The following is an excerpt from a recent blog post by Laurel Bailey, a resident here at Talking Rock. In vivid detail, Laurel explains what it's like to live, grow and play in the place we call home.


There are moments when we feel so grateful for where and how we live that all we can say is, “We are so spoiled”. I hear this same statement fairly often, blurted from my own mouth and uttered spontaneously by friends. What is it about life here at Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott, Arizona that makes us feel this way?


As I’m having my coffee this morning, I’m watching the sunrise turn the mountains pink. Late this afternoon, we’ll see the late afternoon light bathe everything in a golden glow. The deep green of junipers pops against the backdrop of rosy granite rocks and grassy vegetation. Distant peaks look blue and purple. Sunsets paint the canvas of the sky with fiery shades of orange and crimson. We can’t help being entranced by the constantly-changing display of color and form.


Read the full post on Laurel's personal blog.

Who hasn't thought about retirement? The day on which we can walk away from a time dedicated to growth and survival to a period marked by personal fulfillment and rebirth. But how does one make the decision about where to retire and what to do with the time you will be afforded? Surely, there is a process that goes beyond flipping a coin or flinging a dart toward a map.

Recently, Talking Rock resident and friend to so many of us here, Laurel Haropulos Bailey, tackled the task of documenting how to approach these big decisions systematically. You can read her full post on the always compelling and thought provoking "Runaway Boomer" blog. Here is a quick synopsis of steps that she suggests:

• Take short vacations to evaluate potential landing spots. Visit friends in different areas so they can introduce you to what life could be like some place else.
• Read up on towns and communities in publications like "Where to Retire" and "Money". Visit websites dedicated to communities, towns and home sales.
• Consider your retirement as a new set of phases and know that you don't necessarily have to select one destination forever.
• Develop a list of what you want in a home. Size, surroundings, features and construction should all come into play.
• Most importantly, be open to Surprise. Laurel notes just how many she and her husband have encountered since moving to Prescott and living at Talking Rock Ranch.

Thank you, Laurel, for such great insight!

By Daniel Boylan, President DLB Custom Homes, Inc.

Now more than ever – whether buying or selling real estate – LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is top-priority with consumers. But one can make a case that lifestyle is often the tipping point in our decision-making process. In fact, these two variables – location and lifestyle – often go hand-in-hand when buying a home.

For many of us, our decision depends on a standard number of variables that include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Proximity to work, schools and amenities
• Cost of housing and property taxes
• Municipal services (i.e.: police and fire)
• Healthcare services (i.e.: hospitals and pharmacies)
• Neighborhood controls – CCRs and HOAs

With that said, DLB Custom Homes, Inc. has seen a renewed emphasis on getting back to the basics. Our clients are positioning themselves for the long-term, buying in communities – like Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott – that are on the fringe of greatness, or perhaps even tell a story or live out a buyer’s childhood memory.

Priorities are changing and creating new variables for consideration that dig deeper into how homeowners want to live “moving forward.” These priorities are not necessarily dictated by the standards listed above. Instead, they are lifestyle considerations that include:

• What does my community/neighborhood offer in terms of community involvement?
• Is this a place that my entire family can spend the holidays together?
• Are there trails for biking, hiking, walking?
• Are there neighborhood stores (mom and pops) that my kids, grandkids can walk to get a snack?
• What architectural controls are in place – not only to allow creativity and individuality but also to protect my investment?
• What facilities are available to me (i.e.: fitness, golf, dining, recreation)?
• What is the strength of the development? Is the developer going to stay true to the vision?
• What amenities are offered within walking distance of my community?
• Can my kids, grandkids play in the front yard, streets and parks?

Many of these questions can just as easily be used to analyze the appeal of a community’s location. “Are there trails for biking, hiking, walking?” – Well, are you buying in an urban environment or rural one?

“Is this a place that my entire family can spend the holidays together?” – That depends, is it centrally located between family members and does it offer the type of climate you wish for around the holidays?

When buying your next home, consider the point-of-view that the location of your community has a lot to do with the type of lifestyle you can expect. Take both into careful consideration before signing on the dotted line, as they are equally important when it comes to your long-term happiness as a homeowner.

By: Jim Jones, director of sales for Talking Rock Ranch

In today’s real estate market, it pays to be a buyer. This is especially true for people who are looking to build or purchase a second home. If you are planning to buy a home for retirement now for your future, there has never been a better time to consider Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott.

Affordable home and material costs are just some of the benefits to buying in today’s market, but residents at Talking Rock Ranch enjoy the added value of a stable and sustainable community where builders and architects have not only been able to “weather the storm,” but also enjoy some success.

Right now at Talking Rock, we have two homes under construction with a third that just broke ground. And we expect another two or three homes to begin the building process in the next couple of months. Last year we sold 40 lots and 20 homes, and 2011 year-to-date we have sold five lots and three homes. We are fortunate to work with a team of dedicated homebuilders and architects, which translates to high-quality products for you, our future resident.

Of course we understand that budgets are more important now than ever. We know that you’re thinking twice, maybe even three times, before spending any of your hard-earned money. That’s why we work hard to give you every cent of your dollar’s worth.

Besides affordable and well-built home products, Talking Rock also has luxury amenities like The Ranch House restaurant and award winning, Jay Morrish-designed championship golf course. There’s also the Barn Fitness Center, Coop’s Coffee House, and miles of hiking, biking, and jogging trails.

Maintaining these world-class amenities for our residents is important to us because we understand that it’s the value and prices that will bring you to visit Talking Rock, but it’s the warm and welcoming Prescott country club lifestyle that will get you to stay.

If you are interested in retiring in Prescott, I invite you to be our guest at Talking Rock Ranch with the Stay & Play package, which begins next month. From May through October, guests can experience life at Talking Rock – including two night’s accommodations, golf, and lunch– for just $499.

Stay tuned to our blog for complete details, or visit the Stay & Play page on our website.

Welcome to the Talking Rock blog, an online conversation dedicated to providing information for residents and friends of this casual, ranch style community in Prescott, Ariz.  Subscribe or visit often for updates on community happenings, Prescott events, recipes, golf and fitness tips from the Ranch Compound and much more.