The Most Scenic Destinations Across the Southwest

Sedona

The American Southwest is defined by its scenery — vast deserts, dramatic canyons, and pine-covered highlands. Across this diverse region, several communities offer a chance to live close to some of the country’s most striking natural settings.

New Mexico

Santa Fe blends classic Southwestern architecture with mountain views and a thriving arts scene. Its streets are lined with galleries, artisan markets, and the celebrated Santa Fe Opera, all framed by high desert landscapes. Albuquerque’s open skies set the stage for events like the International Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of colorful balloons rise above the desert each fall. In the Sierra Blanca range, Ruidoso offers cooler air, forested slopes, and a quieter pace surrounded by mountain scenery.

Arizona

Sedona’s red rock formations define its skyline, with trails winding through sandstone cliffs and sunlit canyons. Nearby Flagstaff, set at a higher elevation, is surrounded by pine forests and mountain peaks, giving it a distinctly alpine feel. Scottsdale offers a different view of Arizona’s beauty, where the Sonoran Desert provides a backdrop for contemporary homes, resorts, and desert gardens. South in Tucson, the Catalina Mountains and Saguaro National Park create a setting where desert and city life meet seamlessly.

West Texas

At the western edge of Texas, El Paso sits between desert and mountain. The Franklin Mountains rise directly from the city, shaping both its horizon and its outdoor lifestyle.

In terms of properties throughout these areas, stucco and adobe surfaces mirror the earth tones of the desert, terraces extend living spaces into the open air, and native plants blend seamlessly with the terrain. These elements help homes blend with the surrounding landscapes while taking advantage of light, shadow, and views.