Moving to Prescott, AZ from California? Here Are the Questions I Hear Most

I help a lot of families make the move from California to Prescott, and the first few conversations almost always cover the same ground. What is the weather really like? How far is the airport? Will I miss the big-city conveniences?

I grew up in Prescott, left for about ten years, and recently moved my own family back. So these aren't answers from a brochure. They're what I tell my clients, and what I'd tell my own parents.

How hot are Prescott summers?

Prescott sits about a mile high, so summers here feel nothing like Phoenix or Palm Springs. Most summer days land in the 80s and 90s, and we only see a handful of 100-degree days a year.

The part my California clients love most is the evenings. Even after a warm day, it cools into the 70s, which means dinner on the patio and a glass of wine outside are still on the table in July.

How much snow does Prescott get?

Not much. We have four true seasons, so expect a few small snowfalls each winter, usually one or two storms. The snow tends to melt within a day or two, often before you have time to get tired of it.

If you're buying a new car anyway, four-wheel drive is a nice-to-have. Honestly, the spring wind bothers people more than the snow does.

Can I get a house in the pines with acreage and horses?

Yes, but you may have to choose. Prescott has beautiful homes tucked into the pines, and it has acreage where horses are welcome. Those don't always overlap. The pines tend to be closer to town on smaller lots, while larger horse properties are usually out in the open, with big skies and mountain views.

This is one of the first things we sort out together, because it shapes which neighborhoods make sense for you.

Should I look in Prescott or Prescott Valley?

It depends on how you want to live. If you love charm, character, custom homes, and being near the historic downtown, Prescott is probably your place. If you prefer a more suburban feel and planned communities, Prescott Valley may be a great fit. Many of my clients tour both before deciding.

What are groceries and shopping like?

Better than most people expect. Prescott has Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Fry's, and Safeway, plus the only Costco in Northern Arizona. For shopping, there's a good mix of national stores and local boutiques around the Courthouse Square. For high-end shopping, Scottsdale is an easy day trip.

How far is Prescott from Phoenix and the airport?

Phoenix Sky Harbor is about an hour and 45 minutes away, depending on where you're headed. Prescott's own airport has a couple of commercial flights a day, and there's a shuttle that runs to and from Sky Harbor daily.

Once you live here, the drive to the Valley becomes second nature. One local tip: avoid I-17 on Friday and Sunday afternoons, when weekend traffic is very real.

What is healthcare like in Prescott?

There are great doctors in town for everyday care. Some specialties are limited or have longer waits, so many of my clients keep a specialist in Phoenix or Scottsdale and make a day of it when they drive down. Lunch and a little shopping make that appointment feel a lot less like a chore.

How does water work in Prescott?

It depends on the home. Some homes are on city water, while others use a private well, a shared well, or a private water company. Every setup works differently, so it's something we go over carefully for each home you're seriously considering.

Still deciding where to land? Start with my picks for the best neighborhoods in Prescott, and read the honest pros and cons of living in Prescott before you decide.

Your next step

Moving from California to Prescott is a big decision, and it should feel exciting, not overwhelming. My job is to help you figure out which part of town fits the life you want, and then make the move itself feel easy.

If you're starting to plan, I'd love to send you my free Moving to Prescott Guide. You can also call or text me at (928) 830-9647, or email abby@abbykoehler.com.