Flagstaff, ranked one of the "top 100 places to live" in 2010 by Relocate America, is home to Northern Arizona University and has a vibrant cultural, entertainment and art scene. Flagstaff is primarily a "young" town with a median age of just over 26. Unlike many other parts of Arizona, Flagstaff has four seasons, lush greenery and mountains. The cost of living in Flagstaff is just under the national average, and the town is about a 40-minute drive from Sedona.
Prescott, in northern Arizona, was also listed as one of the "top 100 places to live" in 2010 by Relocate America, and its school district was rated number one in the state according to the same source. Prescott is 5,300 feet above sea level and borders a national forest; this small town has beautiful lakes, mountains and four seasons. It is about a 90-minute drive to Sedona from Prescott.
Clarkdale is a small town located about 38 minutes from Sedona inside a national forest. The town has a more mild climate year-round although it still has four seasons. Clarkdale offers historic cultural attractions throughout the town and has a low crime rate; its unemployment is lower than the national average. As a small town, Clarkdale has few industries, but its cost of living is below the national average.
Camp Verde, a small historic town near Sedona, sits at a 3,147-feet elevation and is surrounded by mountains. Like the rest of northern Arizona, it has four seasons and a green landscape; in fact, it is located within the Tonto National Forest. The town holds many annual events for residents to enjoy year-round, including Fort Verde Days that features living history presentations. The unemployment rate and cost of living are below the national average, and the town is about 38 minutes from Sedona.
Although Phoenix is about two hours from Sedona, you will find many places to live in the area. Both Scottsdale and Gilbert, two suburbs of Phoenix, were named good places to live by "Money" magazine in 2010. Living near Phoenix offers the convenience of a large city, with numerous jobs and housing options while still near enough to travel to Sedona for a day's outing.
