Discover 8 Small Towns near Flagstaff AZ for 2023
3We picked the 8 best small towns near Flagstaff that offer visitors and residents with tight-knit communities and the laid back feeling of Old Arizona.
Flagstaff is an excellent place to relocate to or travel to in Arizona. The city offers a small-town vibe and features a lot of outdoor activities, such as the national forest that surrounds it.
We even named Flagstaff as one of Arizona’s best cities.
But, if you are looking to use Flagstaff as your base for some day trips or are looking to relocate to a quiet town close by, then this list of the best small towns near Flagstaff will highlight all the quaint communities nearby for you to consider.
Small Towns near Flagstaff – Methodology
To determine the best small towns near Flagstaff, we first had to define how close these places should be to Flagstaff. Therefore, we only looked for towns that were within a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Flagstaff.
Next, we had to filter out places that were too big so that we could find cozy and charming small towns instead of large cities. Thus, we limited our search for places with a population of no more than 15,000 residents.
To improve the credibility of our rankings, we then compared all available data on the essential factors that affect a town’s quality and livability, including:
- Entertainment and amenities
- Cultural events
- Living cost index
- Home prices
- Quality of schools
- Crime rates
- Overall appeal
We summed up our scores after comparing these key factors to find the best towns near Flagstaff so that you could be confident in our rankings. So, let’s see what the top small towns near Flagstaff are.
Small Towns near Flagstaff – Our Top 8
8. Mountainaire
Population: 1,150
Distance from Flagstaff: 15 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Mountainaire starts off our list of the best small towns near Flagstaff. It is a community-oriented neighborhood that is just 15 minutes south of Flagstaff that is probably better known as a place to live than to visit.
With a population of a little over a thousand residents, this small town is known to be a safe place to live, with crime rates that are 71% lower than the national average.
This small town also has experienced an increase of 2.0% in its job market in the last year and an even more positive future, with a predicted 34.9% growth in the next ten years, making it a solid choice for families and young professionals who want to be close to Flagstaff.
7. Tusayan
Population: 408
Distance from Flagstaff: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
This small town is well-known as the home of Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is primarily used for scenic tours and charter flights. It is also known as a resting spot right before Grand Canyon National Park.
Tusayan hosts the Grand Canyon Camper Village, which is a campground that is located just 1 mile from the Grand Canyon park entrance.
The town itself also offers hotels, shops, restaurants, a general store, and even a movie theater. Not bad for a place with a population under 500 residents.
6. Camp Verde
Population: 11,096
Distance from Flagstaff: 1 hour
Location: Check on Google Maps
Camp Verde is a diverse and tight-knit community that is also the biggest town on this list of the best small towns near Flagstaff.
It offers a small-town atmosphere for its residents along with many things to do and experience. Some of the top attractions around town include the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Fort Verde State Historic Park.
It is also located right on the banks of the Verde River, which makes it a prime attraction for visitors as well.
Additionally, Camp Verde’s job market is predicted to grow by 44%, which is 10% higher than the US average, making it a strong choice for those looking to relocate as well.
5. Kachina Village
Population: 2,588
Distance from Flagstaff: 15 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Kachina Village is just 15 minutes south of Flagstaff and is one of the best small towns for those looking for a quiet suburban neighborhood.
It offers a safe community with excellent schools, making it perfect for families as well. Kachina Village’s crime rates are 61% lower than the national average and its school system was rated as an A+ by AreaVibes.
The town is also surrounded by a variety of nature and things to do, including the Kachina Wetlands Preserve as well as numerous public parks and golf courses.
4. Chino Valley
Population: 11,015
Distance from Flagstaff: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Chino Valley is a small town that features excellent community gatherings and local events. The town is well-known for its ample outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping in nearby Prescott National Forest.
The city of Prescott is also just 25 minutes away, where you can find more diverse dining and shopping options.
Chino Valley’s crime rates are 50% lower than the national average. It also has a lower unemployment rate than the US average, which makes it a safe and reliable place to live and work.
3. Jerome
Population: 347
Distance from Flagstaff: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Despite having the smallest population on this list of the top small towns near Flagstaff, this town offers some of the most exciting experiences for travelers and residents alike.
Jerome is one of America’s largest “ghost towns” and was named as a National Historic District by the government.
This historic copper mining town used to be home to bootleggers, miners, and gamblers. It even calls itself the “Wickedest Town in the West.”
Today, it offers a charming downtown area with many bars, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and vintage shops right on its Main Street.
Meanwhile, residents of Jerome can enjoy its superb school system, which was rated as an A+ by AreaVibes, as well as tons of amenities like vineyards, art exhibitions, and easy access to nature.
2. Winslow
Population: 9,539
Distance from Flagstaff: 1 hour
Location: Check on Google Maps
Winslow is a small town near Flagstaff that is located about 1 hour east.
It is a popular stop along Route 66 and features some top attractions to visit, such as the Standin’ on The Corner Foundation and Old Trails Museum.
There are excellent sights to see for outdoor lovers as well, including the Painted Desert County Park and Homolovi State Park.
Folks looking to relocate to this town where residents “take it easy” will be pleased to hear that it is also one of the cheapest places to live on this list. According to Zillow, the average home value in Winslow is around $150,000 to $170,000, which is much more affordable than its neighboring areas.
1. Williams
Population: 3,079
Distance from Flagstaff: 40 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Williams tops our list as the best small town near Flagstaff for both visitors and residents alike.
It is another important stop on Route 66 and features a lively downtown with several shops and local restaurants. This mountain town is also home to some top attractions to enjoy.
For example, there is the Wild West Junction, Bearizona Wildlife Park, and Kaibab National Forest. Don’t miss the famous Grand Canyon Railway, either.
There are also numerous community events throughout the year that help bring this town together, including arts and crafts shows, parades, and the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express in the winter.
Small Towns near Flagstaff – Summary
Overall, the best small towns near Flagstaff in 2023 are:
- Williams
- Winslow
- Jerome
- Chino Valley
- Kachina Village
- Camp Verde
- Tusayan
- Mountainaire
We think that these towns are all excellent choices for people who want to find a quiet place close to Flagstaff. They are all great options for those looking to relocate as these towns are all relatively affordable.
Meanwhile, we think that Williams, Winslow, Jerome, and Camp Verde are the best must-see towns for travelers who are planning a day trip from Flagstaff.
