The mystery and stark beauty of the desert Southwest has become increasingly appealing to Americans in recent years. Tourists head to such destinations as Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, as well as Sedona, Arizona, in search of a peaceful respite, an endless horizon and a sense of spiritual balance, enhanced by the rich Native American culture and tradition all of these regions share.

Money magazine named Sedona as one of America's best places to retire. At its location near Oak Creek Canyon amidst Arizona's Red Rock landscape, Sedona is breathtaking. Its air is pure, the sun shines more than 300 days of the year on average (with an average annual temperature of 75 degrees), and the seasonal and permanent population that resides here is a fascinating mix of artists, retirees, recreation-seekers, progressive thinkers, scholars and just those seeking a little peace at 4,500 feet above the chaos of the rest of the world.

Named after one of its first residents, settler Sedona Schnebly, Sedona wasn't a household name until fairly recently. When our nation became enamored with all things Southwest, Sedona found itself a temporary stop for many tourists and eventually, a permanent stop for retirees. Spas became a popular calling for local entrepreneurs. Sedona's reputation became synonymous with rest, relaxation and pampering of the soul. Its aura is strong enough to attract some 3.5 million visitors here each year. Tourism now represents the backbone of Sedona's local economy. In fact, Sedona is now Arizona's second-most popular destination behind the Grand Canyon, which is close enough to Sedona for a day trip.

A visit to Sedona calls for a little cultural immersion, an opportunity to experience local color. Bed and breakfasts are your best bet when choosing accommodations. They provide opportunities to meet the locals and get the scoop on the best places to visit during your stay. If you're a recreation lover, you need not travel beyond Sedona. The town has plenty of hiking trails, camp grounds, golf courses, horseback riding and tennis. Ski slopes are a short drive away. Local businesses offer hot-air balloon rides over the desert country, which provides you the best view of Arizona's Red Rock landscape. If you prefer to stay on the ground, go on a jeep tour of Sedona's back roads. If you have access to your own car, pack a picnic, and head to Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona's first bona fide Scenic Highway. You'll encounter plenty of photo opportunities along the way. If you care to wander a bit farther, head to Red Rock State Park, where you can go hiking, fishing, or simply picnic and enjoy a magnificent display of nature. If you're interested in exploring reservations, some local tourism companies offer tours of reservations and provide a bit of history on Native American tradition and culture.

As you head back into town (a region that relented during the 1990s and finally built traffic lights), you'll pass gallery after gallery. Hundreds of artists live in and around Sedona and showcase their work at these local galleries. You'll also find music and theater if the mood strikes.

When tourism booms, it's perhaps inevitable that the residential real estate market will benefit. That's certainly the case in Sedona. Its population now stands at approximately 10,000, having increased more than 25 percent in since the early 1990s, and it continues to grow. New construction is quite active here; vacation homes and retirement communities continue to pop up throughout the region. According to Money magazine, 56 percent of Sedona's population is older than 50, so as we move into the next century, we can expect to continue to see a proliferation of communities in Sedona that cater to active retirees.

Thanks to its growing popularity, Sedona's home prices are creeping upward. According to statistics provided by Money, Sedona's cost of living is 15 percent above the national average. The average cost of a three-bedroom home in Sedona ranges from $200,000 to $250,000. For a $250,000 home, property taxes will cost you just shy of $3,000 per year. The average two-bedroom apartment in Sedona will cost you approximately $750 per month in rent. If your stay in Sedona is merely temporary (probably due to lack of funds rather than lack of desire), you can find plenty of rental properties available, although prices can be steep, depending upon your preference of amenities. Single-family homes represent the most common type of housing in Sedona, followed by condominiums. Parcels of land are in high quantity for aspiring home-builders. Zoning restrictions are tight to protect Sedona's pristine landscape. Tourism is welcomed, but city planners are keenly aware that Sedona's continued popularity depends on the continued preservation of its natural resources.

With its mild climate, strong real estate market, culturally diverse and intellectually curious population, Sedona is a unique change of pace from the norm. As our society continues to strive onward and upward on the quest for faster-paced technology, Sedona is determined to preserve its slower pace. Such places have become increasingly more difficult to find throughout the years, and for that reason, Sedona will continue to benefit from its status as a quiet respite from the harried world.

For more Realty Times Community Profiles, Click Here

Published: July 12, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.