Pros And Cons Of Living In Flagstaff Arizona - Things Have Changed!

Summary

In this video, hosts Dawn Dickinson and Kristen Smith revisit the pros and cons of living in Flagstaff, Arizona, for 2023. They discuss the city's four-season climate, outdoor activities, and close proximity to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. They also address the risk of wildfires and flooding, traffic issues, high altitude challenges, job scarcity, high cost of living, and the presence of a homeless population. The hosts provide valuable insights for potential residents and investors, ending with their contact information for real estate and lending services.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Flagstaff, Arizona is a desirable place to live with its four distinct seasons, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
• 🌌 As an International Dark Skies Community, Flagstaff provides stunning views of the night sky with minimal light pollution.
• ☀️ The area enjoys around 300 sunny days per year, with quick weather changes that can bring clear skies even after a storm.
• 🌲 Flagstaff is surrounded by National Forests, offering easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
• 🏂 The city has a good ski resort with multiple slopes, and it's a short drive from other attractions like the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell.
• 🚑 Flagstaff Medical Center is a highly regarded level one Trauma Center with advanced facilities for cardiac care.
• 🏢 The city offers a stable real estate market, with homes tending to hold their value well even in economic downturns.
• 🔥 Flagstaff faces risks of forest fires and subsequent flooding, which have become more prominent concerns in recent years.
• 🚗 Traffic in Flagstaff can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours, but it's generally more manageable compared to larger cities.
• 💼 Job opportunities in Flagstaff are more limited compared to bigger cities, but the rise of remote work has improved this situation.
• 🏡 The cost of living in Flagstaff is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing costs, which are a significant investment.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing the pros and cons of living in Flagstaff, Arizona, updated for the year 2023.

Who are the hosts of the video?

The hosts of the video are Dawn Dickinson, a real estate agent in Northern Arizona, and Kristen Smith, a lending partner with Academy Mortgage.

What are some of the positive aspects of living in Flagstaff mentioned in the video?

Some positive aspects of living in Flagstaff mentioned include the four seasons, outdoor activities, being an international Dark Skies Community, having clear blue skies and sunny days, being surrounded by National Forest, and proximity to attractions like the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell.

What outdoor activities are popular in Flagstaff?

Popular outdoor activities in Flagstaff include hiking, biking, skiing, and enjoying the urban trail system. The area also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and water skiing at Lake Mary.

What is special about Flagstaff being an international Dark Skies Community?

Being an international Dark Skies Community means that Flagstaff has minimal light pollution, allowing for clear starry nights with the ability to see hundreds or thousands of stars.

How does the weather in Flagstaff differ from other places?

Flagstaff is known for its clear blue skies and sunny days, even in the winter. It can also get quite windy, which can affect the weather conditions, and it has four distinct seasons.

What is the significance of Flagstaff being surrounded by National Forest?

Being surrounded by National Forest means that residents have easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and four-wheeling, as well as enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

What are some of the cons of living in Flagstaff discussed in the video?

Some cons discussed are the risk of forest fires and flooding, traffic congestion during peak hours, high altitude which can cause discomfort for some people, limited job opportunities, the smell from the dog food factory, high cost of living and housing, cold winters, and the presence of a homeless population.

How does the risk of forest fires in Flagstaff impact the community?

The risk of forest fires is a concern due to the dry conditions and wind, which can lead to fires spreading quickly. This risk can result in property damage and the need for community preparedness.

What is the significance of Flagstaff's hospital having a level one Trauma Center?

Having a level one Trauma Center means that Flagstaff's hospital can provide the highest level of care for trauma patients, reducing the need to transfer patients to other cities for critical care.

Why might the cost of living be higher in Flagstaff compared to other places?

The cost of living in Flagstaff is higher due to factors like the limited geographical area for housing, making housing more expensive, and it being a desirable place to live because of its natural beauty and amenities.

What is the role of the airport in Flagstaff?

The airport in Flagstaff allows for quick travel to places like Phoenix and Denver, providing convenience for residents and making the area more accessible for visitors.