizona: The Museum of Northern Arizona is a museum dedicated to the art, culture, and natural history of the Colorado Plateau. Visitors can learn about the Native American tribes that have lived in the area for thousands of years, as well as the geology and wildlife of the region.
Ski or Snowboard at Arizona Snowbowl: Arizona Snowbowl is a ski resort located just outside of Flagstaff that offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Visitors can take the ski lift to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Tour the Wupatki National Monument: The Wupatki National Monument is a collection of ancient pueblo ruins that were inhabited by the Sinagua people between 500 and 1200 AD. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the ruins and learn about the history and culture of the people who lived there.
Visit the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a geologic wonder located just north of Flagstaff. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cinder cone volcano and the surrounding lava fields.
Overall, Flagstaff offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from exploring its rich history and culture to hiking in the nearby national forests and skiing in the winter months.
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Excursions to surrounding areas:
Sedona-red rock country - 65 miles / 1 hr. 15 minutes.
Jerome a unique ghost town
Cottonwood - is a charming small town filled with historic buildings, antique shops, and local eateries. - 32 miles/ 50 minutes.
Flagstaff - 93 miles / 1.5 hrs. <Visitor map>
Williams - this town is one of the few places still on the original Route 66, the famous road from Chicago to Los Angeles. Visitors can explore the history by walking along the main street, which has old motels, diners, and shops. —67 miles / 1 hr. 15 min.
Grand Canyon - 122 miles/ 2 hr. 15 min
Outdoor activities surrounding the Camp Verde area. <Learn more>
Phoenix - characterized by its desert landscape, scorching summers, and a vibrant metropolitan area offering cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a thriving arts scene.
Drive time: 90 min. to 2 hrs. (traffic) 93 mi. away.
Scottsdale - 1 hr, 45 minutes, 107 miles away.
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The small-town culture in Arizona is in a class of its own and draws people from all over.
Towns in Arizona you must see while visiting Prescott.
Further (long weekend) trips within 3.5 - 4 hrs. to:
Learn more about Tucson’s six districts.
Lake Powell located in Page, Arizona
Kayak in Lake Powell
Antelope Canyon is located in Page.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Park. <map>
Las Vegas !!!
Journey 5 hours:
Bisbee—one of Arizona's most interesting towns and possibly one of its best kept secrets.
The former mining town of Bisbee is a unique little community set high in the mountains. <Learn more>
Journey to places within a 6 - 7 hour drive:
San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.
Newport Beach (Los Angeles area)
Mesa Verde National Park
Durango and Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
Further out:
Moab, UT - 417 miles, 7.5 hour drive.
Gateway to Arches and Canyonland National Parks.
Capitol Reef National Park. 474 miles, 8.5 hrs
Skiing - Just north of Flagstaff for our visiting friends.
Arizona Snowbowl is an alpine ski resort in the southwest US., located on the San Francisco Peaks of northern Arizona.
Distance: 2 hrs. from Prescott.
WEATHER DATA:
The region is recognized has the best four (4) season(s) weather in North America.
On average, there are 277 Sunny Days per year in Prescott.
Dew Point & Humidity are low. Early morning and evening are pleasant and cool.
On average, there are 16 inches of snow and 18 inches of rain per year.
Thunderstorms are frequent in July and August.
SUMMER RUNNING and BIKING IN PRESCOTT.
Summers in Prescott get hot. June through August often sees temperatures of around 92°F. It might be wise to do your training early in the mornings or evenings. The temperature in the months of July & August are ~ around 84 to 93°F at noon and 66 to 75°F at 6 AM and 8 PM. The HUMIDITY is generally low.
Sunrise and Sunset times for Prescott, AZ
In December, January and February the sun sets 1 hour later than Connecticut.
Example: January 1st sunset is at 5:33 pm versus 4:37 pm in Connecticut.
In June, July and August the sun sets 40 minutes earlier than Connecticut.
Example: July 20th sunset is at 7:40 pm versus 8:20 pm in Connecticut.
Non-stop flights from Prescott airport — service to Los Angeles and Denver, then connecting onward.
Phoenix airport provides non-stop everywhere, including Bradley airport serving Breeze airlines.
Flagstaff airport has a few non-stop flights to Denver and Dallas.
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has been taking people on a fabled journey into the heart of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
For sports friends visiting:
Railroads:
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATONS if relocating:
Property Tax — Arizona-$4,200 versus Connecticut-$10,000 on a average 600K home.
State income tax rate — Arizona is a 2.5% flat rate vs Connecticut 6% rate.
Sales taxes are above average in Arizona, (state and local) rate is 8.37%, the 11th-highest in the nation.
Car Tax, Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, slightly lower than the national average.
Heating cost. — savings on heating cost due to warmer climate.
Electricity - half the cost versus Connecticut.
Water — typically $1500 per year for a average home.
Less costly landscaping maintenance than in Connecticut.