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.
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
Keri Reidhead,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Safford, AZ sell after 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Safford, AZ over the last 12 months is $331,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Incredible 5-acre irrigated property East of Safford with wide-open views of Mount Graham and surrounding hills. Hard-to-find irrigated acreage with plenty of usable ground for horses, cattle, orchards, or a garden. Utilities are available nearby. Additional acreage is available, with parcel options ranging from 5 to 79 acres. Great opportunityfor personal use, custom home sites, or investment.
Rare opportunity to own approximately 3 acres of level, build-ready land in one of Safford's best rural locations! Situated near Hancock Hollow Road, this irrigated property offers the ideal setting for your custom home, horse property, or hobby farm. Currently planted in alfalfa, the valuable irrigation rights make it an excellent investment for agricultural use while providing the perfect
Prime Downtown Commercial Opportunity in the Heart of Safford!Position your business in one of Safford's most recognizable commercial corridors with this 4,387 square foot lot located directly on Main Street. Formerly occupied by Cable One, this masonry building offers outstanding visibility, excellent accessibility, and tremendous redevelopment potential for a wide variety of commercial
Rare opportunity to own approximately 3 acres of level, build-ready land in one of Safford's best rural locations! Situatednear Hancock Hollow Road, this irrigated property offers the ideal setting for your custom home, horse property, or hobbyfarm. Currently planted in alfalfa, the valuable irrigation rights make it an excellent investment for agricultural use while providing the perfect
Priced to Sell! This 2007-built 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a solid floor plan and great potential for a buyer looking to add their own finishing touches. The home features an open kitchen with Corian countertops and all new appliances, a spacious great room with plant shelves and sliding back door, and a good-sized master bedroom with a bay window and plenty of natural light. With its
This parcel is in a Prime location and is Central to Safford and Thatcher areas. It borders 20th Ave and 8th Street in Thatcher city limits. The first 500 feet of Frontage along 20th Ave is Zoned commercial, and the remaining acreage is zoned Agricultural. A portion of the 8th Street side of the property is zoned commercial as well. Sellers will entertain all offers for all or partial portions.
Lot 167/Parcel 10620187 is .21 acres and is on a paved and gravel road that has some already built homes. This property is waiting for you to come by with your plans, ideas, & imagination to make it a reality. Drive by and see what it has to offer in this already established neighborhood.
2-bedroom, 1-bath home offering 1,074 sq. ft. of living space on approximately 0.14 acres. The layout includes a kitchen, dining area, and living room, with two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Flooring throughout the home is carpeted, and the interior offers a practical footprint with potential for updates and customization.Outside, the property includes a 1-car attached garage and a
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located south of Safford in the desirable Thunderbird Hills subdivision. Built in 2007, this charming ranch-style home offers 1,616 square feet of comfortable living space with an open, split-bedroom floor plan designed for both privacy and functionality. The spacious interior features attractive ceramic tile and new carpet, rounded wall
Beautiful 2-acre homesite located just south of Safford. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views to the east that are among the best in the Gila Valley. This quiet, secluded parcel offers the privacy of country living while remaining only minutes from town with convenient access to Highway 191.The property features natural desert vegetation, a recorded easement for access, and a largely usable
Beautiful new construction by Velocity Builders in Safford! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a desirable split floor plan, open living area, modern finishes, and quality craftsmanship throughout. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a brand-new home built with attention to detail.
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
Property Id: 29688 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, with large basement. This property is great for busy families, basic yard maintenance included in rental price. Large backyard. Located in a cul-de-sac that backs to 8th Avenue. All Safford schools, Elementary, Jr. High, and High School within one (1) mile. City of Safford utilities, including gas, electric, water, and trash.
Property Id: 2788369 Welcome to your charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home in Safford, AZ! This cozy unit features modern amenities including a washer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and fireplace. With a rent of $1800, this furnished home is perfect for those looking for comfort and convenience. Don't miss out on this gem located at 728 S 9th Ave. Book your viewing today! The
Built in 2021, this charming 1bedroom, 1bath home offers comfort, privacy, and low-maintenance living all in one. The beautifully landscaped lot features mature trees, a fenced backyard, and inviting outdoor spaces designed to be enjoyed. Relax on the front porch with privacy shades and lattice accents that create your own peaceful retreat for morning coffee or quiet evenings outdoors. Inside,
Enjoy comfortable and convenient living in this charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Palm Harbor park model home located in a peaceful 55+ community in the heart of Safford. This inviting home offers a cozy and functional layout designed for easy living, with mature trees providing shade and a welcoming atmosphere to relax and unwind.Conveniently located just minutes from shopping, dining, and everyday
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home in a 55+ community, thoughtfully designed with comfort, accessibility, and life's unexpected turns in mind. This unaffixed manufactured home features a spacious 2025 addition with a separate electric panel, tankless natural gas water heater, and independent wall-mounted A/C and heat. The addition includes a generously sized room, extra-wide doors, and a
Your Arizona retreat is waiting, move in ready-and it's just so sweet, you may just want to stay! This charming 2 Bed, 2-Bath home offers 1,144 SQFT. of comfortable living in a welcoming 55+ Community. Natural light fills the living and dining areas through an impressive arrangement of windows that follows the vaulted ceiling, beautifully accented by warm wood beams. And new flooring and updated
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