Many of us, as we're sitting at our normal nine-to-five jobs, fantasize about a simpler life that involves a little more nature and a little less office building. We've read the books and seen the films like Wild, and the best-selling novel adaptation Into the Wild, and some of us even keep up to date with the tiny house movement. There seems to be a growing movement that is summed up by the desire to escape the hustle and bustle and smog of the big city for something that feels a little more fresh. Many of us have these fantasies about a cross-country or a grand adventure in the wilderness but aren't ready to abandon all the comforts of home. For those people, Flagstaff, Arizona might be a perfect match.

For those unfamiliar with northern Arizona, you probably have a certain idea about how all of Arizona is. Sure, down in the "Valley of the Sun" it reaches 110 degrees and consists of expansive deserts dotted with saguaros. On the other end of the spectrum, Flagstaff has an elevation of nearly 7000' with breezy, cool temperatures, stunning seasons, forest as far as the eye can see and is regularly in the top ten of snowiest cities in America!

Flagstaff real estate is so valued not only due to the town's beautiful snow-peaked natural scenery, star-filled night sky, or the refreshing retreat of cabin life attained in sections of town like the rural Mountainaire neighborhood. With the steadily expanding Northern Arizona University campus helping to boost property values, a photographer's favorite historic downtown that features local and national live music, a lively bar scene, and all the brand name stores and a mall on the East side, Flagstaff brings both worlds together to satisfy even some of the more extreme adventure fantasies and still maintains the conveniences of a much larger town!

Flagstaff Real Estate: Get Outside with Trails, Camping and More

When you get that urge to run outside of your office and smash a fax machine (Office Space, anyone?), you'll be pleased to find over 50 miles of urban trails that work their way around the city and into nature. In some sections of the urban trail system you won't even know your close to town, other than seeing the occasional friendly fellow hiker or biker. It's very likely you'll be able to get to a section of the trail system under a couple miles from the doorstep of your newly found Flagstaff real estate. The Urban Trail System is just the start, Flagstaff and the surrounding areas are home to tons of trails and camping throughout the San Fransisco Peaks, Picture Canyon, Snowbowl, Sandy’s Canyon, Lake Mary, Mormon Lake and many many more! In Flagstaff, nature is what life is all about!

If you're ready to make your escapist fantasies a reality, contact The COLLINS TEAM to start your hunt for your ideal Flagstaff real estate. Start browsing Flagstaff homes for sale by following the gold button below.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/19/2015) Coconino National Forest (Flickr)