Flagstaff, Arizona is famous for its visibility - on a clear day, you can see forever. In 1894, Dr. Percival Lowell chose Flagstaff to place the now-famous Lowell Observatory, where the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Its location on the famous Route 66 didn't hurt tourism, and the city was incorporated in 1928 using highway dollars. Today, the community boasts over 50,000 citizens.

" At 7000 feet, Flagstaff is a four-season, high desert area with mild day time temperatures all year long," says Realtor Ann Heitland. " Flagstaff is a small city with more amenities that its size would suggest. It is a university community (Northern Arizona University) and also an international destination because of its proximity to the Grand Canyon (a 90 minute drive). Flagstaff is also the medical center for all of northern Arizona, making health care services our largest industry. Although wintertime temperatures at night can reach zero, and the mountain area near Flagstaff has a down hill ski area, typical winter day time temperatures are in the 50's. Summer temperatures are mild because of the altitude. And, of course, our climate is dry, dry, dry, despite all that snow and the late afternoon summer 'monsoons.'

"The Flagstaff market remains active with more buyers than sellers. For July, 105 single family residences sold at an average price of $190,121," explains Heitland, "this average sale price was 97.66 percent of the average listed price. We had only about 590 single family residences still for sale at the end of the month. The continued appeal of Flagstaff underlies this strong market, as well as the fact that mortgage interest rates remain at historic lows. We have some new home developments as well as an active resale market.

Says Realtor Caroline J. McCormick, "Flagstaff is experiencing a relatively normal summer selling season. New construction is still going strong too. Vacant land for homes is getting harder to find in the City and County around Flagstaff.

Advises McCormick, "If you are planning to move, this is still a good time to prepare your home to be placed on the market. Just remember, the first 30 days that a home is on the market is your best opportunity to sell."

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Published: August 5, 2002

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