Arizona is Home to One of the Most Boring Cities in the Nation
There are many towns in the United States that might be considered exciting and fast-paced. Hustling, bustling cities generally have many activities to keep one's interest. But all that hustle-bustle can come with a downside. Heightened stress levels and higher crime rates can be uncomfortable trade-offs.
If I'm being honest, that's why I like Arizona. Yes, our pace is slower here, but you can find interesting and meaningful experiences if you know where to look.
The lights and glamor of New York City can give you the experience of a flashy Broadway production, but hop onto Broadway Boulevard in Tucson and head east, and you'll end up at Saguaro National Park, which is a beautiful way to experience nature and the joy of the Arizona-Sonora desert.
READ: 'Least Trusted' Restaurant in U.S. Has 38 Locations in Arizona
Why is Arizona So Boring?
Another "boring" aspect of living in Arizona is the weather.
Or complete lack thereof, in some cases. Yes, it gets hot in the summer, especially in Phoenix and Tucson. Aside from the famous Phoenix dust storms, known as haboobs, sudden and dramatic summer monsoons, and slight seasonal variations, it's a rare day that our state gets overly dramatic weather.
We don't get many tornados; the rare earthquake we experience is usually buried deep within the earth and hardly noticed by anyone other than your dog. When we get "hurricane" weather, it's usually the last vestiges of rain from a system in the Gulf of California.
READ: Arizona Ranked One Of 10 Worst States To Live In
I'm not complaining. Boring also means consistency. I'd rather check out the stars on a clear night than stand in Times Square under an array of dizzying, flashing, artificial light.
Arizona's Most Boring Cities
So, which cities in Arizona are real yawners? You'll find quiet, smaller towns in far-flung, outlying areas of Arizona's bigger cities.
Cities like Palominas, Safford, and Wikiup are not known for their fast pace. But you might be surprised to learn that even Arizona's largest city ranked as the number three MOST BORING city in the nation.
According to a survey, Phoenix was ranked as the third most boring city in the whole United States.
What makes Phoenix so boring?
Phoenix's scorching summer temperatures are a big factor. When the temperature rises to the extremes in Maricopa County, the heat pushes most people indoors. The high heat can make outdoor activities nearly impossible most of the year.
Phoenix isn't the only city in Arizona that gets a bad rap on this list.
Tucson also gets high marks in the boring column. It's often criticized for its lack of nightlife and entertainment options, especially when you compare Old Pueblo to other major cities across the globe.
While Tucson has its own kind of charm—with beautiful desert landscapes and a rich cultural history—it doesn't quite cut it for those looking for a bustling city vibe.
Not that I'm complaining. If boring also means beautiful and friendly, then I'll take it. You can live in a giant sterile city almost anywhere on the planet; I'll take our unique, mundane cities in Arizona any day.
Sources: BetArizona.com | National Park Service
LOOK: Counties with the most born-and-bred residents in Arizona
Gallery Credit: Stacker
LOOK: Highest-rated things to do in Arizona, according to Tripadvisor
Gallery Credit: Stacker
LOOK: Highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Tucson by diners
Gallery Credit: Stacker