If you want wide open spaces and mountain views, living in San Tan Valley AZ deserves a look. Nearby Florence adds something rare in the Valley: real small-town history. William Ryan Homes builds new construction homes at Silver Cross. It has a Florence address and is part of our San Tan Valley market. Here's what daily life looks like, and how you can see it for yourself.
Small-Town Charm in Florence
Florence dates back to 1866. The town calls itself the sixth-oldest non-Native American settlement in Arizona, and it's the Pinal County seat. Its historic downtown is a National Historic District, so you can stroll past buildings from territorial days.
Start at McFarland State Historic Park, a museum inside the 1878 adobe courthouse. Adults pay $5, and visitors 18 and under get in free. The park is open Monday through Saturday with shorter summer hours, so check the park's page before you go.
History fans can also visit the Pinal County Historical Society Museum, which covers Florence and the surrounding area. The calendar stays busy, too. Locals look forward to a historic home tour in February and the Country Thunder USA music festival in April. The Junior Parada rodeo follows over Thanksgiving weekend. Nearby, The Windmill Winery hosts seasonal markets and events.
Outdoor Living in San Tan Valley AZ
Open desert is part of the appeal, and trails are close. San Tan Mountain Regional Park covers more than 10,000 acres south of Queen Creek, and Maricopa County Parks runs it. You can hike trails like the 2.5-mile Goldmine Trail for sweeping valley views.
In Florence, you can hike up Poston Butte, where Charles D. Poston, known as the Father of Arizona, is buried. Scenic spots east of town, including Box Canyon and Martinez Canyon, also draw hikers, riders, and four-wheelers.
Everyday Living in San Tan Valley AZ
Florence sits roughly halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. That means you can reach both for work, concerts, or a ballgame. The area also offers a growing mix of shopping and dining, so errands stay simple.
Families will want to look at schools early. Our Silver Cross page lists Florence High School, and the Florence Unified School District serves the area. Always confirm school assignments with the district before you buy.
New Homes at Silver Cross
Silver Cross gives you room to grow. Our plans offer 3 to 6 bedrooms and 1,997 to 3,501 square feet, with 2 to 4 car garages. Depending on the plan, you can add an RV garage, a multi-generational suite, or a bonus room. Choose from the Arbor and Ironwood collections to find the layout that fits your life. Need the most space? The Willow offers 6 bedrooms and 3,501 square feet, with a downstairs owner's bedroom. Many plans also feature open-concept layouts and designer finishes, and our homes are built with a 10-year structural warranty.
Efficiency matters here, too. Most plans list HERS scores between 38 and 47, and lower is better. For comparison, the national average for new homes was 55 in 2024. You can also see how we build energy efficient homes in Phoenix. Plans and features vary, so confirm the details for the home you like.
Ready to Explore Living in San Tan Valley AZ?
The best way to know if Florence fits your life is to spend time here. Request information today and a sales counselor will share pricing, floor plans, and current incentives. It only takes a minute, and there's no obligation.
Prefer to see it in person? Schedule a new construction home tour and we'll show you around Silver Cross. Fill out the form today, and let's start planning your Arizona home.
