Is Flagstaff that bad? Otherwise what town do you recommend? (Mesa: find a job, salary)

[mitak]

My boyfriend and I are considering moving to Sedona or Flagstaff (or Cornville or Cottonwood) in a year. I'm trying to research the area on here and the posts are often negative about Flagstaff. I thought Flagstaff would be good for work and because it will have more shops,etc. I love hiking and solitude, and farmers markets, mom and pop cafes, positive vibe, etc. We visited Sedona last year for 4 days and it was crowded but still awesome and relaxing. So we are from a crowded area in NJ where there are tons of families, some retirees, and a lot of stressed out people who honk at you a lot a drive up your butt on the road every chance they get. It's not that relaxing here and the outdoor recreation will never compare to the southwest. My personality is not a fit for NJ. I like Italian food but I'm not Italian, and I'm super laid back and quiet. The beach is an hour away, which is nice, but you can never get solitude. When I was younger I lived in Vegas, Albuquerque, and upstate NY. I'm older now 42, and I work in mental health care as a counselor. I REALLY want to move to the Arizona or Utah area for the red rocks and hiking. Does anyone have a recommendation for a town that will fit what I'm looking for? Rural is fine, as long as it's close enough for me to commute for employment. Basically, I want a positive vibe, healthy food, great hiking, less stress... I'm open to other area... Santa Fe? Montana? Any recommendations?

[rational1]

There are many towns that offer what you want and there are many people who would like to live there, if only they could find a job. So what you need to do is to identify several towns you are interested in and undertake a sustained job search. It won't be easy and you may have to give up salary and career advancement. Some people get lucky; and some work at it and then get lucky, and end up practicing their profession in a place they love.

But many of us live where the work is and vacation or retire somewhere else.

[agorski]

Prescott might have the job opportunities for you and we're only an hour's drive from Sedona. ;-)

Great hiking and a mild climate but no red rocks, just granite.

[mitak]

Ok thanks! I am looking at the Prescott forum now and people seem to like living there and it has lots of mental health facilities.

[movingsoon81]

I agree with Prescott! It is a much nicer town than Flagstaff with cheaper rent, nicer people, and better local businesses. If I could go back, I definitely would have relocated there instead of Flagstaff!

[Code Stemi]

St. George, Utah! Google it and you'll fall in love. Red rocks galore, and Zion National Park right in our backyard. I personally find Flagstaff stunning as well. And sedona.

[Hschlick84]

Check out some small cities in western Colorado such as Grand Junction, Cortez and Montrose. Cortez is close by Mesa Verde national park. There's plenty of hiking trails in around the area. If you like cycling, hiking and enjoying nature, Grand Junction isn't too far from Moab Utah. Also, check out Prescott and Prescott Valley.

Mesa Verde

[mitak]

Thanks! I have visited most of these places about 10 years ago. i can't wait to be within driving distance to them again... Whichever town I end up in.

[jamies]

No, Flagstaff is WONDERFUL!

IF you can afford a $3.2 million dollar lodge in the pines, and own a business or two, and the building or are an internet hedge fund investor and have a private plane to avoid the 3-9 hour drive to a city.

Then it's perfect!

[theoaks]

Durango, CO is the best four corners town since it has a huge workforce in place, so companies come in, stores come in, and the city wants to grow. If you like Flagstaff more, it could take longer to find a job.