Flagstaff is wonderful, and I enjoyed the time I spent there while attending NAU. Unfortunately the area, and in fact all of Arizona, wasn't conducive to earning a good wage in technology.
I have a friend that had a small cabin about ten minutes outside of Flagstaff, on the western side. He had told me that the cost of a well was quite prohibitive, but he has tank deliveries of water until/if he decides to have a well sunk.
One bit of advice - if you are think about going near campus on a snowy day, reconsider. College students don't know a thing about driving in winter. I know because I was one of them. Fun for me, terrifying for pedestrians.
I think you've figured it out. When I lived there I knew people who trucked their own water, some who had wells, and many who were on city water. It's something you need to be sure to check into before you buy a parcel of land.
As far as desert or not, I was with the Forest Service when I was there. It's absolutely a forest environment. However, as far as forests go, it's one of the driest I have ever been in. It gets more rain than a desert, but it's seasonal, not year-round. If you're into water sports this is not the area for you. Sure, there are some lakes and streams, but nothin like what you would find in most other forested regions throughout the nation.
From what I gather then, drilling a well, either shallow or deep is still a hit or miss proposition. Sounds like that could get very expensive very quickly. I am 72 years old andwanted to retire in the Northern Arizona mountains but it may be too expensive. Land prices weren't bad but the cost of water could really run up the costs.
I used to live in Mesa and go to Chweek long camping trips in Flagstaff. It was always a nice place to go. But I never once thought about how they got the water to camp we stayed at. Of course I was only about 5.
This has been very interesting to read about.
Honestly, it depends on the community you move to, and how far from Flagstaff it is. City of Flagstaff provides water for the Central Flagstaff area, whereas Kachina Village has its own water company, Mountainaire has it's own seperate water company, and most of the other areas do, as well.
My best advice to you is to find out what town/area you potential land is closest to, and find out who is the water company for that area. Then, call and ask if they supply water to your potential property or if you would have to dig a well. If you have to dig a well, I am sure they would have more information for you, or could refer you to someone who would. Also, they may offer to hook up a water connection to your property.
Thanks to all you friendly folks who have given me information and options for water in the area.Mr.Froo, a special thanks for all the information you sent. Unfortunately the property I was originally inquiring about has been sold. The Arizona Citizens who elect State Government that passes laws to help its Citizens, not restrict them are the kind of folks I want to live around and have for friends. I will renew my search for mountain land, ten acres or more, with or without amenities. Again, thank you all for your information for availability of fresh water is a life necessity.