Staff Writer Richmond, the historic capital of Virginia, is known for its rolling hills, riverfront scenery, and vibrant cultural districts. While not mountainous, elevation changes across the city influence its landscape, neighborhoods, and views—especially near the James River. The city sits at an average elevation of about 167 feet (51 meters) above sea level, giving it a … Read more
Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, lies in a valley along the Winooski River and is surrounded by hills and gentle ridges. The landscape includes low river bottoms, rolling terrain, and nearby hills — giving the city modest but noticeable elevation variation. Average Elevation: about 535 feet (163 meters) above sea level (typical central-town references)Estimated Highest … Read more
Salt Lake City, famous for its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreation, and the nearby Great Salt Lake, features significant elevation variation due to its location at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains. This geography influences its climate, snowfall, and dramatic landscape. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 4,226 feet (1,288 meters) … Read more
Austin, known for its lively music scene, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture, sits at the meeting point of the Texas Hill Country and the Blackland Prairie. This unique geography creates noticeable elevation differences across the city — with low river valleys in the east and rolling limestone hills in the west. Average Elevation: approximately 597 … Read more
Nashville, known as the heart of country music and home to a thriving arts, culinary, and cultural scene, sits among the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. While not mountainous, the city’s varying elevation influences its scenic landscape, climate, and distinctive ridgelines surrounding the region. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 597 … Read more
Pierre, the capital city of South Dakota, is known for its scenic Missouri River views, rolling prairies, and its unique status as one of the least-populated state capitals in the United States. The city’s elevation plays a key role in its climate, landscape, and surrounding hills that define the local environment. Pierre is situated at … Read more
Columbia, known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and central location in South Carolina, features gently rolling terrain that shapes its climate, landscape, and river systems. While much of the city is relatively level, subtle elevation differences can be seen between river basins, downtown districts, and the surrounding uplands. The city sits at an … Read more
Providence, the capital and largest city of Rhode Island, lies along rivers and is surrounded by gentle hills — giving it a mix of low-lying river valleys and modest elevated terrain. The city’s elevation influences its flooding risk, drainage, and how different neighborhoods relate to the river and hills. Average Elevation: about 75 feet (23 … Read more
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits along the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River and rises into the surrounding hills. The city’s varied elevation influences its flood zones, drainage, and overall landscape. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 332 feet (101 meters) above sea level.Highest Elevation: approximately 630 feet (192 meters)Lowest … Read more
Salem, the capital city of Oregon, is located in the Willamette Valley and features gently rolling hills and river plains. While not mountainous, the city’s elevation plays a role in its climate, vegetation, and urban layout. Average Elevation: about 154 feet (47 meters) above sea levelHighest Elevation: 630 feet (192 meters) — in the western … Read more
