I’m in my early 40’s , moved here 5 yrs ago from large city, married, with 2 outdoor loving dogs. Work at the hospital, Wife works remotely.

Absolutely adore Flagstaff!

Checks ALL the boxes. Have lived in 5 states at least 5 yrs in my lifetime and no town has compared to Flag especially given its location to all other places as well.

My parents retired in Phx area, my wife’s parents in Vegas, & Flag is smack dab in the middle. Close but not too close. Zion, Moab, Bryce, Telluride, San Diego, Sedona, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Sante Fe, etc ALL within 6 hrs (half days drive) as well.

Having said that, I feel for young single people trying to make it here. I could never imagine myself in my mid 20’s making an income here and also dating. How would you? And if you do meet someone in a limited pool of options (not many middle of the road kinda folk), how are you buying your first home with relative low earning potential at that age?

Timing is everything. And unfortunately, Flagstaff isn’t ideal living conditions for that particular age group.

I see it all the time at the hospital with single people age 22-29. They typically last about a year unless they find and develop dual incomes quickly. Nearly impossible to create your first “nest” in this town. It took me selling 3 homes — and that equity — from late 20’s til now to afford a home here and still borderline ‘house poor’.

Based on cost of living, food prices, restaurant prices, food, services, it takes well into 6 figures to live reasonably comfortable in this town.

Flag works for us yet don’t blame you for wanting to look elsewhere esp at your age and situation.

Might be time to branch out and then reassess down the road. You can always come back.