COMMUNITY PROFILES
In spite of the serene atmosphere and small-town appeal of the regions cities and towns, residents are offered an impressive array of amenities and services. Newcomers will discover state-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities, anchored by the cornerstone hospital of Yavapai Regional Medical Center West. Dedicated to meeting the needs of area residents through medical excellence and patient-centered care, YRMC continually invests in upgrades and expansions. The Yavapai Regional Medical Center East is a 50-bed hospital near the Del E. Webb Outpatient Center in Prescott Valley. Underlining YRMC’s proactive approach to community service and education, the Pendleton Wellness Centers are highly respected as focal points for health maintenance, improved fitness, and rehabilitation of all types.
While YRMC provides a complete array of leading-edge services and specialties, the region is home to a number of other important healthcare resources. The Prescott Valley Samaritan Center operated by the Good Samaritan Society expands the options for long-term and specialized care. The presence of the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in Prescott has a positive effect on the lives of veterans as well as the economy. Prescott VA Medical Center is the largest veteran healthcare facility within a 60,000-square-mile area and one of the region’s largest employers. The nearby community of Cottonwood features the Verde Valley Medical Center within the Northern Arizona Healthcare system.
Complementing the public and private schools on elementary and secondary levels, the region provides a number of options for higher education that are available just beyond the front doorstep. The two-year institution of Yavapai College enjoys an excellent reputation for academic excellence and affordability, drawing students of all ages to its diverse programs. In addition to the main campus in Prescott, the college operates an educational center in Prescott Valley, the Agribusiness and Science Technology Center in Chino Valley, and the Sedona Center for Arts & Technology in nearby Sedona.
Flagstaff’s higher education options are greatly enhanced by Northern Arizona University. Established in 1899, NAU is one of Arizona’s three state universities. Enrollment at this highly rated University is more than 20,000 students (with more than 12,000 in the Flagstaff campus.) NAU students give flagstaff that funky college town feel that so often surrounds large universities. Northern Arizona University in cooperation with Yavapai College opens the door of opportunity for students to earn a four-year degree from a public university without a lengthy commute or a move to Flagstaff. Prescott is proud to be one of two locations for a campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, internationally recognized as “best in field for studying the science, practice, and business of aviation, aerospace, and engineering.” Prescott College offers a private liberal arts institution that confers undergraduate and graduate degrees and teacher certifications with an emphasis on the environment and social justice. Also based in Prescott, North Central University takes an innovative approach to higher education by offering online distance-learning degree programs on every level.
