Best Places to Live in Sedona

If you decide to move to Sedona, AZ, consider living in one of these great Sedona neighborhoods!

Renowned as an excellent place to live for nature lovers due to its picturesque mountains and colorful red rock formations, the surreal Arizona city of Sedona is home to just over 10,000 people. Considered to be one of Arizona's most beautiful small towns, Sedona offers its residents a mixture of suburban and rural living in Yavapai County that attracts mostly active professionals and retirees to the area.

Rated as one of the top 20 retirement destinations in the United States, residents are met with a moderate climate, plenty of outdoor activities, and gorgeous views stretching for miles throughout the heart of the Arizona desert. While most locals tend to live in downtown Sedona and near The Village of Oak Creek, home to approximately 5,000 residents, many retirees and second home buyers can live in one of the many sought-after neighborhoods amongst the canyons and spectacular red rock hills.

With a reputation as a wealthy area and affluent spot home to thousands of millionaires and well-to-do individuals, finding the best neighborhood in Sedona that meets your lifestyle is made possible by enlisting the help of our reliable Real Estate Specialists here at Uphomes. From southwest-inspired new construction single-family homes in Sedona to condominiums for sale in Sedona, there is no shortage of property types and styles to choose from that all range in size and price.

So if you have decided to move to Sedona and want to find out what the best parts to live in Sedona are, then make sure to keep reading!

Here are the best places to live in Sedona, AZ!

West Sedona

The neighborhood of West Sedona is a vibrant residential area near the iconic Thunder Mountain or Capitol Butte red rock.

Great for visitors who want a home-away-from-home experience, West Sedona is full of cozy cafes, casual restaurants, trendy boutiques, thrift stores, and art centers that keep residents busy.

From its many hiking trails to its popular sunset viewing spots, living in West Sedona feels like an entirely different town than uptown and Tlaquepaque due to its easy-going atmosphere and lively entertainment district.

Local Favorites:

• Chapel of the Holy Cross: Built between 1954 to 1956 into the red rock buttes within the Coconino National Forest, this magnificent church is a sacred place and worth visiting
• Pink Jeep Tours: Considered to be one of the best sightseeing tour agencies in the area since 1960, guests get to hop aboard a Pink Jeep Wrangler and go off-roading while learning about the history and culture of Sedona and the southwest
• Airport Mesa: Perfect for hikers of all skill levels, this loop around Table Top Mountain leads adventures through some of the best views of Sedona's basalt boulders and red rocks

Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque means "the best of everything" and has been a top Sedona landmark since the 1970s. Recognized as a place where visitors return to again and again, Tlaquepaque is often referred to as the "art and soul of Sedona" for its fantastic collection of galleries, unique shops, and dining options.

Fashioned in a traditional Mexican village, this arts and shopping village is an unforgettable Sedona experience where visitors can enjoy what this artist community offers.

Home to over 50 specialty shops, there is no better place to find marvelous art treasures and specialty gifts just minutes from uptown.

Local Favorites:

• Tlaquepaque Chapel: Built in the early 1970s, this beautiful private chapel is located within the Tlaquepaque Village and is an excellent place for meditation
• Andrea Smith Gallery: While there may be many art galleries in the Tlaquepaque Arts Center, this gallery is known to house one of the finest collections of unique jewelry, art, and statues
• Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market: Dine at this rustic New American restaurant that serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Rimrock

Named after the geological beauty of the limestone rimrocks that can be found along the mesas and plateaus in the region, the community of Rimrock is the best place to be for individuals looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Due to its lack of congested roads and crowded businesses, living in Rimrock is ideal for those who want to be close to nature without being completely separated from the rest of the civilization since it is located close to the heart of Sedona and a good drive away from the beautiful city of Flagstaff.

Local Favorites:

• Sedona Heritage Museum: Learn about the lifestyles and people that lived in this preserved family farmstead at Jordan Historical Park, which is home to three historic landmark buildings
• Sedona Arts Center: This non-profit gallery and store showcases works of art, including photography, jewelry, and fiber arts, that are all created by local artists
• The Hudson: Get your fix of New American dishes and craft cocktails in a contemporary setting with amazing views

Uptown Sedona

Recognized as the best Sedona neighborhood to live in for shopping, Uptown Sedona is the very last stop before entering Oak Creek Canyon and is known as the Main Street District.

While Uptown Sedona may attract many tourists to the area due to its variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and souvenir stores, it also offers some of the best views of the surrounding red rocks and is highly walkable.

Local Favorites:

• Sedona Wonder Gallery and Gifts: Located in the Sedona Original Uptown Mall Plaza, this cute gift shop sells a wide selection of items that are all made by local artists
• Earthbound Trading Co.: Selling unique accessories, clothing, decor, and gifts that are inspired from all over the world and sold at affordable prices
• The Vault Uptown: Offering fantastic views of the red rocks, visitors can feast on steaks, seafood, burgers, and other staples in a laid-back atmosphere

Village of Oak Creek

Located only five miles south of Uptown Sedona, The Village of Oak Creek is a sought-after place to live since it has been named one of the "Most Tax Friendly Places for Retirees" by SmartAsset.

Providing its residents with a fantastic mix of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, it is no wonder that The Village of Oak Creek is one of the best places to live in Sedona.

Beloved for its laid-back feel, an abundance of outdoor attractions, and unparalleled scenic views, residents can be found hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing.

Local Favorites:

• Bell Rock: Found North of The Village of Oak Creek and south of Sedona in Yavapai County, this rock formation is a famous landmark and tourist attraction that has an elevation of 4,919 feet at its summit
• Cathedral Rock: Great for hiking and watching the sunset, this natural sandstone butte and red rock formation in Coconino National Forest is one of the most photographed attractions in the state of Arizona
• Red Rock State Park: Featuring scenic buttes, desert cliffs, and fantastic rock formations, the primary mission of this park is to preserve the riparian habitat that is located along Oak Creek

Cross Creek Ranch

The neighborhood of Cross Creek Ranch in Yavapai County is a luxurious gated community that borders Oak Creek, Red Rock State Park, and a National Forest.

Consisting of 84 homesites and offering a wide variety of home-style that come in different sizes and affordable prices, living in Cross Creek Ranch is ideal for retirees and professionals.

Local Favorites:

• Mesa Grill Sedona: Equipped with an American menu that features steaks and seafood, this southwest-style grill is a must-visit for friendly service and outstanding views
• Tara Thai Restaurant: Enjoy an extensive menu of Thai dishes for lunch or dinner any day of the week
• Cucina Rustica: Great for a romantic date night, this Italian-style restaurant is known for its excellent service, quality food, and beautiful outdoor courtyard

Canyon Mesa Country Club

The Canyon Mesa Country Club in Sedona is a gated golf community that offers its residents a tranquil way of life and breathtaking views.

Home to a unique executive golf course with well-maintained challenging greens that offers fun for all ages and skill levels, there is no better place to learn how to play in Sedona if you are a beginner.

Local Favorites:

• Miley's Cafe: Serving traditional Mexican and American food located just two miles south of Bell Rock
• Pago's Pizzeria and Italian Cuisine: This neighborhood Italian eatery serves pizzas, pasta, and other Italian favorites at a reasonable price
• Red Rock Cafe: With incredible service and generous portions, this southwestern cafe is the spot to be for tasty breakfasts and lunches

Casa Contenta

Casa Contenta in Sedona is a gated custom home community located in West Sedona that is made up of 99 home sites near some of the city's best shopping, parks, and hiking trails.

With 75% of the communities land being natural open space and common area, living in Casa Contenta means that residents can take in magnificent views of the surrounding red rocks.

Local Favorites:

• Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: This upscale South American-inspired grill is known for serving some of the best steaks in Sedona
• Hideaway House: Serving pizza, pasta, and sandwiches
• Creekside American Bistro: Serving seasonal dishes, locally sourced beers, and even a dog menu in a creative and upscale space

Les Springs

Located near the base of Airport Mesa, the neighborhood of Les Springs is a gated community in Sedona that offers panoramic views of the city that will make everyone jealous.

Full of gorgeous single-family homes, it is no surprise that Les Springs is consistently rated as a top place to live in Sedona.

Most properties in this area have about three bedrooms and three bathrooms and are priced upwards of one million dollars.

Local Favorites:

• The Golden Goose American Grill: Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, this is a great place to gather for a dinner celebration or after a long hike
• SaltRock Kitchen: This upscale-casual southwestern restaurant serves craft margaritas, innovative dishes, and amazing desserts
• Gerardo's Italian Kitchen: Dine on Neopolitan pizzas and other classic Italian dishes

Red Rock Loop

Found near Upper Red Rock Loop Road, the Red Rock Loop area is surrounded by the stunning red rock vistas south of West State Route 89A along Oak Creek.

Known for its more rural and down-to-earth vibe, residents of Red Rock Loop will find an assortment of vacation homes, private estates, and horse properties for sale, all located within minutes of the heart of Sedona.

One of the best schools in the area for those moving with school-aged children is Red Rock Academy, which is part of the Sedona Oak Creek School District.

Local Favorites:

• Oak Creek Canyon: Located between the cities of Sedona and Flagstaff, this river gorge is a gorgeous 16-mile gorge that features streams and waterfalls, which is why it is often called the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon
• Slide Rock State Park: Named after a natural water slide that is formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek, this scenic state park is open for hiking, birding, fishing, and swimming
• Oak Creek Brewery and Grill: This two-story tavern serves house-brewed beer, beer samplers, and pub grub

Best Places to Live in Sedona, AZ - Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking for a safe neighborhood near many beautiful areas to hike and explore or a lively neighborhood near popular shops, dining establishments, and entertainment options, there is no shortage of great places to live in Sedona.

Even though the cost of living in Sedona is 27% higher than the national average and the demand for housing is high, finding an area in Sedona that meets all of your expectations is easy once you contact us.

When you or anyone else you may know is interested in buying a home, make sure to reach out to us to kickstart your home-buying journey. We are here to help and are ready to answer any questions.

Suppose you would like more information about moving to Arizona. In that case, you can refer to our website to read our other local area guides that include convenient and up-to-date details about moving to Mesa and moving to Chandler.