Town of Prescott Valley
The newest kid on the block blew statisticians away with a phenomenal 166 percent population growth to 23,535 during the 1990-2000 decade. Since then, another 13,000 have moved in, bringing the official total to about 36,000.
Nearby developments outside the city limits increase the population to 66,000.
Why is Prescott Valley one of the fastest growing towns in the U.S.? It is a magnet for those seeking the natural beauty of Arizona, affordable housing, a peaceful lifestyle, and new opportunities. But, what may be the most important reason for Prescott Valley’s rapid growth; their pro business attitude. New business is welcomed in Prescott Valley, and the town has proven they will work with businesses both big and small, new or relocated, to ensure they have the proper foundation and support needed to succeed in a secondary market.
Similar to Prescott, temperatures range from highs of 50 degrees in the winter to the upper-80s in the summer.
Economy
A close 85 miles north of Phoenix, industry, manufacturing, retail and service businesses are growing. There are 300 acres of industrial parks with utilities and highway access.
The civilian labor force totaled 6,251 in 2002 – up dramatically from 3,777 a decade earlier. At the same time, its unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent from 4.1 percent.
Taxable sales soared from $56 million to $291 million during the same decade. Net assessed valuation followed suit, jumping from $29 million to $138 million.
Progressive Government
The city’s planned new downtown, regional shopping center and cross-town highway will provide even greater opportunities.
A state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant, sewer system, natural gas and road project will take this city well into the 21st Century.
Another just-completed long-range plan includes a police facility and civic center with a courtroom and library.
The city council is expected to annex substantial portions of the two ranches currently owned by Arizona Eco Development L.L.C. These properties are in the city’s direct pattern of growth.
Community Amenities
The town has a library, 10 public parks, a community recreation center, Olympic-style soccer and softball fields, an amphitheater, basketball, tennis and picnic facilities, four nearby golf courses.
Fain Park and Prescott National Forest offer hiking, biking, backpacking, fishing and camping. Fain, Lynx and Goldwater lakes are stocked with fish and canoe and rowboat rentals are lively.
The natural environment of wildlife that lives in the desert grasslands is among the area’s treasures. The Prescott National Forest, the Bradshaw Mountains to the south and Mingus Mountains to the north surround the valley.
The nearby forest is home to several plant and animal species, including the bald eagle, Gila monster, and the Arizona cliffrose. Vast herds of pronghorn deer and antelope roam the open meadows surrounding the town, along with jackrabbits, cottontails, and occasionally white-tailed deer.
Bushy tailed coyotes singing melodies to the moon are commonplace and dawn finds Gambel’s Quail, Meadowlarks, fabulously funny Roadrunners and brightly colored hummingbirds chattering at the sun.
History
Prescott Valley incorporated in 1966 when a real-estate company from Phoenix purchased land from the Fain family in the area 10 miles east of Prescott known as Lonesome Valley.
Representatives from Prescott Valley Inc. traveled to the Midwest to sell home lots to people who craved sunshine, mild weather, and magnificent scenery.
Fast-forward to 1978, when more than 1,500 residents were living in the unincorporated area now known as Prescott Valley. On August 22, 1978, the residents voted overwhelmingly to incorporate.
The intervening years have seen Prescott Valley grow into one of the most progressive cities in Arizona. August 22, 2003 marked the Silver Anniversary of its first 25 years of incorporation.
Town of Prescott Valley
To learn more about Prescott Valley and all that it offers, visit the Town of Prescott Valley’s website!