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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Safford, AZ sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Safford, AZ over the last 12 months is $335,457, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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 opportunity for personal use, custom home sites, or investment.
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.
One-of-a-kind property with home and 2 buildings. Newly updated 3-bedroom, 2 bath home. Includes a 2.690 Sq Ft commercial C-2 zoning with possible uses of office, shop, retail, customer service, or 7 car garage. See documents for Commercial C-2 possible uses and Plat Map. A 3rd building is behind the home has an office, big recreation or Hobby room, and a storage basement bomb shelter. Also has
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.
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 layout
Offered by KeyHole Properties. Apply at The renovation on this entire complex is a must see! The details that went into each and every inch of the studios themselves, but also the surrounding building and amenities is something you will need to experience for yourself! These studios offer an ease of being fully furnished and come with utilities and Wi-Fi included! You'll notice the beautiful
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
Looking for mountain views, custom upgrades, and space for everyone? This two-story home checks all the boxes. Inside, you'll find upgrades like surround sound, custom built-ins with butcher block countertops, and solid walnut stairs and handrails, and white shutters on the downstairs windows. The kitchen features a large island, stainless steel appliances, and two-tone cabinetry. The main level
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,
Property Id: 2245478 Welcome home! This 2 bed, one bath home was recently completely renovated. In addition to the two bedrooms, it also includes a roomy laundry room. The kitchen has all new appliances. There is a brand new mini split system in addition to window units in each room for customizable comfort. Your new home is nestled on 1.5 peaceful, country acres near the beautiful Mount
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
New 2026 Clayton Manufactured Home " 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Discover comfortable living in this desirable senior community in Safford. This beautifully designed home features an open kitchen and living area, perfect for enjoying time with family and friends. Equipped with a new dual-pack refrigerated air and heating system, you'll stay comfortable year-round. Conveniently located close to shopping and
Welcome to easy living in the desirable Safford Ranch 55+ community. This beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1.75-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and accessibility throughout. Thoughtfully designed with handicap-accessible features, including a wheelchair ramp and spacious layout, this home is ready to accommodate a variety of needs. Enjoy relaxing mornings on the covered patio, shaded
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