Curious what people think. We have two kids and With a population of 76,333, Flagstaff is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Flagstaff sits at 489.3 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
4 upvotes
8 Replies
Clara Phillips
interesting, hadn't considered that
32 upvotes
Waylon H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Bugs and humidity in summer. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Anna
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Aubrey Peterson
accurate
30 upvotes
oaklandgirl2021
following this thread
20 upvotes
Elijah Ramos
this is the way
16 upvotes
Emilia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Camila Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.