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City/Town Snapshot: City of Safford
The City of Safford was established in 1874, as a small farming community and is the county seat for Graham County. Safford is nestled in the picturesque Gila
Valley at the foot of the majestic Mount Graham, home of the Mount Graham International Observatory; the most powerful telescope in the world!
Safford's vibrant community and scope for expansion embraces the steadfastness of the past and ingenuity of the new. With its ideal climate, farming continues
to be a thriving industry in Safford with flourishing cotton fields dotting its beautiful landscape. The local economy is also driven by the Freeport McMoRan
Copper Mine, government agencies, prison industries, as well as local and national retail and service business. Also adding to the economic stability of the
community is the Safford Regional Airport, bringing easy travel to the area.
Safford and its surrounding area embodies the great outdoors with its versatility and scenic beauty. Locals and visitors alike enjoy a vast array of outdoor
relaxation and recreation; from picnicking, exploring cliff dwellings, birdwatching and canoeing in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, to hiking
and biking the trails of the world-renowned Mount Graham, which is a Madrean Sky Island at over 10,720 feet above sea level. Mount Graham contains five ecological
communities and the highest diversity of habitat of any mountain range in North America. For Anglers throughout the state; Frye Mesa Reservoir is a popular
destination being the only place in the world to catch Arizona Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Gila Trout within one body of water!
In Safford the entertainment does not end with the great outdoors; with year round activities such as the Harvest Festival, Merry Main Street and the Cowboy
Poets Round Up, fun is around every corner throughout the year. The annual Salsa Festival with live entertainment, activities and local Mexican cuisine
attracts thousands of locals and statewide visitors alike. A stroll of historical downtown Safford will provide a rare glimpse into the past that has
shaped our community. Not to be forgotten, those with a love for the performing arts can enjoy top musical and theatrical performances at the David M.
Player Center for the Arts.
With a high emphasis on quality education, Safford's public and charter schools provide optimal educational choices. A stellar higher education is provided
at nearby Eastern Arizona College with extension courses through Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
With its 24-hour ambulatory care, cancer center, intensive care unit and much more; Mount Graham Regional Hospital provides big city care to our quaint rural
area.
Safford's ethnic and cultural diversity, rich history and small town Americana feel, make Safford a "Great Place to Live, Work and Visit."
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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