When most of us think of Arizona, we think dry, barren, and dusty; little of any vegetation; and a relatively monotonous landscape. But in Northern Arizona, you'll experience a terrain quite unlike anything else in the desert Southwest. In its heart lies Flagstaff, a beautiful town dominated not by red clay and cacti, but rather pine trees and vegetation. You can arrive here via the famous Route 66, which will lead you to the heart of one of Arizona's most scenic towns. While greater Arizona's vast desert land has plenty of fans, more and more visitors are coming to Flagstaff and are drawn here by its uniqueness. And in many cases, tourists are choosing to stay here. And yet, you'll find Indian reservations, the Grand Canyon, and other aspects of traditional Arizona within a short drive from Flagstaff.

Flagstaff's elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, combined with its low humidity, combine to create mild temperatures for the region. While the maximum temperature in December is in the 40s, the dryness of the air helps the weather seem warmer than it really is. And contrary to what you might expect, temperatures rarely exceed the low-80s here even in the middle of summertime. Flagstaff averages about 288 days of sunshine, 19.8 inches of precipitation, and 84.4 inches of snowfall per year, according to the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Among the natural attractions in and around Flagstaff are Canyon de Chelly National Monument in the town of Chinle, home to several Native American relics. If you have any ambition to go hiking here, the park requires that a local Navajo guide lead the way for you, but your knowledgeable leader will only add to the enjoyment and the authenticity of the experience. Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood is a 320-acre reserve on the Verde River. Visitors to the park enjoy a rare glimpse at such wildlife as river otters, black hawks, bald eagles, coyotes, raccoons, and more. Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde is the site of one of the country's last remaining military forts. The remaining four buildings here were all constructed between 1871 and 1873. What used to serve as the quarters for three of the former military officers stationed here have been preserved and look much the same today as they did then. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, located in the town of Page, is traversed by Lake Powell and is a popular spot for camping, fishing, swimming, and boating. You'll find some of the state's most beautiful canyon terrain here. And Coconino National Forest attracts campers from late spring through the early fall months. The forest's hiking trails lead straight to the top of some of Arizona's highest terrain, affording spectacular views as well as occasional swimming holes, natural vegetation, plenty of fishing, and fascinating Indian ruins.

The town of Flagstaff has much to offer the antique enthusiast. Historic downtown Flagstaff, comprised of Main Street and the old Railroad District, is home to 185 stores, including not only antique shops (such as Black Bart's Antiques, the oldest and largest antique shop in Flagstaff), but also clothing boutiques, art galleries, handcrafted Native American jewelry and clothing, a bookstore specializing in southwestern themes, and several theaters. You'll also plenty of night life and a diverse selection of eateries -- particularly on the south side, home to an ethnically heterogeneous population. Northern Arizona University's art galleries (the Richard E. Beasley Art Museum & Gallery and the Old Main Art Museum) house modern collections from local, state, national, and international artists. The rich culture of Northern Arizona is, in fact, one of the primary draws of living in Flagstaff, aside from the region's scenery. Other galleries include the Artists Gallery in downtown Flagstaff -- which includes works from 30 local artists, including ceramics, glass, and jewelry.

Flagstaff reaps the financial benefits of a large tourism business, which contributes to a seasonal population and a large turnover in clients for local Realtors. B&Bs are prevalent here, as are time-share condominiums. In addition to hiking and shopping, tourists -- at least the daring ones -- go river rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing; several local businesses rent equipment and cater to all skill levels.

This jewel in the middle of Arizona's vast desert is a great escape, but like many other up-and-coming towns with a growing and loyal following, you can expect Flagstaff's full-time population to increase exponentially in the coming years, and its construction and real estate markets to respond.