Sedona : Arizona
Living a Cultural Center Lifestyle in Sedona, Arizona
The scenic cultural community of Sedona has a famed color palette and emphasis on the arts. The Sedona International Film Festival and the Sedona Arts Center are a couple of the cultural draws here.
The Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona are world famous, having been immortalized in countless westerns like Broken Arrow (with Jimmy Stewart). The colors displayed by sunrises and sunsets on the red sandstone rocks have brought in admirers from around the world. That beauty, combined with the mountains and the moderate climate provided by an altitude of 4500’ have made Sedona a very popular community as well as tourist destination. The population in 2008 was just under 12,000. The Sedona area straddles 2 counties – Coconino and Yavapai. The nearest city is Flagstaff.
Where to Retire in Sedona and Home Prices
There are many high-end developments both here and in nearby Cottonwood-Verde, either built or planned, that would be ideal for active adults in retirement. But there are also some very reasonably priced communities (see Active Communities link at right).
In late 2022, the median home value was $946,261 up 24% over the past year, according to Zillow. Prices are much more stable than in Phoenix and other areas in the south. Views and acreage will dramatically influence prices.
What Is Special about Sedona
Sedona's Red Rocks are breathtaking; 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest; outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding; Sedona International Film Festival.
What Is Not Special about Sedona
• There are a lot of tourists • Worries about overdevelopment will always be here – it is too nice to spoil • Real estate is very expensive.
Climate and Physical Environment
Sedona’s red rocks have their origin in the Schnebly Hill Formation - a thick layer of red to orange-colored sandstone found only in the Sedona vicinity. At 4500’ the climate is more moderate than Phoenix. Oak Creek Canyon runs through this part of north central Arizona. The Mogollon Rim of the Colorado Plateau is home to the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pine in the world.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The town offers many cultural opportunities and events which include the Sedona Arts Center, the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival, Sedona International Film Festival, Chamber Music Sedona, Arizona Opera League, NORAZ Poets, and countless galleries. Yavapai College, which has the Sedona Center for Arts is also located here, along with Coconino Community College.
Crime
The crime rate is about half the national average.
Medical Facilities
Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Sedona Medical Center and Northern Arizona Homecare are all in the area.
Transportation
Flagstaff Airport is 21 miles, Prescott's is 46. Sedona is a little above average in walkability when compared to other communities.
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