Welcome to Show Low

Gateway to the Good Life – Welcome to Show Low AZ

Show Low, Arizona, is the commercial and tourism hub of the White Mountains of Arizona. Our rural progressive community was established in 1870 and incorporated in 1953. It is located at an elevation of 6,400 feet in the midst of the largest forest of Ponderosa pine trees in the United States. And it all began with a card game.

Marion Clark and Corydon E. Cooley, a famous Indian Scout, were partners and homesteaded their land in 1870, fencing off some 100,000 acres with barbed wire. Part of their ranch is the present town site of Show Low. Some years later, the two partners had a disagreement and decided to dissolve the partnership with a game of cards called “Seven Up” — the winner would buy out the loser. As the story goes, the partners played all night. On the last hand Cooley needed just one point to win. At that moment, Clark is reported to have said, “You ‘Show Low’ and you win!” Cooley cut the deck and came up with the Deuce of Clubs, thus winning the game and the land, and providing the name for the future town of Show Low. Today, the main street is called the Deuce of Clubs.

Show Low is the most populated community in Navajo County with 12,400 year-round residents, and yet it continues to retain its “small town” character and family values reminiscent of its modest beginning.

Just three or four hours driving time from Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff and Albuquerque via three regional highways (260, 60 and 77), Show Low attracts thousands of visitors and seasonal residents. All enjoy our moderate four seasons, beautiful outdoors, abundant water supply, nearby forest lakes and streams and a community full of friendly people.

Cultural and entertainment events are various and numerous, including local farmers markets, mountain bike races, symphony orchestra performances, fashion shows, community picnics, Forest Service presentations, fundraising dinners, dirt-track racing, golf tournaments, bake sales, gun shows, art shows, rodeos, gem and mineral expositions, car shows, community dances, ice cream socials, parades and concerts.

City services, including professional fire and police protection, are first-class, and a strong public works infrastructure is in place and well maintained to meet a growing population. Our business community is vibrant and expanding. Families, education and culture rank among the top of our community priorities. Eighteen religions are represented in Show Low and we have more than 15 nonprofit community benefit organizations serving our citizens. Northland Pioneer Community College and our K-12 school system are respected centers of learning throughout the region.

Environment-friendly businesses find Show Low to be an attractive location. The City is business-friendly, offers investment opportunities, has industrial properties available, and our labor costs are competitive. The air is clean, the water is plentiful, and there are excellent transportation facilities. New housing developments, apartments and beautiful master-planned communities with affordable pricing are located near schools, churches, shopping and services.

If you are looking for a place to live, to start a business, just visit or perhaps to seek a better quality of life for you and your family, you will discover life is a little easier up here. Visit the City of Show Low Website at showlowaz.gov for more information about our thriving community.