Flagstaff has been a sought-after retirement destination for many years — and for good reason. Even senior living providers like Highgate Senior Living are developing senior living properties in Flagstaff knowing this popular retirement destination often has retired adult children considering moving a parent closer to their retirement home.
Having the relocation conversation with an aging parent is rarely an easy one. And if your parent has experienced some changes in their health recently, the thought of long-distance caregiving may have you a bit worried. You may be surprised to know that more aging adults are moving closer to their children than ever before.
Where to Start the Conversation
Moving a parent closer to you isn’t the right decision for everyone. But if your family is considering it, starting the conversation with a loved one by pointing out the benefits of where you retired is a great way to ease into the conversation.
With a population of around 70,000, Flagstaff is small enough to be cozy but large enough to have all the services seniors might need. Called “a smart place to retire” by Kiplinger and “the best place to be finally free” by Sunset magazine, Flag — as it’s known among the locals — offers an excellent quality of life for older adults. The lifestyle Flagstaff offers is probably the exact reason you decided to move there after retirement.
“There is a culture of kindness and acceptance here,” says Highgate at Flagstaff's Executive Director or 'ED'. “Combined with the beautiful natural scenery, 265 days of sunshine a year, and desirable attractions, there are many reasons why Flagstaff is a great choice.”
5 Reasons to Love Living in Flagstaff
If you’re considering inviting your aging parents to move to be closer to you, getting your loved one excited (or even open to the idea) about a potential move is key. Fortunately, Flagstaff offers a variety of features and benefits — regardless of your age.
The Great Outdoors
Located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounded by one of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forests, Flagstaff has no shortage of places to explore. In fact, there are seven national parks and monuments within 90 minutes of this mountain town.
Want to see one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in all of North America? Head an hour south of Flag to Montezuma Castle National Monument. Been a while since your breath was taken away? Hop on the historic Grand Canyon Railway, ride 90 minutes north to the South Rim, and prepare to be awe-struck by the views before you.
You don’t have to drive far to enjoy the great outdoors, though. Nearby attractions include Lake Mary and Mormon Lake, where you can go fishing, boating, and picnicking, as well as The Arboretum at Flagstaff deep within the Coconino National Forest, where you can wind your way through 2,500 species of plants. You can even become a docent at Walnut Canyon or Wupatki and help tourists appreciate the culture that was there ages ago.
“Residents of Flagstaff seem to be committed to a healthy lifestyle, holistic and alternative therapies, and promoting an overall sense of well-being,” the Executive Director says. No matter your age, there’s something for everyone in Flagstaff when it comes to outdoor interests.
Excellent Weather with Distinct Seasons
The high desert environment means low humidity and mild temperatures most of the year. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, the city experiences all four seasons — including a bit of snow every winter.
“Residents enjoy four beautiful, distinct seasons in Flagstaff,” the ED says. “But it’s cooler in the summer and not so frigid in the winter.” For instance, it rarely gets hotter than 88°F during summer.
College Perks
With Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College located in the city, there is no shortage of free cultural activities, entertainment, and athletic events, as well as opportunities to learn and develop new skills or to continue pursuing current interests.
Looking for ways to sharpen a skill set? Northern Arizona University (NAU) empowers students of all ages for success. Through the Senior Corps @ NAU program, retirees can also find volunteer opportunities at any of the city’s dozens of nonprofits. Some volunteers serve in schools with high-needs students while others serve in the homes of homebound adults who need support maintaining their independent lifestyle.
For sports fans, the NAU Lumberjacks compete on 15 teams, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross-country and track and field, and men’s and women’s tennis. Don’t forget to wear blue and gold!
Health Care Hub
The city is also home to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) and a sizable community of medical professionals. “Flagstaff is the health care hub for northern Arizona,” the ED says. “It’s just a 5-minute drive to most physicians.”
The only Level I Trauma Center north of Phoenix, FMC has more than 200 physicians and approximately 2,000 employees and provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art health care from diagnostic outpatient services to open-heart surgery. The medical center was recently named the best regional hospital and the second-best hospital in the state by U.S. News and World Report. (FMC was second only to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.) FMC received the highest rating possible in nine categories from the report. It also has a five-star rating from Medicare.
Vibrant Local Culture
Although Flagstaff is the largest city in northern Arizona, it maintains much of its small-town charm. It’s a vibrant little city with a thriving local culture.
There are more than 200 restaurants, ranging from sushi to French to Italian, and most are offering delivery or take-out dining options.
Shoppers can find pretty much every large chain store they need (Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace have more than 60 stores like Dillard’s, Hobby Lobby, and JCPenney). There is also a variety of mom-and-pop shops, bookstores, and art galleries in downtown Flagstaff.
On the first Friday of every month, many of the downtown restaurants, coffee shops, and local stores turn into art galleries for First Friday ArtWalk. Flagstaff’s art scene includes a symphony orchestra, a prominent theater company, and a number of museums, including the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Northern Arizona University Art Museum.
Flagstaff has much to offer. For a more in-depth look at the benefits of living in Flagstaff after retirement, download our Flagstaff, Arizona Relocation Guide for Older Adults, a lifestyle guide outlining the professional services and community offerings for seniors considering relocating to Flagstaff.
