Arizona is packed with town names that are so quirky, confusing, or downright bizarre they’ll make your GPS (and possibly you) question reality. Here are ten town names that are sure to cause an existential crisis on your next drive:
1. Why
This tiny town near the Mexican border was named after the Y-shaped intersection of two highways. When the state required town names to have at least three letters, the founders chose “Why”—because why not?
2. Nothing
Literally, Nothing. This ghost town in Mohave County was so named because, well, there’s nothing there—just a sign reminding you of the void.
3. Bagdad
A mining town in Yavapai County, named after the Iraqi capital, but with about as much in common as a cactus and a palm tree.
4. Carefree
A master-planned community with laid-back street names like Ho Hum Drive and Never Mind Trail, making you wonder if you’ve entered a cartoon world.
5. Chloride
Named for the mineral found in the hills, this town will have your GPS wondering if it’s giving directions to a chemistry lab.
6. Hardrock
Not just a music genre, but a real town in Navajo County, with a name that’s as tough as the stones found there.
7. Show Low
Named after a legendary card game, this town’s main street is called Deuce of Clubs—confusing for both drivers and computers.
8. Snowflake
Even in the desert, you’ll find a town called Snowflake—named after its founders, not the weather.
9. Skull Valley
Named for the skulls found by early settlers, this town will have your GPS questioning your travel choices.
10. Cowlic
A census-designated place with a name as mysterious as its origins—no one’s quite sure what it means, but your GPS will definitely double-check the spelling.
These are just a few of Arizona’s many strangely named towns. If you’re ever feeling lost, just remember: in Arizona, even the map is a conversation starter.
Sources:
- https://www.arizonahighways.com/classroom/arizona-place-names
- https://kwcdcountry.com/top-10-arizona-names-that-newcomers-cant-get-right/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/arizona/comments/1lbqvrk/most_interestingfunnystrange_arizona_place_name/
- https://coppercourier.com/community/arizona-towns-with-questionable-names/