8 Most Neighborly Towns In Arizona

A Pew Research study found that only around a quarter of Americans know all or most of their neighbors, a figure that has fallen in recent years. While the world can often feel increasingly isolating, some towns in Arizona make a point of keeping neighbors connected. Some towns, like Wickenburg, showcase western hospitality through their ranches, while others, such as Tubac, are known for their active arts communities. Regardless of their focus, however, each town’s neighborly spirit is truly remarkable, making a visit feel like a genuine privilege.

Carefree

In Carefree, the town’s name says a lot. Folks are friendlier and live a more laid-back lifestyle, always finding time to connect through numerous events in the year. One of the town’s beloved events is Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays, which take place from 1 to 3 pm on select Saturdays, offering free live music downtown while attendees dine or shop. They support their art community as well, as evidenced by activities like the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, which has been taking place since 1994, turning the town into an open-air art gallery with plenty of wine tastings. The town’s local cafes are favorite spots for gathering, such as Black Mountain Cafe, a lively diner established in 1978 that serves classic breakfast dishes, sandwiches, chili, soup, and heartier entrees for dinner.

Wickenburg

Known as the Dude Ranch Capital of the World, Wickenburg is home to hospitable ranches, many of which still welcome visitors today. Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is the perfect example, an intimate dude ranch on the National Register of Historic Places that has been receiving guests for over a century. In addition to lodging at the ranch, travelers can enjoy trail rides, archery, hiking, and more. Flying E Ranch, meanwhile, is extremely well known for the events it hosts, including the Party in the Desert, a four-day music festival. The residents of Wickenburg have also worked tirelessly to preserve their town’s history, evident through landmarks like Vulture City. A ghost town, this historic landmark is open between October and May and allows visitors to experience an abandoned mining town.

Tubac

Founded as a Spanish presidio in 1752, Tubac has steadily developed a well-known art community, thanks to decades of effort from the people who call it home. The Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts has played a major role in the town’s artistic success, running for nearly seven decades and earning recognition as one of the best art festivals in the United States. This year, the festival will take place at the beginning of February, transforming the historic village into a massive art gallery. Year-round, you can also appreciate the art scene at one of the town’s galleries, such as the Cobalt Gallery, which exhibits fine art, jewelry, and gifts. Tubac residents are also sometimes found relaxing on the greens of the Tubac Golf Resort, a historic course featuring hacienda-style casitas and 27 holes.

Bisbee

Founded in 1880, the western mining town of Bisbee continues to nurture a strong sense of community through its festivals and culinary scene. The Return of the Turkey Vultures festival is a classic example of Bisbee’s residents coming together, taking place in March and celebrating the migratory return of the scavenger through an art fair, drum circle, and parade. Held each November, the Mariachi Festival features performances by mariachi and ballet folklórico groups, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits such as the Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless and the Bisbee Mining Museum. You can also grab a beer at community hotspots like the Old Bisbee Brewing Company, which sits in the heart of the historic district, with a cozy taproom and elevated patio.

Patagonia

Despite being home to just 800 residents, Patagonia has some great gathering spots around downtown, starting with none other than Gathering Grounds. This espresso bar specializes in organic coffees, also serving an array of homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. Global Arts Gallery is another town favorite, an eclectic gallery downtown that sells decor, jewelry, art, and clothing. Community volunteers play a major role in Patagonia’s historic preservation, exemplified by the Patagonia Museum, a volunteer-run organization that offers free admission and hosts guest speakers, fundraisers, art camps, and other programs.

Camp Verde

Camp Verde is about an hour and a half drive north of Phoenix and offers a tight-knit atmosphere for those in need of some friendly community spirit. From May through October, you can attend the Verde Valley Farmer's Market, the valley’s oldest and largest market that focuses solely on homegrown produce and food. There are also some pretty eccentric festivals in town, such as the Corn Fest, which takes place on the third Saturday of July each year, featuring a street fair and delicious fresh-roasted corn. While in town, visitors should also swing by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center & Museum, which exhibits ancient artifacts relating to cliff dwelling, art, astronomy, and more.

Williams

Williams is a classic Route 66 town with lots of character, which can largely be seen through its local diners and lodges. Locals and travelers alike love grabbing a bite at Goldie’s Route 66 Diner, a retro, 1960s-style establishment that is famous for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Travelers looking for a place to stay will find plenty of hospitality at The Lodge on Route 66, a restored, 1938 inn with free breakfast, spacious suites, and an outdoor cabana. Those with families, meanwhile, should make sure to visit Bearizona Wildlife Park, a 160-acre park that is home to bears, wolves, badgers, bison, beavers, and many other animals.

Winslow

Winslow is about an hour and a half east of Williams on Route 66, offering another friendly destination to those doing a big 66 road trip. Similar to Williams, there are some fantastic dining spots around town, such as RelicRoad Brewing Company, a cozy and rustic spot with 20 craft beers on tap. In September, meanwhile, the town throws the Standin’ On The Corner Music Festival, which features two days of music, a cornhole tournament, and a horseshoe tournament that the community can get involved in. If you want to learn more about Winslow’s culture and history, you can also swing by the Old Trails Museum, which covers topics like the Santa Fe Railway, US Route 66, the Harvey Girls, and more.

Towns That Make You Feel At Home

These towns stand out for their strong community spirit with farmers' markets, small-town diners, and art festivals that remind residents why community matters. Whether you live in one of these eight towns or are just considering a visit, you are bound to feel a sense of home in each of these communities.