Living in Prescott, AZ: Life in Arizona’s Mile-High Sanctuary

Thinking about living in Prescott, AZ? You’re definitely not alone. This Arizona gem is a popular relocation destination thanks to all of its lovely perks. The city offers just the right lifestyle that balances a mild climate, small town community (one that rivals even the best small towns in Arizona), and tax benefits — particularly among retirees. While the idea of living in Prescott, AZ, checks off the boxes for a lot of people, it’s not all sunshine and mountain views. Like any place, you’ll find a few trade-offs. Our list will take you through the best and the worst of living in this Arizona city.

Prescott at a Glance

• Population: Prescott has a population of 47,400.
• Median age: The median age in Prescott is 59.7 years old.
• City size: Prescott’s total land area is 49.2 square miles.
• Location: Prescott is the seat of Yavapai County, in the central highlands of Arizona.
• Fun fact: Prescott was the first Arizona state capital until 1867, when it moved to Tucson, and then later on to Phoenix.

20 Things To Know About Living in Prescott, AZ

Is Prescott, AZ, a good place to live? Whether or not Prescott is a good place to live will depend on your priorities. Frequently recognized as a high-quality place to live, the city is ideal for those seeking a small-town atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to get outside. The city does face its challenges, so before moving to Prescott, AZ, here is everything you should consider.

1. The Cost of Living in Prescott, AZ, Is Higher Than Average

Prescott has a cost of living score of 114.1 — 7.2 percent higher than the state average and 14.1 percent higher than the national average.

To cover basic living expenses in Prescott, a family of four (two adults and two children) should make at least $91,500 annually before taxes, while a couple without children should make closer to $70,000, and a single person should bring in roughly $49,400.

2. When Living in Prescott, AZ, Pros and Cons Balance a High-Quality Life Against Some Red Flags

If you’re deciding whether or not to live in Prescott, you’ll need to balance its high quality of life against rising costs and some other drawbacks.

Pros of Living in Prescott, AZ:

• Mild climate compared to the state’s extreme heat conditions

• Retirement-friendly taxes
• Small-town lifestyle with a vibrant historic feel
• Diverse outdoor recreation

Cons of Living in Prescott, AZ:

• Expensive cost of living
• Wildfire risks
• Limited public transportation
• High altitude which can exacerbate respiratory issues

3. Prescott’s Housing Market Is Becoming More Manageable

Prescott’s housing market is experiencing steady and modest growth as mortgage rates stabilize in the region — great news for both buyers and sellers. Wondering about building styles? Timeless charm and rugged mountain aesthetics make up the city’s architecture, and you’ll find a lot of modern and ranch-inspired homes.

The average home value in Prescott is $592,900, which is higher than both the state average of $417,500 and the national average of $357,400. It’s also higher than both the Phoenix average of $403,800 and Tucson average of $320,300, but much lower than the Scottsdale average of $838,500.

4. Prescott’s Rental Market Is Also Stabilizing

While Prescott’s rental market remains competitive, prices are stabilizing after a round of rapid increases in previous years.

The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Prescott is $1,475. The average apartment size can range from a little over 600 square feet for a studio apartment to 3,500 square feet for a four–bedroom.

Moving to Prescott, AZ? Communities like Prescott Lakes offer spacious homes, parks, and a strong sense of community.
(Source: United Country Real Estate via Facebook)

5. Prescott’s Neighborhoods Are Distinguished by Their Diverse Topography and Historic Feel

Each of the city’s neighborhoods offers its own unique atmosphere, from Victorian districts to master-planned golf communities and rugged mountain retreats. Here are three of the best Prescott neighborhoods:

• Prescott Lakes: This neighborhood is a premier choice for families — with spacious homes and access to lots of parks and a stacked calendar of events that bring the community together.
• Eagle Ridge: Eagle Ridge is a strong option for singles and young professionals, with a short commute to downtown and an abundance of recreational facilities.
• Timber Ridge: The quiet and peaceful neighborhood of Timber Ridge offers the perfect secluded lifestyle for retirees with a strong community environment and amenities like tennis courts and clubhouses.

6. Prescott Is Safer Than Many Other Communities in Arizona

Is Prescott, AZ, safe? Prescott’s crime rate is near average when compared to similarly-sized communities across the nation, and lower than other major areas in the state like Scottsdale and Phoenix. Prescott’s overall crime score is 26, meaning it’s safer than 26 percent of other U.S. cities. Scottsdale’s score is 16, and Phoenix’s is just 7.

Property crime takes place at a higher rate than violent crime in the city, and the majority of high crime is concentrated in the western Prescott area.

7. Prescott Is a Regional Hub for Education

Prescott offers a mix of top-ranked public school districts with specialized charter schools and world-renowned higher education institutions.

With a B+ grade on Niche, the Prescott Unified School District is ranked as the best school district in Yavapai County. The charter school of BASIS Prescott has an “A” grade on Niche and is ranked as one of the best public schools in Arizona.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a top residential institution and a world leader in aviation and space.

8. Downtown Prescott Is the Hub of the City’s Entertainment Scene

The historic district of downtown Prescott features a variety of 19th-century architecture and the famous Whiskey Row. Courthouse Plaza is the heart of downtown and hosts over 130 annual activities, including the World’s Oldest Rodeo parade and the magical Christmas lighting event.

Whiskey Row is the most historic section of the city, home to landmarks like The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Arizona’s oldest saloon.

9. Prescott’s Food Scene Offers a Unique Blend of Local Flavors With Global Options

Prescott's food scene is characterized by its eclectic mix of Old West charm, global flavors, and an emphasis on local produce. The city offers a more intimate setting where the experience is often centered around quality ingredients and the town's character. Some of Prescott’s best dining spots include:

• Farm Provisions: Offers elevated American cuisine options using local ingredients. Some options include deep-fried deviled eggs, chicken pot pie, and pork tenderloin. The menu is also equipped with several vegan and gluten-free options.
• El Gato Azul: Situated in a lively atmosphere offering an eclectic mix of Spanish-inspired tapas and Southwestern entrees like crab cakes and pork belly tacos.
• Nick’s Feed Your Face: A local hot spot serving up large sub sandwiches like “The Gobbler.”

10. The Economy in Prescott Is Anchored by Several Sectors

The unemployment rate in Prescott has experienced a gradual decline, sitting at 4.1 percent in late 2025. The city’s economy is anchored by key sectors, including healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing.

Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center and the Northern Arizona VA Hospital are among the largest employers in the area, followed by educational institutions like Yavapai College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Yavapai County Government is one of the area’s largest public employers. Additionally, Sturm, Ruger, & Co is one of the largest manufacturing firms.

Located just four miles from downtown, Watson Lake Park is a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trail-hiking.

11. The Best Things To Do in Prescott Blend the City’s History, Local Outdoors, and Events

From staying active outdoors to taking in the Old West history and checking out the city’s vibrant local events, here are some of the best things to do in Prescott:

• Watson Lake Park: Surrounded by the prehistoric Granite Dells and famous for its blue water, visitors can embark on activities such as kayaking and hiking the 4.8-mile loop trail.
• Phippen Museum: Explore the art and heritage of the American West, with exhibits showcasing cowboy and Native American culture.
• Yavapai College Spring Plant Sale: The gardening culture is strong among Prescott’s residents, and this event allows visitors to purchase the best high-altitude-adapted plants cultivated by horticulture students.
• 4th Friday Art Walks: A monthly event where residents can explore local galleries and studios after hours.

12. Public Transit in Prescott Is Generally Limited

Prescott is primarily car-dependent, but there are regional bus services, specialized rideshare programs, and airport shuttles that provide options for some residents. Traffic conditions in the city aren’t the worst, but alternative routes are limited.

The Yavapai Regional Transit serves the tri-city area of Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley five days a week, with a lack of coverage in most residential areas. The YAV Connect rideshare service is available to accommodate more residents with commutes and daily errands.

13. Prescott Is a Tax-Friendly Destination for Retirees

Is Prescott a good place to retire? The tax benefits for those looking to retire in Arizona are a major draw, which has a low flat income tax rate of 2.5 percent. Many retirees make the decision to move from states like California to Arizona to reap the perks of the lower taxes.

Social security benefits are 100 percent exempt from state income tax, regardless of your total income. Any withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts are taxed as regular income at 2.5 percent.

Arizona also offers a full exclusion for military retirement pay, meaning veterans don’t have to pay any state income tax on these benefits.

14. A Cooler Desert Climate Awaits You in Prescott

Prescott sits at a high elevation of over 5,000 feet, which takes off some of the intense heat conditions compared to low desert areas like Phoenix. The summer season brings highs typically in the mid-80s to low 90s, with frequent thunderstorms that begin in July. You’ll also need to be aware of the monsoon season, which begins in June and continues through September.

Temperatures become milder in the fall, with lows in the 60s. Winters can be chilly with lows that drop into the 20s, and the city can receive significant snowfall. However, the snow will often melt quickly because of the sun. Temperatures begin to rise again in the spring, and you can expect a lot of wind.

15. Prescott’s Wildfires Are a Major Risk

Wildfires in Prescott are a regular and significant risk. Because of its wildland-urban location, almost 100 percent of the city's buildings are considered at risk of wildfire.

The area around Prescott is composed of various types of grasslands, chaparral, and pine forests. During the summer season, these natural features become extremely combustible. The city's canyons and hills can also act as chimneys and accelerate the spread of wildfires.

Prescott is a firewise community, meaning neighborhoods work collectively to create defensible spaces around homes.

16. The Sports Scene in Prescott Combines Professional Indoor Football With Collegiate Athletics

While there are no major league teams in Prescott, the city is home to a professional indoor football team and successful collegiate programs.

The Northern Arizona Wranglers play their home games at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, drawing in a passionate fan base. The Embry-Riddle Eagles and Yavapai College Roughriders are prominent collegiate athletics teams in the area, renowned for their sports programs, with the Roughriders having multiple NJCAA National Championship wins under their belt.

For golf lovers, living in Prescott, AZ, means having beautiful courses — like the one at Prescott Golf Club — right at your fingertips.
(Source: Prescott Golf Club via Facebook)

17. Prescott Is a Golfer’s Dream

Due to its mild climate, the city of Prescott offers year-round golf. The less extreme heat in the summer season compared to nearby Phoenix brings in golfers from all over the state.

Various styles of golf are played within the city, including traditional parklands and elevated layouts with challenging terrain and elevation changes. Courses like Capital Canyon Club are cited for their panoramic mountain views, while other courses like Prescott Golf Club are known for their beautiful tree-lined fairways.

18. Outdoor Enthusiasts Can Always Discover a New Adventure in Prescott

Prescott is one of Arizona’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation — it’s even been named one of the next great adventure towns by National Geographic.

The city is surrounded by diverse landscapes catering to all recreation types. The crown jewel of the landscape? Prescott National Forest. It spans over one million acres and provides scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Arizona is often associated with the desert, but there are five lakes within a short drive of downtown offering everything from kayaking to fishing — Watson, Willow, Lynx, Goldwater, and Heritage Park. Though it’s important to know that swimming is not allowed in these lakes to preserve water quality.

19. Prescott Is Placing an Emphasis on Sustainability

The city of Prescott is moving toward becoming more sustainable, as it's working on a new General Plan that sets ambitious goals for the future.

Prescott's water management is one of the most critical factors to consider when it comes to becoming more sustainable. The city is currently developing a long-term plan that will guide the management of its water resources for the next 50 years. The goal of the plan is to balance groundwater, surface water, and reclaimed supplies.

20. The Central Location of Prescott Makes It Easy To Travel to Other Major Cities

Located in the central highlands of Arizona, Prescott’s location makes it easy to commute to other major cities within the state, such as:

• Phoenix (1.5-hour to 2-hour drive): Phoenix provides a “big city” escape from Prescott, which offers a warmer climate, world-class museums, and a major professional sports scene.
• Flagstaff (1.5-hour to 2-hour drive): Flagstaff offers a younger and more laid-back vibe with a strong arts and music scene.
• Sedona (1.5-hour drive): Sedona’s red rock formations and canyon landscape are starkly different from Prescott’s pine forests, which offer a change in outdoor recreation activities.

Living in Prescott, AZ — FAQs

Q: What are winters like in Prescott, AZ?
A: Winter temperatures in Prescott can get chilly with heavy snowfall.

Q: Is Prescott, AZ, in a fire zone?
A: Prescott’s climate makes it naturally prone to fire danger.

Q: Is Prescott, AZ, expensive to live?
A: Yes, Prescott is more expensive than most major cities in Arizona.

Q: Is Prescott as hot as Phoenix?
A: No, Prescott is significantly cooler than Phoenix due to its higher elevation. 

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Moving to Prescott, AZ, With PODS

Make your move to Prescott flexible with the help of a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. You can load it up on your own or hire local packing and loading assistance to help with the heavy lifting. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home or to a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can take your time without feeling rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote online or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}