Rural living along historic Route 66 in Seligman
Along historic Route 66, Seligman is a quaint, Old West town and a popular pit stop among Arizona road-trippers. Surrounded by the desert terrain of Yavapai County, the town is far removed from city living and has a laid-back, secluded atmosphere. Seligman is known as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66,” as community members persuaded the state to dedicate the thoroughfare as a historic highway after the construction of Interstate 40 in 1978. “Seligman is in a 150-mile-long stretch of 66 that people love to drive for the nostalgia and history of the highway, stopping at small towns along the way," says Donna Goldsmith, a local Realtor with Old West Properties. It’s because of this backstory that Seligman served as one of the main inspirations for Radiator Springs in the Pixar movie “Cars.”
Cozy ranch-style homes and large parcels of land
Bungalows, ranch-style and manufactured homes line the residential lanes just north of 66, with a mix of fixer-uppers and move-in-ready properties throughout the area. Most of the area’s houses close to the center of town sit close together on small lots with fenced-in yards and gravel driveways. “Surrounding Seligman, there are a lot of 30- to 40-acre land parcels that people will buy to raise cattle or just have space to stretch their legs,” Goldsmith says. “There aren’t a lot of places left in America where you can find large parcels of land like you can here.” Manufactured homes and fixer-uppers range from $20,000 to $50,000, while other single-family residences can sell for $120,000 to $230,000. Parcels between 20 and 40 acres range from $20,000 to $70,000.
Tourist stops and popular restaurants on 66
Retro motels, antique cars and long-standing eateries line Route 66 in downtown Seligman. “People visit Seligman from hundreds of miles away to experience the rich history of the town and Route 66,” Goldsmith says. In the summer, there’s often a line at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, which offers counter-service burgers, hot dogs and ice cream. The Roadkill Cafe is another local favorite serving charbroiled burgers, ribs and steak in a rustic, log-cabin setting. Copper Cart is a historic restaurant-turned-gift shop and antique vehicle museum, and serves as a coffee stop for those passing through town. Every May, the Route 66 Fun Run brings hundreds of visitors to Seligman for a 140-mile vehicle procession along Historic Route 66. Shoppers can pick up the essentials at Family Dollar or Seligman Grocery, with a larger selection around 40 miles east at the Williams Safeway.
Proximity to the Grand Canyon and Prescott National Forest
Seligman is within a 2-hour drive of popular recreation areas, from expansive national forests to premier big-game hunting areas. “You’re almost equal distance from the south rim and west rim of the Grand Canyon,” Goldsmith says. “A lot of travelers passing through town are on the way to the national park for hiking and camping.” The Prescott National Forest is a vast nature preserve with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, four lakes, campgrounds and picnic areas. “The Seligman area is also great for stargazing because we have almost no light pollution,” Goldsmith says.
A small public school system and local library programs
The community’s public schools share a campus on the north side of town. Seligman Elementary School covers kindergarten through eighth grade and earns a B-minus grade from Niche. The B-rated Seligman High School offers a variety of elective courses to choose from, including veterinary science, publication production and finance. The Seligman Public Library has a small selection of books and hosts regular programs and events, from book clubs to sewing classes and support groups.
I-40 leads to nearby cities like Kingman and Flagstaff
Interstate 40 can lead around 70 miles west to Kingman or 75 miles east to Flagstaff. The Seligman Airport sits on the west side of town and is used for personal, business and instructional purposes. Around 80 miles east, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has a small selection of commercial flights.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
