Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley: About the Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities of Prescott

Ask the Prescott locals, and they'll tell you that Prescott - meaning the city of Prescott - is completely different from Prescott Valley. That's absolutely true; they are separate cities entirely, with different municipalities, unique attributes and individual atmospheres. Furthermore, rounding out what we call the "Tri-City" area, is Chino Valley, with its own environment and idiosyncracies to boot. But as a visitor, all you need to know is that they're all "Prescott." They're all part of what makes this swath of central Arizona extraordinary. Read on to find out what each city (and even small towns dotted throughout) brings to the experience that is all Prescott.

Prescott

Prescott is the home of the downtown area, Courthouse Square, Whiskey Row and a dozen other Arizona landmarks. It is the heart of the community, with charming locally-owned shops, restaurants and businesses radiating outward from Courthouse Square at the epicenter. Courthouse Square is bordered by Montezuma, Gurley, Cortez and Goodwin Streets - street names that become familiar after browsing travel and city guides such as Prescott.com.

Look for historic hotels and heritage homes downtown, as this part of the city is rich with remnants from Prescott's mining-town ancestry, as well as fascinating artifacts telling tales about Prescott's broad history - from ancient native American peoples and later pioneers to the Great Fire of 1900 and Prescott's place as the Arizona's First Territorial Capital.

All around Prescott, you'll be reminded of your hometown, wherever that may be! Charming festivals, parades and special events contribute to the absolute Americana of it all; you'll quickly understand why people call Prescott "Everybody's Hometown." In fact, that sentiment is the reason that many Prescott visitors later become residents, choosing to settle in Prescott to raise their families, retire, or begin an "encore career" in the second half of their lives.

Because Prescott boasts hometown values and safe, friendly communities throughout, the Prescott real estate market still has good news stories to tell. With over 43,000 residents and growing, Prescott continues to attract home buyers with lower than historical home prices, community amenities, excelling schools, world-renowned higher education, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and government buyer incentives. 

Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley is about 8 miles east of Prescott and is one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona. Prescott Valley is nestled between the breathtaking Bradshaw Mountains to the south and the picturesque Mingus Mountains to the northeast. A wide open valley spanning about 37 square miles, Prescott Valley is many visitors' introduction to the Prescott area as you approach the cities on Highway 69 from the east. A recognizably newer part of the area, Prescott Valley boasts a hip-happening entertainment district, loads of convenient shopping, restaurants, theaters and major events centers. 

Many visitors come to Prescott Valley for concerts and major sporting events. Watch a concert, attend an expo, or get rowdy for Arizona Sundogs hockey at Tim's Toyota Center. Experience the thrill of thoroughbred horseracing and other events at Yavapai Downs and the Coors Events Center. 

Prescott Valley attracts visitors with its impressive Entertainment District, a collection of restaurants, shopping and movie theaters that offer visitors the perfect balance of familiar restaurants and locally-owned "Mom-and-Pop" spots.

Among the greater area's outdoor recreation opportunities in the Prescott National Forest, all within minutes of Prescott Valley, the city also features its own Fain Park, a 100-acre paradise with historical, cultural, and recreational activities. Fain Park offers a lake for fishing or swimming, scenic trails, and picnic areas.

Visitors to Prescott Valley will see for themselves the easy-paced lifestyle the city has to offer. This relaxed perspective on life has helped Prescott Valley's resident population grow 166% over the last decade. With quality new build homes and resale homes, safe neighborhoods, high performing schools and booming economic development, Prescott Valley is a desirable destination for home buyers.

Chino Valley

The Town of Chino Valley, located an equidistant 17 miles from both downtown Prescott and Prescott Valley at the pinnacle of the tri-city area, is a charming rural community with small town values. Chino Valley residents treasure the town's historic and natural environments and are proud of its family-friendly heritage.

Take a scenic drive to Chino Valley through the Granite Dells on Highway 89 north from Prescott.  Or reach Chino Valley via Glassford Hill Road and Highway 89-A out of Prescott Valley. Either way, the destination is a lovely landscape of rolling hills and picturesque farmland.

Most visitors experience Chino Valley as the home to the Prescott Airport, also known as Ernest A. Love Field. Prescott Airport is one of the country's busiest General Aviation Airports and is also serviced commercially by Horizon Air. Prescott and Chino Valley have strong ties to the aeronautical community, thanks to Prescott Airport and nearby Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Chino Valley also boasts two well-attended and beloved pumpkin festivals each fall.  Every October, hundreds of families descend on Chino Valley's farms to find the perfect pumpkin, eat kettle corn and take a hayride.  These festivals are a direct reflection of the aforementioned family-friendly community values held by the 11,000 residents of Chino Valley.