For visitors, there is a strange fascination in comparing the stark landscape with busy urban areas. Perhaps the travel industry takes some of the blame by showing how easy it is to enjoy nature with all the benefits of urban living. However, most of us know that if you’re looking to get a taste of true desert life, visit the small towns, so here are some of the most beautiful and best towns in Arizona.

Listing each amazing town in an article would be nearly impossible since we have such a long list of them. Here are a few favorites with a population under 15,000 that encapsulate the quaint charm people love about small towns.

1. Bisbee
Mr.TinDC/Flickr
With a population estimated at 5,300, Bisbee is a quintessential small town that beautifully blends old and new. Many of the Victorian buildings survived demolition and continue to enjoy new life as art galleries and bookstores.
Richard Bonnett/Flickr
Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
TJfromAZ/Flickr
One of the aspects that continually draws people to small towns across the country is the picturesque main streets. Bisbee is no different. The Victorian-style architecture, bright colors, and walkable streets add charm when the ghost town vibe dies down. There are also so many things to do in Bisbee Arizona between the shopping, the restaurants, the art galleries, and more.
2. Clarkdale
Allen/Flickr
Clarkdale, AZ, USA
Finetooth/Wikimedia Commons
Located in Yavapai County, this charming town of fewer than 4,700 residents is quaint and picturesque. The Verde River runs through town so you'll have Verde Valley views. It's one of the prettiest towns in Arizona.
3. Cottonwood
Finetooth/Wikimedia Commons

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Cottonwood, AZ, USA
Scottb211/Wikimedia Commons
The down-to-earth vibe is what really brings out the charm in this small town. Cottonwood has been slowly growing over the years and currently has a population of just over 11,000. The historic area is a treat to see but also be sure to check out the antique stores and wineries. This is one of the most beautiful towns in Arizona.

4. Jerome
David/Flickr
Talk about a small town with a big reputation! The total population has lingered under 500 for more than half a century after the mining bust but part of its continued life can be contributed to preservation efforts.
Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Although the city endured four fires in its early history, it still manages to show off the classic Victorian-era architecture from the city’s founding. When you visit, you'll discover that there are plenty of things to do in Jerome, Arizona. This and the town’s history as a violent, potentially haunted place contributes to its charm.

5. Pine-Strawberry
Ryan Franklin/Flickr
Pine-Strawberry Museum, 3886 AZ-87, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
Alan Levine/Flickr
These two little towns tend to get lumped together but with views like these, who’s complaining? Together, the two towns have a population of almost 3,000. The area is a great place to escape the summer heat from hotter parts of the state, check out the seasonal foliage changes in fall, and experience snow in the winter. If you visit, be sure to check in advance of any festivals, like their annual fall festival in mid-October.
6. Sedona
Kayla Sawyer/Flickr
It’s not just the beautiful red rocks that draw people but also the nice small town vibe it possesses. With a steady population of approximately 10,000, the town has a strong arts, food, and tourist scene that keeps it alive and plenty of attractions that mark up its beauty and quirkiness.
Ayrcan/Flickr
Just an example of the beautiful sights you'll see in the town. Sedona is certainly one of the most beautiful towns in Arizona!

If you’re from a small town, what do you love about it compared to the cities? Which of these most beautiful and best towns in Arizona is your favorite – or did we miss one?

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More to Explore

Most Beautiful Towns In Arizona

Leah | May 29, 2020

Which hidden gems in Arizona should I visit?

Some of the most amazing hidden gems in Arizona include Sycamore Canyon in Verde Valley. This lush, green place has one of the next largest canyons in the state (compared to the Grand Canyon), and there are trails and campgrounds to make a visit here ideal. A perfect little town to visit is Chloride, a true hidden gem full of murals, yard art, and a charming community of around 400 residents. Need a quiet retreat? Try the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon. It's lesser known for a peaceful vacation.

What is the smallest town in Arizona?

Of all these charming small towns in Arizona, there is only one that can be considered the smallest of them all. If you're counting census-designated places, Willow Canyon in Pima County would be the smallest town in Arizona by population. Only one person lives there. When talking about actual towns, Winkelman would take the throne for this title. It has a population of about 350 residents and is primarily located in Gila County, though part of it does lie in the neighboring Pinal County. The name Winkelman comes from a cattle rancher who was part of the community. There are some historic buildings there that have been around for over 100 years.

What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arizona?

One of the most naturally beautiful towns in Arizona is Prescott. After all, it is known as one of the most picturesque in the state. The natural scenery surrounding the town includes pine forests, rocky terrain, canyons, lakes, and just about everything there is to love about Arizona landscapes. Plus, the town itself is full of postcard-worthy Victorian homes and historic buildings. There is plenty to see and do here - hiking the trails of the surrounding forest or kayaking the stunning Granite Dells, for instance - and it's definitely a lot of people's favorite place for a retreat, adventure, and more.

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