Moving to Flagstaff? Explore The Best Of Northern Arizona's Outdoors
Are you thinking about moving to Arizona? Flagstaff is home to approximately 75,000 residents, offering a small-town feel with big-city amenities and an abundance of outdoor activities. Flagstaff, situated on the world-famous Route 66, and Highways 89A and I-17, provides direct access to Phoenix, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon, making planning weekend road trips easy.
The city is also home to Northern Arizona University, which occupies 829 acres in the southernmost part of the city. Moreover, the main campus is surrounded by the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world. Flagstaff is a nature lover's dream and is sometimes referred to as the City of Seven Wonders due to its proximity to Coconino National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monument.
Historic downtown Flagstaff, nestled at the base of Mount Elden, buzzes with shops, cafes, restaurants, and local attractions, offering a perfect glimpse into the city's vibrant mountain-town lifestyle. People love living in Flagstaff for its welcoming neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and quick access to hiking, skiing , and weekend getaways
Moving to Flagstaff: At A Glance
Situated at an impressive 7,000 feet in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a fantastic place to call home for anyone who loves mountain sports. With temperatures 25 to 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix , it offers the perfect escape for adventure seekers, whether it's hiking, biking, camping, or skiing. Living here means you'll be in proximity to world-famous canyons, state parks, and Instagram-worthy landmarks like Devil's Bridge, Lava River Cave, Lockett Meadow, and more!
Flagstaff Neighborhoods: Flagstaff's neighborhoods each bring their own flavor to mountain living . Downtown and Southside exude historic charm, walkable streets, and local breweries. If you love golfing, check out the Continental Country Club neighborhood for golf-course living with sweeping mountain views. Quiet neighborhoods featuring larger lots include areas like Doney Park and Fort Valley, which put you closer to open trails and wide-open skies, making them a perfect place to call home for weekend adventurers.
Weather in Flagstaff, Arizona: Flagstaff's high-altitude location results in four distinct seasons, characterized by a blend of mountain and desert climates. Summer highs typically reach 80–85°F, which comes as a surprise for many new Flagstaff residents. Evenings cool into the 50s, making it ideal for hiking on longer summer days. Winters are snowy, with average snowfall of around 100 inches and daytime highs in the 40s, while lows dip into the 20s. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures—between 60s and 70s, perfect for trail running and biking.
Flagstaff's Altitude: Flagstaff is one of the highest cities in the country. Its altitude creates ideal conditions for endurance training, drawing elite athletes to the area. Be sure to acclimate before planning anything long-distance. Also, be aware that everyday tasks like baking a cake or roasting a turkey take a little extra time in the thin mountain air.
Northern Arizona University (NAU): Nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, NAU brings vibrancy to Flagstaff and attracts a large number of students. As of spring 2025, it enrolls approximately 25,748 students across its Flagstaff campus, statewide locations, and online programs.
While property values in Arizona are higher than the national average, the state's property taxes are lower than the national average. For retirees moving to Flagstaff, tax-friendly perks combined with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and golfing make for a desirable combination.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Located approximately 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon Monument features a mixture of sandstone and limestone, sprinkled with pine and juniper trees. This must-see outdoor destination was once the home of the Sinagua peoples. A short hike on the Rim Trail takes you past 25 ancient cliff dwellings, and the longer, more challenging Island Trail drops into the canyon, which will test your endurance on the way back.
It's a good idea to dress in layers because the weather can change pretty quickly at any time of year. You might encounter anything from high winds to summer days that can heat up above 95°F. Between July and September, keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms. And don't forget, from fall to spring, heavy snow can create a beautiful winter wonderland, so be sure to get your winter weather gear out of storage.
The Grand Canyon National Park
No move to Northern Arizona would be complete without a plan to visit the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. As a local, you'll have the advantage of being able to see the park during less busy times of year. Located 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles in length and plunges over a mile in depth, offering breathtaking views and endless opportunities for exploration.
For day hikers , the South Kaibab Trail delivers unforgettable panoramas with a relatively short but super steep trek to the Tipoff Trailhead. The Bright Angel Trail provides a more gradual descent into the canyon. Backpackers seeking a true challenge can venture all the way to the Colorado River and spend the night at Phantom Ranch or in designated backcountry sites, permits required. Whether you choose a rim walk, a guided mule ride, or a full descent, every route reveals new perspectives on the canyon's immense scale and beauty.
The Grand Canyon also changes with the seasons, offering cooler rim hikes in spring and fall, summer rafting trips on the Colorado River, and even snow-dusted vistas in winter. With its staggering geology and vast landscapes, the Grand Canyon is more than a destination—it's an adventure that will keep calling you back long after your first visit.
Oak Creek Canyon
When you're ready to take a break from unpacking after your move, consider a trip to the unique Oak Creek Canyon . Located in Arizona's Coconino National Forest, this canyon is a natural wonder. Oak Creek has carved a narrow gorge along a fault line, resulting in a lush, forested river gorge that offers a cooler, greener contrast to Arizona's desert landscapes.
The West Fork Trail winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in Arizona's Red Rock Country . A combination of flat, sandy trails, numerous creek crossings, and rocky terrain, the West Fork Trail day hike is about 7 miles round trip. At the same time, the 28-mile out-and-back trek is more challenging and rugged. Be prepared for primitive camping and frequent creek crossings. The longer trek is rugged and challenging but is rewarded with nonstop canyon views and the raw beauty of Arizona's Red Rock Country.
Hiking through Oak Creek Canyon is a dynamic experience that changes with the seasons, promising a different adventure each time you visit. Additionally, two of the area's most photographed landmarks, Devil's Bridge and Seven Sacred Pools, are also located in the Coconino National Forest.
Make Your Move With StorQuest
Big move ahead? No worries. StorQuest is here to keep things easy with secure, convenient storage options wherever life takes you. Simplify your move to Flagstaff with our climate-controlled units, or store RVs, boats, and vehicles at our easily accessible spot off Route 66 and I-40. Reserve your unit at our state-of-the-art storage facility in Flagstaff, near the Southside Neighborhood—we've got you covered.