Life in Flagstaff
Located in north-central Arizona at the base of the San Francisco Peaks mountain range, Flagstaff is a stunning city known for its unique geography. There is so much to see and explore in this incredible city, which is why it has been ranked among the top places to live in Arizona. It is located near some of the state’s best-known attractions, including the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Navajo Nation, and the red rocks of Sedona, making it one of the best places to live for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Its safe communities and small-town charm also make it an ideal place to raise a family.
Ideal Location
One of the most attractive qualities about Flagstaff is its incredible location. Situated at the juncture of Interstate 17 and Interstate 40, Flagstaff is a road tripper’s dream destination. Surrounded by high country mountains and some of Arizona’s most scenic views, residents are treated to an incredible background. Flagstaff is located about 150 miles from Phoenix and within an hour of Sedona, which offers easy access to some incredible weekend getaways. It is also just 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and located along the historic Route 66, which only adds to the adventure. Flagstaff is also less than five hours from other fantastic places, including Las Vegas and Albuquerque.
Cost of Living in Flagstaff
Unfortunately, this beautiful scenery and ideal location don’t come cheap. Flagstaff‘s cost of living is about 14% higher than the national average and 17% higher than the average for Arizona. The most significant increase in costs will be found in transportation, food, and housing. Residents should make an average of $53K per year to live comfortably in Flagstaff.
Employment Opportunities
If you are moving to Flagstaff in hopes of finding a job, you’re in luck because the city has a strong and steady economy. It is considered the technology hub of Arizona, ranking it among the top cities for jobs that attract a well-educated workforce. You will find that renewable energy, bioscience, and medicine are also among the top industries in the state as well as hospitality and tourism. Some of the largest companies in Flagstaff are Northern Arizona Healthcare Corporation, Coconino Community College, Arizona Snowbowl, and North Country Healthcare.
Schools in Flagstaff
Flagstaff is known for being a well-educated city. It has been named one of the top 20 college towns of its size in the country and is one of the best places to live for college students due to its variety of activities and laid-back lifestyle. The largest schools in the area include Northern Arizona University, which is ranked as the top nursing school in Arizona, and Coconino Community College. Flagstaff also has 16 public schools that serve more than 8,900 students in the area.
Weather in Flagstaff
Flagstaff sits 7,000 feet above sea level, and this high altitude and low humidity make for mild and enjoyable weather conditions. Summer temperatures are generally a bit cooler, around 80 degrees, and winter temperatures average around 45 degrees. That said, you can expect a fair amount of rainfall and snowfall in the winter months, which makes the location ideal for cross-country skiers and snowboarders.
Outdoor Adventures
As stated before, Flagstaff is an incredible destination for outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy hiking, running, mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, or even flat-water paddling, Flagstaff has it all. Here are a few local favorite outdoor activities:
Fort Tuthill County Park: Located among the famous Ponderosa Pines, this 413-acre park features multi-use trails and camping sites.
Walnut Canyon National Monument: With an elevation of 6,900 feet at the canyon rim, this monument is definitely worth the visit.
The Grand Canyon: Located just an hour from Flagstaff, this world-famous national park is a great place to take in breathtaking views of the canyon and the Colorado River
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course: Perfect for adventure enthusiasts, this adventure park features a treetop obstacle course and ziplines.
Lowell Observatory: Flagstaff is considered an International Dark Sky City and has skies that are ideal for stargazing, which is why the area is home to multiple telescopes and observatories, including the famous Lowell Observatory.
Ready to Move to Flagstaff? Allied Van Lines Can Help
Featuring stunning topography, majestic night skies, and plenty of outdoor adventures, Flagstaff is a great place to live, work, and play. If you are looking to relocate to Flagstaff, the professionals at Allied Van Lines are here to help. With over 95 years of experience, we know exactly what it takes to plan and execute a seamless move. Call us today for more information about how we can help with your exciting move to Flagstaff!