The Best City In America Is Actually Right Here In Arizona
By Monica Spencer|Published May 23, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Perhaps I’m a bit biased but I think that as a state overall, Arizona is the cream of the crop. We have an unlimited number of places to find natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, plenty of places to find delicious food, and plenty of pretty cool cities and towns.
We’ve listed some of our favorite small towns and cities before but today we’re going to focus on one that we think could be considered the absolute best in the country. That’s a pretty hefty title, however, if we think about the combination of things like great schools, housing, employment, recreation, and a relatively low crime rate, then we can definitely narrow that list down to just a handful of contenders. Which would you choose?
Well, we decided on Scottsdale! The Phoenix suburb routinely tops national lists for education, safety, entertainment, and so much more that it’s difficult to ignore Scottsdale and its influence on Arizona’s national perception.
Although Scottsdale is a pretty big city—it has a population estimated to be over 236,000 and is ranked the 92nd most populated city in the country—it is a fairly safe place to visit and live!
It’s a pretty obvious choice since Scottsdale has a large number of resorts, spas, and other luxurious retreats to help you relax and enjoy the simple act of living.
As for restaurants? You'll find some of the best in the state sitting in this city.
You'll find old time favorites like Los Olivos in Old Town and new restaurants like Citizen Public House that are making their mark.
Scottsdale is also well-known for its art scene—both visual and performing. You’ll find a good number of museums and galleries dedicated to showcasing the best of the Southwest. You can also find concerts happening in town on a regular basis and some are even free!
Let's not forget that Scottsdale is surrounded by gorgeous scenery! The McDowell Mountains sit right at the edge of Tonto National Forest, perfect for a morning hike before heading off to brunch.
