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Cottonwood, Arizona

What It Is Like to Retire in Cottonwood

Cottonwood, population 11,500, is located in central Arizona, where the scenery is pretty, the values conservative, and the outdoor activities aplenty. Cottonwood is ringed with mountains and buttes, and it either contains or is minutes from golfing, canyons, thousand-year-old dwellings and wineries. A historic downtown, well-maintained, caps off the charm of this community. Photo of historic downtown Cottonwood courtesy of Wikipedia and Finetooth, and picture of Cottonwood sign courtesy of Wikipedia and Marine 69-71, both pictures Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ Photo of Clemenceau Public school, built in 1923 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, courtesy of Wikipedia and Marine 69-71, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Watch this short Youtube video of Cottonwood prepared by AZCulture:

Where to Retire in Cottonwood and Home Prices

There is at least one active adult community in the area. The median home value was $385,954 in mid-2023, according to Zillow.

What Is Special about Cottonwood

Cottonwood has plenty of sunny days, great medical care and active senior programs, and is above average in walkability when compared to other communities. Access to the outdoors is a great attraction. Focused on the Old Town Cottonwood tourist area, the City is the epicenter of the Verde Valley wine region of Arizona.

What Is Not Special about Cottonwood

It's hot and it is small.

Who Will Like Retirement in Cottonwood

Those looking to relax in the sun at an affordable price, and want a quaint, walkable downtown, with music, festivals, and shops will like Cottonwood.

Local Economy Is Driven by

commercialism and tourism.

Climate and Physical Environment

Cottonwood's January's high is about 60's degrees, and July's weather is hot, with plenty of sunshine and an average high of 100 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The Old Town Center for the Arts and the Cottonwood Public Library offers cultural opportunities in Cottonwood. The Cottonwood Parks and Recreation department is very active, providing exercise classes geared toward seniors. You can also sit in on community college classes. The public library is part of the Yavapai County Library Network.