Prescott, AZ
Known as “Everybody’s Hometown,” Prescott is located 100 miles northwest of Phoenix, the state’s capital and largest city. With a population of about 40,000 people, Prescott is the third largest metropolitan area in Arizona. In Northern Arizona, Prescott is accompanied by several other towns. All within a 20 mile radius, the town’s of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt, comprise what is locally known as the “Quad-City” area.
Many people are drawn to Prescott for its surroundings and small town atmosphere. It is an easygoing place that cherishes its pioneer history. Prescott is filled with western civilization history from being designated the capital of the Arizona Territory in 1864 to holding more than 60 objects listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more about the history of Prescott.
Settled at an altitude of 5,354 feet, Prescott offers its residents year-round comfort with a near perfect four-season climate.
Between the climate and small town atmosphere, Prescott is a highly desirable place to live and work. Residents enjoy the benefits of small-town living while taking advantage of many positive amenities of large metropolitan areas.
Population Growth
Prescott experienced an impressive 28 percent population increase to 33,938 during the 1990-2000 decade, a double-digit gain that is steadily accelerating.
Its magnets of attraction are particularly enticing to retirees due to the combination of climate, one of the lowest crime rates in the state and affordable housing prices. For example, in 2002, there were 1,182 home sales with an average sale price of $214,662. The median price was $185,000. The highest was $1.5 million and the lowest, $22,500.
With a median household income of $35,446, its unemployment rate is less than 4 percent. The total labor force in 2001 was 20,855 and growing.
Prescott is the center for trade in the region, with abundant retail, professional services and manufacturing plants. It has five industrial parks totaling about 380 acres.
Less than two hours from Phoenix via freeway, mile-high Prescott is surrounded on three sides by national forest. Its main path for future growth is through the two ranches currently owned by Arizona Eco Development L.L.C.
The city has expressed interest in annexing major portions of both ranches owned by AED.
Gateway to the Tri-City Area
The Prescott Municipal Airport (Ernest A. Love Field) is centrally located between the City of Prescott, Chino Valley and Prescott Valley.
Home to nearly 20 aviation-related businesses, it is surrounded by the properties owned by Arizona Eco Development L.L.C. These businesses provide flight instruction, aircraft charter and rentals, aircraft maintenance and avionics, aircraft interiors, aviation fuel and oil, and pilot supplies.
A general aviation airport, the city is currently completing a series of construction and modernization projects to achieve regional airport status. It already handles corporate and private jets, America West Airlines, other commuter airlines and a substantial amount of air cargo traffic.
The airport is also home to the U.S. Forest Service fire bombers, a FAA-operated airport traffic control tower, the state’s only FAA Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS), and a FAA-operated Airway Facilities Maintenance office.
Community Amenities & Activities
Prescott is home to the downtown Courthouse Plaza, the famous Whiskey Row, the World’s Oldest Rodeo and is officially designated “Arizona’s Christmas City.”
The Courthouse Plaza, framed by towering elms, is the focal point for all manner of fairs, antique and art shows. The plaza and Yavapai County Courthouse are famous throughout Arizona as symbols of the quintessential mid-western downtown square.
There are abundant community facilities – three colleges, five libraries, three museums, four art galleries, a zoo, and performing arts theaters.
Recreation is unparalleled with 1,218 acres of land in 15 parks, five lakes within 10 miles of downtown, four 18-hole golf courses, 16 lighted tennis courts, racquetball courts, soccer fields and15 lighted baseball/softball diamonds.
This is outdoors country and mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping and horseback riding are popular with all age segments. The adjacent 1.2 million-acre Prescott National Forest is a haven of hiking trails and other recreational opportunities.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona campus covers 537 acres of high-altitude western terrain. Its flight-training center is at nearby Prescott Municipal Airport.
The university population includes more than 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students from 50 states and more than 23 countries. It is known as the best aviation and aerospace university in the world.
Enjoying more than 300 days a year of clear flying weather, the Prescott campus offers programs in flight, engineering, space physics, global environment and management, global security and intelligence studies, computer science, and a graduate program in safety science.
Learn more at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) website.
Other Higher Education in the area
With three additional local colleges and new programs being added each year, Prescott attracts many students seeking higher education. From certificate programs to graduate degrees these institutions bring students from all over the world to our area. Visit their website to learn more about each.
Yavapai College | Northern Arizona University | Prescott College
City of Prescott
To learn more about Prescott and all that it offers, visit the City of Prescott’s website!