I spent my childhood visiting Courthouse Square and it became a tradition I continued with my daughter throughout her own childhood. I knew I wanted to live here someday and five years ago I made that happen. Because I had spent so much time here, I thought I knew what to expect—beautiful pine trees, cooler weather, charming old homes—but what I didn’t expect was the culture shock I’d experience. And yes, I said culture shock. Because moving to Prescott from a larger metro area like Phoenix isn’t just a change in scenery—it’s a shift in pace, priorities, and lifestyle.

Let’s start with the basics: there’s no such thing as rush hour in Prescott. The first time I left the house for a meeting, I expected to battle traffic to get across town. I arrived with time to spare. What just happened? Now I tell my clients that anywhere you want to go is no more than 30 minutes away, no matter where you’re starting out. And it's commonplace to see folks waving as they cross the street, chatting with neighbors at the post office, or stopping to pet your dog during a morning walk. In fact, expect every errand to take a little longer—not because of traffic, but because someone will inevitably strike up a conversation with you in the grocery store aisle.

Prescott is, in many ways, a delightful throwback. Life here moves slower—intentionally. It's not unusual for businesses to close early on weekends, or for local shopkeepers to take time off to enjoy a community parade or rodeo event. Coming from Phoenix, where everything is open 24/7 and speed is the norm, it took some adjusting. But now I find it incredibly refreshing. 

People here prioritize connection and quality of life. There's an unspoken agreement that "getting it all done" isn't more important than living well. There’s also a strong sense of community pride. From summer music nights at courthouse square to the nostalgic parades, people show up to support the magic that makes this “Everybody’s Hometown”. 

As a Realtor I am exposed to a lot of neighborhoods and they all have the same ‘get to know your neighbor’ spirit. It’s not uncommon ‘round these parts’ to get a basket of home baked goods when you first move in. 

So yes—moving to Prescott was a culture shock for me. But it’s one I now welcome with open arms. As a realtor, I love helping others make this transition, and I always remind new arrivals: give yourself time to slow down. You’re not just changing addresses—you’re stepping into a different rhythm. And once you get used to it, you may never want to leave.