Flagstaff Travel Forum

Hi all,
We are planning to move to Flagstaff with my wife and my cat in the middle of August, 07.
I've read a lot about the town itself, how calm and pleasant it is, but I need some more detailed info about it, like:
1. how safe it is? we are trying to establish a family there, have kids...
2. are there any good churches? by good I mean a rather traditional church that focuses on the Bible; where people don't go to have fun and enjoy a show but to learn God's will, and to deepen their relationships with Him... and also not a "movie-style church" where you sit and watch and leave and nothing changes...
3. can anyone recommend a specific area to move into in Flagstaff that is quiet but still safe, that is close to parks, green areas... and also not too expensive
4. what's the public transportation like? is it year-round and frequent?
5. is the weather dominantly cold there?

We've already been to Flagstaff in May of last year, we drove through it while we visited the Grand Canyon... we kinda' fell in love with it.

Any advice is highly appreciated

Flagstaff is a college town. The biggest complaints I've heard from people who have lived there is that there are no jobs and that it is difficult to afford a home. In response to the questions though:
1. VERY safe. Probably the safest place in the state, actually.
2. Can't direct you to any specific churches, but I've never seen Flagstaff as much of a religious town. There aren't any mega churches though to my knowledge.
3. The eastern fringe of Flagstaff is very quiet and cheaper (you'll have elk in your yard, but they're a nuisance at times) but isn't convenient for anything. The central area is very convenient but overpriced. A lot of the more reasonable housing is 20 or so miles out of town so a lot of people commute; places like Munds Park, Bellemont and Kachina.
4. There is a small bus system in Flag, but it's very limited and doesn't run often.
5. The first snow usually comes around November, the last around March. Even then, it's so dry that the cold temps are still fairly comfortable.

The issue in Flagstaff is that everyone is in love with it, and that explains that lack of decent jobs and high housing prices and cost of living. It's difficult to make a living there and that keeps me away, even though I'd love to live there.

hth

Thanks for your reply!
You said the Eastern part of Flagstaff is cheaper and the central is overpriced...what exactly does cheaper and overpriced mean? Now I rent a 2br 2bath apartment for $680/month and this is considered pretty cheap in this part of Florida(NW)...
What about jobs there? You mentioned it is difficult to find a decent job... Is that because of overpopulation in that area or because of the University there? What kind of business is it worth running there? Are there a lot of turists in Flagstaff year-round?
Thanks

A 2 bedroom apartment in central Flagstaff would be at least $800. Apartments are more difficult to find in this part of town though because of the university. There's a lot of garbage apartments too, so you have to be careful.
The poor job market is mainly due to overpopulation and a poor economy. It is a tourist town (mostly summer, winter is too cold at the Grand Canyon for most tourists), so most of the jobs are fairly low wage, and despite the higher cost of living there, the wages are not higher.
Flagstaff is a small town though. They have one real hospital, one mall, one Target, 5 or so supermarkets, and only recently opened a Wal-Mart (residents fought hard against it). However, I've always thought the traffic, Downtown area, and general town atmosphere make it feel much larger.
Like I said though, it's a quirky place, and certainly not for everyone. I'd say head back to spend a week or so before you make such a big move.
hth

WHat about cultural life in Flagstaff? Is there a theathre-not a cinema, but a real theathre? Are there any concerts? Is there a place where one can listen to a symphonic orchestra-live? Is there more than one library?
Thanks again for all you replies!

walmart always wins, we fought hard against it and it is coming here....no more comment on that. I worked at the grand canyon many years ago and Flagstaff was our retreat, I too loved that town.

Why is Walmart that big of an issue? Locals businesses lost their clients and traffic? Or is there an other reason?
Hellen, you said Flagstaff used to be a retreat for you...it's not that anymore?

No because I lived and worked at the grand canyon then and now I live in Montana, Flagstaff would be a stretch.

No because I lived and worked at the grand canyon then and now I live in Montana, Flagstaff would be a stretch.

Hello,

we are moving from Washington to Flagstaff in two weeks. I have been there a few times before to visit the in laws; I also view the classifieds daily. From what I have seen there are jobs available depending on what you are looking for. The wage seems to be comparable to Washington on the jobs I am qualified for; maybe not as much as I am making right now but I have been here almost 6 years.

We have found a church that I think we will attend; I went online. We like the Assemblies of God church here where we live; I think we are going to check out the Arizona Assembly of God in Flagstaff www.northlandchristianag.org.

I wish you and your family a safe move; maybe we will see you there.