Rockhounding, soaking in artesian wells, and riding 4x4s are just a few things to do around Safford, the seat of Graham County. About 130 miles from Tucson, this city of 10,000 was built on mining, farming and ranching and has a deep sense of community spirit. “There’s a helping hands spirit here,” says Stephanie Southerland, a Realtor with Tierra Antigua who’s sold in Safford. “There’s a lot of support in the community.” The city is poised for growth due to recent expansions of the Safford Copper Mine, and housing developments near Safford High School and other parts of the city are in the works.
Safford is the seat of Graham County, Arizona.
Many new homes are being build near Safford High School and other parts of the city.
1/2
Rock Hound sites, sand dunes and nature trails
Safford has a few city parks and offers recreation access in the surrounding area. The Mount Graham Golf Course is on the west side of the city. When it’s too hot or cold out, people head to bowling alleys or indoor gyms across the city. Mount Graham is 30 miles southwest and full of hiking and mountain biking trails; it’s also the site of the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory. The desert surrounding Safford has fishing ponds, campgrounds and a rifle range. The Black Hills Rockhound Area is about 18 miles north of Safford and is known for its fire agate rocks. The Hot Wells Recreation Area is about 30 miles southeast. It has artesian hot springs and 2,000 acres of sand dunes where people ride 4x4s.
Mt. Graham towers more than 7,000 feet above the city of Safford.
Golfers in Safford can enjoy stunning views and a well-maintained course at Mt. Graham Golf Club.
1/2
Downtown Safford is on the rise
Downtown Safford has local restaurants and shops, from clothing stores and brunch restaurants to lifestyle boutiques. Fast food restaurants and chain eateries are common along U.S. Route 191. Big box stores like Walmart and grocery stores like Safeway are in northwest Safford. “Walmart came in and wiped out a lot of businesses, but small businesses have made a comeback,” says Southerland.
Safford’s historic downtown district features beautiful architecture that houses a variety of local shops.
Safeway and other big-box retailers are located on the western side of Safford.
1/2
Hot air balloon festivals, salsa dancing and houses of worship in Safford
Safford hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, like the Gila Valley Balloon Extravaganza, SalsaFest and the Safford Spring Festival. The Graham County Fairgrounds, south of the city, hosts the Graham County Fair every October. It brings music, games and a parade to the area. Safford has a variety of houses of worship, including denominations such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Baptist churches and non-denominational churches.
The Graham County Fairgrounds host a variety of events throughout the year, attracting large crowds to the area.
Safford is home to many houses of worship representing a variety of denominations.
1/2
Quiet neighborhoods in Safford
Safford is comprised of suburban neighborhoods where 1970s-era Mediterranean Revival and ranch-style homes are common. Most residents own their homes. Some neighborhoods close to the center of Safford were built in the mid-2000s and tend to be new traditional-style. The median home price in Safford is $275,000, which is lower than the national average of $420,000. Most homes are about 1,500 square feet, but some have up to 2,500 square feet.
Mediterranean Revival and other historic home styles can be found closer to the heart of Safford.
Ranch homes in Safford are commonly found farther from the historic district.
1/2
Safford Public Schools
Safford Unified School District has a B-plus rating on Niche and has 6 campuses in the city. Eastern Arizona College is just outside the city’s west side. The Universtiy donated a telescope and dome to help the region create an observatory and the EAC Discovery Park.
Schools in Safford are governed by the Safford Unified School District Offices.
Safford offers a quick commute to Eastern Arizona College in nearby Thatcher.
1/2
Getting around Graham County
U.S. Highway 191 is the primary route through Safford, and a car is required to get around the region. Highway 191 leads southwest and connects to Tucson, about 130 miles away. The Safford Regional Airport is on the outskirts of town, far from residential areas, and connects to the Tucson International Airport. The Mount Graham Regional Medical Center is the city’s hospital.
Crime and environmental issues in Safford
According to FBI statistics, there have been no reported violent crimes in Safford since late 2020 and no reported property crimes since 2022. Data from First Street shows that Safford has a major risk of wildfire over the next 30 years, and it has a severe risk from heat.
Written By
Conor Lobb
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alexandra Muniz,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Safford, AZ sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Safford, AZ over the last 12 months is $306,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The 4 BR 2 BA home is on a corner lot in Thunderbird Valley. The bedrooms are split with a very large primary suite that has two walk in closets. The laundry room has space for cabinets and storage or perhaps you can keep your freezer inside! The backyard has grass and a shed. The 3 car garage is just off the main house and has the power needed for compressors, etc. Additionally, there are two
Corner lot in an already established neighborhood across US Hwy 191 from Dankworth Pond State Park with views of Mt Graham on the opposite side. The property has electric, water and gas at property line for easy hook up to your new build. Come and make this property your home destination and enjoy all that this area has to offer.
Exceptional Development Opportunity: Prime 24.31 Acres in Safford, AZ!Discover a remarkable investment prospect with this 24.31-acre property, newly rezoned to C-3, situated in the heart of Safford's thriving landscape. Located at the intersection of 8th Ave and Discovery, this prime site is just minutes from Downtown, schools, and directly adjacent to a future 15-acre city park, all while
$10,000 SELLER CREDIT with full price offer! Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home located in Safford's Copper Canyon subdivision. This property offers comfort and functionality throughout. Step inside to find tile flooring in the main living areas-perfect for easy maintenance-paired with carpet in the bedrooms for added comfort. The bright, open living room flows seamlessly into the
Brand new construction with Mt. Graham views! This thoughtfully designed 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers an open concept layout with a split bedroom floor plan. The kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless dishwasher, gas range, OTR microwave, and a large walk-in pantry. Beautiful blonde luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout. The spacious primary suite includes dual vanities, a deep
Offered by Seek Legacy. Discover the epitome of modern living with this newly constructed luxury townhouse available for rent, ideally situated in the heart of Safford, AZ. On the main floor, immerse yourself in the spacious living room, adjacent dining area, and a convenient half bathroom. The focal point of the main floor is the stunning kitchen, boasting sleek white oak cabinets, complemented
Well-maintained 2008 built 3 bed, 2 bath manufactured home on 0.43 acres with a functional split floor plan and spacious living, kitchen, and dining areas. *AC unit was fully replaced in 2024 and roof was replaced nearly 8 years ago. *Enjoy the fully fenced backyard that offers generous space for RVs, and trailers. Carport included. *Ideally located on the Morenci commute route and just minutes
Thoughtfully prepared and move-in ready, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a versatile floor plan that adapts easily to a variety of living needs. Recent updates include fresh interior paint, a new mini-split cooling system, and a cozy fireplace, enhancing comfort and efficiency. The functional layout provides flexibility and space to personalize to create your perfect environment. An oversized
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 1996, offering a functional layout and timeless appeal. Designed for comfortable everyday living, the home features a spacious primary suite with a private bath, along with two additional bedrooms ideal for guests, family, or a home office. The open living and dining areas provide a warm, inviting space for relaxing or entertaining,
Amy FulpsElevation Real Estate and Development LLC
This versatile farm and ranch property spans total 31.48 acres; 13 farmable acres with a large field ideal for crops or grazing, and a lease for 344 adjacent acres of state land, offering ample room for expansion. Water is plentiful, featuring 3 ponds fed by an Artesian well that delivers 50 gallons/per minute, alongside a man-made well producing 200/gallons per minute. Convenient water valves
Offered by KeyHole Properties. Apply directly at We do not accept applications or schedule tours through Zillow. Do not use Zillow links. This beautiful, spacious duplex will be available for rent. It features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It has tile throughout for easy maintenance. Nice stainless-steel appliances. It also has spray foam insulation and is very energy efficient. Close to town. Call
Utilities included!! This charming 3 bedroom has a fenced backyard, built-in shelves in the oversized living room and closets, gorgeous real wood floors, shaded back porch, and laundry. Pets are not allowed because of the real wood floors. Non-smoking. House is located on highway 191 across from Circle K, so it may not be ideal for those sensitive to traffic noise. Parking is on the side
Wonderful property available for you to make home. 4 bedrooms and 2 baths with a large back yard make for comfortable living. This one is very nice inside, come take a look.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
