Cottonwood

The master-planned community of Verde Santa Fe (VSF) sits halfway between the Arizona wine country capital of Cottonwood and the famous red rocks of Sedona. “Verde Santa Fe is desirable for a lot of people who want to have a secure, easy-to-maintain property without a lot of upkeep,” says Realtor Dyanna Nichols with Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert Sedona. “A lot of people specifically from Phoenix and California really like Verde Santa Fe because it looks like a master-planned community from southern California, with the same vibe and aesthetics.” Within VSF’s boundaries, subcommunities vary from 55+ to multi-age sections, and some neighborhoods are gated. Not only are Verde Santa Fe’s members just a short drive from a regional hub and picturesque nature, but they have opportunities to golf, swim and socialize within their neighborhood. Much of Verde Santa Fe was designed as an “active adult community” for 55+ residents, encouraging neighborly engagement through clubhouse activities and opportunities for keeping in shape. “The Verde Santa Fe HOA has a clubhouse with a beautiful pool, and there’s also a hot tub, a workout room and a golf course that many vacation-home owners and second-home owners like,” says Nichols.” The 18-hole, par-71 Agave Highlands golf course, just next to the clubhouse, lets golfers go about their leisurely pastime in their own backyard. “It’s got beautiful views of the Mingus Mountains, which runs through a big portion of the Verde Valley,” Nichols says. Adventurous residents can hike the dozens of trails that branch off from Cornville and Tissaw Roads and run into the desert. Verde Santa Fe is almost entirely residential, meaning that shoppers will have to travel into Cottonwood to pick up groceries. The nearest Fry’s Food Stores supermarket is a 4-mile drive down Route 89A, as are several brand-name restaurants and big box stores. Across the street from Fry’s, VSF residents can stop by the Tortas de Fuego family restaurant for its “Margarita Mondays” happy hour or the “Taco Tuesdays” $1 taco night. Verde Santa Fe’s 953 lots were developed from 1998 into the early 2000s, with this neighborhood’s homes designed with Spanish Revival influences. “The floor plans are spacious, and a lot of them are split, which many people from Phoenix and southern California prefer,” Nichols says. “The gravel backyards and front yards are seen as very desirable for people who want to have a second home or vacation home.” Red-tile roofs sit atop pink, beige and white-colored single-floor residences, which vary in size from 1,377-square-foot, 2-bedroom homes to sprawling 4,063-square-foot, 3-bedroom houses. Smaller homes range in value from $350,000 to $600,000, while homes with up to 4 bedrooms can cost between $645,000 and $935,000. There are no sidewalks, and cars are parked in paved driveways. Commuters can travel 4 miles down Mingus Avenue to reach the heart of Cottonwood, with its healthcare and shopping conveniences, while Sedona sits 19 miles up Route 89A. “You can see the old mining town of Jerome, the copper capital of the nation, nestled in the mountains; it’s a fun trip for Verde Valley residents,” Nichols adds. “Old Town Cottonwood and its restaurants are about a 10-minute drive.” Verde Santa Fe’s K-12 students can start their education at Cottonwood Community School, which Niche gives a C rating, before attending the B-rated Mingus Union High School. Mingus Union, a Title I school, helps students build strong career skills through extracurricular programs like Auto Club, Debate Club and Future Farmers of America. VSF’s continuing learners can take classes at the Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus, which offers community education programs. These courses include “Active Mind & Body” classes, programs educating community members on how to use computers and the latest technology and even broaden their minds through philosophy, current affairs and language classes.