What BestPlaces Users Say about Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona is a popular city located in the northern part of the state, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities. With a population of around 75,000, it is a small yet vibrant community that attracts many visitors and residents alike. In this particular place, people have different experiences and opinions about living there. Some rave about the city's charm and amenities, while others point out its drawbacks. Let's take a look at a few user reviews to get a better understanding of living in Flagstaff.
According to Sarah H., "Flagstaff is a hidden gem in Arizona. The mountains, forests, and canyons make it feel like a small, secluded town while still offering all the amenities of a larger city. The people are friendly, and there's always something to do outdoors. It's a great place to raise a family." This positive review highlights the natural beauty and community feel of Flagstaff.
On the other hand, Jessica M. shares, "I moved to Flagstaff a few years ago and have been struggling to adjust ever since. The cost of living is high, and the job market is competitive. The weather is also unpredictable with harsh winters and dry summers. It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't recommend living here." This review sheds light on some challenges that come with living in Flagstaff, such as high living expenses and extreme weather conditions.
Another resident, Kevin B., praises the city's cultural diversity, saying, "Flagstaff is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. It's refreshing to see such a diverse community in the predominantly white state of Arizona. The food scene is also fantastic, with many international cuisines to choose from." This review highlights the city's cultural diversity and culinary offerings.
However, not everyone is a fan of Flagstaff. As David S. shares, "I lived in Flagstaff for a year and couldn't wait to leave. The winters were too cold for me, and the summers were too hot. The city is also very touristy, and the traffic can be unbearable during peak seasons." This review showcases some of the downsides of living in Flagstaff, such as extreme temperatures and tourist-heavy areas.
In conclusion, Flagstaff, Arizona, has its pros and cons, as seen through the various user reviews. While some appreciate its natural beauty, friendly community, and diversity, others struggle with its high cost of living and unpredictable weather. It is always a good idea to do thorough research and visit a place before deciding to make it your home.
based on 50 ReviewsGet to know Flagstaff with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Flagstaff
Climate change; quality of living - 3/29/2015
I'm afraid these postings are from 2008. I have lived here 23 years and consider the city to be deteriorating. There is very little winter and more and more wind. It has been over ten years of constant elongated construction which has ruined the ambiance of the town. We began to have a rush hour Fridays from noon on, which blocks intersections, but now other days, too. It is poverty with a view, but the view is becoming blocked. Notice these reviews were possibly before the market fall. Jobs are hard and low wage, and quality of living is poor compared to when I moved here. I escape into the back country and SE Arizona and longer interludes. It is still centrally located for some of these things but has lost charm and I find it in other towns which retain their quality of life and prioritize better with little money. I still have to work here until I finish some projects but that is my unfortunate experience. You will get heat-sick in June, and if the rains don't come summer is
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High cost, low wages, growth limits, second-home m - 8/12/2014
Flagstaff is beautiful but the high cost of living, low wages, high housing costs (from the second-home market and university rentals) S,art-growth limits, tourist industry service jobs, and lack of community make it less than ideal to live in. I have been here 17 years and only have one close friend and one sort of friend.
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Outrageous cost of living - 5/9/2013
I moved to FLG in September 1999 having no idea what it was like. The beauty and great quality of life were immediately evident, however it took about a month or two of working (at that time) for about $6 p/h to realize how ridiculously expensive it is to live here! The city government cares only about the almighty tourist dollar and the service jobs (filled by an unending labor supply of college kids) that cater to them. It's been a great 14 years or so but my time is coming to an end and moving to a much more reasonable area (I'm looking at you Bisbee!!)is probably not too far away. A great place to live. . . . but only if you make enough money to be able to afford
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The "Ghetto in the Meadow" - 5/7/2013
I love Flagstaff, AZ as a city. I moved here in September 1999 and have hung on "by my fingernails" every since. A wonderful place to live but a city government that couldn't care less about the locals who bear the outrageous cost of living and who DOES bend over backwards for the almighty tourist dollars! With a steady supply of cheap labor (college students) and tax revenue streams from hotels, restaurants, gas stations (HIGHEST gas prices in AZ!) the city has proven it doesn't need locals! A beautiful place to live. . . IF you can afford
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Living in Flagstaff - 9/16/2012
I lived in Flagstaff in the late 80's and I will say it has changed a lot. There are so many exquisite homes there now. I must say as an Arizona native I am a little surprised. However, it is absolutely beautiful. For all who say it is too expensive I would suggest spending some time online and looking at what it will run you to live in Boulder, Golden, or any Northern California town. If you are in fact comparing one small "mountainous" town to another. The prices seem like a bargain to me. I have lived in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Littleton, Orange County, and Los Angeles. As many of you already know a 45-60 minute (one way) commute is typical in a big city and most public class rooms run about 30-40 kids per teacher. Don't get me started on air quality -yuk!
Flagstaff is a small town, offering almost no commute, clean air, small classrooms, friendly people, and easy access to some of the most beautiful desert regions in the world. When considering a new area to
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Living in Flagstaff - 9/16/2012
I lived in Flagstaff in the late 80's and I will say it has changed a lot. There are so many exquisite homes there now. I must say as an Arizona native I am a little surprised. However, it is absolutely beautiful. For all who say it is too expensive I would suggest spending some time online and looking at what it will run you to live in Boulder, Golden, or any Northern California town. If you are in fact comparing one small "mountainous" town to another. The prices seem like a bargain to me. I have lived in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Littleton, Orange County, and Los Angeles. As many of you already know a 45-60 minute (one way) commute is typical in a big city and most public class rooms run about 30-40 kids per teacher. Don't get me started on air quality -yuk!
Flagstaff is a small town, offering almost no commute, clean air, small classrooms, friendly people, and easy access to some of the most beautiful desert regions in the world. When considering a new area to
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Poverty with a View - 8/1/2012
It is "poverty with a view." It's a neat little town for it's size. But it is very expensive and wages are low. Most people move here end up leaving after a couple of years. That is probably why there is "no sense of community" as someone else put it. The train does not sound the horn through town anymore due to a city agreement between them and the railroad. It was insane. I have heard that city employees are 18% below market rate. I am a city employee and have been making less each year that I have started. It has been an emotional struggle trying to keep your chin up and survive here. People can be a little stuck up here at first, but others can be friendly. Very tough to make a lot of friends here. Good
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Living in Flagstaff - 3/10/2010
I moved to Flagstaff in June 2008. I came here for the natural beauty and small community , having lived in big cities since I was 18. Before I moved here, I had heard "poverty with a view", the low wages and high cost of living .This did not deter me ..after all I was highly educated, highly experienced, skilled and highly bred. Well, I have been looking for work every day, have networked/joined every group imaginable and nothing. I feel no sense of community and yes it is a high cost of living , low wages and low standards. Employers would rather hire two students at very low wages than one experienced,quality person. As far as poverty with a view..well..I'm now on food stamps. Need I say more.
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