Cottonwood, AZ (City)

Cottonwood is a Yavapai County city on the Verde River, often described as the heart of Arizona wine country. Its name comes from the cottonwood trees near the river that became a meeting and resting place for travelers. Old Town Cottonwood gives the city a historic core, while the Verde Valley Fair, local library network, and nearby communities like Clarkdale, Jerome, and Camp Verde make it a regional hub. Cottonwood feels like a practical Verde Valley base with a growing visitor economy.