The City of Florence
Old-Time Charm Meets Modern Convenience

The natural Residents of Florence, one of the oldest towns in Arizona, are proud of its history and the designation of its downtown area as a National Historic District. Over 130 of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and the town strives to strike a balance between preserving the past and preparing for the future so that an authentic sense of place ismaintained and newgrowth and revitalization is encouraged.

Founded in 1866 (nearly half a century before statehood), the town of Florence is the sixth oldest European settlement in the state of Arizona. Florence is the county seat situated in the central portion of Pinal County, about 45 minutes from the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Three major transportation corridors run through Florence, including Highway 287, Highway 79 and Hunt Highway. These roadways provide connectivity to the region that is unrivaled by similar-sized communities within the state.

Florence is a full-service municipality. Florence provides services to its community such as a police and fire department, library, senior center, parks, water, sewer and sanitation. Town of Florence employees are pleased to provide quality services to and a friendly attitude toward all residents of the historic township.

A number of major employers reside within the town, offering many opportunities to the community. Major employers include Pinal County, Town of Florence, Florence Unified School District, Safeway and nine institutional operations. While home construction has slowed in the rest of the state, demand remains strong in Florence.

Three public schools abide within Florence boundaries, which include two K-8 schools and one high school. The main campus of Central Arizona College is also within close proximity of Florence and offers numerous academic programs. A satellite campus is present within the community. Arizona State University's Polytechnic Campus is located in nearby Mesa, and ASU's main campus in Tempe and the University of Arizona in Tucson are convenient as well.

Florence also maintains an abundance of prominent recreational landmarks and areas of interest in and around the town. The Gila River is an eminent landmark that runs through historic Florence. The river served as the northern border of Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. In addition, Box Canyon, Martinez Canyon, old Silverbell Mine, Coke Ovens and many other sites to the east of Florence provide visitors with fantastic scenic views and an opportunity to hike, explore, off-road or otherwise enjoy the Sonoran Desert. Also in the area are the Casa Grande Ruins, Lost Dutchman State Park, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Tom Mix Monument and the Superstition Mountain Wilderness Area.

Florence is home to the McFarland State Park, Pinal County Historical Museum, Florence Aero Modeler Park, Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds, a quaint historic downtown and the final resting place of Charles D. Poston, the Father of Arizona, at the summit of Poston Butte.

The Florence community also plays host to several special events that take place each year. Among the many events are the Country Thunder U.S.A. music festival, Tour of Historic Florence, Multicultural Festival and the world's oldest children's rodeo-the Junior Parada, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007.

Florence is growing in population - and in square miles. From 2000 to 2008, Florence increased in population by approximately 40 percent, growing from 10 square miles to more than 50 square miles today. Predictions say Florence could be home to 50,000 residents in the next 10 to 15 years. Many of these residents will reside in the master planned communities throughout Florence, creating a dynamic situation in Arizona, which will allow for both growth and planned development.

Just north of historic Florence is a 3,200-acre community planned for 9,100 homes. As one of the newest multigenerational master planned communities in the Valley, Anthem at Merrill Ranch by Del Webb provides residents with a small town feel in a resort-like setting, with incredible recreational amenities.

Anthem is built by Pulte Homes and the Communities of Del Webb. Pulte's Anthem Parkside has all-ages neighborhoods designed with the family in mind-from first time buyers to large families and move-up buyers, while Sun City Anthem is an active adult neighborhood built by Pulte's Del Webb.

The community is taking shape after opening in early 2006. Among the array of spectacular amenities shared by all is a beautiful 43,000-square-foot community center-a hallmark of the community. Popular with adults and kids alike is the Big Splash water park. Other features include an aquatic center, state-of-the-art workout facilities, a 32-foot rock climbing wall, a tennis complex and more. The community park is ultimately planned for 60 acres with great features such as a catch-and-release fishing lake, kid playgrounds, sports fields, sand volleyball courts, armadas and a trail system.

In addition, Anthem boasts the Poston Butte Golf Club, designed by Gary Panks and managed by Troon Golf. The beautiful course, which is open to the public, is designed to provide golfers of all skill levels an enjoyable experience. The clubhouse offers a full service golf shop complete with equipment and apparel.

In addition to having access to the all-age amenities and golf course, residents of Sun City at Anthem at Merrill Ranch will enjoy exclusive amenities, which will include a separate 48,000-square-foot community center, indoor and outdoor resort-style pools and spas, fitness center, indoor walking track, outdoor trails, pickle ball and bocce ball courts, a putting green, clubs and classes for various interests and the ASU Lifelong Learning Academy.

Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch was recently named the top active adult master planned community in the state in a public poll by sponsored by Arizona Business Magazine's Ranking Arizona.

At the main entrance to the Anthem community is a planned commercial center that, when completed, will include an additional 50,000 square feet of space for restaurants, retailers and other services.

In addition, Royce Builders, Sunstone Homes and several other builders in the Pinal County area are offering new home communities for Florence residents.

Florence is proud to be part of the National Historic District with a downtown area that remains much as it must have been in the 1880s. Both visitors and residents appreciate the diversity of the community, which offers the convenience and lifestyle available in a small western community yet provides close destinations to metropolitan areas. Florence is poised to grow responsibly with an eye toward the future - without forgetting its past.

520.868.7500
www.town.florence.az.gov