This Arizona Town Is One Of The Most Peaceful Places To Live In The Country
By Katie Lawrence|Published May 03, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
If you’re looking for a peaceful city in Arizona to visit (or even move to!), might we suggest Florence? This mid-sized town is just close enough to Phoenix and Tucson for convenient back-and-forth traveling, yet just far enough away to feel like its own little island of sorts. Boasting a rich history, incredible scenery, friendly locals, a relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle, and even a monastery, Florence is seemingly frozen in time, and I know you’ll love it here.
Conveniently located just 77 miles north of Tucson and 61 miles southeast of Phoenix, Florence is a mid-sized town of just under 27,000 that offers a much slower-paced lifestyle than its neighboring metro areas.
One of the oldest towns in Pinal County, Florence is regarded as a National Historic District. It has more than 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, from the first Pinal County Courthouse (pictured), which was built in 1876, to historic saloons, hotels, stores, and everything in between.
The downtown district is undeniably charming, with quaint shops, restaurants, and museums interspersed between all of the old buildings. You'll even see some vintage murals that will whisk you back to yesteryear!
Florence is also incredibly scenic, surrounded by the towering mountains and plentiful, majestic Saguaro cacti that define the Sonoran desert. Oh, and it's frequently ranked among the safest and most peaceful places to live in Arizona. What's not to love about the town?
As if there weren't already enough reasons to visit (or perhaps pack up and move to!) Florence, it's also home to the beautiful St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery.
Perhaps the most serene place on earth, this sacred destination is open to both day and overnight visitors. When you walk the grounds, you'll feel a sense of well-being envelop your entire being.
Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4784 N St Joseph's Way, Florence, AZ 85132, USA
The epitome of a charming, small-town diner, this humble eatery is known for its hearty breakfast options sure to leave you full and focused. Not only is the food great, but the relaxing ambiance and friendly service also contribute to the overall feeling of happiness that the town of Florence evokes.
Florence Cafe, 495 N Pinal Pkwy Ave #102, Florence, AZ 85132, USA
For any history buffs out there (who also have a high-clearance vehicle), you can't miss seeing the Florence Coke Ovens. Accessible via a 27-mile loop that begins at the intersection of Cottonwood Canyon Road and Mineral Mountain Road, these historic ovens were used in the early 1900s to produce coke, a fuel used to make iron ore.
Please note that the roads leading to the ovens are public, but the structures themselves are on private land. Additionally, the roads are closed for a few weeks every year due to military training exercises. During these times, a red flag can be seen flying overhead, and signs are posted at the main entrance. A State Trust Land permit is required to recreate in this area.
Have you ever visited Florence? If so, do you think it’s the most peaceful city in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about the nearby Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort. This middle-of-nowhere resort is the perfect place for a quick getaway!
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