Community Information

Community Information

Flagstaff, Arizona is located at the intersection of Interstate 17 and Interstate 40, and is the largest city in Northern Arizona. The city is also the regional center and county seat for Coconino County, the second largest county in the 48 contiguous states. The City of Flagstaff, becoming a town in 1894, incorporated as a city in 1928, and currently comprising of just over 64 square miles, is nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounded by one of the largest pine forests on earth. Flagstaff drew its name from a very tall pine tree made into a flagpole in 1876 to celebrate our nations centennial. At nearly 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is also one of the highest elevation cities in the United States. The city is a year-round mecca for visitors and many Arizonans who maintain a second home in the Northland.

Community Report

Learn more from our Community Report HERE.

Weather

Flagstaff enjoys four distinct seasons. Moderate summer temperatures average twenty degrees less than Phoenix, and are punctuated with afternoon rain showers in July and August. The winter brings an average annual snowfall of 99.5 inches, much to the enjoyment of skiers, ice skaters and snowboarders. As the snow thaws into spring, blooming wildflowers are abundant and fragrant along Flagstaff’s many hiking trails. Autumn is highlighted with the changing of the aspen leaves that transform the surrounding mountains into a golden tapestry of color. Flagstaff averages 283 days without precipitation each year, so it is not surprising that our residents love the great outdoors, and the mild climate encourages year-round outdoor activities.

Education

Flagstaff Unified School K - 12 School District #1 (FUSD) has a long history of offering a well-rounded and rigorous educational experience for all students. FUSD looks at best practices nationwide as the basis for using innovative education techniques and offering students the courses and programs necessary to "Discover Your Path" whether that path includes attending college or entering directly into a career. In addition to the public school system, there are 11 charter schools run by private parties (2018). Learn more about FUSD HERE. Learn more about Flagstaff's charter schools HERE.

Coconino County Community College (CCC) offers an affordable, quality educational opportunity for students seeking job skills or beginning their path to a four-year degree and beyond. The college serves a diverse student population and offers a robust spectrum of degrees and certificates. Learn more about Coconino Community College HERE.

Flagstaff's commitment to education is enhanced by Northern Arizona University's (NAU) contribution to the community. Founded in 1899, NAU is a public university centered on students. Their academic programs, research, public service, and creative endeavors enrich lives and create opportunities in Arizona and beyond. They develop solutions to challenges and drive innovation in a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment. Learn more about NAU HERE.

Cultural Opportunities and Scenic Attractions

Flagstaff serves as the cultural hub of Northern Arizona. Because arts and cultural activities enhance the quality of life and have an economic impact, the City supports these endeavors. Funding support for these activities comes from the Bed, Board and Booze tax and the General Fund. Throughout the year, there are art shows, festivals, live theater performances, and Native American arts and crafts exhibits to satisfy the most ardent enthusiast.

The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit corporation dedicated to bringing world-class musical performances to their audiences, and to providing innovative programs in music education for youth across northern Arizona. The FSO conducts six concerts from September through April form the core of the Symphony's season, with additional Young People's Concerts for children in the Flagstaff Unified School District, and a Lollipop concert in December for families with young children. Regular concerts are held in 1500-seat Ardrey Auditorium on the campus of Northern Arizona University.

Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894 by Boston mathematician Percival Lowell. Best known for the discovery of Pluto, Lowell Observatory is also where astronomer V.M. Slipher gathered the first evidence that the universe is expanding. The Observatory also maintains a vigorous education and outreach program, headquartered in the Steele Visitor Center on Mars Hill. Each year, about 70,000 people visit the Observatory to learn about astronomy by participating in multimedia programs, private and school programs, special events, and other educational activities. The Observatory offers daily-guided tours and evening programs.

The Museum of Northern Arizona offers internationally recognition exhibits in archeology, ethnology, geology, biology, and fine art of the Colorado Plateau. Four especially notable exhibitions, which attract national and international visitors, include the annual Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Hispanic Exhibitions with contemporary and traditional pottery, weaving, jewelry, and sand paintings, as well as native artist demonstrations and traditional dance.

Known as the “City of Seven Wonders,” Flagstaff attracts millions of tourists each year due to its easy access to such scenic destinations as the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Oak Creek Canyon, Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks.

Blog Articles about Our Community

Biking
Flagstaff Economy
Flagstaff, Arizona: Community Information
Flagstaff, Arizona: Top 5 college town
Hiking trails: Flagstaff trails receive national acclaim
Northern Arizona University information
Sledding Hills: Where to go

Regional Resources

Flagstaff Local Utilities