Opera singer, Cecilia Bertoli, once said, "The sunshine in Arizona is gorgeous red." Whether you're a Native Arizonan, a winter visitor, or an adopted resident, you know the truth of these words. And if you happen to live in Safford, Arizona, you get to enjoy the surreal sunset that magnifies the landscape in hues of red, gold, and brown as it reflects off the Pinaleno Mountains that sits to the southwest of town.

Safford, a small city located about 130 miles east of Tucson in Graham County, started out as nothing more than a few buildings and a few villagers. This railtown is renowned for its agriculture, ranching, and mining, and you don't have to worry about traffic or pollution with a population of 9,566 at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census. However, Safford maintains a natural beauty that makes the city worth a second look.

Living in Safford

Safford may be smack-dab in the middle of nowhere and a few miles from the big city, but its cost of living is lower than the U.S. average. Thus, if you're looking for a lower cost of living and want to enjoy all that Arizona nature has to offer, you won't be disappointed.

How much will it cost? Obviously, Safford is no Phoenix or Tucson, so the cost of living isn't going to bankrupt you. The median rental rate is lower than the national average and the median housing value is lower than the Arizona average. Also, as far as relocation goes, this small city doesn't lack in places to rent if you do your homework.

When and where to rent: Being that Safford has a community college and some long-time residents, it's hard to determine what time of the year is best to rent. Overall, you have a few rental homes to choose from, and you can find a 1-bedroom apartment for rent or studio apartments for rent, furnished or unfurnished. In essence, for being a smaller community, Safford has decent apartment properties and decent houses for rent to choose from at a nice price.

What you need: Besides needing a stock of allergy medicine to help you deal with the hot and hotter seasons, you want to prepare for a background and credit check, to pay an application fee, and provide proof of income and employment. You also should be professional at all times as you conduct your search, and have your debit card or checkbook ready to pay your security deposit and first month's rent after you find the right place and sign that rental agreement.

Safford Neighborhoods

Safford's not a huge place, but you have a few distinct neighborhoods, including San Jose, Solomon Swift Trail, S. 1st Ave / W. Relation St., Aravaipa / Sunset neighborhood, and City Center. Each neighborhood has its unique appeal, but overall they're ranked the least crowded in all of America. Thus, if you enjoy wide-open spaces, no traffic, peace, and a city ranked also as one of the quietest neighborhoods to live in, Safford's the place for you. Wherever you decide to hang your hat, however, do your research before signing any agreement to ensure fewer issues with criminal and property crimes.

Life in Safford

Although a small city, Safford doesn't lack in dining and nightlife, golf, sports, outdoor adventure and nature, and more. For you outdoor nature buffs, you can enjoy Roper Lake State Park, Black Hills Rockhound Area, Discovery Park, and the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. You can also enjoy some fun in the sun while rafting or canoeing along the Gila River. And because of its isolated location, the city is a great place for observatories, including the Mount Graham International Observatory, which is located on Mount Graham a few miles southwest of the city. This observatory hosts the largest binocular telescope in the world called the Large Binocular Telescope (creative!). It's also home to the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope and the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope. For you golf lovers, you can also enjoy fun in the sun on the Mount Graham Golf Course.

The City of Safford has a lot to offer overall. The only downside: Safford is hot with only two seasonssummer and feels slightly less like summer.

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