Straddling Interstate 17 in central Arizona, the town of Camp Verde greets road-weary travelers with the world's largest Kokopelli. Dancing among the towering signs of adjacent fast food sites, the Kokopelli stands 32 feet tall in front of the Krazy Kokopelli Trading Post. The Kokopelli is a Native American icon representing fertility, prosperity, music and mischief.
The Verde Valley was a hotbed of Native American settlements for centuries before white settlers arrived
Straddling Interstate 17 in central Arizona, the town of Camp Verde greets road-weary travelers with the world's largest Kokopelli. Dancing among the towering signs of adjacent fast food sites, the Kokopelli stands 32 feet tall in front of the Krazy Kokopelli Trading Post. The Kokopelli is a Native American icon representing fertility, prosperity, music and mischief.
The Verde Valley was a hotbed of Native American settlements for centuries before white settlers arrived. Inevitable clashes between natives and newcomers prompted the establishment of a military fort to protect the settlers. The present day town of Camp Verde grew out of this initial settlement, now covering more than 42 square miles on both sides of the Verde River.
Camp Verde's mild climate is a major attraction to visitors and new residents. Set at just over 3,000 feet above sea level, the town enjoys sunshine more than three quarters of the time. Snow is a rarity and summer temperatures peak in the upper 90s Fahrenheit. But don't throw away your winter clothes just because you're moving to Arizona: Camp Verde is among the top 15 places in the country with the greatest daily difference between high and low temperatures. Winter days might begin with frost on the ground, but most afternoons are just right for enjoying the outdoors. By the same token, summer days are perfect for splashing in the river and warming yourself by a campfire after the sun goes down.
A nonstop flow of people relocating to Camp Verde's year-round mild climate makes moving there a unique challenge. Home rentals don't stay on the market long. Contact a property management company or apartment complex a few months before you plan to move and they can let you know what will be coming available near your moving date. Some allow you to pre-apply so you don't have to risk losing the home for rent you want to another person. Be ready to provide two forms of identification, good rental references and proof of income. Check local newspapers and other classifieds to find rentals offered by private owners.
It's not uncommon to find million-dollar homes in the same neighborhoods with more affordable housing. Price varies based on location, acreage, view, house size and other factors, so keep checking if you don't find what you want right away. Whether you want to walk to shopping or get away from it all in the country, Camp Verde has neighborhoods to suit both lifestyles.
Town Center: Walk to shops, restaurant and town activities from Camp Verde's Town Center neighborhood. Most single-family homes in the area were built from 1970 to 1999, with a couple newer subdivisions built since 2000. Both of Camp Verde's apartment complexes lie in this area. Head to Babe's Round Up when you're ready to get eatin'.
Verde Lakes: This neighborhood lies on the far eastern end of town -- about eight to nine miles from the town center. The neighborhood has some of the most affordable homes in the area, with easy access to a local creek and four-wheel-drive trails. Although you'll find a few older homes sprinkled around Verde Lakes, most homes in the neighborhood have been built since the mid-1990s.
Country Estates: If you've ever dreamed of gathering your own fresh eggs or heading out to the barn to saddle up your trusty horse, the Country Estates neighborhood is a good place to settle down. Multi-acre ranchettes line the green areas along the Verde River, with homes for rent that welcome horses, dogs and other farm animals. Some larger ranches have studio apartments for rent in bunkhouses or small cottages where you can enjoy the country life for a bargain price. Grab some healthy groceries at Healthy Thymes.
Middle Camp Verde: The Middle Verde neighborhood lies west of Interstate 17 along both sides of the Verde River. Properties vary from farm-style homes on multiple acres on the far west side of the neighborhood to mobile homes or grand estates with riverfront acreage, such as those in Equestrian Estates. Rental properties in this area are primarily single-family homes, but you'll find a few duplexes, too. You'll find the Fort Verde State Historic Park in this neighborhood.
Top Apartment Complexes
Arnold Terrace Apartments: This complex has two- and three-bedroom units for rent with appliances and on-site laundromat.
Parkway Apartments: Parkway sits on a hill overlooking the town. The complex has apartment home rentals that include two- and three-bedroom units.
Walk the boardwalks along historic downtown to explore one-of-a-kind shops and museums. Historic Fort Verde's parade grounds are the site of several yearly events including a Cornfest in July, a weekly farmers' market during summer months and Fort Verde Days in October. Forest service roads wind their way out of town, leading the adventurous four-wheeler to azure swimming holes, hidden waterfalls and piney forests all within 25 miles of town.
