An outdoors-focused city at 5,400 feet above sea level
With its temperate climate and easy access to the outdoors, Prescott is known as a place to beat the Arizona heat and spend time outside. “On a standard weekend, we’ll take the kids hiking in the Prescott National Forest and take them to Downtown Prescott for lunch or dinner,” says John “Cade” Decker, a Realtor with Realty ONE Group and lifelong Prescott resident. Prescott’s outdoor access is counted among the best in the region and provides a never-ending list of activities to try and outdoor spots to explore, all within a few miles of most neighborhoods in the city. “We're an outdoor enthusiast mecca,” says Decker. “I’ve lived here since I was 8 years old, and I haven’t ridden all the mountain biking trails.” The city also has a vibrant and culturally rich downtown district. Many of Downtown Prescott’s shops, restaurants and bars are housed in buildings that date back to the 1800s. Famous figures from the early American West, like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, passed through this former frontier town. Seated in Arizona’s high desert, Prescott offers an ideal mix of an easy climate, bustling downtown, and outdoor adventure.
Prescott Lakes is close to the world’s oldest rodeo, founded in 1888.
The Yavapai County Court House was built in 1916, near Prescott Lakes.
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Mountain homes and historic neighborhoods in Prescott
The median price of a home in Prescott is around $640,000, which is roughly $220,000 higher than the national median of $420,000. Housing prices have increased over the past five years, and Decker predicts that prices will continue to rise, partially due to Prescott’s geography, which limits further development. This is because the Prescott National Forest wraps the city to the south and west and hilly public land to the north and east. “We’re at this bowl at the top of the mountains, so we’ve reached our limit of how far we can go,” says Decker. Downtown Prescott has Victorian homes along its streets. Homes near the Prescott National Forest, in sought-after neighborhoods like Hassayampa, tend to be custom-built. In the Williamson Valley Road neighborhood, one of Prescott's few places with room to grow, houses have large lots ideal for keeping horses and maintaining privacy. This part of the city is flatter than others and has land that can still be developed. Properties in this part of Prescott can sell for over $1 million.
Williamson Valley Road boasts charming new traditional homes with rustic elegance.
Ranch-style homes offer warmth and character in Williamson Valley Road’s scenic setting.
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Prescott is next to the Prescott National Forest
Prescott National Forest is just outside of the city, meaning hilltop hikes, campsites and lookout spots are never far. “If you’re having lunch downtown, you can get to a trail in five to 10 minutes,” says Decker. This forest features 950 miles of scenic trails that weave through thousands of acres of Arizona wilderness. The city offers a diverse mix of outdoor activities – from fishing to mountain biking. “I see people coming into town on the weekends with mountain bikes on their trucks to use our trails,” says Decker. Although the community is home to desert landscapes, the Prescott National Forest also has mountain lakes for fishing, boating and kayaking. The city also offers indoor recreation spaces, like the Prescott YMCA and the Get Air Trampoline Park, for when it’s too hot or cold to be outside for long.
Prescott National Forest is just minutes from Wineglass Acres.
Saddle up and enjoy panoramic views along Williamson Valley’s beautiful trails.
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Prescott Public Schools
The Prescott Unified School district has a B-plus rating on Niche. The school system provides individualized education to over 4,000 students across seven campuses. There are also several private schools available, like Trinity Christian School and Sacred Heart Preschool.
Parents and students love Our Sacred Heart Catholic Preschool in Prescott.
Prescott High School is home of the Badgers.
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Getting around Prescott
State Route 69 and U.S. Routes 89 and 89A run through Prescott. Though public transport is minimal, The YavaLine Regional Transit System offers free bus rides through Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino. North of downtown, the Prescott Regional Airport is 9 and a half miles away, and Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center West is 5 away.
Grab a drink in whiskey row and shop in Downtown Prescott
Whiskey Row, a block filled with old-timey saloons dating back to the late 1800s, is in the heart of Downtown Prescott. At night, the storefronts are lit with neon lights and live music flows from the saloons and throughout the streets of the historic downtown. Downtown Prescott also has art galleries, cafes, gift shops and boutiques, often with a focus on the pioneer history of Prescott. Most dining can be found downtown, primarily along South Montezuma Street, with its mix of casual and upscale Mexican and American eateries. There are also several fast food and chain restaurants dotted along State Route 69.
Downtown Prescott is the vibrant heart of shopping and dining in the community.
Many Prescott Lakes residents head to Whiskey Row in Prescott for an evening on the town.
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Crime in Prescott
According to FBI statistics, violent and property crime rates in Prescott rose by 9% in 2023. Violent crime is higher than the national average, and property crime is lower. To combat crime, the city government included full staffing for the Prescott Police Department, proactive community policing and increased traffic enforcement in the city’s 2025-2029 strategic plan.
On average, homes in Prescott, AZ sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Prescott, AZ over the last 12 months is $630,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Desiree and JP's expertise as skilled negotiators, setting them apart in the industry. This allows them to secure the best deals for their clients in every transaction. Their track record speaks volumes. Year after year, Desiree and JP have helped their clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market, guiding them with professionalism, integrity, and a personalized approach. Whether it's finding the perfect home, selling a property quickly and profitably, or negotiating the best terms, Desiree and JP are dedicated to making the real estate journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for their clients.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
