Don't Move to Flagstaff in 2024 if You Can't Handle This!

Summary

In this video, realtor Don Dickinson outlines 10 considerations for those thinking of moving to Flagstaff, Arizona, especially for Northern Arizona University parents. He discusses high living costs, extreme winter cold, heavy snowfall, high altitude, forest fire risks, challenges with homeowners insurance, wildlife encounters, traffic due to NAU events, limited job opportunities, and the absence of certain amenities like Trader Joe's. Dickinson provides a balanced view, inviting viewers to contact him for real estate advice if they're still interested in moving to Flagstaff.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The cost of living in Flagstaff is high, with a median home price of $850,000 and median rent at $2500.
• ❄️ Flagstaff experiences cold winters, with lows around 14°F in January and around seven days below zero degrees annually.
• 🌨️ The city gets about 82 inches of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest towns in Arizona.
• ⛰️ Flagstaff's high altitude (around 7,000 ft) can affect breathing and cooking times due to thin air.
• 🔥 There's a higher risk of forest fires and subsequent flooding in certain areas of Flagstaff.
• 🏡 Homeowners insurance can be difficult to obtain or expensive in some areas of Flagstaff.
• 🐻 Wild animals such as elk, deer, and occasionally bears and mountain lions are common in and around Flagstaff.
• 🎓 Flagstaff hosts Northern Arizona University, leading to increased traffic and potential difficulty finding accommodations during events.
• 💼 Job opportunities in high-tech and manufacturing fields may be limited in Flagstaff.
• 🛒 Some residents miss the absence of certain stores like Trader Joe's in Flagstaff.

Q & A

What is the current median home price for a single-family home in Flagstaff, Arizona?

The current median home price for a single-family home in Flagstaff is about $850,000.

What is the average monthly rent in Flagstaff?

The median price for rent in Flagstaff is about $2500.

How does the cost of living in Flagstaff compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Flagstaff is 118, which means it's about 18% higher than the average cost of living in the United States.

What is the typical winter temperature in Flagstaff?

The low in January is about 14°, and there are about seven or eight days in the winter where it gets below zero degrees.

How much snow does Flagstaff typically receive annually?

Flagstaff typically receives about 81-82 inches of snow annually.

What is the elevation of Flagstaff, and how does it affect the residents?

Flagstaff is about 7,000 ft above sea level. The high altitude can make it harder to catch your breath and may affect people with respiratory issues or older individuals.

What are the risks associated with living in a mountain town like Flagstaff?

Living in Flagstaff comes with a higher risk of forest fires and, following fires, an increased risk of flooding due to burn scars.

Why might it be difficult to obtain homeowners insurance in some areas of Flagstaff?

There have been reported issues with obtaining homeowners insurance or with high rates in certain neighborhoods or zip codes of Flagstaff.

Are there any concerns about encountering wild animals in Flagstaff?

Yes, Flagstaff is home to wildlife such as elk, deer, bobcats, skunks, porcupines, wild turkeys, and occasionally bears and mountain lions.

How does the presence of Northern Arizona University impact the city of Flagstaff?

The presence of NAU can lead to increased traffic, difficulty finding hotel rooms, and crowded restaurants during events like graduation or parents' day.

What are the job opportunities like in Flagstaff?

Job opportunities in Flagstaff can be limited, especially in high-tech fields and manufacturing. However, there are jobs available in hospitality, healthcare, education, and at Northern Arizona University.

What is a surprising complaint some people have about living in Flagstaff?

Some people complain about the lack of a Trader Joe's in Flagstaff.