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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written By
Ryan Horton
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
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On average, homes in Florence, AL sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Florence, AL over the last 12 months is $195,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautiful 5 bedroom, 3 bath home in the highly desirable Hickory Hills subdivision! With plenty of space for family and friends, this home offers a warm and inviting layout perfect for everyday living. The newly remodeled kitchen is a standout feature, offering modern updates and a great space for cooking, gathering, and making memories. Spacious bedrooms and comfortable
Graceful design and timeless character define this exceptional single-level residence located in one of Florence’s most coveted neighborhoods. Offering over 3,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this beautifully maintained home features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with an ideal split floor plan that balances privacy and functionality. A second ensuite bathroom provides the perfect
Welcome to 201 Bayless Ave This cozy home features a nice corner lot with a spacious yard. Perfect for a starter home or for an investor Convenient to downtown Florence as it’s located in the heart of north Florence This home has 3 bedrooms 1 bath previous owners closed in the garage and added a den and indoor laundry room
Maridith WhiteMullens & Mullens Luxury Real Estate
Discover this beautifully maintained brick home in Florence. You’ll love how natural light fills the living areas and how the sunroom invites you to slow down and enjoy quiet mornings or cozy evenings. The kitchen is a dream for any home cook, featuring granite countertops, a stove with an air fryer option, and plenty of cabinet and countertop space for meal prep and storage. The fenced yard
Welcome home to this beautiful four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence in the heart of Florence! Offering over 2,300 square feet of living space, this charming home blends classic character with modern convenience. Step inside to find spacious living and dining areas, an inviting kitchen, and a cozy family room perfect for gatherings. Outside, enjoy a relaxing backyard ideal for unwinding at
This is the perfect home for a first-time buyer or anyone looking to downsize! Completely renovated from top to bottom, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is truly move-in ready. Updates include a new roof, windows, HVAC, lighting, tile shower, fresh paint, and luxury vinyl flooring throughout.The kitchen features brand-new cabinets, a tile backsplash that complements the beautiful granite
Rare find located in the Central area!! This two story 5 bed/3.5 bath home on acres built in 2024 features all of the extras and luxury you desire! Beautiful brick & stone exterior with wooden columns. Large inviting front porch featuring a beautiful double door entrance. You will love the open floor plan, the gorgeous coffered ceilings , stacked stone fireplace, & built-ins. Large sparkling
Opportunity awaits with this home situated on a spacious lot featuring a pond. Looking to customize and create your dream space, this property offers endless potential for renovation and improvement. A rare opportunity to restore, reimagine, and add value! Property is being sold as is. Purchaser to verify all information.
Beautiful 11+/- acre parcel on County Road 94 in Florence, AL. This property offers multiple cleared, gently rolling home sites perfect for your dream home — privacy, long-range views and excellent building options. Water and electric service available at the road. Seller is willing to divide, so buy the whole acreage or select the portion that fits your needs. Quiet country setting with
Enjoy the waterfront view of Shoal Creek from this large lot in Bridgewater! A gated, waterfront community conveniently located right outside city limits off Hwy 72! Lot 25, with underground utilities and fiber internet available. Covenants and HOA
This stunning property features more than 1,300 feet of frontage along State Highway 20, highly productive agricultural ground, a 1-acre pond, a year-round flowing creek, mature timber, and recreational use potential. Just 15 minutes outside of Florence, AL, this tract offers convenient access and high visibility along a well-traveled corridor. Approximately 55 acres are currently in planted row
This property offers a perfect escape with spectacular Tennessee River views and a small unfinished cabin just waiting for your finishing touch. Located in Florence, AL, this property features paved road frontage on Lake Bend Shores Drive, making access to the property both convenient and easy. The land is mostly cleared, opening up a breathtaking view of the river. It has been well-maintained
This property offers a stunning view of the TN River with a recently cleared homesite. Located in Florence, AL, this property features paved road frontage on Lake Bend Shores Drive. The land is mostly cleared, opening up a breathtaking view of the river. It has been well-maintained with newly improved roads and a driveway. Power is readily available, making it easy to connect utilities. The
This property offers a stunning blank canvas for your future home overlooking the TN river. Located in Florence, AL, this property features paved road frontage on Lake Bend Shores Drive, making access to the property both convenient and easy. The land is mostly cleared, opening up a breathtaking view of the river. It has been well-maintained with newly improved roads and a driveway. Power is
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Just minutes from Florence, this exceptional 41-acre tract boasts over 1,100 feet of pristine Shoal Creek frontage in a serene and private setting. Surrounded by well-maintained farms, the property offers multiple premier homesites, a well-developed internal road system, and captivating water views.In addition to its development potential, the property offers excellent
This single-story unit has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The vinyl plank flooring throughout the apartment adds a touch of modern with a low-maintenance living environment while the stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen are not only visually appealing but also practical for apartment living. The master bedroom features two closets that provide ample storage space for all your
For Sale or Lease Brick Cottage located only a stones throw away from Downtown Florence, University of North Alabama Campus, and the thriving Seven Points area. This 3 bedroom 1 bath cottage offers hardwood floors throughout, new tile shower/tub, and a large 3 car garage. The fenced in backyard is perfect for pets or children at play. Call today for your showing!
Welcome to The Oakley at Deerfield Apartments, where serenity meets convenience in the heart of Florence, AL. Nestled in a peaceful, well-maintained community, our community offers the perfect blend of spacious, comfortable living and modern convenience, making it the ideal place to call home.
1 Bedroom and 2 Bedroom fully furnished apartments are month-to-month leasing that includes utilities, furniture, kitchen supplies, washer/dryer, bed and bathroom linens. We are not able to guarantee cable TV at this time, but all units include a 50" smart TV. Alpine Village Corporate Apartments also include access to The Clubhouse, which features a newly renovated pool, exercise room, laundry
One Bedroom with Bay Window - This apartment features a bay window in the living room; a walk-in closet in the bedroom; a balcony with outside storage room; galley kitchen with ice maker, garbage disposal, and dishwasher; laundry hookups inside the apartment; and free wifi.(RLNE1858211)
Welcome to West Tennessee Street Complex in Florence, AL! Our apartments offer off-street parking for your convenience. Stay comfortable year-round with ceiling fans and dual heat/cool window units. Enjoy cooking in your updated kitchen with new appliances. Located near UNA campus and just a short distance from downtown Florence, our apartments are perfect for those looking for a convenient and
We are proud to offer what is truly one of the most unique and desirable apartment communities in Florence. Polynesian Village was envisioned and built with leisure and luxury in mind. Our Tenants enjoy fishing from the pier which is located on the three acre pond and nice walks along the banks of Cox Creek. Our resort style swimming pool and double tennis courts offer Tenants of all ages the
Summit Ridge Apartments is a rental housing community located in Florence, AL. Summit Ridge Apartments offers 1 Bed(s) to 3 Bed(s) apartments units. Please contact Summit Ridge Apartments for rates, availability and more information. Our property is clean & friendly. Please stop by or call today for more details. Equal housing opportunity.
Welcome home to Seville Place, the crown jewel in apartment home living within the Florence area. Discover your new place at Seville Place Apartment Village in Florence. Make sure you to view the available floorplans. The community staff is ready and waiting to help you find your perfect place. At Seville Place Apartment Village, you'll have top amenities and features available to you. We are
Heathrow Place Apartments is a rental housing community located in Florence, AL. Heathrow Place Apartments offers 1 Bed(s) to 4 Bed(s) apartments units. Please contact Heathrow Place Apartments for rates, availability and more information. Our property is clean & friendly. Please stop by or call today for more details. Equal housing opportunity.
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