Prettiest town in Arizona? (Bisbee: mountains, white, small)

[Valley Native]

Depends a lot on what part of the state you're in. SE Arizona has some unique towns that are pretty in their own right, such as Bisbee nestled in the hills, and a downtown area that looks something like a tiny piece of San Francisco. I think even Patagonia has been able to retain some of their historic structures. But my idea of a pretty town is one of high elevation with lots of pines, fresh mountain air, plenty of lakes nearby, and cool summer temperatures. Those towns are found mostly in the White Mountains from Show Low eastward. Greer and Alpine are two that come to mind as fitting this description.

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by corydon

There are many very nice small towns in AZ. Patagonia is realy relaxed, and very green.
Love Benson, it is very walk able, Has enough stores and a few restaurants. And is somewhat practible work wise.
But love the whole south east part.
Sedona is just busy, not my thing. And way out of reach financial.....
It would be hard to pick one town.
Pearce is something different, it is not a real town anymore, but it is very quiet endless views and you can feel the old west.
Just stand there if you get the oppertunity, it makes you calm and stress is not known

We really like Benson. However, though the backdrop is pretty impressive, the town itself is not that pretty in my opinion. The ongoing mural project by painter Doug Quarles is making some strides in that direction though.

From an architectural and setting standpoint, Bisbee is pretty cool and Tombstone - touristy as it is - has that old west look to it (really love the place).

Ken

[AZguy99]

Originally Posted by Fiddlehead

Ok, after Sedona. That's a given.

I should have done a poll, perhaps, but I would rather have write in candidates. Make your case, and pics are welcome.

Sedona and Prescott are pretty nice towns. They also offer relief from the desert heat if you're trying to get away from it.

[Colt AZ]

I've always enjoyed the drive between Payson and Flagstaff on Highway 87, through to and turning north on Highway 209 (aka: Lake Mary Rd) to Flagstaff! The drive passes many beautiful little towns, villages and other landmarks including Long Valley, Pine, Strawberry, Happy Jack, Mormon Lake, etc, etc! The drive will take you through both the Tonto National Forest and the Coconino National Forest! Incredible views all along!

[cacto]

My top towns that pretty natural scenery and the town itself would be:

Pine- pretty little forest valley next to the rim with the highway a good main drag

Prescott- courthouse square and the old neighborhoods around it with Knob Hill above

Superior- yeah its run down, but I like that. Its got old crumbling character in a really pretty sonoran desert valley with some beautiful mountains surrounding and lush sonoran flora.

Jerome- not too many places like it

Some towns with nice landscape:

Tanque Verde
Sunnyslope
Cave Creek
Apache Junction
Green Valley
Ajo

Some nice older neighborhoods/towns where the natural view isn't a strong point:

Globe-Miami
Adobe neighborhoods in the oldest parts of Tucson(Presidio?)
Wilcox
The last relic neighborhoods of old Tempe around Ash north and south of University

[teddyearp]

None of the towns up on the rim are pretty, lol.

For mountain town, I think Young.

Old mining town, Clifton.

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by teddyearp

None of the towns up on the rim are pretty, lol.

For mountain town, I think Young.

Old mining town, Clifton.

The surroundings are what is "pretty". The towns themselves are rather "quaint".

With all the rain we are having up here in the Verde Valley Sedona is going to be quite spectacular real quick. The luscious green against the red rocks...priceless! I can already see some of it from certain places in Cottonwood.

[magnum0417]

Valle,AZ. Flintstones Bedrock Park with beautiful views of the SF Peaks and Red Butte located 30 miles from South Rim.

[Steve-o]

Theres something about Fountain Hills that gets me everytime. Its surrounded by beautiful mountains, and the neighborhoods are set into the rolling hills all over town, unlike most of the Valley which is as flat as a board.

[noraz]

Other than Jerome, Sedona & Prescott, I like Seligman.
Some good places to eat and quiet. Off the 40 on old Rt. 66.
I like the drive from Seligman to the Grand Canyon Caverns.