Perspective from resident
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5/28/2006
I've lived in Kingman for 25 years, The city is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. The Hualapai (Wa la pie) Mountains just outside the city limits rises 8000 ft and has a wonderful county park (2200 acres). The Hualapais offer a cool retreat in the summer where one can hike, picnic, camp, or even rent one of the rustic cabins built in the 30's by the CCC program. Over the past couple of years there has been a major boom. The city's old town area (dating back to the late 1800's) has struggled, while the hilltop area has seen major retail and housing growth. Industry has slowly expanded at the airport which has regional commuter flights to Phoenix and Prescott, Arizona. There is also a Amtrak station offering rail travel east and west on the Southwest Chief. Employment options have improved dramatically over the past 25 years. Major employers are the hospital (repeatly recognized for high quality), the schools (5/6 elementary, 2 junior high, 1 high school), the county government (Kingman is county seat for the 5th largest county in the country - land wise), and private companies such as national kitchen cabinet makers, fiberglass manufacturers, etc.. Climate - best months March, April, May, October, November. Summer months of June, July, August can be very warm - although 7-10 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Las Vegas. The winter months of Dec. and Jan. can be cold - up to 6/7 degrees cooler than Phoenix but comparable to Las Vegas. Kingman is high desert and one can grow a wide variety of fruit and nut trees, deciduous and evergreen bushes, as well as succulents and cacti. The people are friendly - although can be catty and petty as any small town. The city government has done a great job offering services. Centennial Park is the largest ciy park - softball fields, basketball, handball, tennis courts, olympic-size swimming pool, jogging course, etc.. The library, although always too small does a good job. There is a small community college with university courses offered by Northern Arizona University. Shopping hasn't hit the upper range yet. National retailers include Super Walmart, Super Kmart, Home Depot, Dollar Store, etc. There are several good little local Mexican, Chinese, Italian restaurants. National eateries - Chili's, Cracker Barrel, and the full range of fast foods - MacD's, Wendy's, Carls, etc.. These observations are offered to help offers considering visiting or moving to our town. You may feel free to email me
George | Kingman, AZ