Staff Writer Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is known for its blend of urban energy, scenic riverbanks, and gently rolling Midwestern landscapes. While the city is not mountainous, its elevation still influences local weather patterns, drainage, and the natural character of the region. The city sits at an average elevation of about 955 feet (291 … Read more
Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana and a major Midwestern hub, is known for its sports culture, vibrant downtown, and historic neighborhoods. While the city’s terrain is generally flat, its elevation still influences drainage, weather patterns, and local landscapes. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 717 feet (219 meters) above sea level, … Read more
Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, is known for its rich history, government institutions, and connection to Abraham Lincoln. While the landscape is generally flat, the city’s elevation still influences its climate, drainage, and regional geography. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 600 feet (183 meters) above sea level, contributing to … Read more
Boise, the capital of Idaho, sits at the base of the Boise Foothills and along the Boise River, giving the city a naturally varied landscape. Its blend of river valleys, rolling hills, and nearby mountainous terrain shapes its climate and outdoor lifestyle. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 2,730 feet (830 … Read more
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, sits along the southern coast of Oʻahu and features a mix of sea-level beaches and elevated volcanic terrain. While much of the city is low-lying, the surrounding ridges and highlands dramatically influence the landscape, weather, and scenic views. Average Elevation: ~255 feet (78 meters)Highest Elevation: ~3,955 feet (1,205 meters)Lowest Elevation: … Read more
Atlanta, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and booming metropolitan landscape, is uniquely positioned among the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This gives the city a noticeably varied elevation compared to many major cities in the Southeast. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 1,050 feet (320 meters) above sea … Read more
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is known for its rolling hills—making it one of the highest and least flat major cities in the state. Its varied elevation influences the city’s climate, scenery, and unique topography compared to much of Florida’s low-lying coastal terrain. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 203 feet … Read more
Dover, the capital city of Delaware, is generally low-lying and flatter than many other U.S. cities. However, the city’s small changes in elevation still influence its drainage, natural landscape, and overall environment. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 30–35 feet (9–11 meters) above sea level, which reflects its location within the … Read more
Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, sits within the Connecticut River Valley and features a mix of low-lying river areas and gentle rises. While not a mountainous region, the city’s elevation influences its landscape, neighborhoods, and floodplain dynamics. The city is situated at an average elevation of about 75 feet (23 meters) above sea level, which … Read more
Denver, famously known as the “Mile High City,” is one of the highest major cities in the United States. Its elevation significantly influences its dry climate, abundant sunshine, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The city’s terrain varies gently, with small elevation changes across neighborhoods. The city is situated at an average elevation of … Read more
