Talking Rock’s very name is symbolic of its deep ties to the land on which it lies and to the rich history of which it is a part. Dating back to 620 A.D., the region’s indigenous tribes left traces of their culture on the rocks of Inscription Canyon. Today, we are able to learn about the tribes’ culture and way of life from the nearly 1,300 petroglyphs that are their legacy. The protection of these cultural landmarks is due in great part to the tradition of preservation that was inspired by Learah Cooper and her husband, Jack Morgan.

In 1934, the Cooper-Morgans purchased the land that is now Talking Rock from Learah’s father. Though much has changed since the time when cattle and sheep roamed what was then known as Cooper Ranch, the couple’s loyalty to the Native American culture and their commitment to protecting the land has survived for generations. It was in this spirit that Inscription Canyon was conveyed to the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe in 2001, and that 1,000 of the 3,600 acres of Talking Rock have been kept untouched by development.

Talking Rock's preservation efforts were recognized in 2002 when it received a Heritage Preservation Award for its outstanding achievement in maintaining Arizona’s prehistoric and historic resources. Since then, it has continued to work towards sustaining the land by adopting a “smaller and smarter” building philosophy. Talking Rock will introduce the New American Dream in June 2012. The exclusive collection of new homes will combine the Western aesthetic of the community’s current homes with sustainable energy-efficient materials. These new homes will reduce costs and energy usage, and decrease the impact on the environment, while blending seamlessly with the surrounding community.

Talking Rock has indeed continued to remain loyal to the land, just as the Cooper-Morgans would have wanted. In fact, the same pristine landscape, winding meadows and majestic stands of trees that were once part of Cooper Ranch can still be enjoyed today, along with the modern amenities of a dynamic and growing community. As Talking Rock continues to develop with all the luxuries and diversions of high country living, the vibrant history of its past and the beauty of its land will continue to flourish as a part of its future.

To make Talking Rock and its modern-luxury living a part of your future, visit talkingrockranch.com.

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

Current economic and real estate conditions mean buyers have the opportunity to purchase a second home at record-low prices. At Talking Rock Ranch, lot inventory is selling quickly and there is no better time to take advantage of these values.

Right now, lots are selling for as low as $20,000 and up to the $300,000s – a fraction of previous costs. These home sites range from .4 to 1.5 acres with diverse views that include golf course, valley and mountain vistas.

Purchasing one of these affordable lots is a great way to get the most for your money because it means you will have more budget to build your dream custom home in Prescott.

Another way to save money is to consider any of Talking Rock Ranch’s smaller, more energy-efficient home products. These custom homes in Prescott use affordable materials without sacrificing top-quality design and construction.

If you prefer to purchase an existing home instead of building one, consider one of our Ranch Cottages. Currently, we have a 2,290-square-foot home with a 300-square-foot bunkhouse on sale for $369,000. Or, our existing custom homes on .5- to 1-acre lots start at just $629,000 for 3,900 square feet.

If you are considering buying a second home for retirement, now is a great opportunity to purchase top-quality product at affordable prices. If you have any questions about living at Talking Rock Ranch, please feel free to contact me directly.

Summer is busy season for Prescott travel. If you have friends or family that are looking to make the trip, Guide to Prescott is a new online directory from Talking Rock Ranch that shares information on Prescott restaurants, shopping centers, Prescott hotels and real estate communities.

As active members of the community, Talking Rock is proud to share some of its favorite amenities and activities in the area with both visitors and longtime Prescott residents. In addition to being an online directory, GuidetoPrescott.com also has a downloadable version of the guide that you can print for more details on tourism, business and real estate opportunities.

We’re year-round residents, so we know the joys of Prescott’s four seasons that are characterized by mild summer heat and limited winter snow. We also appreciate the town’s blend of historic Old West and modern-day attractions, events and festivals.

What about you? What is your favorite thing about living in Prescott? What are some of your suggestions for must-see attractions for visitors? Tell us on our Facebook page!

Many people who are in the market for a second home for retirement might find themselves faced with a challenge: Do I want a top-of-the-line custom home design, or do I want something that will fit within my tight budget? And what about luxury amenities like golf, dining, and fitness? Are they completely out of the question now?

Not at Talking Rock Ranch, they’re not.

Thanks to our wide variety of custom homes in Prescott, our members are able to strike the balance between luxury and sensibility. While our homes are constructed to follow the community’s strict building-quality guidelines, they also are priced affordably. This passes along great value to homebuyers and makes Talking Rock an ideal location for second- and retirement-home buyers.

We have Ranch Cottages priced from the mid-$500s, Ranch Homes starting at the mid-$700s, custom homes available from the mid-$700s, and resale homes from the $400s.  Resale homesites start at just $75,000.

As one of the top places to retire in Arizona, Talking Rock also is home to a number of valuable services and amenities. Besides the mild seasons, we also enjoy a Jay Morrish-designed, 18-hole Prescott golf course and access to the latest workout equipment and programs at The Barn Fitness Center, located within the Ranch Compound.

And, for our outdoor enthusiasts, there is a pool, tennis courts, miles of walking paths, hiking/biking trails and more.

The Ranch House offers fine dining in the evenings and casual fare throughout the day. At Coop’s, fresh roasted coffee and fine wines top the list of well-stocked items; gourmet grab-n-go items prepared by Talking Rock’s own Executive Chef Richard Saldivar are fresh and plentiful. WiFi, groceries, mail service and other sundry services make Coop’s the gathering place of the Ranch Compound, and of the community.

Other perks about living at Talking Rock:

• Downtown Prescott, where small town living blends with the amenities of a vibrant and growing region, is only a short drive away
• Prescott Regional Airport (15 minutes)
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott (15 minutes)
• Northern Arizona State University (2 hours)
• It’s only a 90-minute drive to Phoenix

Talking Rock is more than a fantastic collection of western-style ranch homes and cottages.  It's more than a championship golf course and world-class fitness center.  Talking Rock is about more than the wide open spaces, hiking trails and fresh air that surrounds us.  Talking Rock would be nothing without the people who live here.

Here are is just a sampling of the wonderful people that call Talking Rock home.  Don & Carolyn Madl and Ken & Sharon Maffei share their stories about why they chose Talking Rock and why they are so happy with their decision.  Enjoy!