Prescott : Arizona

What Prescott is like for active adults

Located at an elevation of 5400 feet in the mountains of north central Arizona, the City of Prescott (population almost 43,000 in 2008) was the original territorial capital of the Arizona Territory. This old mining town and now popular active adult 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. The photo of the Horned Toad reading at the Prescott Library is courtesy of Wikipedia and PDTillman.

Where to Live
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 (see link at top right to Prescott Active Communities).

Real Estate Values
The Zillow Home Value Index price was $232,200 in late 2009, below what it was in 2008. City-Data suggested that the median home price was closer to $270,000.

Here is more help with what it is like to retire in Arizona, including tax information. Prescott is number 3 on the Topretirements list of the 100 best places to retire

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What is special about this retirement community

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

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What is not special about this retirement community

• There are a lot of tourists • Colder winters than the rest of Arizona • Watering restrictions

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Prescott is a growing, vital community, having expanded 19% from 2000 to 2005. It is a very popular retirement spot, rated the #1 retirement location in the U.S. by one source. Almost 90% of the population is white, 42% have a college degree or higher.

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Local economy is driven by

Manufacturing, health care, hospitality, education, retail

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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 88 and the average January high is 51 (the average low is 23). The wettest month is August (3").

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Cultural environment

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.

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Medical facilities

Yavapai Regional Medical Center

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Transportation

Love Field is the Prescott Airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor is about 80 miles away

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Facts about PRESCOTT

State: AZ
Environment: College Town,Mountains,Desert,
City Population: 25,001-50,000
Median age of Population: 45-64
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jb

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