Pinetop-Lakeside

At 7,200 feet, the community of Pinetop-Lakeside borders the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pine. Two towns, Pinetop and Lakeside, were incorporated in 1984 to form this municipality—although they still retain separate post offices. The year-round population is just 4,400, but in summer months it can jump to as high as 30,000. Once popular only with retirees and those with summerhouses, the city now lures thousands of "flatlanders" up from the Valley of the Sun with gorgeous scenery, excellent multiuse trails, premier golf courses, and temperatures that rarely exceed 85°F.