When it’s 115° in Scottsdale, there are two types of people: those who complain about it, and those who load up the car, grab the dog, and head north. Northern Arizona is a summer playground, but the age-old debate still rages: which town is the best?
Today, we settle it — or at least stir the pot a little — with The Ultimate Northern Arizona Showdown.
🌲 Best for Outdoor Junkies:
Flagstaff
If you love trees taller than your mortgage payment and a good mountain trail, Flagstaff is your jam. With hiking, mountain biking, and those adorable little breweries tucked into back alleys, Flagstaff is basically Colorado without the overinflated home prices. You’ll find yourself Googling “cabins for sale in Flagstaff” before your second local IPA.
Bonus: You can tell your friends you went somewhere with actual seasons.
🏜️ Best for Artsy Vibes and Weird Energy:
Sedona
Sedona is the place where crystal shops outnumber gas stations, and somehow you’re okay with it. Whether you’re in for the red rock hikes, UFO tours, or trying to figure out what a vortex actually is, Sedona offers a vibe no other Arizona town can match.
Local tip: Skip the $80 aura photo and find one of the secret swimming holes instead. Or better yet — call us about a vacation rental up there. Good ones don’t last long.
🤠 Best for Old West Charm:
Prescott
Prescott’s claim to fame? The World’s Oldest Rodeo and Whiskey Row, where you can still find a proper saloon and maybe even a ghost or two. It’s laid-back, historic, and the summers are just cool enough to enjoy an outdoor concert without melting into your camping chair.
Also: Prescott’s real estate market is on fire — in a good way. Lots of folks from the Valley are snapping up second homes and retirement escapes here, and for good reason.
🥇 Final Verdict:
Truth is — you can’t lose. But if you’re the outdoorsy type, Flagstaff wins. If you want quirky, Sedona’s your girl. And if you’re into rodeos and whiskey-soaked sunsets, Prescott takes the crown.
And if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in any of these towns? Well… you know who to call.
The Grandon Group — Arizona’s #1 brother and sister real estate team — we cover it all. From the pines to the desert, we’ve got you. We can be reached at www.THEGRANDONGROUP.com or call my sister Stacey who runs our Northern Division at 602-312-5610
