Prescott, Arizona 

• Getting to Prescott: From Phoenix, take I-17 North to Highway 69 North, then west at Cordes Junction. The route passes through Dewey and Humboldt.
• Prescott’s Landscape & Recreation: The area transitions from a plateau to a forested landscape near Lynx Lake, offering kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, and picnicking.
• History & Culture: Prescott boasts Victorian-era homes, is known for its “Whiskey Row” (Montezuma Street), and was Arizona’s first territorial and state capital. It features remnants of ancient Lynx Creek ruins and significant mining history.
• Whiskey Row: In the 1870s, a block of saloons, gambling halls, and hotels; today, it offers shops, restaurants, and a glimpse into the Wild West.
• Activities & Attractions: Features the World’s Oldest Rodeo, numerous lakes for water activities, museums, casinos, and opportunities for gold panning.
• Prescott’s Vibe: Described as having a hometown feel with friendly people and a lively atmosphere, especially during holidays and weekends.
• Practical Information: Elevation is approximately 5300 feet; population is around 50,000; mild summers in the 80s with occasional monsoons; mild winters with some snowfall.

Prescott, Arizona  Activities

• Getting to Prescott: Two routes from Phoenix are described: a scenic, longer route via Highway 89 (passing Yarnell and Skull Valley), and a quicker route via I-17. The video suggests taking one route there and the other back.
• Downtown Prescott & Whiskey Row: Downtown Prescott’s Courthouse Square (established 1878) is a key attraction, surrounded by Whiskey Row (on Montezuma Street), featuring historic restaurants, bars, and the Hotel St. Michael (1901).
• Whiskey Row Highlights: The Palace Restaurant & Saloon (1870), and the Jersey Lily Saloon are noted for their historical significance and old-west atmosphere. New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Spring Break are suggested as ideal times to visit for a vibrant atmosphere.
• Casinos & Other Accommodation: The Yavapai Casino & the Talking Stick Resort are mentioned as options for gambling and entertainment. The Hassayampa Hotel, known for potentially haunted Room 426, offers a quieter alternative to Whiskey Row.
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Granite Dells: A 10,000-acre wilderness area featuring granite boulders and Watson Lake (kayaking).
  • Lakes: Prescott boasts several lakes (Watson, Goldwater, Lynx, and Willow Creek Reservoir) offering fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities.
  • Thumb Butte: A popular rock formation with a hiking trail.
  • Bradshaw Mountains: A more rugged area accessible via 4×4 vehicles, offering a more adventurous experience.
• Historical Sites & Museums:
  • Courthouse Square & Historic Buildings: Prescott was Arizona’s capital from 1864-1867, and many Victorian-era homes remain.
  • Museums: The Charlotte Hall Heritage Museum and the Museum of the Indigenous People are highlighted.
  • Hotels: Hotel Vendome (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1893) and Old Fort Whipple are mentioned for their historical significance.
• Prescott Farmers Market: A Saturday market offering local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods.
• Shopping: Liberty Lane (antiques), Lost in Sports (sports memorabilia), and saltwater taffy shops are mentioned.
• Entertainment: The Elks Theater (1905), a historic opera house, is noted.
• Food & Nightlife: Several restaurants and cafes are listed (Murphy’s Cafe, Lone Star Cafe, Lemon Cello Pizzeria, Nitana), and Prescott’s downtown nightlife is described as vibrant on weekends and holidays.
• Camping: Several campgrounds and RV parks are listed, along with information about dispersed camping in the Prescott National Forest.
• Mortimer’s Farm (formerly Young’s Farm): A popular farm known for pumpkin patches and Christmas trees.
• Highland Center for Natural History: A resource for information on hiking trails and outdoor activities.
• Summer Camps: Prescott is noted for its numerous summer camps, including YMCA, Prescott Pines Christian Camp, Backcountry Unlimited, and Camp T-U.
• Dewey-Humboldt: A historic mining town located between Prescott and I-17.

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Prescott Valley

• Watson Lake: A picturesque lake with rock formations, offering kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing.
• Whiskey Row: Prescott’s historic downtown district with lively saloons, reflecting the town’s Wild West history.
• Prescott National Forest: A vast area with hiking and biking trails, lakes, streams, and diverse wildlife (bobcats, black bears, bald eagles).
• Thumb Butte Hike: A scenic 4km hike with views from its 1985m summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Goldwater Lake: A peaceful reservoir with stunning scenery and various outdoor activities, located a short drive from downtown.
• Heritage Park Zoo: A zoo featuring local and exotic animals, including black bears, boa constrictors, leopards, and mountain lions.
• Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: Home to a massive natural travertine bridge, a significant natural wonder.
• Phippen Museum: An art museum showcasing American Western art, including paintings, photos, and sculptures.
• Courthouse Square: The heart of Prescott’s historic downtown, hosting events and surrounded by historic buildings.
• Jerome State Historic Park: A park preserving the history of Prescott Valley and the Verde Valley, offering insights into the region’s past.

Prescott exodus: buyers, sellers beware.

• Rising Cost of Living and Home Prices: Prescott’s median home price increased dramatically (87% from 2019 to 2024), exceeding the increases seen in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and significantly higher than the national average. This impacts affordability and makes it challenging for some to remain or relocate to the area.
• Increased Crowds and Traffic: Population growth, while modest, has led to increased traffic congestion, particularly on Highway 69, impacting the town’s previously peaceful atmosphere and small-town charm. Popular areas like Watson Lake and Whiskey Row experience significant weekend crowds.
• Limited Housing Inventory and Competition: A low number of active listings coupled with high prices creates competition for buyers, especially those seeking specific property types or price ranges.
• Elevated Wildfire Risk and Insurance Costs: Prescott’s location in a high-wildfire risk area has led some insurance companies to withdraw, causing a significant increase in home insurance premiums. This is a factor in some residents’ decisions to leave.
• Lifestyle and Life Stage Changes: Some residents leave due to changing needs, including desires for warmer climates, better access to healthcare, urban amenities, job markets, or lower overall cost of living.
• Counterpoint: Prescott’s Continued Appeal: Despite these challenges, Prescott continues to attract new residents drawn to its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, historic downtown, strong sense of community, and relatively low crime rate.