Why people are moving to Prescott
Prescott has quietly become one of Arizona's most popular relocation destinations. Sitting at 5,400 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains, it offers something rare in the Southwest: four genuine seasons without the extreme heat of Phoenix or the heavy snow of Flagstaff. Average summer highs hover around 88 degrees, and winters bring occasional snow that rarely sticks more than a day or two. For transplants from California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, the climate hits a sweet spot that is hard to find elsewhere.
The community itself draws people in. With about 46,000 residents in the city proper and over 100,000 in the greater Quad-Cities area, Prescott is big enough to have everything you need but small enough to feel like a real community. The historic Courthouse Square downtown, the active local arts scene, over 450 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a cost of living well below major metros all contribute to the appeal.
Moving to Prescott? We provide truck loading, unloading, and junk removal to make your move easier. Call for a free quote.
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Prescott neighborhoods and areas to know
Downtown and Courthouse Square area
The historic heart of Prescott with Victorian homes, walkable streets, restaurants, and shops along Whiskey Row. Homes here range from charming 1900s-era bungalows to modern infill construction. Great for people who want walkability and character. Prices are premium for the area.
Prescott Lakes
A master-planned golf community east of downtown centered around the Prescott Lakes Golf Course. Popular with retirees looking for an active lifestyle with amenities. Homes are newer construction, mostly built in the 2000s and 2010s.
Williamson Valley
Northwest of town, this area is known for larger lots, horse properties, and rural living. If you want acreage, space for animals, or mountain views with privacy, Williamson Valley is the spot. The trade-off is a longer drive to town and fewer nearby services.
Yavapai Hills
A residential area southwest of downtown with scenic mountain views and a mix of established and newer homes. Good balance of proximity to town and a quieter residential feel.
Prescott Valley
Technically a separate town just east of Prescott, PV offers more affordable housing, newer construction, and big-box retail. It is more suburban in character with shopping centers, chain restaurants, and the Findlay Toyota Center entertainment venue. A solid choice if budget is a priority.
Chino Valley
North of Prescott, Chino Valley has the most affordable housing in the Quad-Cities. It is more rural and spread out, with larger lots and a ranching heritage. The commute to Prescott is about 20 minutes. Good for buyers who want the most space for their dollar.
Practical moving tips for the Prescott area
Elevation matters
At 5,400 feet, you will notice the altitude when doing physical labor. Moving at elevation is noticeably harder than at sea level. If you are doing any of the heavy lifting yourself, take breaks, stay hydrated, and plan for it to take longer than you expect. Hiring professional moving labor is especially worthwhile in Prescott for this reason.
The roads can be tricky
Many Prescott neighborhoods have narrow, winding roads with steep grades. If you are driving a large moving truck, scout your route in advance. Some streets in the historic downtown area are tight for full-size box trucks. Iron Springs Road, Copper Basin Road, and parts of Williamson Valley Road are winding two-lane highways that require caution with a loaded truck.
Time your move strategically
Peak moving season in Prescott is May through September. If you have flexibility, moving in March, April, or October gets you better availability and often better rates from moving services. Summer weekends are the busiest, so weekday moves are easier to schedule.
Plan for your stuff
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. The average American household has about 300,000 items. Rather than paying to move things you do not need, consider a pre-move cleanout. Sell or donate what you can, and have the rest hauled away before the moving truck arrives. Junk removal in Prescott is affordable and saves you from paying to transport items you will just throw away later.
Need help with your Prescott move? We load and unload trucks, haul junk, and make moving day easier. Call today.
Call For a Free Quoteor text us a photo at (928) 351-1038
Getting settled after your move
Once you are in your new home, here are a few things to take care of. Set up your City of Prescott utility account for water, sewer, and trash collection at prescott-az.gov. Trash and recycling pickup is included with your utility service. Update your driver's license at the Arizona MVD within 10 days of establishing residency. Register to vote with the Yavapai County Recorder's office. And if you have not already, join the Prescott AZ Community group on Facebook (3,600+ members) to connect with locals, ask questions, and find recommendations for everything from restaurants to contractors.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Prescott
Overall cost of living in Prescott is similar to Phoenix, though housing can be higher in desirable Prescott neighborhoods. Groceries, utilities, and services are comparable. The trade-off is a smaller job market, which matters less if you work remotely or are retired.
Yes, Prescott gets an average of about 13 inches of snow per year, mostly between December and March. Snowfall is usually light and melts within a day or two. It rarely disrupts daily life for more than a few hours.
About 100 miles, which is roughly a 1 hour 45 minute drive via I-17 and AZ-69. It is close enough for day trips to the city but far enough to feel like a completely different world.