Review from a native Californian
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4/19/2018
I moved to Prescott Valley nearly four years ago. I am a native of S- CA and did a lot of research on “Where to Retire.” We made our move in 2014 and I was very happy to leave the high cost of living, smog, traffic, and earthquakes. I was very excited to move to Arizona. It’s a good place for retirees. The cost of living is way less than CA. I don’t work here but I know plenty of people here that do. Trade professionals, medical jobs, law enforcement may be available to those who qualify. There are service-oriented jobs that generally pay near minimum wage.
The weather here is generally like California but a little dryer. Topography is brown grass bushes, Juniper Ash tress, and a few pine trees Prescott has more pine trees and more snow. In Prescott Valley we get maybe a few inches a year and makes it pretty. It usually melts on the roads by noon. Prescott gets more snow in the higher elevation. Hilly streets can be a challenge for those who like to walk or drive in Prescott. Prescott Valley tends to be more level and less of a problem in the winter. Winter temps can be in the teens, but it’s drier here and not a wet feel. Some people wear shorts and others bundle up (like me) in the winter. Monsoon rains can be heavy at times with downpours like you have never seen before. Thunder and lightning shows are spectacular in the summer. It can get hot at times record temp at 105 but normally in the 90’s. Phoenix will be 115+ so this is a break from that. We generally don’t have smog or dust storms. Occasionally fires and smoke causes haze but it goes away fairly quick.
The people generally are really nice and seem to have migrated from California and other East coast and Midwest states. Natives are generally nice and don’t bother one another. It’s rare to meet a native from Arizona.
The driving experience is different from CA. There are more senior drivers here and people generally drive slower. It's a slower pace of life and takes bit of adjusting from being in the fast paced life of LA. There is some traffic at times (but nothing compared to LA). If you want to shop, go early. It’s not a problem. If you wait until the afternoon, expect to wait longer at the lights. Don’t speed because you will get nailed. There are some undercover unmarked vehicles used for traffic enforcement. Obey the law within reason and you’ll be OK.
This is a middle class to upper middle class town. There are some expensive custom built homes on larger lots usually outside of town limits. Prescott has areas (Prescott Lakes, The Ranch, Yavapai Hills) that are more expensive and exclusive. Some people that sold there home in CA and made the move here at a bargain. IMO...Prescott Valley is more affordable than Prescott and there are some unincorporated areas near the town that may not be as attractive. The reason was there were few zoning restrictions in the 60-70’s so there are places with trailer homes, manufactured modular homes, empty lots, standard built homes all in the same neighborhood. There are some planned neighborhoods with HOA communities like Granville and Quailwood. These neighborhoods are nice have newer homes. HOA fees are low ($50+ a month) and are low compared to CA.
There is no water shortage here according to Prescott Valley water officials. There is a planned 100-year water supply required for each home to be built. Due to the housing boom, more homes and neighborhoods are being developed and it’s projected to get busier in the coming years. Earthquakes are rare but have occurred. Wind can be annoying at times, but a breeze is nice to keep the air clean. Hospitals are pretty good here with two facilities. Specialty treatment may require a Phoenix visit. Overall this is a nice place to live and to retire. No regrets leaving CA.
Paul | Dewey, AZ