Prescott, Arizona

Prescott is a small thriving city located in the mountains of north-central Arizona only 90 miles, but a world away, from metropolitan Phoenix. The town is nestled in a scenic valley at the northern edge of the rugged Bradshaw Mountains. The pine-clad mountains above town reach heights of nearly 8,000ft, but downtown Prescott sits at 5,400ft.

"People are drawn to Prescott not only by its surroundings, but, importantly, by its small town atmosphere. 'Everybody's Hometown' is an easygoing, genial place where making friends comes naturally. A legacy of its pioneer past, when words were few and actions mattered, relationships are based on personal contact and integrity, not status." - Arizona's Territorial Capital

About Prescott:
The climate is a delightful combination of four moderate seasons with monsoon rains in the late summer and snow in the winter producing an average of 19” precipitation per year. The high percentage of sunny days each year provides ideal conditions for outdoor recreation opportunities. The area is well known for its picturesque lakes set in striking pre-Cambrian granite formations and wooded pine forests. Residents and visitors enjoy miles of hiking, horseback, and mountain bike trails throughout the forests surrounding town.

Prescott’s central downtown business district is built around an elm-shaded, traditional courthouse plaza. The historic plaza hosts activities throughout the year ranging from bustling art shows, evening music concerts, antique fairs, and family oriented community events.

Location:
Prescott is situated in the mountains of north central Arizona. To the west and south is the Prescott National Forest, which boasts the world's largest stand of tall ponderosa pine trees.The city is a short 97 miles northwest of Phoenix, all on four lane divided highway and Interstate 17. Flagstaff is just 90 miles to the northeast, and the Grand Canyon is only about an hour and three-quarters drive to the north.

Elevation/Climate:
Mile-high downdown Prescott rests at 5,300 feet above sea level, while the surrounding elevations in the nearby mountains rise to about 7,000 feet.Prescott has a perfect four-season climate, with average high temperatures that range from the high 50s in the winter to the mid 80s in the summer. Humidity is very low year-round, and winter snow is only occasional and moderate. Most precipitation comes in the form of rain, and the average annual precipitation is 19.8 inches.

Population/Size:
This beautiful city of 34,000 inhabitants has been dubbed "Everybody's Hometown." Together with the nearby towns of Prescott Valley and Chino Valley, it forms what is called locally the Tri-City area. The City of Prescott proper occupies nearly 40 square miles.

History:
Prescott was founded in 1863, and it was twice the territorial capital before statehood. The former Governor's mansion has been meticulously preserved, and now houses the Sharlot Hall Museum.

Around the time of the Civil War, people from the Northern and Midwestern United States moved to Prescott and brought with them their architectural and cultural traditions. As a result, Prescott is a distinct departure from the Southwestern appearance that characterizes most communities in this part of America.

Prescott features a 19th century county courthouse plaza, famous old Western Whiskey Row and many Victorian homes. Prescott is the most Midwestern-appearing city in the Southwest, and it has 525 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.The early economy of the area was based on ranching and mining, and both continue to play a role in the modern business environment. Phelps Dodge continues to operate active mines in the small town of Bagdad, 70 miles southwest of Prescott.

Culture:
Prescott has something for everyone. It is home to the Prescott Fine Arts Association, Prescott Film Fest, Mountain Artists Guild Festival, Folk Arts Fair, Cowboy Poets Gathering, Prescott Bluegrass Festival, Shakespeare Festival, Phippen Art Museum, Sharlot Hall Museum, Frontier Days, Territorial Days and the World's Oldest Rodeo.As a three college city, Prescott offers its residents and visitors a special richness and vibrancy that is unique to college towns.Prescott also has strong arts and outdoor communities.

Schools and Colleges:
Public Schools "Prescott Unified School District has excelled in developing innovative programs within its curriculum, and is considered one of the finest school districts in the state." - Arizona's Territorial Capital

The Prescott Unified School District has six elementary schools (grades K thru 5), two middle schools (grades 6 thru 8) and one high school (grades 9 thru 12). Total enrollment at Prescott High School is approximately 1,850 students. Kindergarten classes average 20 students per class, while elementary school classes average 25 students.Prescott Schools offers an excellent basic curriculum, under authority of the Arizona Department of Education, and enhanced by several special programs including gifted education, special education, creative arts, Title 1 reading, computer education, music education, Math Counts and nature education. Students consistently score above the national average in standardized testing.

Recreation:
Backpacking, camping, hiking, mountain and street biking, golf, tennis, hunting, fishing, boating and swimming are abundant in Prescott. The City has an active Parks and Recreation Department which manages some of the most beautiful natural and man-made parks in the world. An Adult Center for active seniors provides many and varied organized activities.

Entertainment:
Prescott offers year-round live theatre and many state of the art movie theaters. Art shows, concerts and special performances are regular additions to the entertainment offerings. Restaurants and bars to suit every taste and style are abundant. Thoroughbred and Quarter horse racing take place Thursday through Sunday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information on entertainment opportunities in Prescott, see Culture under this section of our web site .In addition to everything Prescott has to offer, Phoenix is only a one and one-half hour drive away. It has everything you would expect from America's 6th largest city.

Shopping:

A major shopping mall, many retail centers, boutique shops and antique stores are available within Prescott. In addition, there are many conventional grocery stores as well as health, gourmet and farm markets in the city and nearby areas.Once again, don't forget Phoenix -- it's only an hour and a half drive from here.

Health Care:
Prescott has an array of health care services, anchored by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, which is a full service health care facility and hospital. YRMC's large staff includes doctors representing most medical specialities.There are more than 150 practicing physicians in Prescott, as well as many dentists, chiropractors, opticians and optometrists.The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System facility, located in Prescott, is one of the largest veterans facilities in the Southwest.If you need anything more, Phoenix is only a short drive away.

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