Realty Executives of Northern Arizona
Soaring above Arizona’s dramatic landscape, air travelers will take note of the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest stretching out in all directions like a lush green carpet as flights pass above the Mogollon Rim, head toward the majestic San Francisco Peaks and on into Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport.
With five to six commercial flights a day on 70-seat CRJ700s – one to two to Denver on United Airlines as United Express, two to three to Phoenix and two to Dallas on American Airlines as American Eagle – air travel for business or pleasure has significantly increased in recent years, nearly doubling from 140,000 passengers in 2018 to 250,000 in 2019. Air travel in and out of the Flagstaff Airport was on another record-setting path in early 2020, and despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, finished the year above the national average for year-over-year passenger boarding at the airport.
“This tells us our market continues to value the service, as many travelers prefer to fly rather than drive to major cities, especially Phoenix, where they can make further connections,” said City of Flagstaff Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen.
In an effort to keep Flagstaff’s dark skies dark, exterior lighting around the outlying buildings is being retrofitted for dark-sky standards. “Our runway lights are on a control system,” said Pulliam Airport Director Barney Helmick. “If there’s no one talking on the radio after sundown, the lights remain off until a pilot approaches.”
“One of the reasons why people choose to visit, discover and grow in Flagstaff is because of the abundant accessibility to outlying areas,” Hansen said. “You feel like you can get away from it all while you’re here, but through our many transportation options, it’s easy to connect to your next destination when you’re ready to go.”
Highway travel to and from Flagstaff, located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Interstate 17, is convenient for businesses and travelers within the state and beyond.
The romance of the rails has added to the adventure of the West since the late 1880s and Amtrak continues the scenic tradition with service from Los Angeles to Chicago aboard the Amtrak Chief, which stops in Flagstaff three times a week from both directions. The Flagstaff Train Depot in the center of town includes an Amtrak ticket office, the Flagstaff Visitor Center and a well-stocked gift shop with one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
The BNSF Flagstaff railway provides an important transportation system for businesses shipping products and cargo out of the area.
Groome Transportation is a family-owned shuttle business that prides itself on easy, safe, comfortable, economical and reliable airport-to-city service on board 10- and 14- passenger vans. The shuttle service is popular among business travelers, vacationers and students from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. Complimentary parking is available for Groome customers for up to two weeks at 2646 E. Huntington Dr. For reservations, pickup sites and more information, call (928) 350-8466.
FlixBus, providing traditional coach buses, Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, meets passengers at the Flagstaff Visitor Center and provides service to Phoenix, Tempe and Kingman. Buses run two times a day, five days a week, including stops at or near the three state universities.
“We work with wonderful local bus partners,” said FlixBus Public Relations Manager Albert Aydin. “In Arizona, it’s Gray Line out of Tucson, a family-owned business that’s been operating for 100 years.”
For schedules, reservations, safety guidelines and more information, visit www.Flixbus.com/bus/flagstaff-az
For commuting around town, Flagstaff’s state and national award-winning public transportation system, Mountain Line, operates 29 hybrid-electric buses serving 164 stops across nine routes every day. Residents, visitors and students enjoy the convenience of catching a ride for running errands, exploring local attractions or getting to and from educational institutions like Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College.
Mountain Express – a free shuttle service sponsored by Arizona Snowbowl – takes skiers and snowboarders to the mountain resort on winter weekends and through the holiday break from pickup locations at the Mountain Line Downtown Connection Center on Phoenix Avenue and the park-n-ride stop at Flagstaff High School. For more information call (928) 779-6624 or visit www.mountainline.az.gov
Greyhound Lines operates bus service out of the Flagstaff Bus Station at 880 E. Butler Ave., with travel to and from Phoenix three times a day. For more information, call (928) 774-4573.
On The Path to Carbon Neutrality
With $29 million earmarked for pedestrian and bike projects, the City of Flagstaff Master Plan is calling for a future with less reliance on gasoline-fueled vehicles. Included in the roll-out are more bike lanes, sidewalks, foot trails and crossings to facilitate the movement of people around town. The popular Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS or “foots”) offers a network of 56 miles of non-motorized pathways that connect the community while rewarding cyclists, runners, walkers and hikers with stunning natural areas and scenic views.
~Destination Flagstaff @7000ft, 2021 Official Relocation & Visitor’s Guide, A Publication of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. www.FlagstaffChamber.com
Flagstaff offers four-season fun and boundless opportunities for exploration. It’s no wonder the city has been recognized among the best places to visit with your dog! It’s also no surprise the world’s top runners, cyclists and swimmers may well be sharing urban pathways, forest trails and Olympic-sized pools with you.
If running is your activity, Run Flagstaff provides everything you need. “So many people are drawn to Flagstaff for the altitude and relatively flat terrain,” said owner Vince Sherry.
“An elevation of 7,000 feet is the magic number for oxygen density. For more recreational athletes, it’s the beauty of the trails and the terrain and the community that has everything you need without a big drive or congestion.” Hence, in June 2020, trainandkale.com listed Flagstaff No. 5 for best running owns to live in.
Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 Mile, sponsored by Babbitt Ranches, follows the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line route that carried tourists in the late 1800s. Today, runners and mountain bike enthusiasts can explore a wide variety of ecosystems in this popular September race.
Navajo Run is the only Navajo-owned ultramarathon. It takes runners through 34 miles of sacred land deep into Canyon de Chelly, past spectacular red sandstone formations.
Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS or “foots”) is a citywide 56-mile network of trails where recreationists can run, bike or walk. The trails wind through busy streets as well as canyons, grasslands, meadows and forests. The pathway connects users o shops, neighborhoods, parks, schools and wide-open spaces.
Flagstaff E-Bike Tours owner Todd Davis envisions a future where electric bikes are a primary mode of transportation. If you’re thinking of investing in an e-bike, Davis suggests you rent one first. “Our goal is to introduce riders to recreation alternatives with our pedal-assist e-bikes,” he said.
Arizona Nordic Village offers yurts and cabins, bike and foot races, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is also popular for family reunions, destination weddings and meetings. Try a yurt-to-yurt skiing adventure just 15 miles away on Highway 180.
Arizona Snowbowl delivers year-round fun. The new Arizona Gondola combination lift whisks skiers to black diamond slopes in the winter and sightseers to expansive Northern Arizona views in the summer. With experienced instructors, the Southwest’s large beginning area and free skiing for kids 10 and under, the mountain resort invites all to enjoy the snow!
Flagstaff Snow Park celebrates Flagstaff’s reputation as one of the snowiest cities in the United States. This winter playground provides exceptional snow-play opportunities from groomed tubing runs to snowball fights and a special area for little ones. For ticket information, visit flagstaffsnowpark.com
Flagstaff Climbing Center offers two climbing gyms – that’s more than 9,000 square feet of top rope, lead climbing and bouldering terrain making this operation the largest climbing gym in Northern Arizona. Flagstaff Climbing also is a local source for climbing guide service and gear.
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course will help you get over your fear of heights when you play in the trees with friends and family. The course at Fort Tuthill County Park offers a variety of ziplines and obstacles for kids and adults to test their limits in a fun, physical and unique outdoor experience.
Grand Canyon Deer Farm will delight animal lovers of all ages at this 10-acre park. Take the path around the park for a look at llamas, elk, bison, peacocks and wallabies. The rangers here encourage you to pet and feed the deer and even kiss the camel!
Golf is king in summer months when desert-dwellers seek relief from triple-digit heat. Flagstaff offers private and public courses including Continental Country Club, Flagstaff Ranch, Forest Highlands and Pine Canyon. Every May, the Flagstaff Chamber hosts the Golf Classic at Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club.
International Kadampa Retreat Center offers streamed meditation classes, courses in healing and kindness, temple tours, events, a bookstore, gift shop and the World Peace Café. The retreat center is located in Williams. For information, visit MeditationinNorthernArizona.org
Navajo Blue Travel Center is more than just a gas stop along Interstate 40. This travel center also features Navajo Beef and Navajo Fizz soda. Near Twin Arrows Casino Resort, about a 30-minute drive east from Flagstaff, Navajo Blue offers a convenience store, shower and laundry facilities, dining and a taste of Navajo culture.
North Pole Experience brings out the holiday season magic with elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Book your stay at Little America and a trolley will take you on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole. Pajamas are encouraged!
Starlight 66 Lanes on Route 66 is the place to go for family entertainment. Enjoy bowling on one of 16 lanes, test your skills in the arcade or grab some refreshments at the snack bar. Lively music and colorful lighting add to the party atmosphere!
Source: Destination Flagstaff @7000ft. 2021 Official Relocation & Visitor’s Guide, a publication of the greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. www.FlagstaffChamber.com
In the days before the internet, when people were looking for a professional – a contractor, for example – they would often ask a friend or neighbor, “Do you know a good Plumber?”
Well, guess what? The same thing still happens today! It’s just done a little differently. These days, people often ask for recommendations online, such as on their community’s Facebook page.
However it’s done, the intention is obvious. People prefer to work with professionals who are recommended. That definitely includes real estate professionals.
In our business, we work hard to be the kind of trusted real estate professionals that clients rely on to help sell their property, find their next home, and make the entire process go smoothly. In addition, we stay in touch long-term to be an ongoing resource of information and advice.
In fact, that’s one of the reasons we send you this informative e-newsletter.
So, if friends or neighbors ask for a real estate agent recommendation, we hope you’ll feel comfortable giving them our names. We’d really appreciate your support!
Renee and Jeff
Strong Home Sales in 2021 - 6 Month Housing Review
The below data was pulled on July 21st and as expected the strong 2020 market has carried through to 2021.
We have sold 9.7% more homes this year than the year prior. Flagstaff's Median Sales Price jumped from $413,459 to $515,000, an increase of 24.6%. Number of new listings is up 5% but one of the most drastic data points and what fuels the misconception of fewer homes available is the decrease in Days on Market. The average Days on Market in 2020 was 107 and with a decrease of 40.2% that puts the average Days on Market in 2021 at only 64.
The Absorption Rate currently sits at 1.68% which means we have less than a 2 months supply of homes available. As we have mentioned in previous updates the Real Estate experts say that a 6 month supply is ideal, any less indicates a Seller's Market, any more indicates a Buyer's Market.
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Hiking into the Chicago Basin outside of Durango Colorado
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What an adventure we had planned as we head up to Durango Colorado, spending 7 days in the vast Weminuche Wilderness. At 499,771 acres, the Weminuche Wilderness isthe largest wilderness area in Colorado, and as a comparison, ¾ the size of Rhode Island. After talking to many locals, the general thought is leave the ‘E’ off the end when you pronounce the Weminuche(whem-a-nooch). The trip started months ahead of time, with planning the route, the timing when we wanted to get into Chicago Basin, preparing the meals for every day, doing some dehydrating of assorted things, and of course picking up the first mornings Breakfast and that evening’s dinner, which I cover more later. Once we finally got started on Sunday morning, the 5 plus hour drive up was uneventful, we got to Durango midafternoon, giving us time to explore the downtown. |
Our first Day
Up early today, we car camped last night at the end of Vallecito Lake, wanted to be on the trail by 7.
For Breakfast, out of the cooler before we started our hike, I had the traditional Flagstaff Best Breakfast Burro from the Dog Haus, a great way to start this adventure.
The overall plan, we will hike up the Vallecito River, to Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass (12,665ft) to the eastern edge of Chicago Basin, then west out through the basin to the Animas River and back to Durango.
This is the seldom taken route into Chicago Basin and when I say seldom, we saw no one for the first 3 ½ days.
Most will come in on the west side riding the Silverton-Durango Railway up the Animus River to a spot the train lets off at times over 50 hikers a day, so they can scramble as fast as they can into Chicago Basin to find camp sites. We chose not to be in that race up into the basin, so came in the longer, harder, better route from the East.
We knew that the Train let hikers off at 11:00 every morning and will take those hikers at least 2 hours to get into the basin. So our plan was to get into the Eastern edge of the Basin by 1:00 on Wednesday Day 3, just in case it was hard to find a great camp spot.
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The days started out nice, sunny, not a cloud in the sky. Trail conditions were excellent all day as we hike along the Vallecito River gently climbed from 7900 feet to our camp spot at Deadhorse Creek at 9,100 feet.
The treat of the hike, we did not have to carry gallon+ of water which would have added 8.32 lbs. of weight to our pack. Instead, as we crossed little creeks and such, I got out my BeFree Water Filter I would highly recommend for any hikes.
Throughout the day we passed through meadows of flowers, Jack and Rob stopped to fish, though not successfully I might add.
Close to camp we had to navigate an approximate 100 ft river crossing of the Vallecito River. We are in the wilderness now and when that bridge was washed out a few years back, since in the wilderness it could not be rebuilt.
Was a sketchy crossing but with hiking poles to help braced against the current we made it safe, though a little wet
Exciting way to end the day, shortly after the crossing we found a great level spot to camp for the night. Tonight, for me was the Pizza I mentioned above, traditionally I take 4-5 piece of NiMarcos Pizza I get the day before our hike, cool, wrap and put in the top of my pack. Pretty hard to smash cold pizza any more than it already is, and gosh, was a treat out on the trail
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Our Second Day, Once again it was a nice casual hike all the way to the Johnson Creek trail junction, fortunately the trail Bridge was still up and a good place to fish, both Jack and Rob were successful. From that point it was a steady climb to 11,069 feet. The trail maintenance of this section was not as good, seemed like every time we turned around, we were climbing over downed trees, this section did not appear to have much use. This was the second day we have not seen a single other person on the trail. Perfect camp sight and came with two, very welcoming Marmots. My tent, they stayed away from, maybe my secret deterrent from critters, Cat Hair. I brush the cats and bring some of their hair with me in the pack on each adventure, tends to work, so far
Day 3 What we found out was hardly anyone from the Basin comes to this end. This was a planned layover day and for the next two days, we only saw 2 couples stop by in their exploration of our side of the basin. This is a layover day in the splendor of the Chicago Basin. Today we head up to Twin Lakes, elevation 12,655 ft, to hopefully do some fishing.
Day 5 As we headed out of Chicago basin, we realized how fortunate we were to have come into the Basin from the east,
Day 6 As we left our first night on the Animas River, we realize that our timing for this trip was the best. So far, our camp sites have been the very best, only one camp site did we see others. Got in to camp early found a great camp site right by the bridge that will take us over the Animas since at this point it is a fully fledge river, and not possible to wade across. Up early today, this is our last day on the trail. The trail out was gentle uphill, through the Crescent Creek canyon, with the creek falling further and further below us. The closer we got to our takeout point and vehicle, the more folks we started to see, We are back to the takeout spot mid-morning, cleaned up some, then had to go pick up Robs vehicle. This was not a loop, so took two vehicles, maybe 1+ hour drive time between start point to where we ended the adventure. We had heard that Chicago Basin was a must-see adventure to take, and we proved that right. We took a chance going in from the Vallecito Creek Trail head and it paid off in huge dividends; in the sights we got to see, the serene wilderness, the lack of other hikers’ day after day, and the quality of camp sites as a group were as good as we have ever had.
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Jeff Ross * Renee Gaun 928-607-5556 Jeff
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15 E. Cherry Ave |
To say Flagstaff is a health and wellness hub is like saying our crystal-clear mountain skies are blue. Here you’ll find a community of uber-certified fitness and nutrition professionals, along with exceptional medical facilities and top-rated physicians and surgeons.
With no shortage of state-of-the-art gyms, qualified trainers, high-tech gear, healing arts studios and a supportive community to cheer you toward your personal goals, Flagstaff is eager to step you up to Arizona’s highest peak or relax you into a deep yoga savasana. And no matter what stage of life you or your loved ones are entering, Flagstaff is equipped to keep you at your best with chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapists and rehabilitation experts, plus highly-acclaimed senior living communities designed to maintain lifestyles and activities.
Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Flagstaff Medical Center looks to the future of health care with its many state-of-the-art services and resources. NAH includes more than 4,000 employed doctors, nurses and other health care experts in more than 50 medical specialties.
The medical center provides emergency transport services through Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport’s seven helicopters, 17 ambulances and one fixed-wing air ambulance.
FMC is a Level I Trauma Center, the only one in Northern Arizona, and also is a Primary Stroke Center. Besides these specialty services, FMC offers:
In addition, NAHMG – Orthopedics is one of the first clinics in Northern Arizona to offer robotic arm assisted total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements with Stryker’s Mako System. This highly advanced robotic technology enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.
Whether you need joint replacement surgery or emergency services, you are in good hands with highly-trained surgeons who are ready for unexpected injuries and offer same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
The Children’s Health Center has recently relocated to East Flagstaff. This one-of-a-kind facility offers specialty pediatric and youth medical care for the communities of Northern Arizona. With a more convenient location and expanded footprint, the CHC is able to provide more unique services for your family including a specialized physical, speech and occupational therapy gym space, and an adaptive playground and a sensory gym, as well as the inspire program designed to motivate kids of all ages to lead healthier lifestyles.
Northern Arizona Healthcare’s mission is to “Improve Health, Heal People.” Governed by a volunteer board of directors, NAH is a nonprofit organization and is supported by the Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation. For more information, visit NAHealth.com
North Country Healthcare serves as the medical home to nearly 50,000 people in Flagstaff and the surrounding area, providing family medicine, pediatrics, dental care, obstetrics and gynecology, telemedicine and behavioral health. North Country has locations in 12 communities across Northern Arizona including three in Flagstaff with the Flagstaff Pediatric Care facility on Yale Street.
The organization provides a team-based approach to treating patients. Answering the call to provide more doctors in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, North Country has implemented the Colorado Plateau Family & Community Medicine Residency Program, bringing in 12 new residents throughout the three-year program.
CycleBar Flagstaff provides indoor cycling classes for those looking for calorie-burning, pedal-turning fun. A running injury made owner Sarah Milios re-think her activities. She jumped on a spin cycle and never looked back.
“It’s a totally different experience to be in one of our classes rather than training on your own,” she said. “There’s the community feel that makes it fun and an in-person instructor who holds you accountable.”
The Spin Box is a high altitude, mobile fitness studio. While the focus is on beat-driven stationary bike cycle classes, The Spin Box also provides interval training through core conditioning and bodyweight exercises. You’ll find everything you love about indoor cycling, but with beautiful views, crisp, clean air and physically distanced bikes. Get your workout on and leave no trace (except sweat) in the majestic outdoors of Flagstaff. Let the endorphins commence!
Massage Envy – Flagstaff licensed therapists know the demands of daily life can be taxing on the body. That’s why they encourage you to take care of yours by smoothing out aches and pains, stretching overused or underused muscles and kneading the stress right out. Massage also is known to increase flexibility, calm digestive and other disorders, improve posture, relieve headaches, reduce fatigue, lower blood pressure and even help us sleep better.
The Peaks, A Senior Living Community and The Peaks Health & Rehabilitation are nestled into the forest at the base of the San Francisco Mountains. In collaboration with the Museum of Northern Arizona, Southwestern artwork adorns public spaces. Amenities in this pet-friendly environment include an indoor pool, salon, fitness center, nature trails, an auditorium, restaurant-style dining rooms and chef-inspired meals. Residents enjoy enrichment programs; memory-care activities are based on the Montessori method.
Brookdale Flagstaff operates like a loving family, serving residents with a balance of independence and assistance so they can say goodbye to chores like meal planning and cleaning and focus on the activities and relationships. Brookdale in West Flagstaff offers individual apartments, personalized assisted living and memory care.
The Bluffs of Flagstaff centrally located on Butler Avenue, is bringing its upscale independent, assisted living and memory care senior living community to Flagstaff in fall 2021, offering studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. “The feeling is relaxed elegance, the style is soft contemporary and the design team will be adorning the property with local art,” said Executive Director Janet Mars. Resort-inspired amenities include an indoor pool, salon, magnificent mountain views, a dog park and dog spa.
Highgate Senior Living is scheduled to open in downtown in spring 2021 with assisted living, memory care and couples care.
The Arizona State Veteran Home – Flagstaff is bringing an 80-bed skilled-nursing and rehabilitative care facility to Arizona’s veterans near Buffalo Park this year as well.
~Destination Flagstaff @7000ft, 2021 Official Relocation & Visitor’s Guide, A Publication of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. www.FlagstaffChamber.com
Often, in old western movies, when the good guys were overwhelmed or in danger, the cavalry would come riding to the rescue.
It made for an exciting scene!
These days, you may never get into a situation where you need soldiers on horseback to help you. However, it can be all-too-easy to become overwhelmed with questions and concerns, particularly when it comes to real estate.
When that happens, rather than waiting for the cavalry to come galloping over the hill, you can call or email Renee or I.
We are happy to “come to the rescue” and provide you with any answers or advice you need. In fact, We have access to the latest data on the Flagstaff to Williams market, so you can always count on the insights and recommendations we provide to be current.
So, even if you’re merely curious about our local real estate scene — what’s available, prices, etc. — feel free to reach out to one of us at any time.
Now, let’s dive into a bit of the data...
What has the market done in the last 4 years? How substantially have prices increased? Below is a chart showing the percentage of change throughout Flagstaff neighborhoods or the surrounding areas between 2017 - 2021.
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As you can see, the percentage of change is quite drastic and since 2017 Flagstaff’s median sales price has increased by 51.5%.
With numbers soaring we are often asked when the bubble is going to pop. Well, our crystal ball is currently broken but we do know that if inventory slowly climbs then prices will continue to rise rapidly but if inventory sharply increases, house price growth will slow.
Please reach out to Jeff or I if you have any questions or would like more data for a specific area.
~Renee
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Did you know there are 6 fires currently burning in our county? Be fire READY!
Guidance from our county's emergency department recommends being fire safe around your home AND they provide a service for having you stay in the know for evacuation alerts.
Learn about evacuations here - be ready - set - go!
https://www.coconino.az.gov/
Sign up for notifications from Coconino County here:
https://www.smart911.com/
Map of current fires here:
How to have a fire ready home:
https://coconino.az.gov/
https://coconino.az.gov/
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Where the Experts are - Serving Flagstaff and Northern Arizona since 1977
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