$1,184,619Average Value$694Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Scenic canyon views and total immersion in nature
Often referred to as the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its dramatic views, Oak River Canyon is a red rock gorge in Coconino National Forest, just north of Sedona. “It’s only minutes away from Sedona, but it feels worlds away,” says longtime area resident Brian Dante, a Realtor with Re/Max Sedona who raised his family in Oak Creek Canyon.
Spanning roughly 12 miles, the canyon is highlighted by the creek that runs through it, providing outdoor enthusiasts who call the area home with plenty of hiking and water recreation opportunities. “Because of Oak Creek running through the whole canyon, you’re always on or near the tumbling waters," Dante says. “It’s a pretty magical feeling for a lot of people when they dip into the canyon from Flagstaff or come up from Sedona. It just envelops you and changes your whole mood.
Dante says that climate plays a major role in life in Oak Creek Canyon. "Nature is in charge here, so if it’s snowing, you may not be going to town that day. If there’s a monsoon and it’s pouring rain, your driveway might get washed out. It’s definitely not a controlled environment. Nature plays a bigger part in your lifestyle choices, your scheduling, everything,” he says.
Oak Creek Canyon’s homes are designed to harmonize with the natural environment.
Oak Creek Canyon’s custom-style homes combine elegance with natural surroundings.
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Canyon hiking and water recreation on the creek
Residents have access to tons of hiking trails through the canyon. “Besides hiking the length of the canyon along the creek, there are hikes that go up the side walls of the canyon on both the west and east side,” Dante says. “Every mile or so, there’s a trailhead that shoots steeply up to the top of the rim on either side.” Offering a nearly 7-mile round trip trek, West Fork is one of the area’s most popular trails, shading hikers under the lush, forested canopy. While the hike is widely regarded as being moderately easy hikers should be ready to get their feet wet, as the trail crosses the creek several times. “West Fork is a world-class destination for photography,” Dante says, noting that fall is especially busy here. “The fall colors are amazing,” he says. “They just erupt the first week of October.”
The creek itself is also a huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts, offering prime trout fishing. “I fish 200 days a year right out in my backyard,” Dante says. Residents commonly tube down the creek or simply use it as a hangout spot to cool off. "The creek is the center of all life in the canyon,” Dante says, adding that it’s also the center of socialization among neighbors. “We used to have martini parties in the creek, where we would wear old tennis shoes, bring a beach chair, and just go sit in the water,” he says. Residents can also cool off in the waters of Slide Rock State Park, which has smooth, natural rock formations that act as water slides.
Multi-generational, creekside living
Oak Creek Canyon has a notable lack of housing inventory. According to Dante, homes rarely come on the market, largely due to the large number of “legacy homes” that stay in the same family for generations. “The grandkids might come in and remodel or add onto it, but most of the time, they will hold onto it because it’s so hard to come by a really nice creekfront house,” he says. “A lot of the older folks who have been in the community for a long time really appreciate that because, for them, it’s like taking a step back in time to see these homes that have been around since they were young be preserved by families who really care about them.”
Homes that do come to market vary significantly in price. “There are some funky old, manufactured homes on the lowest end, and there’s also some really fabulous, custom high-end estates too,” he says. Buyers can find modest manufactured homes for around $300,000, while larger, updated units can go for $700,000. Townhouses start at $650,000 and range to about $850,000. “The little 40–50-year-old creekside cabins are still attainable for under $1 million, they will come on the market for about $800,000-900,000,” Dante says. “You probably won’t get into a regular house for less than a million, and it goes up from there. I’ve sold properties for 4 to 5 million there.”
According to Dante, Oak Creek Canyon has very few full-time residents. “The majority are second homeowners who live in Phoenix and come up on weekends or during the summer to get away from the heat,” he says, noting that not only is Oak Creek Canyon much cooler in temperature than Phoenix, but it’s also about 12 degrees cooler on average than Sedona because of the higher elevation. While these cooler temperatures are ideal during the warmer months, Dante notes that winters can see up to 18 inches of snow at a time, contributing to a significantly smaller population during the winter. Residents here also have a low risk of violent and property crime. Oak Creek Canyon's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average score of 4.
Shopping and dining nearby in Sedona
Residents of Oak Creek Canyon will have to head to Sedona for shopping and dining options, though for many, that’s a large part of the appeal. “It’s about a 10 to 15-minute commute into town, but that slight isolation from Sedona is the beauty of it to me,” Dante says. “If you’re looking to be in town with stuff to do all the time that doesn’t involve getting out in nature, it probably wouldn’t appeal to you.”
Sedona has plenty of options for groceries, including Whole Foods Market, Bashas’ and Safeway. There’s also a diverse array of art galleries and specialty shops, many of which reflect the town’s culture surrounding wellness, spiritualism and all things metaphysical.
Residents won’t find many chain restaurants in Sedona. Instead, there is a focus on locally owned eateries, many of which offer red rock views. Open Range Grill and Tavern is a go-to for burgers, barbeque and locally brewed beers, while Hideaway House serves made-from-scratch Italian fare alongside seasonal and specialty cocktails.
Enjoy the perfect combination of food and scenery at Hideaway House near Oak Creek Canyon.
Savor authentic flavors at Don Diego Mexican Cuisine near Oak Creek Canyon.
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Learning in the Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District
The community is zoned for the Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District. West Sedona School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade and earns a C rating from Niche. From grades 6 through 12, students attend the C-plus-rated Sedona Red Rock Junior-Senior High School, which enables senior high students to enroll in a variety of hands-on career courses in fields ranging from criminal justice to photography.
A scenic commute to Flagstaff and Sedona via State Route 89A, and a low risk of crime
State Route 89A travels north-south through the canyon along Oak Creek, offering scenic views to those traveling north to Flagstaff or south to Sedona. While Sedona has several medical facilities, the closest major hospital is Flagstaff Medical Center, roughly 25 miles away on the city’s north side. On Flagstaff’s south end, Flagstaff Pulliam offers nonstop flights to Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles.
While Dante says that Oak Creek Canyon sees a significant lack of year-round traffic, it can occasionally draw crowds of tourists. “It does flip on holiday weekends, it’s a totally different vibe,” he says. “It kind of gets loved to death on Memorial Day and the 4th of July when it draws thousands of tourists, and the parking areas fill up by 8:00 in the morning.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Taylor Coleman- Underwood,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Oak Creek Visitor Center
Slide Rock State Park
Transit
Airport
Flagstaff Pulliam
93 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Oak Creek Canyon
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff over the last 12 months is $871,360, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cross Oak Creek at geted Entrance to top: Situated high on a hill in Oak Creek Cyn is this Brand New Architect designed home backing to US Forestry. 2 BR's, 2 Baths w/ ample area to expand if desired. This property enjoys Grandfathered Water Rights from Munds Spring c/b used for fountains or landscaping. Owner have private well servicing domestic use for both parcels. Custom T/O w/ all high
Moonshadow Cabin - A Cozy Cabin in Oak Creek Canyon. Tucked away among the towering evergreens of Oak Creek Canyon, Moonshadow Cabin is a true escape into nature. With golden-hued wood floors & ceilings, this charming single private bedroom w/ two potential sleeping lofts is a retreat exuding authentic rustic warmth. Great room is the heart of the home, featuring an authentic stacked-stone
Welcome to Oak Creek Canyon's brand-new 2024 construction, fully furnished and showcasing impeccable craftsmanship! This exquisite 5 BD, 4.5 BA residence combines modern-rustic architecture with high-end designer appointments, creating a home that harmonizes beautifully with Sedona's breathtaking outdoor elements. With solar power, a premium metal roof, and lushly landscaped grounds featuring a
Jeanette SauerRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Taylor Coleman- Underwood,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
306
Median Age
63
Population under 18
5.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
46.7%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$50,556
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,557
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
52.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
% Population in Labor Force
55.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
19''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
1/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
