9 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Arizona
Featuring landscapes and backdrops that one can be excused for believing came from elsewhere in the solar system, Arizona is hands-down among the most naturally breathtaking states in America. And it is not just about what the National Park Service describes as a “world-renown showplace of geology” — the Grand Canyon.
The sixth-largest state in America is star-studded with numerous cute little towns that are sure to set hearts aglow, especially for those visiting for the first time. Then again, while you should not bank on huge grins, Arizonans are known to be warm, friendly, and quite gracious. If you are ready for good vibes, the following are 9 of the most welcoming towns in Arizona.
Greer
Greer has a population of less than 200 and hence, is an amazing choice for those seeking a warm, welcoming, and closely-knit community where people know each other by their first names. If you are looking to spend a weekend, the Greer Lodge property, partly because of the murmuring presence of the Colorado River, would tickle the fancy of a nature lover. The town's climate is also a tad more welcoming, especially when compared to the balmy conditions that define the Phoenix Valley area. This is partly because of the town's proximity to the White Mountains, which not only offers an escape from summer's heat but also features several adventure opportunities worth exploring. Besides, East Fork Trails provide scenic hiking opportunities — while the Butterfly Lodge Museum celebrates the town's history and culture.
Patagonia
Patagonia is another Arizona gem that will effortlessly make you feel at home. While there will always be a bad apple, the town's about 700 residents are generally known to be genial, lively, and helpful. But before you rev up your car's engine and strap the seatbelt, ensure you have packed binoculars. The Patagonia area boasts up to 11 Audubon Important Bird Areas, including the Patagonia Roadside Rest, an excellent spot for getting thrillingly close to the thick-billed kingbird, hummingbirds, golden eagles, and other rarer sightings. Expect to be welcomed by the whitetail deer that roam the hills of the picturesque Patagonia Lake State Park — or the blue herons that frequent the park's shoreline. For those who want to sweat it out, and fill their lungs with some fresh, crisp air, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area features up to 20 miles of trails, some of which come with 360-degree views of heart-melting scenery.
Bisbee
Bisbee, a driving distance of slightly more than 3 hours from Phoenix, was once known as the "Queen of the Copper Camps." At the time, it was among the most cultured cities in the West with a population of more than 20,000. Today, Bisbee's population stands at about 4,900. But that does not mean it has lost any of its old charm or character. For instance, it still plays host to what could be the oldest ballfield in the United States — Warren Ballpark. Framed by the Mule Mountains, the town's natural appeal is unassailable. The Queen Mine Tour will see you venture hundreds of feet into the earth, as you imagine how miners once eked a living in quite forbidding circumstances. Bisbee Mining and Historic Museum will interest history enthusiasts — while Erie Street — with its vintage vehicles and storefronts, will make for a sumptuous afternoon stroll. As to Bisbee's western, funky spirit, experience, not words, will leave you sold out.
Strawberry
Once considered the symbol of Venus, Ancient Rome's goddess of love, the strawberry fruit and flower, has traditionally evoked appetite, admiration, and near worship. That is the reason a town called Strawberry will be quite a temptation. Boasting a population of just about 1,000, this Arizona treasure is slow-paced and welcoming, features that particularly make it a hot cake with seniors, going by the fact 68% of the town's population comprises those aged 55 years and above. The town is serene and tranquil, features several hiking trails, including the nearby Pine Trailhead, as well as an abundance of wildlife. Strawberry Schoolhouse is reputed to be the oldest standing schoolhouse in the Grand Canyon State while the Blue Ridge Reservoir is an excellent spot for kayaking — and drinking delicious 360-degree views.
Pinetop
Nature (and residents) welcomes first-time visitors to this magical piece of Arizona with sceneries that are among the most heart-melting in the state. Perched up at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, Pinetop offers views that only that altitude can provide. The White Mountains provide a picture-perfect frame — while the Apache National Forest and Fort Apache Reservation offer more options for outdoor fun and adventure. If the thrill of horseback riding will not take you to the state of Nirvana, you may want to explore other options, including hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing. The White Mountains Trails System, for instance, features more than 180 miles of relatively well-maintained multi-use trails. On a good day, you may lock eyes with a foraging bear or, for what will interest avid birders, the three-toed woodpecker.
Tubac
Tubac, known to be among the oldest towns in Arizona, is often reputed for its welcoming community, village atmosphere, and artistic experiences. Tubac plays host to a population of just about 1,200 and is nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz River Valley a convenient 45-minute drive from Tucson. The town's quaint streets, flowing fountains, and hidden courtyards conspire to give an appearance that often leaves first-time visitors completely blown away. Among the town's offerings include a delicious array of more than 100 art galleries, boutiques, and eclectic shops, as well as the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park (where the town's past is brought back to life), Tumacacori National Historic Monument (where you can relive the timeworn traditions and cultures of several centuries), and the Tubac Centre for the Arts (where local artist display some of their finest crafts).
Fort Huachuca
Just as endearing is the cute, little town of Fort Huachuca, a town of about 1,600 residents that today hosts the U.S. Army Intelligence Centre. Located just about 15 miles from the Mexico border about 90 minutes from Tucson, one of this town's claims to fame is the fact it witnessed the last major military activity against Native Americans. At the free-to-visit Army Intelligence Museum, you will learn intriguing tidbits about the role of military intelligence within the U.S. Army and explore several interesting exhibits such as a large fragment of the Berlin Wall. The nearby Carr Canyon is a site worth checking out — as is the Buffalo Soldier Museum which preserves information and exploits concerning the Buffalo Soldiers.
Payson
Tucked away in the Rim Country of Arizona, Payson is a town of about 16,700 best known for its festivals. Here is the truth. A town cannot boast a long list of popular festivals unless it is friendly and welcoming. One of Payson’s best-known festivals is the Payson Pro Rodeo, which is reputed to be the world’s oldest continuous rodeo. A feature of the town since 1884, this event features steer wrestling, bareback riding, and bull riding, among numerous other fun-packed activities. Besides what is the town’s most defining festival, Payson also holds the Old Time Fiddlin' Arizona State Championships, a popular music festival that brings together fiddlers from nearly every corner of the state. Yet Payson is not all about festivals. This little charmer is known for its beautiful mountain scenery. Sandwiched between the Mazatzal Mountain Range to the west and the Granite Dells to the east, there is so much to explore by way of honey-combed rock formations, awe-inspiring grandeur, and blue-space gems such as Woods Canyon Lake.
Page
Last — but certainly not least, is the town of Page — a city of about 7,200 encircled by some of the highest concentrations of Instagramable spots in the West. If Page did not boast other natural attractions, the Horseshoe Bend alone would make it much sought after. The improbable beauty of the Horseshoe Bend, the spectacular 270-degree retreat of the Colorado River, and the heart-melting sceneries around — are visual feasts that defy superlatives. Yet Page provides access to other spellbinding natural marvels as well, including Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. The former is a heart-ravishing expanse of emerald green and the ultimate destination for house boating. The latter provides a more intimate canyon experience than even the world-famous Grand Canyon.
The Takeaway
So long as natural beauty remains a metric worth considering, Arizona will remain one of America’s most beloved states. Known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona hosts an unbelievable spectacle of nature considered among the Seven Wonders of the World. While the state features landscapes that are hands-down among the most awe-inspiring in the country, its residents are among the friendliest — even if not overtly so. For those looking for the most welcoming small towns in Arizona, options such as Page, Payson, Patagonia, and Pinetop are all top contenders.
