From fruit growing to the setting of over 100 Western films, Sedona gets its popularity from its landscape. “The area’s draw is its scenic beauty,” says Andrew Grossmann, tourism manager for Sedona, “because we’re surrounded by the Coconino National Forest and red rock canyons.” Incorporated in 1988, Sedona is home to nearly 10,000 residents, though roughly 3 million visitors trek through annually, many seeking spiritual, artistic or outdoor experiences. “We definitely have a tourism-dependent economy,” he says.
Life in Oak Creek Canyon means waking up to a picturesque setting every day.
The Village of Oak Creek (Big Park) offers modest homes in a scenic setting.
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Parks with canyon views, miles of trails and golf courses
Parks are peppered throughout the city, many featuring sitting areas to enjoy canyon views, walking paths sprinkled with sculptures, as well as tennis and pickleball courts. Grossmann says there are over 400 miles of trails here, most of which are within the Coconino National Forest and are open to hikers and cyclists. They are most popular at dawn and dusk when the morning and evening sun hits the rock formations and they glow their signature red and orange.
Seven Canyons Golf Club, part of the Enchanted Resort, has a private 18-hole golf course, plus restaurants, a spa and a clubhouse, while the Oakcreek Country Club features a public 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and his son.
Bell Rock is named for its shape in the Village of Oak Creek (Big Park).
Embrace the active lifestyle that Oak Creek Canyon offers with endless outdoor adventures.
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Artistic celebrations and movie set history
Sedona is home to a vibrant art scene. Gallery Row along Highway 179 has more than 80 galleries, featuring works from local artists. Many flock to the area during the city’s 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries, celebrating artists with demonstrations, spotlights and refreshments. Sedona’s Performing Arts Center offers musical numbers, along with dance and theatrical performances. For 31 years, Sedona has been the site of an International Film Festival at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. The festival spans nine days and includes documentaries, foreign and animated films and screenplay competitions. The Sedona Heritage Museum tells the city’s story through exhibits and special events; its restored telegraph office, used as a movie prop for a John Wayne production, now celebrates the area’s film history.
Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community that preserves night views by administering city lighting policies. “Your best bet is to get out of town to see the skies,” says Grossman. “People are also coming here to relax. We have over 40 health-related activities and spas around.”
Sedona Arts Center offers classes to residents of the Village of Oak Creek (Big Park).
Buy the best gifts at Sedona Arts Center Holiday Artists Market.
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Uptown shops and eateries
Uptown, now known as Main Street, houses several shopping centers, including Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. Designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, this hub offers over 40 specialty shops selling fine art, jewelry and collectibles. It also features locally and family-owned brewpubs, pizza joints and fine-dining establishments that offer red rock views. Uptown also has The Shops at Pinon Pointe, with retailers and art galleries. Everyday essentials have their own part of town. “West Sedona is more residential and a bit less commercial, but it has your grocery stores,” says Grossmann. Wineries and breweries are also found throughout town and the broader region.
Savor authentic flavors at Don Diego Mexican Cuisine near Oak Creek Canyon.
Absolute Bikes Sedona is your gateway to exploring trails near Oak Creek Canyon.
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Wide range of housing styles and prices
On average, homes in Sedona sell after 82 days, compared to the national average of 44. The median sale price for single-family homes here is $1,152,500, while the median townhouse price is $535,000. Many were built between the 1970s and early 2000s, but properties from the early 2020s are popping up.
Most are ranch- and Pueblo Revival-style mixed with new traditional Craftsman-style. Custom-built estates sit in gated communities, while A-frame cabins surrounded by pine trees are found in neighborhoods like Munds Park . Prices range from $570,000 for a quarter-acre three-bedroom property to $950,000 for a 5-bedroom property on just over a quarter acre. Six- to nine-bedroom properties on up to 5 acres range from about $1 million to nearly $8 million.
Mediterranean style homes are common in the Village of Oak Creek (Big Park).
Homes in the Village of Oak Creek (Big Park) are well maintained.
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Capturing Kids’ Hearts at Sedona-Oak Creek Unified schools
The Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District earns a B-minus from Niche. Offerings include sports, clubs such as orchestra, theater and National Honor Society, as well as technical education, early college classes and dual enrollment. The district has also adopted the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, which raises student performance by minimizing stress and anxiety. Yavapai Community College has a satellite campus here, and Red Rock Academy is an online school with personalized student services.
Students thrive at West Sedona School, surrounded by the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon.
Students thrive at Red Rock Junior-Senior High School in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon.
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Accessible shuttle and bus routes
Sedona sits 30 miles south of Flagstaff and 116 miles north of Phoenix. Main transportation routes include Interstate 17, about 15 miles away, and Highway 179 and State Route 89A cross at the city’s eastern end. Verde Lynx buses run from Cottonwood to Sedona. Verde shuttles travel to all major destinations within the city. Bicycle-friendly roads are peppered throughout Sedona, and designated lane sections run south along the highway. The nearest hospital is Sedona Emergency Department. Sedona Regional Airport offers general aviation services, and its overlook is a popular spot to watch sunsets; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 119 miles south.
Low crime rates, Monsoon summers
Within the last five years, the city’s violent and property crime rates have remained below national figures, though violent crime rates tend to spike alongside national rates, according to FBI statistics.
Sedona has a cold, semi-arid climate. Its elevation of 4,500 feet helps keep temperatures cooler than Phoenix but warmer than Flagstaff. Residents enjoy all four mild seasons but deal with monsoon winds during the summer. The city’s rain levels are a smidge higher than the state average, and flash flooding can occur.
Jody Coleman is co-founder of the Coleman Real Estate Group and is considered one of Sedona’s most trusted Realtors. ® Over the course of her 30+ year career, she has earned numerous distinctive accreditations and certifications, and continues to cultivate her knowledge and her talented team. But it’s also the things you can’t teach that make Jody one of Sedona’s most reputable Realtors. ® Her commitment to her clients, her deeply ingrained work ethic and straight-shooting approach make her both a solid negotiator and highly valued partner for both buyers and sellers. Jody grounds this tireless energy in her expansive garden, a sanctuary of a place with inspiration drawn from visits to gardens around the globe.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
