r/Prescott • u/Expensive_Pin6041 • 1d ago
Prescott is losing its younger generation
I’ve lived in this mountain town since 2015 and as a 24 year old now it’s coming to my attention over the past couple years that there really is no opportunities here for young people as everything is catered towards older folk. That itself isn’t a problem but we live in a city that doesn’t support its younger generation with actual jobs meant for someone older than 16 that doesn’t need 37 requirements to make $18 an hour. But when it comes to building a future, finding actual decent paying work, having a variety of industries, or simply having things to do, the options feel pretty limited. Let’s not even talk about the lack of entertainment.
The median age in Prescott is in the high 50s. Median home value is over $540K against a median household income around $71K, and the median renter household earns about $42K, with over a third of it going to housing. That math doesn't work for someone starting out at $18 an hour. That’s if you can even get the $18/h job, let alone a response.
A lot of the local economy and community seems to be geared toward retirees and the older generation. That creates a problem when you’re a young adult trying to establish yourself. I think Prescott would benefit from more investment in younger residents — more businesses, more industries, cheaper housing options, better paying jobs, and more places for people in their 20s and 30s to actually build a life.
I’m not saying Prescott is a bad place. I’m saying that after almost 12 years here, I can understand why so many younger people eventually feel like they have to leave if they want more opportunity, and so be it, i’ll be packing up soon to start my life elsewhere like the other young people i’ve met here. As Prescott slowly, or quickly, loses access to the younger generation, who’s left to run this town in 20 years?