Sedona Arizona – Real Estate, Beautiful Scenery and a Vibrant Community

On my recent trip to Sedona Arizona, real estate was not top of mind. The beautiful scenery, the vibrant community, and a visit with family was, however. But I have to admit that Sedona Arizona real estate is fascinating and colorful architecture, and with the fabulous views virtually everywhere you go, it was hard, as a REALTOR, to not be pretty interested in what Sedona had to offer. And so different from what I am now accustomed to in Southern California. More on that later.

But I digress. This really is about a beautiful community in red rock country less than 2 hours north of the thriving and sprawling Phoenix Scottsdale metropolis, about 7 and 1/2 hours from my home in Carlsbad. 

We enjoyed a gorgeous, but slower, drive north of the 10 freeway through the mountains and Prescott National Forest, along winding roads with spectacular views of the valley far below. Our schedule didn't permit time to explore Prescott (at over 5000 feet above sea level), known as a resort community with a long history as a mining town. 

Nor did we take time to stop in Jerome, a small mountain-side community which became a virtual ghost town (when the nearby copper mines closed in 1953) but if now preserved  and a thriving tourist and artist community with shops, galleries and other retail businesses. Jerome if perched on Cleopatra Hill and only accessible by a steep and winding road for miles. 

While I had heard wonderful reports of the beauty of Sedona Arizona, I was still surprised, and perhaps unprepared for how spectacular the scenery really is - I think you will agree if you have been, or once you take a moment to enjoy the photo show.

The town itself is very attractive with all the trees, the views, the earth-tone colors of the buildings, and an obvious attempt to have things blend together and preserve the beauty of the landscape and vistas of the red rock formations, many of which have been named (Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock Cathedral, Snoopy). 

We enjoyed dinner with my elderly uncle and his wife at an upscale restaurant, Cucina Rustica (the chef-owners have also owned and operated Dahl and DiLuca, a highly recommended eatery, for over a decade) near their home (dinner and the ambiance were terrific, by the way), as well as a several hour tour of the town the next day before heading to Scottsdale. 

 Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, a landmark in Sedona since the 1970s, was the most charming and beautiful of the shopping areas we saw. We took a quick drive through the uptown area which has a more touristy feel to it and is crammed with a wide array of retailers.

Sedona has dozens of galleries, eateries, New Age shops and metaphysical practitioners, clothing boutiques, and the usual services folks need, with unique items only found here as well as the more traditional and chain-store offerings.

Sedona is also known for art and cultural events including a famous jazz festival (we hear this may not happen this year due to the economic times), art walks and demonstrations throughout the year. You can even participate in the Sedona Marathon, a half marathon or a 5K walk in early February 2010. 

Sedona Arizona has several vortexes (one at the Sedona Airport mesa) and is known as one of the places in the world where you can find all 3 types. 

Lastly I had to explore Sedona Arizona real estate a bit, and not surprisingly there is a wide range of homes available. If the budget suits, you can spend well in excess of $10 million for spectacular homes of 8000 SF+ on lots of more than 10 acres with 5 and more bedrooms (the most expensive I found, for $29 million, is a 9750 SF home with 4/4 and 173 acres, with amazing views). But there are also over 100 listings for under $300,000.  If you are interested in Sedona Arizona real estate, let me know - I know several great REALTORS in Sedona and would be happy to provide an introduction. 

We crammed a lot in during the 20 hours we were there, including sighting some of the local wildlife - a bob cat and a quail family - and vowed to return and spend more time.  

Perhaps the 5K walk in February?