Rural lots and mountain views in Swift Trail Junction
Swift Trail Junction is a collection of subdivisions surrounding the crossroads of a pair of desert highways. The community is often chosen for its combination of quietude and convenience. “Lots of people want tranquil desert living, but they don’t want to have to drive 30 minutes to get to a grocery store,” says Realtor Yesenia Gonzalez with Seek Legacy, who has over 5 years of experience in the area. “People want to be close to the mountain, to the view. It gives them a sense that they’re in a more rural area, rather than a city. And it’s at a higher altitude, so it’s cooler temperature-wise than it is in Safford.” The peak of Mt. Graham is visible from nearly every point in Swift Trail Junction, giving residents a sense of isolation without being too far-flung from modern amenities.
Residents seek more land, cooler temperatures and newer homes
Manufactured homes, some on single-acre and larger lots, can often be found in Swift Trail Junction. Depending on upkeep, square footage and number of bedrooms, they cost anywhere from $113,000 to almost $245,000. Otherwise, the desert here is speckled with single-story ranch-style homes, often built after 2005 and incorporating Modern Traditional features. “We’re seeing more new houses being built out that way because there is no more land in town,” Gonzalez says. “People want bigger spaces, bigger backyards and views of Mt Graham.” These can cost between $230,000 and around $350,000, with prices varying based on build year, lot size and number of bedrooms.
Safford schools offer remote programs and career education pathways
Students in Swift Trail Junction are zoned to attend schools in nearby Safford. The Safford Unified School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche, is comprised of six institutions. Dorothy Stinson School is the closest elementary school and is rated B-plus. Safford Middle receives a B. Mt. Graham High also scores a B and offers a modified remote learning program called Pathfinders, as well as several career and technical education pathways.
A pair of state park ponds draw visitors for outdoor recreation
Swift Trail Junction is flanked by a pair of small state parks. “You’re going to hit Roper Lake State Park first. It’s closer and bigger than Dankworth. People traveling come to see specifically Roper Lake, to paddleboard, swim or fish,” Gonzalez says. “Dankworth Pond State Park is smaller. People don’t use that one to swim, but they use it for fishing.” The Dos Arroyos Trail leads from the east end of the pond to a recreation of an Indian village, complete with stonework houses and cultural artifacts. “There’s also Riggs Flat Lake on top of Mt. Graham, and that’s a big draw for the area as well,” Gonzalez continues. “People who want to be up in the mountains more frequently will choose to live out there because it’s much more convenient to go back and forth.”
Local options are limited, with more shopping in nearby towns
There is a Dollar General in the center of the community, where residents can make quick stops for household necessities. The Thriftee, Safeway and Food City supermarkets are up the road in Safford and Thatcher, as is the Walmart Supercenter. Hunters and outdoorsmen can stock up at Qs Gun and Supply. The only restaurant in Swift Trail Junction is the Trailhead Hideaway Bar and Grill, which serves classic American bar food like burgers and hot wings.
Despite rural feel, Swift Trail Junction is not far from Safford
U.S. Highway 191 is the main thoroughfare, bisecting the area and connecting residents north to Safford. “It’s only 10 or 15 minutes from Safford,” says Gonzalez. “You can go a bit farther if you want to, but despite how remote it feels, it really is very convenient.” This road is also the most direct route south to Interstate 10 and Tucson, the closest big city. State Route 366 winds up into the mountains, ending at Riggs Flat Lake.
