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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Florence, AL sell after 22 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 $210,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity awaits in this spacious home 3 bedroom 2 bath, kitchen, eat-in area, dining room living combo, great room all the bedrooms are spacious. Sunroom just off the great room overlooking beautiful salt water pool. A must see!
MOTIVATED SELLER! WOW...this one is a showstopper! Modern living meets wide-open space on this incredible 26-acre property! Built in 2021, this3BR/2.5BA home features marble countertops, tiled showers, LVP flooring, stainless appliances, and a gas log fireplace. Covered front and rear decks provide the perfect place to unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings. Outside is where this property
Stunning one-owner waterfront home on Wilson Lake offering breathtaking views and exceptional flexibility. The main level features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a spacious living room with built-ins, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, dramatic windows overlooking the lake, and access to the upper deck. The bright eat-in kitchen also enjoys beautiful water views. The lower level offers a second living
Completely remodeled home with a new construction look and feel. This beautiful home has been freshly painted and full exterior witha German schmear finish. Freshly painted interior and new flooring installed throughout the home. The new kitchen boasts of new cabinets and quartzcountertops. New stainless steel appliances offer the style and functionality in your culinary playground. Relax in your
Move-in ready and beautifully updated! This charming cottage-style home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a spacious eat-in kitchen with dining area, and an updated bathroom with a tub/shower combination. Recessed lighting and neutral colors throughout create a bright, welcoming feel. Situated on a large corner lot with plenty of room to add a garage or workshop, this home is conveniently located
The Seven Points area of North Florence is now offering this 3 year old 3 bed, 2 bath Brick home. Still like new! Within walking distance to the college and historic downtown Florence. Features include a large front porch, granite countertops and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Walk-in primary closet and a full stainless steel appliance package! Small deck on the side of the house. So
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home with this 5-acre tract! Additional adjoining tracts available. The seller has already purchased a water meter for this property. Covenants are on file for this property. No mobile homes. Seller has survey to share with potential buyers. Call today for more information. Buyer to verify all info.
Completely remodeled and move-in ready, this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offers the perfect blend of charm, space, and convenience. Inside, you'll find multiple living areas, a dedicated office, and a beautifully updated kitchen featuring granite countertops, two sinks, and a butler's pantry. The primary suite includes a custom built-in desk and bookcase with a sliding library ladder, a truly
Welcome to this conveniently located & spacious 4 bd, 2.5-bth home offering comfortable living, & thoughtful updates throughout. The spacious floor plan features a formal dining room, den, & inviting living room, providing versatile spaces for everyday living, relaxation, & entertaining. The updated kitchen combines style & functionality w/stainless steel appliances & quartz countertops. 2
Welcome to the land of affordability! 303 Elder St Florence AL is perfectly nestled in an established neighborhood just outside of Windsor Heights. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home offers just under 1500 sqft of living space, with the bulk of that space located in the living room and primary bedroom. The underground storm/bomb shelter is located in the back yard, so when people come over, you'll always
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home with this 5-acre tract! Additional adjoining tracts available. The seller has already purchased a water meter for this property. Covenants are on file for this property. No mobile homes. Seller has survey to share with potential buyers. Call today for more information. Buyer to verify all info.
Welcome home to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath beautiful brick home in the highly coveted Oak Hill subdivision. Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, on a large double lot, this 1980-built home has all new flooring throughout and offers generous square footage and endless potential. Perfectly functional but somewhat dated, the home boasts large bedrooms and ample closet space. The property
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home with this 5.21-acre tract! Additional adjoining tracts available. Water is available. The seller has already purchased a water meter for this property. Covenants are on file for this property. No mobile homes. Seller has survey to share with potential buyers. Call today for more information. Buyer to verify all info.
This beautiful new-construction home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a spacious open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and entertaining. The bright, inviting layout provides a seamless flow between the living and kitchen areas, creating a welcoming space. Enjoy the benefits of modern construction, a practical floor plan, and a convenient carport for covered parking.
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 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
Your New Home in Dothan, ALDiscover spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Dothan, AL, at Magnolia Preserve. Our homes blend modern design with timeless comfort—featuring stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring, subway tile backsplashes, granite countertops, and large windows that fill each home with an abundance of natural light.Enjoy inviting community spaces,
Courtivew Towers offers clean and comfortable apartments for rent. Located in Florence, Courtview is conveniently located to a number of shops, restaurants and the University of North Alabama. Several unit rates are based on income so please stop by if you have any questions on availability or rates. The office is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Courtview Towers strictly adheres
Quail Run is a vibrant apartment community. We enjoy a diversity of residents from beginner families to young college students to mature established professionals. Quail Run is made up of 86 apartment units and our Residents can always count on 24 hour maintenance service. The swimming pool has been beautifully tiled with glass cobalt tile and offers a relaxing spot to unwind. Have a picnic or
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
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.
Village Parc is a beautiful residential apartment community located just a couple of minutes from shopping, restaurants and physician's offices in Florence, AL. Featuring town home style apartments, tenants enjoy more privacy by not having a neighbor living above them or below them. Our apartment complex is quiet and peaceful and very relaxing. Both of the bedrooms are located upstairs in the
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