Living in Sedona, AZ: The Honest Pros, Cons & Costs

We visited Sedona for 12 years before we finally moved here, and living here is different from vacationing here. The red rocks never get old. The traffic on 89A on a spring Saturday does.

This page is our honest take on what daily life in Sedona is really like: the good, the hard, what homes cost, and why many people who love Sedona end up living in the Village of Oak Creek or the Verde Valley instead. If you'd rather watch than read, start with the video below.

▶ Prefer YouTube? Watch the full video on YouTube.

The pros of living in Sedona

1. The scenery is part of your daily life.

Sedona is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest and red rock formations you'll see from your kitchen, your grocery run and your morning walk. Most residents still stop to look at the sunset.

2. Trails start where the neighborhoods end.

Many homes are minutes from a trailhead, and hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails wind through the area. We mapped 27 of our favorites in our free Sedona Hiking Guide.

3. Four gentle seasons.

At about 4,350 feet, Sedona is roughly 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix in summer. Winter days usually reach the high 50s, and snow on the red rocks is a rare treat that melts by afternoon.

4. A small town with real community.

With fewer than 10,000 full-time residents, you'll see familiar faces at the post office, farmers market and trailhead. Arts, wellness, music and volunteer groups make it easy to find your people.

5. Close enough to everything else.

Flagstaff is about 30 miles north, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is about two hours south. You get small-town living without being cut off.

The cons (the honest part)

1. Homes are expensive.

Sedona's typical home value is well above the national average, and inventory is limited by the national forest around town. Your dollar goes much further 20 minutes away in the Verde Valley.

2. You share it with about 3 million visitors a year.

Spring and fall weekends bring heavy traffic on 89A and 179, and popular trailheads fill by 8 a.m. Locals learn the back roads, the early starts and the weekday rhythm.

3. Everyday shopping means a drive.

Sedona has grocery stores and great local shops, but big-box stores are in Cottonwood, about 30 minutes away, or Flagstaff.

4. Healthcare is local for the basics, regional for the rest.

The Sedona campus of Verde Valley Medical Center offers 24/7 emergency care, but hospital stays and many specialists are in Cottonwood or Flagstaff.

5. A quieter job market.

Most local jobs are in tourism, hospitality and services. Sedona works best for retirees, remote workers and business owners.

6. Summer heat and monsoon season.

July highs average in the mid-90s, and July through September brings dramatic afternoon storms. It's milder than Phoenix, but it's still the desert.

What homes cost

A typical Sedona home costs more than twice what it does in Cottonwood or Camp Verde, which is why so many buyers look at the whole valley.

Source: Zillow Home Value Index. Prices change monthly; ask us for current numbers for the neighborhoods you're considering, including the Village of Oak Creek.

Other costs to plan for: Arizona property taxes are low compared with most states, but homeowners insurance, HOA dues in some neighborhoods, and water and septic in rural areas vary widely. We walk every buyer through these before they make an offer.

Sedona or the Verde Valley?

You can love Sedona and still live 15–30 minutes away. Here's how the main areas compare.

Our free Sedona Neighborhood Spreadsheet compares 30 neighborhoods side by side, and our Service Areas page covers each community in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sedona a good place to live?

For people who value scenery, outdoor time and a small-town pace, yes. It's a harder fit if you need a big job market, lots of shopping nearby or a lower price point. Many buyers get the best of both by living in the Verde Valley.

Is Sedona good for retirees?

Very. Much of the community is retired, the climate is mild, and there's plenty to do. Plan for healthcare trips to Cottonwood or Flagstaff for specialists.

What's the best neighborhood to live in Sedona?

It depends on what matters most to you: views, walkability, quiet, budget or land. Take our 2-minute Sedona Area Quiz for a personal match.

How much do you need to live in Sedona?

Housing is the big number. A typical home is valued in the high $800,000s. Day-to-day costs like groceries and gas run a little above average.

What is the weather like in Sedona year-round?

Summer highs in the mid-90s, winter days in the high 50s, cool nights, and about 17 inches of rain a year, much of it during the summer monsoon.

How far is Sedona from Phoenix and Flagstaff?

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is about two hours south. Flagstaff is about 45 minutes north through Oak Creek Canyon.

Thinking about making the move?

We've been where you are: loving Sedona from a distance and wondering if living here would feel the same. Pick the next step that fits you.

• Find your area: Take the 2-minute Sedona Area Quiz
• Compare neighborhoods: Get the free 30-Neighborhood Spreadsheet
• Talk it through: Call, text or email Cami and Greg

Cami & Greg Goucher, LIVIN In Sedona · Coldwell Banker Realty