"Wild, Wild West" living in rural Cornville
Regionally known as a hub of winemaking, Cornville sits at the heart of rural Verde Valley. Here, vineyards and cattle ranches sit just around the corner from parks, homes and restaurants. Realtor Dyanna Nichols with Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert – Sedona, an area resident for two decades, says, “It’s a combination of fertile farming land and more rural horse property. It’s a very small, tight-knit community with Wild, Wild West vibes.” Cornville’s location within Arizona’s wine country, its pleasant climate and its proximity to the larger urban centers of Cottonwood and Sedona have attracted retirees, commuters and new development for decades, yet Cornville retains its age-old quiet and scenic charms.
Wining and dining in Cornville
While possessing a distinctly rural character, Cornville is home to a dozen restaurants, bars and wineries, many of them located along Cornville Road. Outlaw Pizza & BBQ is a go-to for pizza, while Brewha, a trendy and eclectic restaurant, serves up a wide variety of dishes, from scrambled egg breakfasts to birria tacos. The local wine industry is a major draw for homebuyers. “There is a very small viticultural area that is a draw for some people, and that particular area is called Page Springs,” Nichols says. “Because it’s so green along the spring due to the water flowing all the time, it’s desirable for grape-growing and winemakers.” Wine aficionados can visit the Cove Mesa Vineyard to sample local flavors, while the brand-new Witch Creek Tasting House specializes in craft ciders. Nearby Cottonwood has a Walmart and Safeway, among other grocery options.
Homes with historic styles
Cornville’s housing inventory tells the story of Arizona’s history through its abundance of historic styles. Manufactured and older ranch-style homes sell for between $170,000 and $350,000, while newer and remodeled ranches can fetch prices between $400,000 and $620,000. Pueblo, Modern Farmhouse and New Traditional residences with larger lot sizes can sell for as high as $2 million. Most of Cornville’s homes sit along gravel or paved roads, with grassy front yards sitting behind fences. “It’s not developed like a city because it’s unincorporated, so there is no grocery store, and there are a few tiny gas stations,” Nichols says. "It’s more wide-open spaces, and you don’t have city services like sidewalks or street lights. There’s a lot of dirt roads, and there’s no sewer running through the area.” However, this same rural character is what attracts people desiring a quiet, rural life. “Mostly, it’s for people that want to come get out of the heat of Phoenix and have property where they can potentially have pet horses or donkeys,” says Nichols.
Strong athletics at Mingus Union
Students can start their education at the local Oak Creek Elementary School from Kindergarten through grade 8. This school has a C rating from Niche. High schoolers can go on to attend the B-rated Mingus Union High School in neighboring Cottonwood. Mingus Union offers strong theatre and athletic programs, including football and tennis. Many of its students go on to attend the highly regarded Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University.
Outdoor adventures in Yavapai County
As Cornville is surrounded by nature and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-owned land, outdoor living plays a central role in this town’s living experience. “There are several horseback riding opportunities, national forests border a lot of Cornville, so you get to go hike in the national forest,” Nichols says. “Certain areas will allow you to horseback ride, while Oak Creek gives you fishing and swimming access.” Hikers and equestrians can venture north to walk or ride the 15-mile Lime Kiln Trail and immerse themselves in Arizona’s abundant nature, while the BLM-owned countryside circling Cornville is open for offroad exploration. At the heart of Cornville is Windmill Park, a green space with trails that lead down to Oak Creek. Visitors may also admire the park’s water lilies after they bloom in May, or go to the farmer’s market on Thursday afternoons. The local Page Springs fish hatchery is another popular venue for family trips.
Commuting to Cottonwood
Despite Cornville’s rural character, residents live just 6 miles away from the city of Cottonwood, “the Heart of Arizona Wine Country,” as well as the famous red rocks of Sedona, just 21 miles to the northeast. Cornville Road and Mingus Avenue provide direct access to Cottonwood, where most commuters work and many shop.
