Lifestyle

Newcomers to Coconino and Yavapai Counties will find a paradise of natural beauty, a rich historic legacy, and progressive communities dedicated to maintaining an unrivaled quality of life. Set in elevations of between 4,500 and over 7,000 feet and surrounded by vast national forest and rugged mountains, these communities define the blending of small-town charm with urban convenience. While the city of Prescott claims an impressive past as Arizona’s original Territorial Capital, many of the areas cities and town have long and storied pasts. Cities like Williams offer a trip back in time, when Route 66 was the premier cross country route.

In recent decades, the entire region has experienced a boom of new construction and expansion in every sector. The housing opportunities are as diverse and attractive as the terrain, encompassing well-kept older properties, historic homes, beautiful new subdivisions, upscale golf-course communities, small farms, sprawling ranches, handsome log homes, cozy cabins secluded by deep woods, and custom homes on generous parcels of prime land. Innovative architectural designs take advantage of home sites with variable elevations, often incorporating walls of glass that command breathtaking mountain views.

The strong appeal of this area to Midwesterners in its earlier development is most evident in Prescott’s delightful downtown Courthouse Plaza, the scene of colorful annual events and celebrations throughout the calendar year. Prescott welcomes visitors and guests from across the state and the nation as they flock to events like Frontier Days, the World’s Oldest Rodeo, the Folk Arts Fair, and Territorial Days. The former mining town of Jerome offers another historic jewel, featuring vintage homes and unique businesses and shops along a narrow and winding mountain road. Today, Jerome serves as a focal point of tourism for its historic elements and its status as an artist’s colony. And Sedona offers an almost magical setting with its colorful Red Rocks and even more colorful residents.

While recreational opportunities are unrivaled, those who appreciate the arts and cultural attractions will not be disappointed. The Prescott Valley Civic Center features renowned fine art exhibits as well as eclectic events and programs, while Prescott draws regional audiences to its lineup of theatrical and musical performances. The recently refurbished and restored Elks Opera House, the visual and performing arts resources encompassed by the Prescott Fine Arts Association, and the Performance Hall calendar of events at Yavapai College combine to keep residents and visitors entertained and inspired. The college also operates a gallery and offers gallery talks that are open to the general public. Flagstaff and Sedona both offer exceptional opportunities for Theater and performance, combined with strong doses of western history.

Federal forest preserves, state and county parks, and well-equipped municipal parks combine to ensure four-season outdoor enjoyment. Challenging golf courses, tennis courts, sports courts and fields, sports leagues, and supervised recreational activities for all ages combine with unparalleled opportunities to explore nature’s bounty. Rock-climbing, hiking, back-packing, camping, bike touring and mountain biking, off-road exploration, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and winter sports are all popular pastimes.

One of the advantages to a Northern Arizona lifestyle is the centralized location within the state of Arizona. Residents will discover Flagstaff’s rarified elevations, towering pines, downhill skiing and snowboarding, a major public university, and Route 66 historic sites. One of the world’s natural wonders, the Grand Canyon, is only a short drive from Flagstaff. To the south lies the Valley of the Sun and Metropolitan Phoenix, with its professional sports lineup, world-class cultural centers, and trendy shopping areas. Spectacular Oak Creek Canyon beauty and Sedona’s red-rock splendor are waiting to the East, along with fine dining, boutique and outlet mall shopping, posh resorts, and intriguing galleries. To the West lies the boating and water-sport paradise of Lake Havasu City and the Parker Strip in Parker, where the mighty Colorado River and vast lakes draw throngs of visitors and vacationers. To the north across the state line in Nevada, the communities of Laughlin and Las Vegas combine with Lake Mead National Recreational Area and the engineering wonder of Hoover Dam to offer some of the nation’s most exciting water recreation, dazzling casino resorts, glittering nightlife, and non-stop headliner entertainment. Without a doubt, the Prescott Tri-City region and Yavapai County provide a location and a lifestyle beyond compare in the enchanting Southwest.

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