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Florence

Florence

Located in Lauderdale County

$230,532 Average Value
$132 Average Price per Sq Ft
88 Homes For Sale

A growing small-town city along the Tennessee River

Florence is a small city along the Tennessee River with a rich music history and southern charm. Its rolling hills were the birthplace of the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy, and his legacy lives on in the city’s music scene today. “We’re proud to say you can find live music somewhere in the city every night of the week,” says Rob Carnegie, CEO at Visit the Shoals. Carnegie says Florence is the largest of the four cities in the Shoals region, and “we’re only getting bigger.” With an expanding Industrial Park and new economic incentive programs, the Northwest Alabama city has a steadily increasing population of about 42,000. “We’re starting to focus more on the tourism industry too,” Carnegie says, “adding new parks and rec facilities and holding more events that will draw people in.” Despite the recent growth and developments, he adds, “Florence still has that slow, quiet, southern pace of life.”

Boat lovers can cast off on the Tennessee River all year round in Florence.
Boat lovers can cast off on the Tennessee River all year round in Florence.
Flobama in downtown Florence offers live music and dining throughout the week.
Flobama in downtown Florence offers live music and dining throughout the week.
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Historic Queen Annes and midcentury ranch-style homes

The median home sale price is around $240,000 in Florence. This falls far below the national median, but about 10% above the state’s median. Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquares and Queen Annes from the early 1900s cluster around the downtown district. Midcentury ranch-style homes and split levels are found throughout the city in neighborhoods like Edgemont and Creekwood. Larger ranch-style houses in Hickory Hills can range up to $650,000.

Large Queen Anne homes have beautiful ornamentation and are well kept in Florence.
Large Queen Anne homes have beautiful ornamentation and are well kept in Florence.
The bungalow was a popular home to build in the 1920s in Downtown Florence.
The bungalow was a popular home to build in the 1920s in Downtown Florence.
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Riverside parks, a community sportsplex and a public golf course

Florence’s parks provide plenty of space for folks to explore the Tennessee Valley. Boat ramps and fishing piers lead straight into the Tennessee River from McFarland Park. As the city’s largest green space, it hosts some major events including the annual 4th of July Spirit of Freedom Celebration and Shoals Fest. The city received over $400,000 to improve campsites and picnic areas around the park in 2024. That same year, a splash pad, amphitheater and accessible playground opened at River Heritage Park. More fishing spots and a farm-themed playscape are on the northside of Florence, at Deibert Park. From here, Blackberry Trail Golf Course is just 2 miles up the road. The Florence-Lauderdale Farmers Market takes place each summer at Cox Creek Park. While the University of North Alabama’s softball team practices here, local youth sports leagues compete across the city at the Florence Sportsplex.

Blackberry Trail Golf Course has gorgeous greens to play 18-holes with friends in Florence.
Blackberry Trail Golf Course has gorgeous greens to play 18-holes with friends in Florence.
Fisherman can cast their reel at McFarland Park on the Tennessee River in Florence.
Fisherman can cast their reel at McFarland Park on the Tennessee River in Florence.
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Annual music festivals and the Alabama Renaissance Faire

Annual festivals and events showcase the city’s rich music history and arts scene. Each summer, the W.C. Handy Music Festival celebrates the legacy of W.C. Handy, a Florence native and the ‘Father of the Blues.’ The Alabama Renaissance Faire draws about 35,000 attendees to Downtown Florence each October.

WC Handy was born in Florence and is known as the Father of the Blues.
WC Handy was born in Florence and is known as the Father of the Blues.
Wilson Park is home to many events throughout the year in Florence.
Wilson Park is home to many events throughout the year in Florence.
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Small businesses along Court Street, national retailers on Cox Creek Parkway

Court Street in Downtown Florence is the city’s main shopping and dining district. Barbeque joints, old-school ice cream parlors and a couple of cafes occupy the storefronts along this walkable strip. Dive bars and rustic taverns host live music performances every night of the week. A handful of boutiques and knick-knack shops are sprinkled between more local restaurants further down the road. Along the east side of Florence, Cox Creek Parkway is the city’s main commercial corridor with big box stores, national retailers and chain eateries.

Banqet Patisserie serves freshly made daily pastries and coffee in Downtown Florence.
Banqet Patisserie serves freshly made daily pastries and coffee in Downtown Florence.
Court Street in Downtown Florence is very walkable for families.
Court Street in Downtown Florence is very walkable for families.
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Florence City Schools earn an A on Niche

The Florence City School System earns an overall A on Niche and serves approximately 4,600 students. In 2024, the district changed its K-fourth grade elementary schools and intermediate school model to a K-sixth grade model. Today, there are five elementary schools, one middle school, a freshman center and one high school. The University of North Alabama stands at the end of Court Street in Downtown Florence.

Florence Middle School enrolls over 600 students every year in Florence.
Florence Middle School enrolls over 600 students every year in Florence.
The University of North Alabama has a 130 acre campus near Downtown Florence.
The University of North Alabama has a 130 acre campus near Downtown Florence.
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Cox Creek Parkway connects the City of Florence

Cox Creek Parkway forms a large loop around Florence, making it easy to drive anywhere in the city. It links to the city’s two main highways, Alabama State Road 157 and U.S. Highway 72. From SR 157, folks can easily access the North Alabama Medical Center or head across the Tennessee River to visit all the music venues in Muscle Shoals. The Northwest Alabama Regional Airport is also right across the river, offering daily flights to Charlotte, NC. U.S. 72 is a direct throughway to Huntsville, which sits about 75 miles east.

Climate and Crime in Florence

Florence has a year-round climate typical for the South, with hot, muggy summers and short, mild winters.

Recent crime data is not readily available. According to the Florence Police Department, the city experienced 189 violent crimes and 1,703 property crimes in 2017. That same year, the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office reported 244 violent crimes and 2,001 property crimes.

Ryan Horton
Written By
Ryan Horton
Chase Brock
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock
Samantha Houtchens
Video By
Samantha Houtchens

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Latasha Lovelady, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Florence Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$219,900
Median Sale Price
$199,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$210,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$196,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
407
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$132

Area Facts

Number of Homes
7,154
Number of Homes for Sale
88
Median Year Built
1960
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,524
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jan 31
    Open Sat 1PM - 4PM

    300 Elton Darby Rd, Florence, AL 35630

    $6,500,000

    • 7 Beds
    • 10 Baths
    • 11,407 Sq Ft
    • 300 Elton Darby Rd
    • New 3 days ago

    LUXURY PROPERTY AUCTION: 19 February–5 March. Accepting starting bids through 18 February. Starting bids expected between $1.25M–$2.75M. Earn an incentive by 18 February. The Darby House is an extraordinary gated waterfront estate on nearly seven acres with over 1,600 feet of Wilson Lake shoreline. Located in a protected slough, this renovated mid-century modern masterpiece captures the essence

    Erica Hubbard Stutts Properties, Inc

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  • Sunday, Feb 1
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    320 Cove Creek Rd, Florence, AL 35634

    $575,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,846 Sq Ft
    • 320 Cove Creek Rd
    • New 13 hours ago

    Nestled on over an acre of gorgeous property in St. Florian, this spacious, move-in ready home has everything that you have been looking for. The main home features a split floor plan with soaring ceilings, a central fireplace, and perfect flow between the kitchen and dining areas. Off the main living room you’ll find a spacious screened-in porch overlooking the peaceful backyard. The incredible

    Matthew Golley Fernhill Realty LLC

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  • Saturday, Jan 31
    Open Sat 8:30AM - 10:30AM

    1332 James St, Florence, AL 35630

    $162,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,000 Sq Ft
    • 1332 James St
    • New 3 days ago

    Charming, move-in ready cottage with great curb appeal and updates throughout! This charming property is ideally located in the center of Florence, just a few blocks from everything that the Seven Points area has to offer! The living room boasts abundant natural light and a specialty ceiling, while the bright eat-in kitchen is fully equipped and ready to host your next dinner party. A large

    Matthew Golley Fernhill Realty LLC

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Florence

Property Mix - Square Feet

Florence Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
41,811
Median Age
36
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,541
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$56,837

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.5%
College Graduates
26.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10%
% Population in Labor Force
56.7%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®®

71 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

23 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Florence