Cool Towns for Your Lifestyle -
where does your road lead?
The Wet Mountains, found along
Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic
Byway Photo By Anna Zoromski/Weaver
Mulitmedia Group, courtesy Colorado Tourism
Office |
A street musician in Crested
Butte serenades cyclists
Photo By Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group,
courtesy Colorado Tourism Office |
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If you could live anywhere in the southwest, where
would it be, and why?
Cities and town in the
southwest are as diverse as its people and landscape,
offering a variety of cultural climates, activities and
alternative environments to suit your passions.
What’s your preference,
your personality, your style? Artistic,
outdoorsey, bohemian, ex-hippie, health conscious or
naturalist, new age mentality, sophistication and urban
flair, retiree? Do you love mountains, deserts, high
plains?
For the artistic, Santa
Fe, Taos, and Sedona rank in the top. Galleries,
workshops, classes, heavenly illumination, world-class
artists and instructors, and beautiful, colorful
landscapes are just a few of the reasons these cities
tip the artistic scale. Artists began coming to these
areas in the late 1800s for the same reasons.
The outdoors lover will
find sanctuary in places like Flagstaff, Durango, and
Silver City. The Grand Canyon, ancient ruins, and some
of the country’s most remote national forests border
these cities along with clear running rivers and an
abundance of wildlife. Flagstaff, well known for its
proximity to the Grand Canyon, as well as Northern
Arizona University, is a highway town on the once-famous
and now classic Route 66, all of which contribute to a
diverse and sometimes transient population. Durango is
more secluded; a charming little town nestled at the
foot of the San Juan National Forest and hosts a variety
of lifestyles from the artistic and alternative to the
outdoors lover, the rancher and the indigenous peoples
of the area. Shopping is limited but naturalistic and
holistic services and products abound. All have a touch
of the old west remaining in their character and it is
easy to imagine them as they were in their hay-day.
Silver City is also secluded and home to the Gila Bike
Race, Gila River, Gila National Forest and Gila Cliff
Dwellings.
Silver City, NM - Staff
Bohemian and old hippies
will also love Silver City, Taos and possibly Bisbee.
Counter-cultures have flourished in these areas for
decades contributing a vibrant, colorful and laid-back
but rhythmic pulse to the populations. Art thrives in
these communities a long with holistic healing, fresh,
clean air, and alternative, naturalistic lifestyles.
Melting pots of multi-cultural pockets serve to create
unique atmosphere through resident expression. But as
one Silver City resident said recently, "If you get to
Silver City and you’re looking for great restaurants,
then you’re in the wrong town." Those with a yearn for
the mysteries of life will find Sedona, Santa Fe, Taos,
and Silver City to filled with magical breezes, sacred
soil, and all that a new-age-er could dream of.
Cities in the southwest
are some of the most beautiful and cleanest cities in
the United States. Albuquerque tops our list with
brilliant blue skies, traditional and modern
architecture, a fantastic scenic backdrop of the Sandia
mountains (thusly named by the Spaniards for their
watermelon color at sunset), southwestern landscaping,
sustainable tourism and near year-round beautiful
weather. If you love to get out and walk, play tennis,
work in your yard, bicycle, or hike, Albuquerque offers
one of the best climates for these activities in the
southwest. Dining is above average with multi-national
cuisine available all over town, while shopping is also
exceptional with Coronado Center, Old Town, Nob Hill and
the University area to name a few.
Day trips from
Albuquerque also make it a great central location to
base from within an easy drive to Jemez Hot Spings,
Sandia Ski Area, Acoma Sky City and Pueblos, and
Bandelara National Monument.
And if you’re into green
living, Albuquerque was selected as the winner of the
Siemens Sustainable Community Award & Host to the 2008
ICLEI "Local Action Summit" which was May 14 – 16, 2008.
A green job corp and commitment to solar installation
and manufacturing has Albuquerque running close in tow
to Oakland, California.
For sophisticated
urban-lovers, both Phoenix and Scottsdale offer more
than perhaps any cities anywhere. Not only do they have
beautiful year-round weather, upscale facilities,
world-class shopping, dining, spas and accommodations,
but a true desert beauty like none other. Palm trees and
crystal clear pools tempt and await. Imaginative,
creative and successful people have brought these cities
to heights beyond the typical through architecture, art
and design.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale - Photo
courtesy of Scottsdale
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Retirees have long
flocked to Arizona, but Los Cruces, New Mexico is
experiencing its own boom. Already popular for the
campus of New Mexico State University, this lovely
little city is coming into its own with new
construction, beautiful affordable homes, and a healthy
climate. Heavily seeped in cultural flair, Los Cruces
hosts many annual events with Mexican cuisine, music and
crafts.
Wherever your desire to live in the southwest, if you
desire it, there is a place that’s just right for you!
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Silver City • Grant County
Chamber of Commerce
201 N. Hudson, Silver
City, NM 88061
1-800-548-9378
or 505-538-3785
Website
Discover the "Best Kept Secret" of the
Southwest
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