Nestled at 7,000 feet near the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff reigns as the mountain jewel in the crown of the desert state of Arizona. It beckons with its clear air, cool pine forests, and proximity to historic and natural attractions. Flagstaff is a region settled by varied cultures and built by strong men and women pioneers that made this city what it is today.

In 1891, with newfound status and at the urging of prominent local citizens, Coconino County was split off from Yavapai County. Flagstaff became the new county seat. Unfortunately, concerns such as the regulation of drinking and gambling and most importantly - the need for water - were not being addressed. In Flagstaff's early days water was provided from Old Town spring and other small area springs but with no water nearby, several large fires, like the 1884 fire that burned Old Town, took a hefty toll. A logical solution was to tap the springs in the San Francisco Peaks, but the cost and logistics were not feasible. Town leaders talked about the need to incorporate Flagstaff not only to gain the status it needed to have an effective local governement, but also to allow for the sale of municipal bonds to pay for the water project. In 1894, a petition was circulated among the citizens and on May 26, 1894, by action of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Flagstaff became an incorporated town.

In the ensuing century since that incorporation, Flagstaff continued to thrive and the lumber, cattle, and seep industries grew. The formation of a Normal School, which later would become Northern Arizona University was to follow, as was the establishment of a world-class private observatory and the birth of a vast National Forest.

Perhaps the most important development for Flagstaff was its growth as a strong tourism based center. Hundreds of thousands of people now visit Flagstaff every year. They come to hike and camp in the pristine wilderness of the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the world, visit our National Monuments and museums, the Grand Canyon and other local attractions. From its humblest beginnings, Flagstaff's natural beauty has been the reason people come to visit, and the friendly attitude of the people they find here is the reason they return again and again.

~The Early History of Flagstaff, by James A. Hardy, published by DiscoverFlagstaff.com.

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Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, AZ, was created on land that was once part of a privately owned buffalo ranch in the 1960s. The park is located on McMillan Mesa, a high, flat-topped volcanic plateau offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including the San Francisco Peaks.

Origin and History:

• Buffalo Ranch Era: In the 1960s, the area where Buffalo Park now stands was used as a ranch for American bison, or buffalo, which were a tourist attraction. Visitors would come to see the buffalo in a natural, open setting. However, the ranch struggled to remain viable as a commercial venture.
• Transition to a Public Park: Eventually, the buffalo were removed, and in the late 1960s, the city of Flagstaff acquired the land and transformed it into a public park. The city's vision was to create a space where people could enjoy the natural beauty of Flagstaff's high desert and ponderosa pine forest, along with recreational opportunities.
• Development as a Park: Over the years, the city has maintained the park as a natural area with minimal development, emphasizing outdoor recreation such as walking, jogging, and bird watching. The park's trails are unpaved, maintaining the rugged and natural feel of the mesa.

Features of Buffalo Park:

• The Loop Trail: A popular 2-mile loop trail circles the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Elden and the San Francisco Peaks. The trail is flat and accessible, making it popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
• Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, birds of prey, and smaller mammals. The open space and natural vegetation provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
• McMillan Mesa: Buffalo Park is part of the larger McMillan Mesa, a geological feature formed by volcanic activity. The flat terrain is the result of ancient lava flows that shaped the landscape of northern Arizona. The mesa provides excellent vantage points for viewing the surrounding mountains and the expansive pine forests.
• Open Space: One of the defining features of Buffalo Park is its wide-open space, which offers visitors the chance to experience the vastness of the Northern Arizona landscape. This openness, combined with the big skies and mountain views, makes it a popular spot for photography and quiet reflection.

Today’s Buffalo Park:

Today, Buffalo Park is a treasured outdoor space for locals and visitors alike, offering a serene place to connect with nature while being close to the city. It’s part of Flagstaff’s extensive urban trail system (FUTS), making it easily accessible for hikers, runners, and cyclists from different parts of the city.

Buffalo Park is just one of many beautiful trails and hiking areas around Flagstaff. When you are ready to buy or sell in Northern Arizona, come by our office, or give us a call! We have an agent onsite Monday through Saturday.

What is a CLUE Report or History Loss Statement?

A CLUE report, generated by LexisNexis (a consumer reporting agency that maintains a large database of consumer claims submitted by insurance companies) details homeowners insurance claims made on a property within the past seven years. Insurance companies use these reports to help determine the cost of homeowners insurance based on the property’s claims history, among other criteria.

Why Should Homebuyers Care About CLUE Reports?

CLUE reports can reveal potential problems with a property, such as water damage, foundation issues, or mold. Knowing about these past issues can help you anticipate future maintenance needs and potential insurance costs. For instance, multiple claims for water damage might suggest recurring issues that could lead to mold, which might increase your homeowners insurance premiums.

What Information is Included in a CLUE Report?

A CLUE report includes the homeowner’s name, personal details, policy number, date of claims, types of loss, and the amounts paid by the insurance company for each claim. It may also contain general information about insurance providers and the nature of the claims.

How to Access a CLUE Report

Homeowners can obtain a copy of their property’s CLUE report for free once every 12 months, thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They can request this report from LexisNexis by calling 1-866-312-8076 or visiting www.consumer.risk.lexisnexis.com.

As a buyer, you cannot directly access a CLUE report for a property you’re interested in. However, you can ask the seller to provide it or make your offer contingent on receiving a satisfactory CLUE report. Additionally, when you apply for homeowners insurance, the insurance company will pull a CLUE report on the property so you will know about the claims history.

Come see us when you are looking to buy or sell in Northern Arizona!

Nestled at 7,000 feet near the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff reigns as the mountain jewel in the crown of the desert state of Arizona. It beckons with its clear air, cool pine forests, and proximity to historic and natural attractions. Flagstaff is a region settled by varied cultures and built by strong men and women pioneers that made this city what it is today.

A Tale of Two Towns

Old Town Flagstaff, circa 1884

In 1883, the railroad decided to move their depot about a jalf mile east of the Flagstaff settlement so their trains didn't have to start up on the steep hillside. One of the local merchants, P.J. Brannen, saw this as an opportunity and decided to move his mercantile across from the depot. Others followed, building a strop of shops, saloons, and hotels along what became knows as Front Street. As a result, Flagstaff became two settlements: the original site called Old Town, and the site near the depot named New Town.

Old Town had water, but New Town had commerce and soon outgrew the older settlement. In 1884, a devastating fire burned down many of Old Town's buildings and New Town became the one and only Flagstaff. Its center was the intersection of Front and San Francisco Streets. Later Front Street would be called Railroad Avenue, but in 1926, the road became part of Route 66 and was renamed Santa Fe Avenue. In 1993, the road was renamed for the historic Route 66, and it continues to be a major thoroughfare of the city.

By the early 1890s, the young town of FLagstaff had reached a population of 1,500 and had become one of the largest towns in the territory. It had a well developed business district and homes were being built throughout the area. The inhabitants realized that the town would soon be too big to continue without some kind of formal organization.

Stay tuned for the final chapter: Part 4, Flagstaff Finds Success in Incorporation!

And when you are looking for information on the housing market around Flagstaff,

Come see us on Cherry Avenue, in historic downtown!