7 Most Neighborly Towns In Arizona

Arizona is a travel destination growing in popularity for a variety of reasons, with attractions like the energetic city of Phoenix and amazing natural scenery in spots like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. As the 14th most populous state, with a population of over 7.5 million, Arizona is home to several smaller communities that are very much worth checking out as well, all spread across its vast desert landscapes.

Today we are focusing on communities in this state that are notable for their friendly, welcoming communities, along with their own share of notable tourist attractions. Explore with us as we uncover these 7 gems in Arizona that are special to visitors and residents alike.

Sedona

Sedona is a renowned community in the heart of Arizona’s Verde Valley, and is most recognizable for its incredible red rock landscapes and greenery. The town’s natural beauty is best showcased through iconic formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, which you can explore up close via numerous hiking and biking trails. On the other hand, if you're looking to embark on a drive, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a great way to come across numerous breathtaking views.

Sedona’s arts community is another aspect of the town worth exploring, and is anchored by the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a collection of galleries, boutiques, and eateries set within Spanish-style courtyards. Furthermore, the Sedona Arts Center and First Friday Art Walks further highlight local and regional talent.

The town’s unique energy not only fuels its art scene, but is also a draw for visitors interested in its spiritual side, with several vortex sites believed to promote healing and meditation. Annual events such as the Sedona International Film Festival and Sedona Winefest are other things worth checking out throughout the year.

Another interesting draw is the nearby Verde Valley Wine Trail, with its collection of local wineries and tasting rooms. Tours of the region's vineyards can also be booked at local services like Wine Tours of Sedona and Elevated Sedona Wine Tours.

Prescott

Prescott, located in central Arizona, is a town rich in Western history and outdoor adventure. If the historic aspect is of interest to you, take a walk along Whiskey Row, where historic saloons, art studios, and locally-run shops occupy restored buildings dating back to the late 1800s. The nearby Sharlot Hall Museum also contains exhibits on Arizona's frontier history, while the Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center hosts live performances in another cool historic venue you can experience up close. Prescott is notable as the home to the colloquially "World’s Oldest Rodeo," held annually since 1888 as part of the town’s Fourth of July festivities.

If seeing the area's world class natural scenery is what you're after, the surrounding countryside includes the Prescott National Forest and a series of lakes such as Watson, Willow, and Lynx, which provide ways for you to go hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Granite Dells, with its unique rock formations, is another favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike, and is an important habitat for the region's diverse wildlife.

Williams

Williams sits along the historic Route 66 in northern Arizona and serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon and other must-see landmarks.

The town is worth a stop for a day or two, however, with a historic downtown lined with vintage neon signs, classic diners, and various gift shops offering Route 66 memorabilia. Community history is on display at the small but insightful Williams Depot and Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum. Annual events such as the Route 66 Car Show and Polar Express train rides during the holiday season are also major draws here for visitors year-round.

The Grand Canyon Railway also departs from Williams daily, providing a scenic journey to the national park's South Rim, complete with vintage railcars and even live entertainment. Outdoor lovers will find easy access to Kaibab National Forest too, where trails accommodate hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading with fewer crowds.

Bearizona Wildlife Park is also worth considering. Located on the edge of town, it allows you to observe animals such as bears, wolves, and bison up close through a drive-thru experience and a walking exhibit in a towering ponderosa forest.

Camp Verde

This gorgeous town rests on the banks of the Verde River, making it a top spot for fishing and boating in this otherwise arid state and providing the area with lush plant life.

One of Camp Verde’s standout landmarks is Montezuma Castle National Monument, featuring remarkably preserved cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago. Fort Verde State Historic Park offers a glimpse into the region’s military history, with preserved buildings and reenactments showcasing frontier life. The Rockin' River Ranch State Park, located just south of town, is a quieter greenspace with a spot well known among local anglers, the Clear Creek Fishing Site, and tons of places to picnic and relax right beside the Verde River too.

Camp Verde’s deep agricultural roots are reflected in locales along the Verde Valley Wine Trail and events like the annual Corn Fest and Pecan and Wine Festival, making this town a good place to stop if you want to pick up some fresh produce.

Bisbee

Like many small towns in Arizona, Bisbee once thrived as a mining community, but has since found its place as an excellent tourist destination. Located in the Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, this town shows off its rich history, unique arts scene, and wonderful collection of old architecture.

The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, is a great place to start your visit and will teach you much about the area's storied history, while the Queen Mine Tour will take you underground to experience the once lucrative tunnels firsthand. The historic Copper Queen Hotel, which has hosted notable guests since 1902, also remains a central landmark and is a very cool place to spend the night to this day.

Bisbee’s artistic community thrives with many galleries showcasing local talent. Explore the downtown area and its various galleries along the stairs winding through Bisbee's hilly neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints. The Bisbee 1000 Great Stair Climb race celebrates this unusual feature each October.

If you want to walk more than just stairs, hiking opportunities abound in the nearby Chiricahua Mountains and Coronado National Memorial, two highly recommended wildlands to experience the region's arid yet beautiful scenery near the Mexican border.

Carefree

The uniquely named town of Carefree can be found on the northern outskirts of Scottsdale. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, many come here to see its Desert Gardens, a public botanical garden featuring over 4 acres of desert flora, art installations, and a giant sundial, one of the largest in the world.

The town’s compact downtown is a nice alternative to the bustling streets of nearby Phoenix, and includes the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, which hosts outdoor concerts, art festivals, and other fun community events. Moreover, galleries and shops line Easy Street, offering local art, unique gifts, and southwestern decor. The Carefree Art & Wine Festival, held multiple times a year, also attracts artists, wine lovers, and visitors alike from across the region; a great way to experience the best Carefree has to offer all in one event.

Carefree's proximity to the Tonto National Forest and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve makes the community a good starting point for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Cave Creek Regional Park is a popular greenspace that we also highly recommend, not just for its beauty but also because it is conveniently just steps outside of town.

Kingman

Kingman is another excellent town you can find on the historic Route 66, this one being close to the California border. It is a hotbed of unique and fascinating museums, leading to it being one of the most popular stops along the longstanding highway.

Be sure to pay a visit to renowned destinations here like the Arizona Route 66 Museum, which offers insights into the history of the "Mother Road" through its huge collection of photographs, memorabilia, and vintage vehicles. The Kingman Visitor Center is another fine place to gain some more local knowledge, and is housed in the historic Powerhouse building, which also includes the Electric Vehicle Museum. This museum is the first of its kind in the U.S. and a must visit for car enthusiasts or simply anybody interested in the history of electric technology. Moreover, the nearby Mohave Museum of History and Arts provides additional context to the area's mining history and local heritage.

Kingman’s location near the Black Mountains and Hualapai Mountains means that hiking and camping is easily accessible too. The Hualapai Mountain Park features cooler temperatures than much of the surrounding desert environment, forested trails, and even cabins for overnight stays.

Be sure to spend some time relaxing with a glass of locally produced wine at local spots like the Cella Winery and Stetson Winery, which have been contributing greatly to Kingman's emerging wine scene over the years.

As an entry point for Californians (or anybody entering Arizona from the west) to destinations like the Grand Canyon, or up north to Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, Kingman provides a mix of historical interest, outdoor recreation, and road-trip nostalgia, making it a worthwhile stop in northwestern Arizona.

Visit These Friendly Communities on Your Next Roadtrip

These towns in Arizona, which can easily be described as neighborly, offer you a diverse range of experiences, from historic landmarks and unique arts scenes to scenic natural landscapes. Whether exploring the red rocks of Sedona, the historic streets of Bisbee, or the nostalgic charm of Williams, each community mentioned above has its own distinct appeal, attracting visitors of all kinds through the year.

For both residents and tourists, definitely consider these places the next time you want to travel through the wonderfully expansive Southwest of the United States.