Moving to Florence, AZ: Florence Homes for Sale and Local Guide

Florence is a historic small town and the county seat of Pinal County, on the Gila River about an hour southeast of Phoenix along SR 79 and SR 287. Florence homes for sale range from older homes near the 1800s downtown to newer master-planned neighborhoods to the north, led by Anthem at Merrill Ranch and Magic Ranch.

Florence surprises a lot of the buyers I work with. It is one of the oldest towns in Arizona, with a real Main Street and a National Register historic district, yet most of its newer homes sit in planned communities a few miles north, close to San Tan Valley. Below I cover where it is, a short history, the main neighborhoods, the homes, schools, getting around and my tips for buying and selling here.

Florence at a glance
  • Where: Pinal County seat, on the south bank of the Gila River, southeast of Phoenix
  • Main roads: SR 79, SR 287 and Hunt Highway
  • Founded: 1866; incorporated as a town in 1900
  • Population: 26,785 in the 2020 Census
  • Main neighborhoods: Historic downtown, Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Magic Ranch and Arizona Farms
  • Schools: Florence Unified School District

See Florence homes for sale Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Where Florence is

Florence sits in the lower Sonoran Desert on the south bank of the Gila River in Pinal County. State Route 79 and State Route 287 run through town, and Hunt Highway connects the north side of Florence to San Tan Valley, Queen Creek and the Gateway Freeway (SR 24). The Arizona Commerce Authority puts Florence about 61 miles from Phoenix and about 20 miles from Interstate 10. Coolidge and Casa Grande are to the southwest.

A short history

Levi Ruggles founded Florence in 1866, and it became an incorporated town in 1900. The first Pinal County Courthouse, built in 1878, is now McFarland State Historic Park, named for former Governor and U.S. Senator Ernest McFarland, who bought the building and gave it to the state. The county moved into a newer courthouse in 1891. The downtown historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and has more than 25 listed buildings.

The Arizona State Prison at Florence opened in 1908 to replace the Yuma Territorial Prison, and corrections has been a big part of the local economy since. On Poston Butte north of town is the tomb of Charles D. Poston, often called the Father of Arizona. Down SR 79 about 17 miles south, a monument marks the spot where silent film cowboy Tom Mix died in 1940.

Main areas and neighborhoods

  • Historic downtown: older homes, historic buildings and Main Street shops and restaurants around the courthouse area.
  • Anthem at Merrill Ranch: a large master-planned community northwest of downtown along Hunt Highway, with the all-ages Anthem Parkside and the Del Webb 55+ Sun City Anthem, plus Poston Butte Golf Club.
  • Magic Ranch and Arizona Farms: neighborhoods along the Hunt Highway corridor with Florence addresses. Florence annexed them in 2014 but rescinded the annexation in 2015, so check the jurisdiction for a specific address.
  • Newer planned growth: the Town has been reviewing more master-planned land, including a proposed expansion of the Skyview Farms community, so expect more building over the next decade.

Types of homes and builders

Most Florence listings are single-family homes. In the north-side communities you will find homes built from the mid-2000s to today, mostly one- and two-story stucco homes on suburban lots. In Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Del Webb, Pulte, D.R. Horton and Meritage Homes all list new homes in 2026, so you can compare resale and new construction side by side. Near downtown, homes are older and more varied, from small historic homes to ranch-style houses on larger lots. Around the edges of town you will also see some rural parcels, where I check wells, septic and road access before you buy.

Things to do

  • McFarland State Historic Park, in the 1878 courthouse downtown.
  • Historic Main Street walks, shops and local restaurants.
  • Jr. Parada, the town's long-running parade and junior rodeo, held around Thanksgiving weekend.
  • Country Thunder, the country music festival held in Florence.
  • Poston Butte Golf Club, an 18-hole daily-fee course in Anthem at Merrill Ranch.
  • The Pinal Pioneer Parkway (SR 79) south of town, with desert scenery and the Tom Mix monument.

School districts

Florence is served by Florence Unified School District, which also covers much of San Tan Valley and part of Queen Creek. District schools serving Florence include Florence High School, whose historic building dates to the 1880s, plus Florence Middle School, Florence Elementary, Anthem K-8 and Florence Virtual Academy. Always confirm the school boundary for a specific address with the district. See my Florence Unified homes page for more.

Getting around

Hunt Highway is the main commuter road toward the Valley, and it is changing. Pinal County's Hunt Highway widening project is rebuilding the stretch through Magic Ranch as a five-lane road, and the Town said a two-year widening project north of Franklin Road was set to start in July 2026, with intersection work at Hunt and Attaway. ADOT has also selected a route for its planned North-South Corridor through Pinal County. Ask me how a commute from a specific street looks today.

Jobs, shopping and health care

Major employers include Pinal County government, the Arizona Department of Corrections, federal agencies, private corrections companies, Florence Unified and the Town itself. North Florence has a grocery-anchored shopping center on Hunt Highway near Merrill Ranch Parkway, and HonorHealth Florence Medical Center on Hunt Highway has a 24-hour emergency department. For bigger shopping trips, most people head north to San Tan Valley and Queen Creek. Water comes from the Town of Florence east of Felix Road and from EPCOR in the Anthem area and other areas to the west.

Buying and selling tips

  • Confirm the water provider, since it differs by side of town.
  • On older homes near downtown, plan for a careful inspection of roofs, plumbing and electrical, and ask whether the home is in the historic district.
  • In the planned communities, read the HOA documents and compare resale prices with current builder offers.
  • Some homes may have an assumable FHA or VA loan. See my assumable mortgage page.
  • New to buying here? Start with first steps to buying a home in Arizona.
  • Selling? Read how to price your Arizona home to sell. With new builds nearby, pricing against both resales and builder offers matters.

Questions buyers ask

How far is Florence from Phoenix? Florence is about 61 miles from Phoenix, roughly an hour's drive depending on traffic. Many people drive north on Hunt Highway toward the Gateway Freeway.

Is Florence the same as San Tan Valley? No. Florence is its own incorporated town and the Pinal County seat. San Tan Valley is a separate community to the north along Hunt Highway.

Are there new homes in Florence? Yes. Several builders are selling in Anthem at Merrill Ranch in 2026, including a Del Webb 55+ section, and the Town is reviewing more planned communities.

What school district serves Florence? Florence Unified School District serves the town. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district before you buy.

More Florence and nearby pages

Anthem at Merrill Ranch | Moving to San Tan Valley | Moving to Queen Creek | Moving to Casa Grande | Arizona 55+ communities | All Arizona city guides | All Florence listings

Thinking about a move to Florence?
I'm Terry Day at DeLex Realty. I will help you compare downtown, the north-side communities and new builds, and buy or sell with a clear plan. Call me at 602-483-4665.

Details come from the Town of Florence, Arizona State Parks, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pinal County, ADOT, Florence Unified School District, HonorHealth and local news, and can change. Confirm school boundaries, utilities, HOA documents and zoning for any specific property. Listings are from the MLS and may not include every home for sale.

Newest Florence Homes for Sale

6474 W Millerton Court, Florence
$449,500
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7102751 MLS ⋅ 2,832 SqFt.
Welcome to this beautifully designed 2022 Pulte-built Butte floor plan in the highly desirable Parkside at Anthem at Merrill Ranch in Florence! Offering 2,832 square feet of thoughtfully designed single-level living, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home delivers the perfect combination of functionality, comfort, and flexibility. The inviting floor plan begins with a formal dining room that flows into the spacious eat-in kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances, a gas range, and a dedicated pantry. The kitchen opens seamlessly to the expansive great room, creating an ideal gathering space for entertaining and everyday living. The desirable split-bedroom layout provides privacy and versatility. The spacious primary suite is a relaxing retreat, complete with a well-appointed bathroom featuring dual sinks, a large walk-in shower, and a generous walk-in closet. Two additional spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom are situated on the opposite side of the home. A particularly desirable feature is the guest wing offering its own flex space, private bedroom, and ensuite bathroom--ideal for multigenerational living, extended guests, a home office, or added privacy. Step outside to enjoy the low-maintenance backyard featuring artificial turf and an ideal north-facing orientation. Backing to green space, this backyard offers a peaceful setting with added privacy and room to relax and enjoy Arizona's beautiful outdoor lifestyle. And the lifestyle doesn't stop at your front door! Anthem at Merrill Ranch offers an impressive collection of resort-style amenities, including a spectacular recreation center, resort-style swimming pools, Big Splash water park with waterslides and splash areas, indoor rock climbing wall, fitness facilities, indoor basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, sports fields, playgrounds, parks, walking and biking trails, and a catch-and-release fishing pond. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate nearby Poston Butte Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course. With an abundance of recreation, outdoor activities, and community gathering spaces, Merrill Ranch offers something for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to own a spacious, thoughtfully designed home with a highly desirable floor plan and beautiful green space setting in one of Florence's most amenity-rich communities!

6474 W Millerton Court, Florence

11003 N Hohokam Road, Florence
$875,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7102415 MLS ⋅ 2,305 SqFt.
Your own 3.43-acre horse property and homestead near Florence with NO HOA, owned solar and a 1,500 sf shop! Wake up to mountain views from the wraparound porch of this single-level custom colonial, spend the day in the workshop/garage or the lighted horse arena, and end it in the heated swim spa on its elevated deck under the stars. Inside: 3 bedrooms, 2 dens/offices, 2.5 baths, about 2,305 sf and a granite island kitchen. Built to last with 2x6 construction, spray foam and a metal roof. Owned solar (seller reports about $15/mo electric), 400-amp service and a private well. Hay barn, tack shed and animal pens, plus RV parking with full hookup and a 2nd RV spot, chicken coop and covered gardens. Javelina Desert Forest Estates: paved roads, mountain views and Upper Sonoran desert all around. Owner-built in 2006 and made to last: 2x6 construction, spray-foam insulation and a metal roof keep this single-level colonial comfortable and efficient year-round. The great room flows right into the kitchen, with granite counters and a big island for gathering. The primary suite sits apart from the other two bedrooms. Two dens give you room for a home office, a hobby room, a gym or guest space. A one-of-a-kind touch: a vintage clawfoot tub, about 100 years old, with a gooseneck tub filler and handheld shower. It's a true soaking tub with real history and character. Owned solar (not leased) with about 22 years of warranty remaining. The seller reports electric bills of about $15/mo. Also 400-amp service and a private well. The 1,500 sf workshop/garage has a roll-up door and room for about 6 vehicles, plus space for tools, projects and toys. Horse-ready: a lighted round pen with solar-powered lights that come on at dusk, a hay barn, a 10x20 tack shed, a storage building and animal pens. Also a chicken coop, 2 covered gardens, RV parking with full hookup and a 2nd RV spot. Unwind in the heated swim spa on its elevated deck with pergola, overlooking the desert and mountain views. Fenced front yard, mature trees, paved roads and Upper Sonoran desert all around, near the Gila River.

11003 N Hohokam Road, Florence

Start Your Search

Copyright 2026 Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, All rights reserved. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.

How much is your home worth?

Get instant property value now!