Pros and Cons of Living in Flagstaff

Ever thought about what its like to live in Flagstaff Arizona? This video is a discussion on the pros and cons of living in Flagstaff. From the beauty of the area and the wonderful things to do--as well as the negatives of traffic and high home prices--we try to cover it in this discussion of life as a Flagstaff resident.
I have invited my friend and lending partner--Kristen Smith of Academy Mortgage--to provide her perspective on Flagstaff living since she was born and raised in beautiful Flagstaff.
Thinking of moving to Flagstaff yourself? Kristen can help you qualify for a home loan, and I can help you find your dream house in the high country of Northern Arizona. Contact either of us using the information below.
I am a licensed Real Estate Agent here in Northern Arizona who would love to help assist you with all of your real estate needs.
NEED MORE INFO ON NORTHERN ARIZONA FROM DAWN?
👇👇👇👇
Dawn Dickenson
Berkshire-Hathaway Home Services .
License Number SA664403000
📲 Email: [e-mail]
📲 Call/Text Direct: 928-832-0555
📲 Schedule Your Zoom: livinginnorthernarizona.com
Kristen Smith, Loan Officer
w 928-913-9285
c 928-699-7215
[e-mail]

[@baskervillebee6097]

Was visiting Flagstaff a few years ago and was anxious to get a copy of a book that was being released. The nice taxi driver took me to 2 different book stores to locate a copy. Later two different taxi drivers asked if I was the lady looking for the book and if I got my book. Such a friendly small town attitude. I was really impressed.

[@freenchrist2935]

To ALL the skeptics who dont really know about moving to Flagstaff. I would love to re- affirm your decision. I been ALL over the world with the Military. I NEVER seen a City where EVERYONE is HAPPY and FRIENDLY, like Flag. Im a Black older lady who had preconceived notions when I ventured out towards Flag. I didn't know if the people in Flagstaff which is (mostly Caucasian) would be racist and treat me mean. In my quest, I found a City where the MOST polite considerate people live and dwell together PEACEFULLY. BOTH young and old alike. They let me KNOW real clear, "WE WELCOME YOU HERE!" I felt amazed and tremendously BLESSED. Flagstaff is an expensive place to live. I started a business and moved to a town 1 hour away where rent is a little more reasonable, yet can still drive daily to Flagstaff if need be to take care of business. If your a mean hearted person, I suggest you dont move there. The level of happiness there will greatly annoy you; but if your tired of day to day challenges due to mean, unfaithful, selfish people; and desire to switch it up; COME to Flagstaff, where GOOD wholesome HAPPY people are at.. Or move to the surrounding cities around Flagstaff where rent is more afordable.

[@freenchrist2935]

@@paraguayaenalaska730 Im glad u found it! Keep in mind, Flagstaff is surrounded by small little towns.. Consider looking in surrounding towns..Which is WAY cheap

[@freenchrist2935]

Alot of people moving here from Alaska

[@URI-Vanity-]

what are some of the less expensive cities close to flagstaff suitable for a black family of 8?

[@charleswilson7371]

Thank you

[@Green-bs4ex]

🖕They deleted my original comment so here I'll keep it simple 🖕

[@frankgreen2212]

I loved Flaggstaff when I visited on the way to the Grand Canyon. I am surprised you did not mention Lowell observatory. That was a real neat place and historically significant as it was where Pluto was first discovered.

[@marcd1981]

It didn't seem they were really prepared for this video. Surprising when you consider they both knew they were doing a video about Flagstaff.

[@soloharmonicsrobj8246]

I'm a former resident of Flagstaff, from 1978 to 1984. I attended Killip elementary, East Flagstaff Jr. High (Mt. Elden Middle) and Coconino High School. La Fanda was my favorite Mexican place back then. Camp Colton was an interesting experience in my youth as I recall. The Hart Prairie area is beautiful, especially the aspen trees. The ponderosa pines are beautiful but the long needles are sometimes a nuisance. Anyway just reminiscing about those days. I was born in Kingman by the way. 12:35

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I had a hard time keeping up with raking the pine needles when I had my home near Flagstaff.

[@soloharmonicsrobj8246]

@livinginnorthernaz Exactly, and my father gave me the job just about every time, as I recall. Including the snow shoveling quite often as needed. A lot of good memories though.

[@lorrainegrant3506]

I am in Australia and am looking so forward to my next visit, hopefully in the Springtime.

[@Sovjetski-]

i love FlagStaff... just the name is wonderful in itself.

[@DylanWallace11.11]

Ha ha ha that’s hilarious hearing your Dog sipping licking water at 4.10. Absolute gold!

[@ernieleducjr.9023]

Awesome vid! Thank you!

[@GuidedWithLight]

Sounds like a nice place to visit. That food all looked delicious!

[@jmsmikey]

Great vid~ I live in Las Vegas & need to get out from June-September to escape the dreadful heat. Flagstaff is first on my list~

[@livinginnorthernaz]

It’s 97 in Sedona right now and only 87 in Flagstaff

[@Rob-od2ei]

I live in Mesa and Tempe, most all my life, except my 7 years in the army. I have about 6-10 years before I retire and am looking to move to Flagstaff to get away from the 115 degree summers and have seasons. Been looking at 2 bedroom condo's but there is absolutely nothing for sale now. I know 6-10 years things will change, so I am watching videos like this to see how life would be in a SMALLER CITY lol I miss the pine trees and SEASONS. Thank you for sharing.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

Just in the last month we’ve seen a decent increase in inventory. If you would like a list of homes for sale in Flagstaff, email me your price range and I can send you a list. [e-mail]

[@leonk5793]

I'm from the UK and so many things about Flagstaff appeals to me - the mountains, ponderosa pines, the desert sunshine with the altitude taking the edge of the heat, close proximity to the grand canyon, friendly folks and the natural beauty of the area. COVID has restricted my plans so unfortunately it will be some time in visiting - but I will be there. It has everything I would want in a holiday location..

[@opheliavalentine6058]

Flagstaff is located in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world. They are such pretty trees especially when their back matures and turns a reddish brown with the lovely scent of vanilla.

[@leonk5793]

@@livinginnorthernaz I was due to go on a road trip starting at Vegas and taking in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah last year - unfortunately that was cancelled. I decided that 2023 will be the earliest that I look to visit - any sooner is just not worth the risk. I think the majority of people in the UK think the same..

[@leonk5793]

@@opheliavalentine6058 You are very lucky - I have some wonderful memories when I visited the South West USA.

[@ln5747]

Flagstaff is still VERY hot despite the altitude if coming from the UK

[@joelrausch4824]

Flagstaff does NOT depend on the Colorado River for its water. City planners had the foresight to aquire water rights to huge aquifers east of town and Flagstaff is assured a 100 year water supply despite weather and population predictions and this is what sets it apart from Phoenix/Tucson et al. Best place to live in the southwest.

[@ashforkdan]

The snow on the peaks are made from sewer water. That's what you're drinking. Yummy

[@joelrausch4824]

@@ashforkdan well at least there is no urine or scat from wildlife on that mountain...that would be a bigger problem...

[@Katakagara]

@@ashforkdan what are you even talking about ? Are you drinking it ?

[@carry_boats]

great video! thanks

[@johnchedsey1306]

I went to NAU and lived in Flagstaff for a good chunk of the 90s. When I moved back to Arizona, I briefly thought about returning to Flagstaff, but the cost of housing is just unreal. I mean, I get it. Any nice city in the west is expensive now. But I am happy to be in Tucson instead. Visiting Flagstaff is pretty easy day drive away.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I was at NAU in 1993-1994

[@chriscullen9642]

Great bones for chewing and cool, clean water for drinking! -the Dog. No, seriously, thanks for the informative video and tell your dog I said Hi. :)

[@johnwells5414]

My home town!

[@christinegarcia3897]

Oh I love this!! We’re planning on retirement in Arizona and flagstaff is definitely a place we want to check out!!

[@Alicewonders828]

well. bring a canoe, you will need it!

[@agentx4315]

Lived there for many years. My mom worked at LA Fonda's. Trying to move back but soooo expensive

[@gregwong7307]

I've been considering Flagstaff as my retirement destination. The negatives in this video, traffic and rising home prices, don't bother me as I'm coming from San Jose, CA where the traffic is worse, and the home prices are even higher. Two things worry me about Flagstaff, however. First is the potential for wild fires, and the second is the flooding that comes as a result of the fires. Would someone like to address my concerns?

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I talk about that in an updated video, "Avoid Moving to Flagstaff unless you ca handle these 10 Facts"

[@danielsfitplanet]

Planing on moving there :)

[@livinginnorthernaz]

Email me if you’d like to see a list of homes [e-mail]

[@DENZELINAFRICA]

Good video

[@ositaonyejekwe]

Used to live here back in my day now I live in boulder Colorado. Similar cities and vibe.

[@ositaonyejekwe]

@@HistoryBuff661 have you lived in both ?

[@ositaonyejekwe]

@@HistoryBuff661 both cities look similar tho?

[@upnorthFPVandEUC]

Awesome intro! Cool channel about the town I love!! And hello Kristen! Crazzzy how we can live in the same town yet not see people we know for years..

[@zoelle37]

I would love to visit Flagstaff Arizona oneday.

[@edwardprime278]

I’m actually in flagstaff visiting from California

[@witz224]

A comparable house that I have in Central Iowa would be around 800,000 in Flagstaff and what see the jobs don’t pay anymore, I’ll stay here ,the cost of living is less expensive !

[@kennethodonnell2068]

Not everyone is looking for a comparable house. Some are looking for a better quality of life, which usually is not associated with a cost per square foot KPI.

[@mml1426]

Flagstaff looks pretty nice to visit… but 800,000!!!????? I understand a NYC house/apartment to be $800,000 because it’s an exciting city, but Flagstaff is (although close to cool places) pretty boring.

[@Connor-dq4my]

Yeah but you need to live in Iowa

[@DENZELINAFRICA]

Flagstaff is nice

[@andyhill1533]

awesome video, Im looking to move to flag in the next few months! thanks for the info

[@freenchrist2935]

You definitely WONT be disappointed. I GUARANTEE when you come, everyone there will be happy to see you..its a tourist city!!

[@skiipmasque1702]

Did you make it there? How do you like it there?

[@jonismith6575]

I love Flagstaff! I would love to live there! I live in Phoenix now.

[@6toolbaseball]

Nice intro

[@blakeferris7797]

The Beaver Street Brewery is my favorite bar and restaurant in Flagstaff and Bookman's is an awesome place to hang out and look at all the books and other things.

[@batcaveloner1383]

I love Nimarcos lol 🖤💣

[@harrygasser5546]

I moved here in 1990 and will never leave.

[@BooskieWanders]

I came to Mesa AZ a year ago from Florida and I think that was a mistake after getting a feel of the heat and seeing the pollution. My husband and I love nature and we hike. We do want to get away from steaming heat weather and the pollution. How is the pollution there year round? And is it a good place for asthma and sinus problems?

[@livinginnorthernaz]

It seems like the air is much more clear and crisp in Flagstaff and Sedona. My weather app usually shows the air quality as “good” here. Today it’s showing Sedona and Flagstaff as “good” air quality, and Phoenix as “moderate”. Phoenix often shows worse in the air quality index.

[@HunterTiberisBojangles]

I remember the weird thing about Flagstaff was that I swear I could always hear the sound of a dog eating...

[@anthonyquinn794]

This video is really cool and helpful. Thanks for sharing. Anthony (London, UK)

[@Ryan-dw5nx]

Thinking about moving to flagstaff from Alaska

[@Ryan-dw5nx]

This is the most snow in one winter since 1993

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I lived in Flagstaff in 93-94. That year there was so much snow that the melt off flowed over the Lake Mary damn and washed away Lake Mary Road! I've never seen anything like that. Will have to go through my old photos and see if I can find the ones I took.

[@lennielefler2081]

Did she Really. NOT mention the Very Best thing about Flagstaff is you’re only 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon !!! And she’s lived in Flag her entire life ??!!!!!

[@livinginnorthernaz]

When I was an NAU student, every couple of months we'd take trip to the canyon and hike down to the river and back in one day. If I tried that today they'd have to send out a search party to find me ! Those were good times....

[@ianfranklin2216]

When the wind hits Purina dog chow factory Flagstaff stinks to high heaven. You can even smell it down on South beaver street.

[@zorazorazorzzora8333]

Thank You! What’s the average price for a to bedroom 2 bath apartment?

[@zorazorazorzzora8333]

@@livinginnorthernaz thank you!

[@touristinlasvegas502]

A 2B 2BA apartment would be about $2000. My 2 roommates and I are paying $2400 total right now.

[@DeAnnaRocksMost]

Can anyone tell me what the C19 V situation is down there? Washington is becoming communist and mandating certain "therapies," for just about everyone. I am looking to move. I'm a nurse, have a medical exemption and recent natural immunity. I'm not trying to trigger anyone or start anything here. I just need to know if I would I be able to find employment around there? Thanks in advance ❤

[@DeAnnaRocksMost]

@The Time is Now Thank you for the response 😁

[@jazzyscar]

How is the job market? I'm considering relocating.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

It depends on what industry. Not a lot of high tech or manufacturing type jobs (although there are some). A lot of jobs in hospitality, healthcare, education.

[@jazzyscar]

Thank you! I do work in healthcare so that is promising!!

[@nymonroenoaa1926]

One pro: Plainrock124 is there :D

[@ShOwStOpp3rr]

Is the wind really a big problem in the springtime out there?..i mean to the point its absolutely annoying and ruins the day? and how long does this wind season usually last?

[@robertbobinis]

Who ever Kevin Brent Williams is good luck

[@daniel60297]

Nine years ago,i'vee been there working hard on ACE,american conservation experience,It was like a nigthmare,I,'m Spanish Guy,they treat me bad,and mess with me ,its a boring Town and smaller,and the worst was the warm

[@amoutdoor3346]

Maybe get a real job and learn english :)

[@gracem.761]

@@amoutdoor3346 he is probably trying. No wonder why you gringos are heated around the world 🤔

[@user-ib9xy1ec9k]

I worked for ace in 2013 for a full year, and 2018. ace treats their workers like crap. Disposable. I dated a girl in the office in 2018 and she told me how crazy and unorganized it was. Nothings changed. They are more focused on their social media image and all to gain more and more workload and paychecks going into the top of the ladde than to fix what has been lacking the last decade within the housing and work life Balance within the volunteers and Americorps members.

[@daniel60297]

@@user-ib9xy1ec9k Yes you right,ACE are slavers

[@daniel60297]

@@user-ib9xy1ec9k ACE,are slavers

[@hillock10]

Please, rerecord this and use lapel mics. The echo on this video is terrible.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I bought lapel mics for this video, and when we set up I realized the input jack was for an iphone and didn't fit my camera.....oooops. We are planning to do an update on this video and hope to fix our technical problems.

[@cesarllamas7713]

Flagstaff is not the same as it use be

[@DylanWallace11.11]

I don’t think anywhere in the World is the same as it used to be :)

[@DylanWallace11.11]

@@livinginnorthernaz hello! I have a strong connection with your region. I live in Australia but am trusting my path will lead me to live either in Phoenix, Flagstaff or Sedona, the Land is calling!

[@batcaveloner1383]

It’s true… Flagstaff in the early 2000’s was a much better place haha. California people moving in and NAU expanding contributed to the decay lol. I’d still rather live there than Cottonwood or Camp Verde.

[@cesarllamas7713]

@@batcaveloner1383 you are right about early 2000 but now with covid it not the same anymore

[@peter_88]

@@cesarllamas7713 lockdowns?

[@Joe-wy2bn]

Con: Flagstaff Unified School District is completely unresponsive to parents needs, desires and concerns.

[@ribletroblet]

what is the health food community like in Flagstaff? Is it anything like Sedona? Are there good farmers markets and good organic grocery stores?

[@livinginnorthernaz]

There is Whole Foods in West Sedona, And Clarks in VOC has a decent amount of organic

[@abel4776]

No local markets, food growth here is dead. 1 pro though, Flagstaff feeds from its own aquafers, no Colorado river dependence like Vegas, Phoenix and essentially the South West.

[@Alicewonders828]

So are you trying to get more people to move here? Because most of this wonderful stuff is very exaggerated. It's over crowded already.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I am trying to educate anybody who is thinking of moving to Flagstaff of the good and bad things they can expect. The entire state is overcrowded, so I don't think its worth mentioning that when its not unique to Flag. I do have a updated video that was published two weeks ago, it talks about the negative things that are impacting Flagstaff right now.

[@Alicewonders828]

@@livinginnorthernaz It just seems like the video is inviting more people to move here, but that means the destruction of the city as we know it. Already people who have lived here for decades are being forced to move elsewhere because of all the second homes, etc. people buying everything up and driving up the cost of living here!

[@charleswilson7371]

Want out of CA, AZ seems nicer

[@anbambang7853]

As a Californian make sure you dont bring your possible left wing politics to other states remember why your leaving

[@MultiYoda69]

Bring Back Roma Pizza!!!!

[@MultiYoda69]

@@livinginnorthernaz Me too. We lived in Raymond hall in the early 90's and could walk there!!!!

[@gandsmeyer2957]

Is there wildlife there?

[@livinginnorthernaz]

Elk, deer, bear, birds, I saw a mountain lion once out by the lake

[@Katakagara]

Thanks for this. I’m starting my research for a move there, possibly. But…What’s all the noise in the background? You got a loud dog chewing on a bone and drinking water? That mic your using is too sensitive. Put a muffler “pop protector” on that mic! 😖😂

[@livinginnorthernaz]

Dogs wanted to be in the video 😆

[@AlexCab_49]

No mention about how bikeable Flagstaff is and what is the public transportation there like?

[@freenchrist2935]

They do have public transportation, and EVERYWHERE you go in Flagstaff can easily be accessed with a bike. Very bike accessible..

[@AlexCab_49]

@@freenchrist2935 Wow Flagstaff sounds like the kind of town I'd love to live in but sadly I probably won't afford it :(

[@Axel-uw5py]

@@AlexCab_49 I have a one bedroom for 760/m. It's not that hard to find something affordable.

[@commanderkirby592]

Not to mention homeless and gang violence #sunnyside People be like why are you talk about that because I live there hello

[@Axel-uw5py]

@@commanderkirby592 Bahahahah! Sunnyside ghetto 😂😂, I live there and I've lived in Philly, NYC, Atlantic City and Chicago. Flagstaff doesn't have a ghetto you sheltered dumb ass.

[@patriciasale7082]

I’m tired of living in L.A. I want to move to Flagstaff

[@mml1426]

I’m tired of living in Flagstaff. I want to move to LA. Let’s switch

[@detrelllevert2457]

@@mml1426 😂

[@batcaveloner1383]

Flagstaff is helluva lot better than Cottonwood lol… ;)

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I would agree with that

[@teriscott4364]

Very expensive,I a moving cant afford to live here anymore....

[@xeathenia8539]

Y’all got any dem skinwalkers?

[@livinginnorthernaz]

Like on Skinwalker Ranch? :)

[@Green-bs4ex]

Flagstaff is a third world country. The divide between wealthy and poor is astonishing and it pisses me off that nobody wants to acknowledge that. This is what should be talked about everytime Flagstaff is mentioned until everybody has a safe way to live.

[@Green-bs4ex]

@@livinginnorthernaz My point. No excuse for this. People are suffering including myself.

[@DeAnnaRocksMost]

This is everywhere now unfortunately

[@nurselisafoy]

So it’s people who have planned for their future and those who haven’t.

[@bobingalls4643]

Everyone is responsible for their own path. You are not owed anything in life except your God given rights and those afforded to you by the gubbyment. If people have a lot of money, good for them. They probably earned it unless they're a trust-fund baby.

[@bobingalls4643]

@@nurselisafoy this a concept lost on socialists

[@crispusattacks9526]

Flagstaff has been deteriorating for years. I grew up there. Growing crime, homelessness, traffic, substance abuse, cost of living, high density upward building, congestion in the surrounding forests, noise, taxes, flooding, death of trees along the roadways, Californication, and pollution (take a sniff by the Mall). Why anyone would move there is beyond me.

[@zorazorazorzzora8333]

Overkill … You just don’t want folks to move there lol

[@batcaveloner1383]

NAU hoes???

[@crispusattacks9526]

@@livinginnorthernaz montana has been overrun as well. maybe iceland- but it is hard to get a visa there.

[@anbambang7853]

@@batcaveloner1383 NAU hoes? What does that mean

[@austinstitzel]

I'm going to guess that you are a Virgo.

[@tac3214]

Took me a whole ass year to find a place to live

[@hahayourmom00]

Cons, disrespectful NAU students. Homelessness and begging.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

I remember begging and homeless in summer. In winter most go to Phoenix

[@timjenkins7019]

With the college in town there is a nice selection of hot broads.

[@livinginnorthernaz]

😆

[@calidronelife1572]

The REAL question is are there any African Americans living in Flagstaff ?

[@calidronelife1572]

@@livinginnorthernaz 👍👍

[@calidronelife1572]

@The Time is Now Thanks!👍

[@kax2137]

flagstaf AMGRY ASIAN DESTROY ELECTRONICKS

[@Alicewonders828]

Floods kzbin.info/www/bejne/aonUZpumaJyph7s

[@livinginnorthernaz]

When we did this video a year and a half ago, we didn't think about the floods. A few months later the terrible 2021 floods happened. I did address it in my recent video, "avoid moving to Flagstaff unless you can handle these 10 things".