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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On average, homes in Safford, AZ sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Safford, AZ over the last 12 months is $280,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own piece of paradise in this tranquil rural setting on 1.45 acres of horse property. This charming1979 home 3 bedroom, 2 bath, offers a perfect retreat surrounded by breathtaking view of the Graham Mountains with swift canyon wash that runs through the property, Enjoy the serenity of country living while still being within walking distance to conveniences. Don't miss this
New manufactured home under construction! This thoughtfully designed 1,580 sq ft home offers a functional layout that maximizes every inch of space. Enter through the side into the welcoming family room that connects to a spacious kitchen featuring Duracraft beige cabinets, a central island, and a stainless steel Frigidaire appliance package, including a fridge framed by pantry-style cabinetry. A
Home Under Construction! To be completed by end of end of October 2025. Brand new beautifully semi-custom house, 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 1,890 sq.ft. single story home nestled in Safford, AZ! Picture your new home as it will come fully equipped with spacious bedrooms, two toned paint, recess lighting through out the entire house, luxury vinyl plank floors through out. The Kitchen features Quartz
This beautiful home was completely remodeled in 2022 and it is stunning- If you need a quiet place with over an acre of land this is your place. Please come take a look and you will love what you see!
Property Id: 963450Beautiful views of Mount Graham. 5 minutes south of the county fairgrounds. Recent updates to the interior of the property. Open floor plan Shared laundry with other unit. Plenty of outdoor room for animals, trailers, vehicles. Utilities are $200 a month. Bonus room that could be used as a small bedroom or office. Click the link to fill out a prescreener!
This extremely clean 1992 Cavco manufactured home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, located in a well-maintained park. Featuring an open-concept layout, the spacious living, dining, and kitchen areas flow together seamlessly. The split floor plan provides added privacy, with the primary suite separated from the other bedrooms. Lot rent is currently $405/month. Buyer must be approved by park
Available immediately! Great neighborhood in the heart of Safford. Large, fenced backyard with 2 storage sheds on concrete slab, large shade tree and good sized back porch. Home has a formal living room and also a family room with fireplace. Pets allowed with a $500 non-refundable pet deposit and $65/month pet fee.First months rent and $1100 deposit gets you moved in. Available starting in
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