If you crave the atmosphere of a lively city but also love long leisurely (or strenuous) walks in the countryside, discover these four US cities. They benefit from being close to beautiful mountain ranges, perfect for escaping the bustle and immersing yourself in nature.
Find homes in the USA via our property portal.
1. Portland, Oregon
The city at sunset.
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is the perfect place for property seekers to base their search if they are looking for an effortlessly cool, arty vibe. Its Art Museum is one of the oldest galleries in the whole of the US. The city is known for its live music, with the Revolution Hall being the go-to venue. The city also has an annual Montavilla Jazz Festival. If you are sucker for hipster food and drink, you’ll feel at home here. You will never be too far away from a craft beer, with over 700 breweries, it has dubbed itself the world capital of craft beer.
Hiking
Enchanting Forest Park, Portland.
Portland is one of just six American cities with an extinct volcano within its limits – and today, (194m) Mount Tabor makes a fantastic hiking location. It has a mixture of footpaths and paved roads, so hiking is easy to start from any point. From its summit, you’ll have the most beautiful views of your new city’s skyline. Another brilliant choice for hikers is Forest Park, within its impressive 5,200 acres, you’ll find more than 80 miles of trails to explore the native fauna and flora. Tyron Creek State Natural Area is a place to spy owlets and squirrels in its eight miles of hiking trails. The really great thing about Tyron Creek is that it is just fifteen minutes from downtown Portland.
2. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson at dusk.
The second largest city in Arizona, Tucson holds the title of the very first US city to be recognised as a UNSECO City of Gastronomy. With Native American and Mexican influences, Tucson offers a diverse range of delicious cuisine. It is a great city to be in for picking up the freshest foods from farmer’s markets and enjoying the finest of Arizona’s wine. Due to being the home of the University of Arizona, the city has a young population. Plus, with over 350 days of sunshine a year, Tucson is one of the sunniest cities in all of the USA. For fun family days out, head to Old Tucson, a movie set turned theme park, and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, a fantastic zoo.
Hiking
Mt. Lemmon in winter.
Luckily for hikers, the city is surrounded by five mountain ranges and the Saguaro National Park. You’ll find the nation’s largest cacti here, the symbol of the southwest. To the north of the city lies the Santa Catalina Mountains, with the highest point Mt. Lemmon at 9,147 feet, it is also the most southern ski destination in the US. Additionally, Tumamoc Hill is home to the University of Arizona’s only desert laboratory, so there are a number of regulations to follow, but it is well worth it to observe the abundance of plants and birdlife. While Blackett’s Ridge, located off the Bear Canyon Trail, provides a more challenging excursion.
3. San Diego, California
Downtown San Diego at sunset.
Sometimes just seen as Los Angles’ southern sister, San Diego possesses its own fabulous energy as part of the US’s west coast. From fishing to boating to whale watching, it has a host of water-based activities to fill your days. Plus, the thick kelp has created an underwater forest, making for a special snorkelling and scuba diving experience. Surfing is the way of life here, with La Jolla Shores, Coronado and Silver Strand all being top choices. San Diego has an impressive theatre scene, with “Jersey Boys” and “Into the Woods” originating here before heading to Broadway. While film fanatics will appreciate the San Diego International Film Festival. And what better way to adjust to your new life in America then by getting into baseball at the Petco Park stadium.
Hiking
Potato Chip Rock!
The go-to spot for hikers in San Diego is Potato Chip Rock on Woodson Mountain. A natural rock formation famed for, you guessed it, resembling a potato chip. Then, to see the most stunning waterfall in all of San Diego head to Cedar Creek Falls. But it is also known as Devil’s Punch Bowl, so be prepared to feel it in your calves! Then, on the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach, you’ll find a Natural Reserve (of the same name), full of pine-trees and sandstone canyons. Plus, you can play golf with the most astounding views of the Pacific at Torrey Pines Golf Course. You can also head to the highest peak in San Diego, on Cowles Mountain at 1,593 feet, from which you can spy Mexico in the distance.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Dusk in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City strikes a strange balance of having more days of sunshine and considerably more snow than the rest of the US. But if you love winter fun, Salt Lake offers ample opportunity for skiing and snowboarding. Plus, the Olympic Park, built for 2002, offers bobsleighs, ziplines and scenic chairlift rides. Salt Lake also has a charming, old-fashioned feel and you’ll find yourself transported in time by places such as the Redwood drive-in theatre. For a more modern, arty atmosphere head to the Gallery Stroll, an after-hours gathering of local artist’s work. Salt Lake City has a young and upcoming tech industry, so if you’re gifted in that way, it may be worth seeing what job opportunities could suit you there.
Hiking
Behold Mount Olympus, Utah.
For a dog-friendly hike, head to Neffs Canyon. While Mount Olympus towers 4,000 feet over the city – it is very steep and has little shading, so be wary. While Bells Canyon has a pretty waterfall to observe and have a picnic close to. Also worth a visit is the Red Butte Natural Area, a huge botanical garden, with a children’s, fragrance, and medicinal garden. Plus, it doubles as a concert venue.
You might also enjoy reading:
