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Copyright© 1999-2008, Holly Grigaitis-Svercl. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content requires written permission from the owner. |
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For more information, contact: |
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1645 E Cottonwood St. Ste. G Cottonwood AZ, 86326 |
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“Wildlife” along the Verde River, Camp Verde Arizona. Photo by Holly Grigaitis-Svercl |
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DEMOGRAHICS The Verde Valley lies in Yavapai County, which is roughly equivalent in size to Massachusetts. Only15% of the 8,125 square miles of county and is privately owned. The remaining 85% is either USFS, BLM and state lands or reservation lands. Between 1990 and 2004 Yavapai County population increased by 65% and now has over 175, 000 residents. The population of the Verde Valley is about 70,000, according to 2002 estimates. Growth in Arizona is approximately 100,000 new residents per year. That number is expected to remain steady for several years and the majority are expected to move to the Phoenix area, in neighboring Maricopa County.
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VERDE VALLEY COMMUNITIES All Verde Valley communities have a distinct, unique flavor. To get a “feel for life in these communities, click on area name for additional information. The first community to be settled in the Verde Valley, Camp Verde began as Fort Verde, founded in 1865 to protect settlers from raiding Apaches. Home to some of the Verde Valley’s greatest swimming holes. Average elevation is 3100 feet above sea level. Clarkdale began as mining camp and smelter town. Ore hauled from mines in Jerome went to Clarkdale for processing and many of the employees of the mine resided there. Lower Clarkdale housed the miners, while upper Clarkdale was reserved for those higher up in the corporation. Average elevation is @ 3300 ft. Began as a farming community in 1879, providing the miners in Jerome and Clarkdale with fresh produce and meat. Cottonwood today serves as the commercial center of the Verde Valley and has convenient access to all Verde Valley towns. Average elevation is 3300 ft. Both are situated between Sedona and Cottonwood & began as a collection of farms and ranches. Average elevation is 3000 ft. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was once home to the Copper Queen Mine, one of the largest producing copper mines ever. Now a thriving Artist’s community, Jerome has proven itself able to stand the test of time. Elevation is 5000 ft. and the population is around 352, give or take one or two….. Lake Montezuma/Rimrock/McGuireville Lake Montezuma is named after Montezuma’s Castle & Montezuma’s Well and is home to many retirees who enjoy the Verde Valley’s mild four season climate. These areas are unincorporated. Wet Beaver Creek winds through these communities. Internationally known for its exquisite scenery and mystical aura, Sedona is sure to please any resident or visitor. Sure...the shopping is incredible...but be sure to grab the four wheel drive and find a lonely dirt road....
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ECONOMICS Yavapai County’s principal economic industries are ranching, manufacturing & mining. The Verde Valley also attracts 4,000,000 tourists every year & it is one of the leading industries in the area. Construction & housing related industries are a close second, benefiting from tourism as many visitors decide to take up residency in the area. TRANSPORTATION The Verde Valley & Yavapai County are served by I-17 & I-40, a major transportation route between California & Midwest & Eastern destinations. HWY 89, the major link between Cottonwood & Sedona recently became a 4 lane highway between the two cities. HWY260, which links Cottonwood with I-17 & the City of Camp Verde is scheduled for widening to 4 lanes. PROPERTY TAXES Approximately 1% of the purchase price of a property (a sale generally triggers an evaluation by the assessors office, so past years taxes on a property are not indicative of what you will pay as the new owner). QUALITY OF LIFE Verde Valley towns are prospering, yet retain a rural feel. The most common call into area police stations is “Dog At Large.” We have clean, smog-free air and lots of open space, yet we are only 90 mins. away from the 9th largest city in America. |
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Winter Skies over Camp Verde. Many Farms and Ranches are still in existence in Camp Verde Arizona. |
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POPULATION BY AGE- 2002 ESTIMATES 0-4 4.9% 5-13 10.0% 14-17 5.2% 18-24 5.8% 25-34 8.7% 35-44 13.2% 45-54 15.6% 65-74 12.2% 75-84 8.6% 85+ 2.4%
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This page was last updated on 12/07/2007 |
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Verde Valley Relocation Information |