Sedona, Arizona

An upscale community surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Little wonder why this town has become a favorite for retirees. I have visited many picturesque mountainous areas of the West, but the rock formations around Sedona are unparalleled. This town is named after Sedona Miller Schnebly (1877–1950), the wife of the city's first postmaster, who was celebrated for her hospitality and industriousness. At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), Sedona experiences summers that are not as hot as Phoenix or Tucson. Sedona is not an historic town, but nonetheless earns our highest recommendation. The town has an abundance of great restaurants, lodging and shopping. But with such remarkable scenery, why would anyone choose to be indoors? Sedona appears to be a rapidly growing community, so I’m not sure how long it will qualify as a small town. EARNS OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.