Windermere Sedona Real Estate


Sedona, Arizona

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Sedona Economic Profile

Prepared by the Arizona Department of Commerce

Sedona is one of Arizona's premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement and art centers. Its location at the mouth of scenic Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state's legendary Red Rock Country affords breath-taking panoramas, a mild climate, plenty of sunshine and clean, fresh air. The area is the second most visited site in the state after the Grand Canyon.

Established in 1902 and incorporated in 1988, the community was named for Sedona Schnebly, an early settler. Sedona spreads across the boundaries of two north central Arizona counties, Coconino and Yavapai. It sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet, 3,200 feet higher than Phoenix, which is 120 miles south, and 2,600 feet lower than the rim country of Flagstaff, 30 miles to the north.

FOUNDED: 1902

COUNTY: Coconino/Yavapai County

ELEVATION: 4,600 Feet

INCORPORATED: Yes, 1988

HIGHWAYS: I-17,SR 179,ST 89a

DISTANCE TO

PHOENIX: 119 miles

TUCSON: 230 miles

FLAGSTAFF: 27 miles

Population
	1990	1998	1999
Sedona	7,720	9,940	10,145
Coconino County	96,591	121,625	122,825
Yavapai County	107,714	148,500	155,900
Arizona	3,665,228	4,764025	4,924,350
Sources: Arizona Dept of Economic Security & U.S. Census Bureau

Principal Economic Activities

Tourism forms Sedona's economic base, with the National Forest Service estimating that more than 3.5 million people visit the area annually. Sedona's small town character is preserved by a preponderance of small owner-operated businesses serving visitors and the community. Visitor interest during the past decade has stimulated retirement and vacation home acquisition and construction, creating one of the most viable real estate markets in the nation.


County Employment	1990	1999
Agricultural, Forestry Fishing	7,319
Construction	59,340	113,000
FIRE	70,213	122,600
Manufacturing	140,616	167,400
Mining	1,759	900
Retail Trade	184,837
Services	267,983	457,000
TCPU	58,199	78,800
Trade		359,200
Source: Az. Dept of Economic Security and U.S. Census Bureau

Major Private Employers

1. Doubletree Sedona Resort

2. Enchantment Resort

3. L'Auberge de Sedona Resort

4. Los Abrigados Resort and Spa

Major Public Employers

1. City of Sedona

2. Sedona-Oak Creek School District

Labor Force Data
	1990	1998	1999
Civilian Labor Force	3,305	4,863	5,100
Unemployment	105	85	86
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	1.7%	1.8%
Sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security

Growth Indicators	1990	1998	1999
New Building Permits	125	144	132
Taxable Sales ($)	$100M	$303m	$313m
Net Assessed Valuation ($)	N/A	$177m	$178m
Sources: Ariz State Univ, Arizona Dept of Revenue

Scenic Attractions

Sedona has something for everyone--world class resorts and small family run motels, quaint bed and breakfasts, fine restaurants, outstanding shops and diverse art galleries. The beauty of the area makes sightseeing and hiking, golfing and tennis year around activities. Visitors can take a jeep tour into the back country or view the red rock monoliths from a horse or hot air balloon. Red Rock Crossing has been featured in many motion pictures. Other attractions include Slide Rock State Park, Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Sedona Arts Center and Tlaquepaque, a Mexican- style arts and crafts village.

Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is the state’s first designated Scenic Highway and was named by Rand-McNally as one of the most beautiful drives in America.

Sedona is a hub for visitors to Northern Arizona. Many visitor sites, including Indian ruins, the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Meteor Crater and Sunset Crater are just a day trip away.

The U.S. Forest Service administers many campgrounds in the area. Several are on or near Oak Creek, which is stocked with trout from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For information on Forest Service camp- grounds, contact the Sedona Ranger Station, P.O. Box 300, Sedona, AZ 86339, phone (520) 282-4119. Information on private campgrounds and picnic areas is available at the Chamber of Commerce.

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