Flagstaff Arizona
Flagstaff is a city located in northern Arizona, in the southwestern United States. As of July 2006, the estimated population of the city is 58,213, with a Metropolitan Statistical Area population of 124,953. It is the county seat of Coconino County.GR6 In 2005, Mens Journal named Flagstaff as No. 2 on its Best Places to Live list, and National Geographic cited the city in its list of "10 Great Towns That Will Make You Feel Young." The citys name commemorates a Ponderosa Pine tree that was made into a tall flagpole by members of a scouting party from Boston (known as the "Flagstaff Tea Party"), on July 4, 1876, to celebrate the United States Centennial.
Flagstaff lies near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau and along the western side of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the continental United States. At an elevation of 6,910 feet (2,106 m), Flagstaff is located adjacent to Mount Elden, just south of the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountain range in the state of Arizona. The San Francisco Peaks (known locally as "The Peaks") consist of several summits, including Humphreys, Agassiz, Fremont, and Doyle Peaks. Humphreys Peak, also known as Mount Humphreys, is one corner of this ancient volcano and the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,850 m). It is about 10 miles (16 km) north of Flagstaff.
The Flagstaff, Arizona early economy consisted primarily of the lumber, railroad, and ranching industries. Today, the city remains an important railroad and ground transportation center, and is home to Lowell Observatory and Northern Arizona University. Flagstaff also has a strong tourism sector, owing to its proximity to such destinations as Grand Canyon National Park, Oak Creek Canyon, and historic Route 66.
Recommended Fun in Arizona
Arizona features every bio zone in the world but two: rain forest and coastline. Flagstaff and its surrounding mountains contain all the high altitude zones, providing a stark contrast to the desert lowlands to the south. From the tundra atop Mt. Humphreys (12,633 feet) to the Ponderosa forest that surrounds the city, Flagstaff offers welcome relief from the searing heat of Phoenix and Tucson. Flagstaff is the acknowledged champion of mountain biking in Arizona. Its a destination for riders from around the world, who come to sample its fast single track as well as its technical challenges. Professional cross country and downhill riders live in Flagstaff, enjoying the competitive advantage of the challenging local trails and the altitude. And the white hot core of Flagstaffs mountain biking scene is Mount Elden. Trail Surface: Except for the wide gravel road up to the top of Mt. Elden, everything in the Elden Trail Network is single track on fairly well groomed pine forest floor.
History Of Flagstaff
In 1855, then Lieutenant Beale, surveyed a road from the Rio Grande in New Mexico to Fort Tejon in California, and passed over the present day spot of the city of Flagstaff. His camp was at the eastern extremity of the present city. The lieutenant had his men cut the limbs from a straight pine tree in order to fly the United States flag.
The first recognized permanent settler arrived in 1876. Thomas F. McMillan built a cabin at the base of Mars Hill on the west side of town. During the 1880s, Flagstaff began to grow, opening its first post office and attracting the booming railroad industry. The early economy was primarily involved in timber, sheep and cattle. By 1886, Flagstaff was the largest city on the main line between Albuquerque and the West Coast.
In 1894, Massachusetts astronomer Percival Lowell was in search of clearer skies to observe the stars and planets. He hired A. E. Douglass to scout out an ideal site for the new observatory. After a thorough scouting mission in the Arizona Territory, Douglass identified Flagstaff as the best location for the now famous Lowell Observatory, "other things being equal, the higher we can get the better," (referring to Flagstaffs high elevation). Two years later, the specially designed 24 inch Clark telescope that Lowell had ordered was installed. Thirty four years later, Pluto was discovered using one of the observatorys telescopes. During the Apollo program in the 1960s, the observatorys Clark Telescope was used to create base drawings to map the moon for lunar expeditions, providing astronauts with a good view of their historic landing site. In partial homage to the citys importance in the field of astronomy, asteroid 2118 Flagstaff is named for the city and 6582 Flagsymphony is named for the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra.
The Northern Arizona Normal School was established in 1899, an institution that later became Northern Arizona University in 1966. Flagstaffs cultural history got a significant boost on April 11, 1899, when the "Flagstaff Symphony" made its concert debut at Babbitts Opera House, located in what today is the second floor of the Babbitt Building in downtown Flagstaff. The orchestra continues today as the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, with its primary venue at Ardrey Auditorium on the campus of Northern Arizona University.
The city grew quite rapidly, primarily attributable to its location along the east west transcontinental railroad line in the United States. In the early days, the railroads purchased land in the west from the Federal Government, which was then sold to individuals to help finance the railroad projects. By the 1990s, Flagstaff found itself located along one of the busiest railroad corridors in the U.S., with an estimated 80 100 trains traveling through the city every day, destined for locations such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere.
The famous transcontinental highway Route 66 was completed in 1926, with a route running right through Flagstaff. Flagstaff was incorporated as a city in 1928, and in 1929, the citys first motel, the Motel Du Beau, was built at the intersection of Beaver Street and Phoenix Avenue by Mister and Misses A.E. DuBeau of Los Angeles, right along the original alignment of Route 66 through the city. The Daily Sun described the motel as "a hotel with garages for the better class of motorists." The units originally rented for $2.50 to $5.00 each, with baths, toilets, double beds, carpets, and furniture. Flagstaff went on to become a popular tourist stop along Route 66, particularly due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff grew and prospered through the 1960s. During the 1970s and 1980s, however, many businesses started to spread out from the city center, and the downtown area went into an economic and social decline during this period. Sears and J.C. Penney left the downtown area in 1979 to open up as anchor stores in the new Flagstaff Mall on the east end of town, and they were joined in 1986 by Dillards. By 1987, even the Babbitt Brothers Trading Company, which had been a retail fixture in Flagstaff since 1891, had closed its doors at Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street. As Babbitts was also one of the prominent retailers throughout northern Arizona, many saw this is the day that downtown died.
It was in 1987 that the city had also drafted a new Master Plan, also known as the Growth Management Guide 2000, which would transform downtown Flagstaff from a regional shopping and trade center into a regional center for finance, office uses, and government. The city built its new city hall, city library, and the Coconino County Administrative Building in the downtown district, which would stake an investment by government for years to come. In 1992, the city hired a new city manager, Dave Wilcox, who had previously worked at revitalizing the downtown areas of Beloit, Wisconsin and Missoula, Montana. During the 1990s, the downtown area underwent revitalization, as many of the city streets and sidewalks were cleaned up, and a different mix of shops and restaurants opened up to take advantage of the areas historical appeal.
Cityscape
Downtown Flagstaff lies immediately to the east of Mars Hill, the location of Lowell Observatory. Streets in the downtown area are laid out in a traditional grid pattern, parallel to Route 66 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Line, running east-west through the city. Milton Road branches off from Route 66 west of downtown, and travels south, adjacent to the Northern Arizona University campus, to the junction of Interstate 17 and Interstate 40. Milton continues to the south, becoming Arizona State Route 89A, and traveling through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Traveling north from downtown, Fort Valley Road (U.S. 180) connects with the Museum of Northern Arizona, Arizona Snowbowl, and Grand Canyon National Park. Traveling east from downtown, Route 66 and the railroad, parallel to each other, travel to east Flagstaff (and beyond), at the base of Mount Elden. Much of Flagstaffs industry is located east of downtown, adjacent to the railroad tracks, as well as in East Flagstaff.
Several towns are located close to Flagstaff, to the west, south, and east, along Interstates 40 and 17. Approximately 35 miles (56 km) to the west is Williams, 20 miles (32 km) to the south, along I-17, is Munds Park, and 30 miles (48 km) to the south, along 89A, is Sedona. 15 miles (24 km) to the east of Flagstaff is the town of Winona, also mentioned in the famous song, Route 66. 90 miles (144 km) to the east is Holbrook, adjacent to I-40.
Cityscape
Downtown Flagstaff lies immediately to the east of Mars Hill, the location of Lowell Observatory. Streets in the downtown area are laid out in a traditional grid pattern, parallel to Route 66 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Line, running east-west through the city. Milton Road branches off from Route 66 west of downtown, and travels south, adjacent to the Northern Arizona University campus, to the junction of Interstate 17 and Interstate 40. Milton continues to the south, becoming Arizona State Route 89A, and traveling through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Traveling north from downtown, Fort Valley Road (U.S. 180) connects with the Museum of Northern Arizona, Arizona Snow Bowl, and Grand Canyon National Park. Traveling east from downtown, Route 66 and the railroad, parallel to each other, travel to east Flagstaff (and beyond), at the base of Mount Elden. Much of Flagstaffs industry is located east of downtown, adjacent to the railroad tracks, as well as in East Flagstaff.
Several towns are located close to Flagstaff, to the west, south, and east, along Interstates 40 and 17. Approximately 35 miles (56 km) to the west is Williams, 20 miles (32 km) to the south, along I-17, is Munds Park, and 30 miles (48 km) to the south, along 89A, is Sedona. 15 miles (24 km) to the east of Flagstaff is the town of Winona, also mentioned in the famous song, Route 66. 90 miles (144 km) to the east is Holbrook, adjacent to I-40.
Flagstaff Arizona Climate
Flagstaff has a highland semi-arid climate (Koppen climate classification) with four distinct seasons. The combination of high altitude and low humidity provide mild weather conditions throughout most of the year, and the predominantly clear air radiates daytime heating effectively. Temperatures often fall precipitously after sunset throughout the year, and winter nights can be very cold. Winter weather patterns in Flagstaff are cyclonic and frontal in nature, originating in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These deliver periodic, widespread snowfall followed by extended periods of fair weather. This pattern is usually broken by brief, but often intense, afternoon rain showers and dramatic thunderstorms during the so-called monsoon season of July and August. Summer temperatures are moderate and high temperatures average around 80 °F (more than 20 °F (11 °C) less than Phoenix). The record high temperature is 97.0 °F (36.1 °C) on July 5, 1973, and the record low temperature was a bone-chilling -30 °F (-34.4 °C) on February 1, 1985.
The average annual rainfall is 22.91 inches (58.2 cm) and annual snowfall averages 100 inches (254 cm). Overall, however, the city enjoys an average of 283 days without precipitation each year, and the climate is officially classified as "semi-arid." Although snow often covers the ground to varying depths for weeks after major winter storms, Flagstaffs relatively low latitude and plentiful winter sunshine quickly melt much of what falls, and persistent deep snow pack is unusual. One notable exception occurred during the severe winter of 1915-1916, when successive Pacific storms buried the city under nearly seven feet (2 m) of snow on the level, and some residents were snowbound in their homes for more than one week.
Crime in The Flagstaff Area
The violent crime rate, such as murder, robbery and rape, is very low in Flagstaff. However, the property crime rate, including larceny (theft) and burglary, is considerably higher than the average for Arizona cities. In 2002, the FBIs Uniform Crime Report indicated a crime index (incidences of crime per 100,000 populations) for Flagstaff of 5,597, with 535 cases of violent crime and 5,062 cases of property crime. Of the 5,062 property crime cases, 4,042 cases were classified as theft. While the property crime rate fell in 2005, it is still considerably high for a town of this size. This is primarily attributable to a significant number of methamphetamine addicts, alcoholics, as well as the transient nature of many residents. Flagstaffs high number of college students and tourists attract a disproportional high number of thieves and scam artists.
Arts and culture
Despite the towns small size, Flagstaff has quite an active local cultural scene. The city is home to the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, which is popular among classical music enthusiasts. Concerts are held from September through April at Ardrey Auditorium on the NAU campus. The city also attracts folk and contemporary acoustic musicians, and offers several annual music festivals during the summer months, such as the Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music Festival, the Flagstaff Music Festival, and picking in the Pines, a two-day bluegrass and acoustic music festival held at the Pine Mountain Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds. Additionally, popular bands play throughout the year at the Orpheum Theater, and free concerts are held throughout the summer months at Heritage Square.
Flagstaff is also home to an active theater scene, featuring several groups. Theatrikos, the community theater company, was founded in 1972 in the basement of the Weatherford Hotel, and today puts on five main stage productions per year. The group recently moved into a new venue in 2002, the Doris-Harper White Community Playhouse, a downtown building which was built in 1923 as an Elks Lodge and later became the Flagstaff library. Since 1995, the Flagstaff Light Opera Company has performed a variety of musical theatre and light opera productions throughout the year at the Sinagua High School auditorium. There are also several dance companies in Flagstaff, including the Northern Arizona Preparatory Company and Canyon Movement, which present periodic concerts and collaborate with the Flagstaff Symphony for free concerts during the summer and holiday seasons.
A variety of weekend festivals occur throughout the year. The annual Northern Arizona Book Festival, held in April, brings together nationally known authors to read and display their works in a weeklong literary extravaganza. The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival is also held in the spring, featuring outdoors, environmental, and other experimental films. The summer months feature several festivals, including Hopi and Navajo Festivals of Arts and Crafts, the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, and the Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival. The Coconino County Fair is also held every September at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds, featuring a demolition derby, livestock auction, carnival rides, and other activities.
On New Years Eve, people gather around the Weatherford Hotel downtown, as a 70–pound, 6 foot tall, metallic pine cone is dropped from the roof at midnight. The pine cone drop originated on December 31, 1999, when Henry Taylor and Sam Green (owners of the Weatherford Hotel), decorated a garbage can with paint, lights, and pine cones, and dropped it from the roof of their building. In 2003, once the tradition began to be established, the current, metallic pine cone was designed and built by Frank Mayorga of Mayorga Welding in Flagstaff.
The Museum of Northern Arizona includes displays of the biology, archeology, photography, anthropology, and native art of the Colorado Plateau. The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a 200 acre (81 hectare) arboretum featuring 2,500 species of drought-tolerant native plants representative of the high-desert region.
Route 66, which originally ran between Chicago and Los Angeles, greatly increased the accessibility to the area, and enhanced the culture and tourism in Flagstaff. Route 66 remains a historic route, passing through the city between Barstow, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. In early September, the city hosts an annual event, Route 66 Days, to highlight its connection to the famous highway.
Sports
There are no major league professional sports teams in Flagstaff. The Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League have held their summer training camp at Northern Arizona University since the Cardinals moved to Arizona in 1988, with the exception of the 2005 season due to an outbreak of a flu-like virus. The NAU training camp location has been cited as one of the top five training camps in the NFL by Sports Illustrated.
Northern Arizona University and the city of Flagstaff also are home to the Center for High Altitude Training, a facility where athletes can train in the unique environment the city has to offer at 7,000 feet elevation. The center has been designated by the United States Olympic Committee as an official U.S. Olympic Training Site.
Winter sports, including snowshoeing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, are also popular in the area, and the surrounding National Forests provide a vast network of roads and trails for winter use. The Arizona Snow Bowl ski resort is about 15 miles to the north of the city on the San Francisco Peaks. The resort had plans to expand their facilities, adding a fifth chair lift and snow-making capabilities using reclaimed wastewater to extend its ski season in dry years. However, these plans faced opposition by the Navajo and several other Native American tribes, who claimed that it violated their religious freedom, as the San Francisco Peaks are considered sacred in many of their religions. In March, 2007, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the snowmaking scheme violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, and the resorts expansion scheme is currently at a standstill
Parks and outdoor recreation
. Flagstaff has garnered a reputation as a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, and the regions varied terrain, high elevation, and amenable weather attract campers, backpackers, climbers, and mountain bikers from throughout the southwestern United States. There are 679.2 acres (275 hectares) of city parks in Flagstaff, the largest of which are Thorpe Park and Buffalo Park. Wheeler Park, located adjacent to city hall, is also the location of summer concerts and other events. The city also maintains an extensive urban trail system, consisting of surface trails for hiking, running, or cycling. The trail system extends throughout the city, connects the downtown area with the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds, and extends to Peaks View County Park in Doney Park and Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park.
Trail running and road cycling clubs, organized triathlon events, and annual cross country ski races attest to the areas status as a premiere recreational hub. Several major river running operators are headquartered in Flagstaff, and the city serves as a base for Grand Canyon and Colorado River expeditions.
Flagstaffs proximity to Grand Canyon National Park, about 75 miles (120 km) north of the city, has made the city a popular tourist destination ever since its early beginnings in the mid-19th century. Other nearby outdoor attractions includes Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, and Barringer Crater (meteor crater). Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell are also both about 135 mi (216 km) north along U.S. Route 89.
Flagstaff Arizona Attractions
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is located on 4001 S. Woody Mountain Rd. The phone number is 928-774-1442. Explore one of the nations largest collections of high country wildflowers at The Arboretum – Americas Mountain Garden™. Situated at 7,150 feet in elevation, this 200-acre botanical garden and nature preserve offers visitors a peaceful respite. Hike the nature trail through ponderosa pine forest. Enjoy spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks from the wildflower meadow, or join a guided tour (11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.) to learn about the natural history of the region. Offering weekend live birds of prey programs, picnic areas, and a gift shop. Again, it is located four miles south of West Route 66 on scenic Woody Mountain Road. Open April 1-Oct. 31, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum
2340 N. Fort Valley Rd. • 928-774-6272 • www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org
This state museum collects, preserves and exhibits artifacts, documents and photographs of the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona, and presents changing exhibits of artifacts and photos illustrating themes in Flagstaff history. Annual events include the Flagstaff Wool Festival, Independence Day Festival, and “Playthings of the Past” exhibit.
Arizona Snow Bowl
The Arizona Snow Bowl is located off of Highway 180, north on Snowbowl Rd. The phone number is 928-779-1951. To get the local snow report, just dial 928-779-4577. In the winter there is a 2,300 foot vertical drop, average snowfall of 260 inches, 32 trails, and four chairlifts. Rental equipment, banquets, ski school, special events. Skiing mid-December through mid-April, 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. During the summer you go for a Scenic Sky ride to 11,500 feet for incredible views. We have Dining and disc golf. Open Memorial Day weekend through mid-Oct., 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Coconino National Forest
Coconino National Forest is located at 1824 S. Thompson St. The phone number is 928-527-3600. It is the worlds largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest. With elevations from 2,600 to 12,633 feet, the forest ranges from desert cactus to alpine tundra and is home to a variety of wildlife. Respect and enjoy your national forests.
Continental Country Club
Continental Country Club is located at 2380 N. Oakmont Drive. Please call for our tee times at 928-527-7999 or, you can reach the pro shop at 928-527-7997. We have Narrow ponderosa pine-lined fairways; open meadows, lush fairways, and fast greens set against the backdrop of Mount Elden combined to make Continental Country Club a great golfing experience. Plus, we are open to the public. Even Groups are welcome. We have the most comprehensive and complete pro golf shop in the area. Dont forget our top rated driving range. And, we have PGA professionals that are available for lessons.
Flagstaff Nordic Center
The Flagstaff Nordic Center is located on Highway 180, mile marker 232, 15 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff. The phone number is 928-220-0550. We offer over 25 miles of groomed cross country trails through beautiful forest. The trails will entertain and challenge beginner and seasoned cross county skiers alike. Rentals and lessons are available if needed. Again, we are located one mile from Crowley Pit snow play area. Open Monday-Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and Friday, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is located at 409 W. Riordan Rd. The phone number is 928-779-4395. Completed in 1904 in the Arts and Crafts style of architecture, the historic mansion is expansive, with over 40 rooms and 13,000 square feet of living area and servants quarters. A tour guide will lead you through this richly furnished home, filled with original artifacts, Stickley furniture, and many other personal possessions of the Riordan families. Also featured are a visitor center, a self-guided tour of the grounds, and picnic tables. Reservations are recommended for the mansion tour.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is 12 miles north of Flagstaff via Highway 89. The phone number is 928-526-0502. Born in a series of eruptions 900 years ago, Sunset Crater is still the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. Visitor Center exhibits explain the powerful geologic forces and their aftermath. See for your self on the one-mile self-guided Lava Flow Trail. Open every day except for Christmas, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. extended summer hours; please call.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
The Walnut Canyon National Monument is 10 miles east of downtown Flagstaff via I-40 exit 204. The Phone number is 928-526-3367. Walk among the cliff dwellings and pueblos where people lived over 800 years ago. Experience the dramatic geology, varied vegetation, and abundant wildlife that made their lives possible. The strenuous one-mile Island Trail descends into Walnut Canyon; the shorter Rim Trail offers overlooks, forest, and a pit house. Open every day except Christmas, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. extended summer hours; please call.
Wupatki National Monument
The Wupatki National Monument is 33 miles north of Flagstaff via Highway 89. The phone number is, 928-679-2365. Rock walls of 800-year-old pueblos dot a desert landscape once home to thousands of people. Visitor Center exhibits explain how they survived by farming, hunting and gathering, and trading. Short trails lead to Wupatki, Lomaki, and other pueblos. The scenic drive to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument climbs rapidly from desert to mountain landscapes. Open every day except Christmas, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. extended summer hours; please call.
The Bare Facts
Flagstaff is one of 363 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the nation. The 2005 population of about 123,826 people ranked 296th in the nation.
In 2005 Flagstaff had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $28,045. This PCPI ranked 255th in the United States and was 81 percent of the national average, $34,471. The 2005 PCPI reflected an increase of 6.5 percent from 2004. The 2004-2005 national change was 4.2 percent. In 1995 the PCPI of Flagstaff was $17,034 and ranked 338th in the United States. The 1995-2005 average annual growth rate of PCPI was 5.1 percent. The average annual growth rate for the nation was 4.1 percent.
In 2005 Flagstaff had a total personal income (TPI) of $3,472,652. The total personal income ranked 291st. In 1995 the TPI of Flagstaff was $1,890,039 and ranked 321st in the United States. The 2005 TPI reflected an increase of 7.6 percent from 2004. The 2004-2005 national change was 5.2 percent. The 1995-2005 average annual growth rate of TPI was 6.3 percent. The average annual growth rate for the nation was 5.2 percent.
Total personal income includes net earnings by place of residence; dividends, interest, and rent; and personal current transfer receipts received by the residents of Flagstaff. In 2005 net earnings accounted for 66.4 percent of TPI (compared with 63.6 in 1995); dividends, interest, and rent were 17.0 percent (compared with 22.4 in 1995); and personal current transfer receipts were 16.5 percent (compared with 14.0 in 1995). From 2004 to 2005 net earnings increased 8.4 percent; dividends, interest, and rent increased 3.5 percent; and personal current transfer receipts increased 9.1 percent. From 1995 to 2005 net earnings increased on average 6.7 percent each year; dividends, interest, and rent increased on average 3.4 percent; and personal current transfer receipts increased on average 8.1 percent.
Earnings of persons employed in Flagstaff increased from $2,382,992* in 2004 to $2,580,994* in 2005, an increase of 8.3 percent. The 2004-2005 national change was 5.6 percent. The average annual growth rate from the 1995 estimate of $1,378,646* to the 2005 estimate was 6.5 percent. The average annual growth rate for the nation was 5.5 percent.
Note: All income estimates with the exception of PCPI are in thousands of dollars, not adjusted for inflation.
Flagstaff, AZ Real Estate Market
This information was last updated in August of 2007. Currently there are about 361 homes listed for sale in the Arizona MLS Database ranging in price from 200,000 US dollars to about 625,000 US dollars. There are 741 classified ads in the newspaper listing real estate at an average price of 415,000 US dollars. Foreclosures in Flagstaff, Arizona are doing great. There are currently 71 affordable real estate properties listed and, at an average price of 188,575 US dollars.
Real Estate, Supply and Demand
Real estate is really a game of supply and demand. The trick is finding the demand and being in the position to supply. This is the kind of situation investors and builders run up against all the time. It is a matter of assessing the market and trying to find the perfect area at the perfect time. One those variables are known then action can be taken, investments can be made and profits can be collected. So the question remains, where is a good area for this kind of action? Arizona comes to mind. Over the past number of years Arizona has been one of the hottest real estate markets in the country and this trend shows few signs of slowing down. There are a number of reasons that Arizona can make this boast and it would seem that there are going to be a few more boasts made over the coming months.
People love to go to Arizona, it is one of the most traveled to destinations in the country and its not hard to see why. Fantastic weather, scenery, golf, recreation and many other attributes can be claimed by this state. Real estate has been in high demand in this state for many years. This is partially due to Arizonas popularity as a retirement destination and its notoriety as a destination resort location. In fact tourism is one the strongest aspects of Arizonas economy pouring millions of dollars per year into this state.
Arizona is a state that is ideal for any recreational pursuit. This is one of the main locations for MLB spring training as the home of the Cactus League. Arizona is also known as the home of some of the most amazing desert scenery in the world. However Arizona is much more diverse in land than one might think, the northern part of the state is home to the Colorado Plateau, a more forested and cooler area.
Arizona has always been known as a great place to visit. Hopefully this has explained why there is such a demand for quality homes and properties in Arizona. Supply and demand does not work unless there is interest from both sides and Arizona is a perfect example of a balanced area where supply meets demand. This article was found at http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/real-estate-supply-and-demand-191153.html.
