Neighborhood Spotlight: Flagstaff, AZ

June 24, 2020

If you want to live in a beautiful mountain city with a small-town charm that’s packed with cultural, historical, scientific, and recreational opportunities, then Flagstaff is it! With mild summers, snowy winters, and dark skies that invite stargazing, Flagstaff is truly a wonder to behold.

Flagstaff at a glance

Flagstaff is located in northern Arizona and is the county seat of Coconino County. While the city itself has a population of approximately 75,000, the greater metropolitan area of Flagstaff is home to about 140,000. It’s the largest city in northern Arizona and is conveniently located at the intersection of I-17 and I-40. The city is situated along the western edge of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the continental U.S and sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. While many people think of dry desert landscapes when they think of Arizona, Flagstaff actually enjoys four distinct seasons. You can expect pleasant, 80-degree days in the summer, and winter brings on average 97 inches of snow. As the home of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff is a college town and the students have a strong influence on local culture and entertainment.

Flagstaff real estate and neighborhoods

Flagstaff is comprised of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in the city include:

Kachina Village – This affordable neighborhood is great for outdoor enthusiasts or those who don’t want the hassle of an HOA.
Dooney Park – If you’re looking for space, this neighborhood northeast of the city proper is a great choice. Here you’ll find homes that can accommodate large outdoor pets or farm animals.
Pine Canyon — Located on the southern end of Flagstaff, the gated community includes a private golf course and features panoramic scenery.
Downtown Flagstaff – Those looking for an older home with lots of character or an active social life will love the downtown area.
Coconino Estates – This highly-sought-after neighborhood is located just north of downtown and homes here sell fast.

Flagstaff history

Flagstaff was originally settled by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture that was common in this area of Arizona. The city is known for its fertile land that is the result of volcanic eruptions that happened in the 11th century. The first permanent settlement in Flagstaff occurred in 1876, and the city got its name from the tall flagpole that was carved from a tree to celebrate the nation’s centennial that year. It was chosen as the county seat in 1891 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1894. The city grew rapidly because of its location on the east-west transcontinental railroad, and in 1926 Route 66 was built through Flagstaff. It became a popular tourist destination, known as the City of Seven Wonders because of its close proximity to national parks and monuments. In 1930, Pluto was discovered at the Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff. The population increased again in the 1970s and 1980s as many families were drawn to the city’s small-town charm. In the 1990s Flagstaff had a period of revitalization and city officials redeveloped the historic downtown to offer an eclectic mix of inviting shops and restaurants.

Flagstaff amenities

Flagstaff has been welcoming tourists for decades because of all the area’s wonderful amenities. It’s located about 80 miles southeast of Grand Canyon National Park and is home to the prestigious Lowell Observatory, which is open to visitors. Flagstaff was designated the world’s first International Dark Sky City, making it a great place to view the stars and planets.

Arts and culture are very much alive in Flagstaff. There are many wonderful music festivals in the summer months, such as the Flagstaff Music Festival and Pickin’ in the Pines, and the city is home to the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Other popular festivals that happen throughout the year include the Northern Arizona Book Festival, the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival, the Flagstaff Festival of Science, and the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival.

Flagstaff is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. The city maintains over 50 miles of paved and unpaved trails called the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS). These cater to those wanting to hike, run, and bike. Flagstaff serves as a base for many Grand Canyon and Colorado River expeditions. In addition to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is close to many other outdoor attractions including Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Barringer Crater, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Downtown Flagstaff is a fun destination for the whole family. It’s home to all kinds of unique shops, dining establishments, events, and lodging and has a charming, historic feel.

Flagstaff schools

Students in Flagstaff are served by the Flagstaff Unified School District. There are 19 public schools with a total of approximately 11,500 students. Mount Elden Middle School was named an A+ school in 1997 for its progressive use of technology and zero-tolerance discipline policy. The 1999 National Science Teacher of the Year was from Coconino High School, and Flagstaff High School boasts three Arizona Teachers of the Year from 2001 to 2003. Flagstaff is also home to Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College.