A Postcard From Prescott, Arizona
We just bought our second home in Prescott near the Granite Dells.  We've spent the last few days hiking through some of the many great hiking trails in the area.  There are so state parks here, we have so much exploring to do! 

  

About Prescott
Prescott is positioned in Yavapai County and it is the county seat.  Bordered by breathtaking landscape and one of the nation's largest ponderosa pine forests, Prescott is a must see for the outdoors person.  Lying just north of Phoenix along Highway 89, Prescott is adjacent to the Prescott National Forest.  Named after historian William Hickling Prescott, the town was established in 1864, just after a major local gold discovery. Prescott served as the Arizona territorial capital from 1864 to 1867, as well as 1877 to 1889, when Phoenix got the nod.  Today, Prescott is a mining, ranching and resort town with some manufacturers. The city's southwestern climate is moderated due to its mile-high elevation.  There are more than 15 Prescott area parks.  Five crystal clear area lakes provide loads of kayaking, canoeing and fishing opportunities. There are over 450 miles of recreational trails laced throughout Prescott National Forest. Visitors will find trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road adventures that wind through the magnificent moonscape-like vistas of the Granite Dells, to the top of majestic Granite Mountain and across the pine draped Bradshaw Mountains.  For the golf enthusiast, Prescott and the surrounding area offer five golf courses that will challenge players against a backdrop of stunning scenery.

Housing
Median house value: $162,700

With over 500 buildings on the National Register of Historic Buildings, Prescott is Arizona's best-preserved town.  Prescott has been named by Money Magazine as one of America's top destinations to play, live and retire.  Prescott AZ residents enjoy the benefits of small-town living while having many positive amenities of larger metropolitan areas without the stressful lifestyle.  In the Prescott, AZ area homes appreciate about 5% a year.  Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced investor Prescott has properties to suit any interest. 

Weather
Prescott enjoys what is perhaps among the most excellent four-season climates experienced in the U.S.  Situated 1 mile above the harsh desert heat of summer, yet warm enough to melt a snowfall off within a day or two in winter. Low humidity year-round benefits respiratory patients, yet there is enough moisture to support many square miles of Ponderosa Pine in the nearby National Forest.

Things to Do
Attractions include the Smoki Museum, featuring the life ways of northern Arizona's original inhabitants and the Phippen Museum with exhibits about the area's pioneers and settlers.

Cultural Events
The annual Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo.

Getting to Prescott
Cottonwood Airport

Closest Cities
Peoria, AZ (65.1 miles)
Glendale, AZ (70.6 miles)

Population
Population: 33,938
Median resident age: 47.8 years

Economics
Median household income: $35,44

Higher Education
Yavapai College
Prescott College