One of the oldest towns in the United States, Florence, Arizona, has more than 25 buildings listed as historic places! That’s surprising when you consider that just over 25,000 people live in Florence, making it a genuinely small town.
Like all American towns and cities, Florence has both some excellent pros and a few cons. If you’re moving to this sunny, dry, and hot town, you’ll find a list of both below. Take a good look at all of them and the other information collected by your friends at Storage Solutions, and you’ll be fully and properly prepared for life in Florence when you arrive!
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Florence?
Below are some of the most notable pros and cons of living in Florence, AZ. Some are more tolerable than others, and all are subject to your opinions, needs, and desires.
PROS
- The sun shines in Florence almost 300 days a year.
- Florence is a safe town with low property and violent crime rates.
- Winter weather in Florence is warm, sunny, dry, and comfortable.
- Florence is a beautiful city in terms of old-west architecture.
- There are many opportunities for outdoor activities in Florence, including golf, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, boating, and more. (Bring bug spray and sunblock!)
- Florence is a genuinely caring community with friendly people.
- The cuisine in Florence is highly-rated.
- Florence is quiet and peaceful, making it the #1 suburb in the Phoenix metro-are to buy a home.
CONS
- Summer in Florence can be unbearably hot (even if it’s a “dry heat.”)
- There are many different insects in Florence, and some are deadly.
- The school system in Florence is considered mediocre
- The unemployment rate in Florence is about 26% higher than the national average.
- The nightlife in Florence is relatively tame.
- Florence’s drinking water leaves a lot to be desired.
What is Florence, AZ, Known For?
As the introduction mentions, Florence, AZ, is known as a town with over 25 historical U.S. landmarks. It’s also known as one of the first towns in America where silver was discovered in the mid-to-late 1800s. Lastly, Florence is known as one of the oldest (and most genuine) Western towns in the United States, with many of her landmarks dating back to the 1800s.
What is it Like Living in Florence, AZ?
Florence is a relatively quiet, laid-back town with less than 26.000 full-time residents. You’ll need to be able to handle the extreme heat when you live here, as the temperature can often reach 120℉ in summer. Plus, there are a lot of insects, including palmetto bugs and scorpions. To keep them at bay, you’ll need to keep your home as spotless as possible.
The Top Neighborhoods in Florence, AZ
- Oltrarno- Possibly the coolest community in Florence, with great bars, restaurants, and things to do.
- Adamsville- Connected to some of the better schools, which makes it a good choice for families.
- Magma Ranch / Quail Run- Safe, many college students, and highly walkable are some traits of this Florence community.
- Belmont / Magic Ranch Ironhorse- A moderately-priced community with larger homes. Not surprisingly, many of them are unoccupied during Florence’s sweltering summers.
Honorable Mentions
- Florence East
- Florence Northeast
- Cactus Forest
- Douglas / Florence Heights
- Florence Townsite / Villa Adelaida
- Florence Gardens
Some Important Factors to Consider When Moving to Florence, AZ
The Weather in Florence
There’s no denying that the weather in Florence is brutally hot in summer, with temperatures that can go above 120℉! That’s dangerously high, making going outside during the day challenging for some. Winter is much better, although relatively short, with temps in the 70s and 80s.
The Cost of Living in Florence
Florence’s overall cost of living is slightly less than the national average, which is okay but doesn’t make it a cheap place to live. As you’ll see below, most cost indices are right at the American average, including housing prices. However, Florence looks better and better when you compare them to the overall cost of living in towns like Fountain Hills, Carefree, and Sedona, AZ.
Florence’s Housing Costs
According to Best Places, Florence has a housing cost index of 100/100, making it perfectly average. However, Florence is alright, considering the ridiculous prices you’ll pay in some Arizona cities (looking at you, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley). The median home cost here is about $20,000 less than the U.S. average of $356,400.
The Florence Public School System
Although Niche doesn’t give Florence a great grade, we were surprised to see that over half the schools in the town get a B+ or better, which is okay. Benjamin Franklin High School, for example, gets an A, and Mary C. O’Brien Elementary School gets an A+. (Both are Top 50 Arizona schools.)
Recreational Opportunities in Florence, AZ
As we mentioned, there are many fun ways to play in Florence, from fishing and hiking to mountain biking, boating, golfing, and camping out under the stars. Remember to bring plenty of water and a first aid kit, just in case!
Storage Solutions Can Make Your Move to Florence Less Stressful and More Affordable
If you’re moving here and need to find storage in Florence, AZ, Storage Solutions should be #1 on your list of storage facilities to call! Storage Solutions offers the top storage features to save you time, energy, and money and keep your valuable belongings safe and secure.
When you’re ready, reserve your storage unit in Florence, AZ, and it will be clean and ready to fill when you arrive. There’s no deposit needed to reserve a storage unit in Florence, and no credit card is required! Lastly, if you’re storing things that can’t take the heat, Storage Solutions in Florence, AZ, has air-conditioned storage units available!