Living in Prescott, AZ: The Pros and Cons Google Won't Tell You

Search "living in Prescott, Arizona" and you'll find plenty about the historic downtown, the pines, and the cool summers. All true. But having grown up here and recently moved my family back, I can tell you there are a few things you only learn by living here.

Here's my honest list, the good and the less glamorous.

What people love about Prescott

• Four mild seasons. You can be outside almost every day of the year. Fall leaves, a little snow, spring wildflowers, and summers that mostly stay in the 80s and 90s.
• A slower pace. "Rush hour" means a few extra cars on Gurley Street. Your commute might be 15 minutes, with mountain views instead of brake lights.
• Real community. You start recognizing faces fast. Your barista learns your order, and running into the grocery store "real quick" usually turns into a conversation.
• Being close to nature. Trails, lakes, and the Granite Dells are minutes away, not an hour's drive.
• The location. Phoenix is an easy drive for shopping, specialists, and the airport, and Prescott is a natural middle point for families with loved ones in other western states.

What takes some adjusting

• The spring wind. It can drive you a little crazy. I'd still take it over shoveling snow all winter or 120-degree summers.
• We need another grocery store. The north and northeast side of town could really use one more nice grocery store, and the lines at Fry's can get long depending on the time of day.
• There are a lot of HOAs. Many people are surprised by how many Prescott neighborhoods have one, compared to where they moved from. Some are hands-on, some are minimal, so it's worth asking early.
• School traffic on Williamson Valley Road. It backs up during pickup and drop-off at Abia Judd and Granite Mountain schools. Local tip: take Pioneer Parkway between about 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 and 3:30 p.m.
• Things close early. Many restaurants and shops aren't open later than 8 or 9 p.m. If you're coming from a big city, that's an adjustment.

The part no one tells you

Most people first know Prescott as a getaway, a place to cool off or maybe have a second home someday. What surprises them is how quickly it stops feeling like a getaway.

Your routine changes. You start recognizing people. Your favorite spots become part of everyday life, not just a weekend treat. Most of my clients don't plan for that part, but it usually ends up mattering most.

And one fun fact

We have zebras out on Williamson Valley Road. Not wild ones, but Zebrascapes keeps a few on their property, and they're always fun to drive by.

If you're weighing a move, read the questions my California clients ask most or my advice on retiring in Prescott.

Your next step

None of these are dealbreakers for most people. They just matter when you're choosing where to live, which is why relocating is less about finding the perfect house and more about finding the right fit.

If you're curious what life in Prescott could look like for you, ask for my free Moving to Prescott Guide. Call or text me at (928) 830-9647, or email abby@abbykoehler.com.