A growing rural community with a long history and a bright future
Set between Phoenix and Tuscon, Florence is one of Arizona's oldest towns, incorporated in 1866. It's also the county seat of Pinal County, and many of its roughly 25,000 residents are employed in local government and corrections. “We have seven private, state and federal prisons, and that helps drive our economic growth,” says third-generation Florence native Felicia Mandell-Snell, a Realtor with Long Realty. “The availability of jobs is a draw, and we’ve got an extremely low crime rate." Unlike back in the mid-1800s, when shootouts disputing U.S-Mexico territory rang throughout town, Florence's modern-day rates of property and violent crime are lower than both the state and the nation.
Home prices here are also lower than in many parts of Arizona, attracting first-time buyers and retirees, as well as families with young kids. "What people really love the most about Florence is its welcoming community," says resident Peter Kaulouris, owner of the local Mount Athos Restaurant & Cafe. "It's the kind of place where you see the bank teller and the sheriff talking with each other about their kids on a Saturday afternoon.” In summer, the sweltering heat inspires indoor fun, but the community celebrates an annual junior rodeo in November, and the Historic Home Tour each February. The city's downtown, designated a National Historic District, is now undergoing revitalization.
Step into Florence's welcoming neighborhood, where smiles greet you at every corner.
Visitors can travel back in time at the historic district of Florence, AZ.
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More affordable housing options than much of the state
In early 2025, the median home price in Florence is $340,000, down 1% from early 2024, and lower than the state and national medians. “Florence has seen a lot of growth in the last 20 years,” Mandell-Snell says. “We have new builds and new subdivisions going in, and then there’s the historic district in the town core where you can buy a home built in the 1800s.”
Many residents live in the sprawling master-planned community of Anthem at Merrill Ranch, and the gated Sun City portion of this Del Webb development is just one of several 55-and-older communities in Florence. “We have a lot of active adult areas with seasonal residents who come back year after year,” Mandell-Snell says. “Those places are very close-knit, and you really get to know all your neighbors.
In Florence, homes reflect a tapestry of styles, from quaint cottages to modern masterpieces.
In Florence, Spanish-style homes exude timeless elegance and Mediterranean charm.
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A historic downtown core undergoing a revamp
A handful of fast-food chains can be found throughout Florence, and the historic downtown is home to a small selection of lowkey mom-and-pop restaurants, shops and galleries. While downtown is far from bustling, in recent years there's been a focus on revamping storefronts to boost tourism and attract new commercial tenants. “It slows down a lot in the summertime, but as part of the revitalization, they’re asking businesses to stay open for people still in town,” Mandell-Snell says.
Also downtown, McFarland State Historic Park is home to the first Pinal County courthouse; built in 1878, it’s the oldest standing courthouse in Arizona and has since been transitioned into a museum and visitor’s center. On the second and fourth Fridays of every month, the Florence Farmers Market sets up on the front porch.
Savoring the flavors at LB Cantina, where every bite feels like a journey through Florence.
Embrace the cheerful atmosphere while shopping at Happy Adobe in Florence.
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The world's oldest junior rodeo and an annual historic home tour
“Florence is very socially driven, and the Chamber of Commerce puts on lots of events,” Mandell-Snell says, adding that the town's annual Historic Home Tour is among the most popular. “In February, we get almost a thousand people coming into town in one day to view all the historic buildings, and the people who own the town’s most historic homes volunteer to open them up,” Mandell-Snell says. "It’s a very busy day, and it’s something everybody looks forward to every year.”
Maintaining the Wild West tradition, Florence is also home to the Junior Parada, the world's longest-running junior rodeo. The three-day event takes place each November at the Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds and features calf roping, bull riding and a parade. Every April, the four-day Country Thunder music festival hosts some of the biggest names in country music, attracting over 30,000 daily attendees.
Golfing, off-roading and a short hike to the final resting place of the Father of Arizona
Florence has a small aquatic center and a few community parks, the largest of which is Heritage Park, which hosts the town’s annual 4th of July Freedom Fest fireworks show. Golfers can also tee off from 18 holes at the public Poston Butte Golf Club.
A mile-long round-trip hike to the top of a hill called Poston Butte offers panoramic views of the town below. The pyramid tomb of Charles Poston — known as the “Father of Arizona” for his efforts in establishing the Territory of Arizona — sits on top of the hill.
From rugged peaks to lush valleys, Florence's hiking community embraces nature's wonders.
Elevate your golfing experience at Poston Butte Golf Club, nestled in the beauty of Florence.
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Online learning options in the Florence Unified School District
The Florence Unified School District serves about 9,000 students and earns an overall B-minus rating from Niche. The district has eight elementary schools for kids from kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as three high schools and one alternative school for students of all grade levels. The Florence Virtual Academy allows district students from sixth through 12th grade to enroll in fully online courses.
Discover excellence in education at Florence K-8, where every child thrives.
Empowering students to reach their highest potential at Florence High School.
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Access to local buses and a 65-mile commute to Phoenix and Tuscon
Florence is served by the Central Arizona Regional Transit Department (CART), which operates buses between Florence, Coolidge and Casa Grande. State Route 79 and State Route 287 are the main thoroughfares that pass through Florence. Interstate 10 is about 25 miles away, connecting residents to Phoenix, roughly 65 miles away. HonorHealth Florence Medical Center is located right in town, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is about 30 miles away, offering nonstop flights to over 40 destinations nationwide.
Discover Florence's charm at your own pace as you enjoy a scenic drive around town.
Iconic and towering, the Florence water tower stands as a symbol of the town's history.
Chris began working in the Arizona real estate market as a general contractor in 2005. For several years, he managed the process of flipping homes for multiple real estate investors across the Valley. A history of success in investment remodeling demonstrates Chris’s visionary ability and unique skillset to achieve something good out of an overlooked piece of real estate.
In 2012, Chris transitioned from contractor to realtor. Uniting his passion for serving others with his wealth of industry knowledge, Chris thrives collaborating with people rather than projects. His caring nature and heart to see families and individuals grow in a community result in satisfaction for clients. His innovative use of technology, creative vision, and experience provide a comprehensive approach to meeting individual real estate needs.
Chris has expertise in the East Valley, specializing in the Chandler/Gilbert areas, where he has lived with his wife and three children for 10+ years. Chris prioritizes his faith and family, which has a profound impact on the way he works. He and his wife have a heart for their community, and they love opening their home to others. The adoption of their daughter drives them to communicate the beauty of adoption, and they are eager to support and encourage others who are considering growing their families this way.
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