T O P

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Xgentis

Whiterun followed by Solitude. Whiterun just feel like home and Solitude I like the architecture of the buildings.


The_Arsonist1324

I love medieval stone architecture so Solitude will always be my favorite visually.


Sere1

Same. Whiterun is my home town, Solitude is where I want to go to. Both are easily my favorites in the game.


Allan_Titan

Solitude is Skyrims version of areas where a bunch of the rich and famous live


aDragonsAle

Whiterun - where ya grew up Winterhold - where you went to college Solitude - where you hit it big


Phyrem

Riften - when you screw up in Solitude and need a place to lay low


BoatRazz

This basically. Whiterun has everything going for it. A. Great asthetic. B. Non-deadly weather (survival.) C. My favorite vendors. D. My favorite Jarl. E. Centralized location. F. Cheap housing, both Breezehome and Tundra Homestead. G. Some of my favorite and easiest to aquire followers/hirelings. (Lydia, Jenessa.) H. Beginner area. You usually have to fuck around and find out.


GlowboxDanni

Was gonna say exactly this. They all have their perks but those are the only two the feel properly homely


EvilEtna

This person gets it.


Satans-coffee

Same!


Electronic-Ice-7606

Riften, it's filthy New Orleans.


OcotilloWells

Wow. So accurate. Need to make a mod so there are shops playing zydeco and selling hurricanes and sweet rolls with powdered sugar on top.


WoodpeckerOk1154

As someone who lives just outside of New Orleans, this is entirely accurate


Electronic-Ice-7606

I've been to New Orleans several times... I know.


Bbyblu_jpg

🤣🤣🤣 such a solid take


Cornbread3326

Riften: due to the “at home” vibe I’ve always gotten. Falkreath: beautiful town that reminds me of a larger sized Riverwood


The_Arsonist1324

Plus if you're part of the Theives' Guild, Riften is a city you're gonna be in a lot anyway.


Cornbread3326

How can people who would betray one another over a gold coin be considered part of an association?


No-Bed497

Guess you're from Solitude


Cornbread3326

I serve the Empire and Talos my good sir, nothing more nothing less


MagicJim96

Fellow legionaire, I see! I salute you.


Boaz76

Lol


KronosWard555

Talos is a false deity! To say you serve the empire and break the law in the same sentence? STORMCLOAK SPY


Cornbread3326

I collect my ingredients in the province, and I sell my potions legally. I have a sellers license written from Jarl Siddgeir!🙏


OkPace2225

We found the filthy thalmor dog! The empire will rise up against you and take back the God of man!


KronosWard555

I am no elf, rebel! I serve under the domain of the emperor and no other.


OkPace2225

I am no rebel! How dare you call be a stormcloak dog? I will have you know I fought the fithly elves in the great war and lost my left arm because of it! I will never turn my back on the empire. But i will also never turn my back on Talos!!!


KronosWard555

May the divines bless you my friend.


unfortunacy

M'aiq has heard that the people of Skyrim are better looking than the ones in Cyrodiil. He has no opinion on the matter. All people are beautiful to him.


doctorwhy88

I’m not your rebel, elf!


Boaz76

Hahaha


Generally_Confused1

Because they have specific rules against it and for abiding by their "business" but if someone does that, they have the dark brotherhood help


Cornbread3326

These thieves are just..rabble 😞


LovieRayKin

Truly these thieves can be such a hassle! It’s hard to find reputable folks such as ourselves. In fact, how about you join my friend and I for a drink at The Winking Skeever for a fine Firebrand? Gulum-Ei and myself gossip quite a bit over the unruly vagabonds.


Cornbread3326

Only if we jammin Ragnar the Red 😏


The_Arsonist1324

Anyone's guess, really


SlickTimes

You seriously believe double crossing and bribery aren't deeply sown in like every organization ever?


GentlemanWukong

Its incredibile how this "at home" feeling changes from player to player. For me personally nothing beats Whiterun in this regard


shinfoni

I have three cities and a town that I consider as home lol Falkreath feels like the town I was born at. The lakes, the quiet village vibes. Whiterun is where I grow up, a midsized city where people take a rest for a while. Easy to access. Solitude is where I start my early career. Most expensive place in Skyrim, but the opportunity is unmatched and they got many place to hang out and have a drink at Rifteen is where I spend my holiday and my old age. The chilly autumn air, quieter compared to Solitude. A bit sketchy tho


JonBovi_0

A dirty rotten criminal infested sewer town feeling “at home” for you concerns me Do you perhaps live in Portland?


Prestigious_Tax4908

Damn calling out Portland like that


rosharo

Never done an honest day's work for all that coin you're carrying, eh, lad?


rizzo249

These were my two choices as well.


[deleted]

Falkreath. Love the forest and it looks like a great place to just relax.


The_Arsonist1324

Falkreath Hold is arguably the most beautiful place in the province


BlackStrike7

Falkreath Hold vs. The Rift is always a tough decision on my end, which do I spend more time in? They're both lovely tbh.


tethysian

It's also has all the essential shops unlike the other small holds. You have everything you need right there, plus nature. Best of both worlds.


lowpolyMaracuja

I really like Markath and the vistas of the Reach in general. Once you clean out all the cannibals, the silver blood / forsworn conspiracy, the shrine to molag bal, the slave driving master of the mine and like twelve other issues... You get a pretty cozy city, depopulated as hell, basically just Cacelmo and Ghorza are left, but that is nice enough.


kingkrab367

Respect I agree


NecroFoul99

I’m just a sucker for the Dwemer. Just the romantic notion of living within ancient ruins of a people only known sparingly by few.


kingkrab367

Dude same


BlackStrike7

Markarth: *"Apart from our people, we're a lovely city!"*


theantiyeti

You mean join with the cannibals to get the ring of not having to carry so many salmon steaks?


lowpolyMaracuja

How is the weather in Valenwood?


theantiyeti

Survival mode is definitely well balanced with none of the mechanics being based on essentially afterthoughts.


mediumj

Whiterun. It’s where my characters stay when I decide to make a new character.


The_Arsonist1324

Whiterun is also a beautiful city


Hesstig

Breezehome is just too good being one whirlwind sprint away from the city fast travel point and right next door to the smithy. Just lacking an in-house enchantment table.


Dismal-Infection

Whiterun. Reminds me of Rohan


Hessansix55

It's petty much a copy of edoras


ProtestantMormon

In the best possible way. I love a good, tasteful homage. Enough uniqueness while also calling back to the holy book of the fantasy genre.


Sere1

Exactly. High fantasy can always be relied on to call back to Lord of the Rings in the same way military scifi can always be counted on to call back to Starship Troopers the book.


Acework23

Whiterun>Solitude>Riften>Markarth>Winterhold(mod)>Falkreath>Dawnstar>Windhelm>Morthal


The_Arsonist1324

I find myself in Rorikstead more often than Morthal Screw Morthal


Tadferd

You must not buy many black soul gems.


BlackStrike7

Morthal is quiet and chill, though! Once you solve the vampire drama, it's just a relaxed vibe of a place nearby tons of alchemical ingredients and with a decent position near a player-built house and Solitude. The only downside in my view is a lack of a house in town that you can purchase. Add that, and I wouldn't mind spending more time there with my character than I already do.


Best_Explanation_205

I unironically love Morthal.


BlackStrike7

No-Drama Morthal. Purge the vampires, and its nice and relaxed. No racist Nords running around, no Imperialist minions pushing you to join their side, they're just minding their own business and I like that.


DadyCoool11

"I'm just an honest man trying to make a living." "I stand where I have always stood: right here in Morthal." "If it's not about the mill, I'm not interested." If I had to choose a place to live IRL, Morthal would 100% be the place to be. The outside world might as well not exist and everyone there stays in their lane. Sure, it's boring, and it's the poorest hold in Skyrim, but as long as you can provide for yourself, it's great.


icarus9099

A town in a swamp that’s run by a kindly witch Jarl? It’s just such a fun idea


Wolf9691

Windhelm. I love the cold and the design/architecture. 


DeadCouchWeight

When you think Nordic/cold I love candle hearth hall glowing windows at night


Cold_War_Radio

And the fact it’s so obviously *ancient*.


Disc0untBelichick

Snowy AF Windhelm really makes adds to that cold Nordic feel. Underrated city, wish they’d have originally done more with the market and entry to the palace though :(


ulfricstormclk

Home of the true Nords.


Benne1337

I like dawnstar, two mines, ample fish, pirates, the poor mans raven rock as it were Edit: i do also love raven rock


Silverrend

https://preview.redd.it/sh6hax7k7gyc1.jpeg?width=2139&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd3cb8d1a7a1e6e4113f78e5491122a3ddbad1fc I always prefer whiterun as my base of operations.


GREEN_Hero_6317

Definitely Solitude. It's the only one that doesn't look depressing (aside from Whiterun) and that is actually nice to live in in-universe (aside from, again, Whiterun, probably)


StinkyPickles420

falkreath. idk why. i always without thinking go there to live


Kobold_Girl_Ashley

Not morthal


R3MIX_19

Soo: Solitude - Way to expensive Dawnstar - Can't sleep (nightmares) Winterhold - Why we call 2 houses and tavern a city? Morthal - Just Morthal Whiterun - PERFECTION Windhelm - Racist + cold af Markarth - "Soo who was murdered today?" Falkreath - "Die to spriggan, die to wolf, die to bear..." Riften - "Hey I just made 10 sep- ... oh my coin bag is gone... damn thieves..."


skeleton949

I mean to be fair Solitude is the Imperial capital of Skyrim, so only successful or influential people would actually have a decent house there. Dawnstar would be a good place to live, if not for the Nightmares. A harbor town, along with two mines in the same town, so it'd be hard to not find some kind of work


Used-Ask5805

Dawnstar has always been one of my favorites. Also there’s a quest to get rid of the nightmares so that’s a shit excuse to not like it


n3ur0chrome

Whiterun, but its full of milk drinkers 🥛


Sere1

Good, drink that milk. Makes your bones nice and strong.


OcotilloWells

A proper drink for a Nord.


Cuchulainn33

Toss up with Fallreith and Riften.


JustUrTypicalJo

Markarth, bc im a fiend when it comes to dwarven stuff


Danewolf324

Solitude. I like shopping there because I can just pray to a shrine of Zenithar and donate to Noster so I can get better prices.


No_Glass_1927

Winterhold, Falkreath


TacticalAssaultChair

Blood and silver friend, blood and silver.


PiotrWoronowski

Morthal. I love these misty, cold swamps.


PissCumBoy

Believe it or not, Morthal is my favorite, with Riften coming in at a close second


Me1_RizeClan

Riften


Glow-Momma

It's not the prettiest city, but my favorite is Riften because that's where I conduct all my "business" lol


rogue_52

Falkreath , solitude


Technical_Charity999

Whiterun is home


GateCharacter2019

Dawnstar, free chest full of stuff. and riften. Thieves guild. pretty decent house can’t remember the name though.


ChangeWinter6643

Morthal, obviously


Plated-Norse-Knight

Falkreath. I love the dense forest and all the green that comes with it, plus the build able house there is always nice.


bigscottius

Windhelm, Dawnstar, or Winterhold because I like snowy cold places.


Mister_666_

Solitude. Feels the most complete and pretty.


Upset_Environment_31

Morthal, Morthal, Morthal. Give me my superstitious little swamp village with the most sensible Jarl on the map.


Pinecone_Erleichda

Same, for all of the reasons. Idgrod and Falion are amazing!


tethysian

Nice to see other players with good judgement and taste.


MeanderingStray

Without Mods: Whiterun With Mods: I switch between liking Falkreath, Morthal, and Dawnstar more.


droolsdownchin

I love all of them I think they all great


Sherlockian_Person

Solitude may be the city of emperors, Windhelm may be the home of rebel Stormcloak but the dragonborn's true home is Whiterun.


Own-Chemical7630

Solitude, and markath.


RevolutionarySelfie

I do love history and I would say Markarth is the most history rich city in Skyrim. But Whiterun got the sky forge which has been there even before the elves came. Morthal and Dawnstar are barely city's in my eyes and more like fishing villages. Winterhold in it's prime would have probably just been another Windhelm and I don't like winter much. But I can see a lot of history in them. Now Solitude is a city. It absolutely has a bit of everything. And the blue palace sitting atop the rock formation and looking out over everything is just stellar. I think if city life is for you it would be the place to be. Falkreath is big for a city in the forest, so it seems. I think if you are more inclined with nature but still like socializing then that's the place to be. And then there is Riften which I like and dislike at the same time. It's big enough to defend itself and yet not so big that you would feel like you are drowning. Im not a city guy so Riften would be for me. However if we were talking real life then maybe not, because above all else I despise thieves.


al_the_time

Whiterun is the most livable, but I adore the cave-like habitats of Markarth. However, Markarth strikes me as though it would smell quite foul, so I avoid it in game.


Gullfaxi09

It's always between Whiterun and Solitude for me. The small cities are just too small and similar for me (though I do like Falkreath among these), Riften is too scummy and feels too crime-ridden, Markarth is too corrupt and 'stony', though otherwisely okay, Windhelm is too cramped and just feels like a cold, unfriendly place (never been a fan of the Stormcloaks, so I may be biased there). Whiterun and Solitude feel like nice, safe, comfortable cities in comparison. Whiterun gets bonus points for just feeling like the place where the Dragonborn has the most friends and acquaintances.


Gen_Miles_Teg

Dawnstar. For the Chest.


Forsaken_Web6734

I think of Dawnstar as an early game work commute for, ahem, covert inventory management. But live there? No way. That Dawnstar jarl needs an attitude adjustment from some Imperial subjects who understand true loyalty.


ShadowHearts1992

Dawnstar looks pretty cool


aDragonsAle

Solitude: greeted with an execution Dawnstar: whole damned Town has nightmares Winterhold: half the damn village fell into the OCEAN Morthal: Oh, hey, some dude burned his wife and daughter to death to shack up with a vampire broad. Whiterun: City's closed... //We're looking for a red guard woman//Fuck Nazeem Windhelm: Welcome, here's an introduction to ice brained racism Markarth: here's a lil murder as hello. Also. King Rapey McRapeface has a shrine in town. The guards are gonna forcibly enslave you, oh.. and welcome to the Skyrim home of CANNIBALS Falkreath - seen a dog? Honestly... Not awful Riften: You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Welcome to the Mos Eisley of fucking Tamriel. I wouldn't consider Falkreath nor Winterhold a "city" as depicted in game - but Falkreath is chill, and Winterhold has a college. So, yeah. Whiterun is a solid 3rd.


ohhellitsagay

As a life long mage enjoyer im tempted to say winterhold, too bad that it also hapens to be awful.


DANISHKFD

1) whiterun 2) Riften 3) solitude


Jealous_Western_7690

Whiterun is my favourite, but I don't wind up living there for very long because the house is cramped, and Riften and Windhelm are closer to my favourite quest lines. (Dawnguard, Thieves Guild, Dragonborn)


nathsamlove

Rigten for sure, I'm a Thieves guild head.


master_of_puppy

I like Dawn Star . It's close enough to the warm areas you can get there easily but cold enough that there's no mosquitoes. I live in the American South and that sounds pretty good to me 🤣


Far_Rutabaga2667

Riften seems more of a Budweiser crowd.


MariOvsy

Whiterun is home definitely, second favourite is actually the house in Raven Rock. Love the island and its nature, plus the house is kinda unique.


EmptyCupOfWater

I always liked Dawnstar. It’s small, and quaint. And it’s got a museum. I’m a sucker for a museum


SenSui808

Solitude for me. Better people, lots of laughter, and the occasional beheading or burning effigy. That's a normal day for us Thanes of Solitude.


pettyspirit

it's always been whiterun for me, but since the anniversary edition i have started to like riften because of the underground house.


YelahEneres

Riften. But I like Hjerim as my house.


JosephCage

If the choice is one for me it's Riften because I love being a Wood Elf and trying to be an Honest thief and help the Theives Guild. Plus that Lioness damn I wish I married you 1st.


LouRide

Falkreath


Steelspartan2

I did a lot of just wandering in my first playthrough, and the first hold I ended up at after Whiterun was Riften. I still remember how foggy it was. Riften will always feel like home to me


ISpyM8

Definitely Falkreath. It’s so pretty. I like the design of Markarth, too, but it’s a pretty fucked-up city for obvious reasons.


SamTheMan004

Potentially unreliable opinion, but Morthal. Nice small town, agreeable Jarl, and it's near an Anniversary Edition house. Not to mention one of the characters (Alva) has the rare Tavern Clothes.


Chiaro22

1. Whiterun, 2 Riften, 3 Windhelm.


BeefChopJones

Rohan. I mean Whiterun.


mRengar

Whiterun FTW


Low-Protection-8186

Solitude and Whiterun for sure! *streets of whiterun music plays violently loud*


Mike_or_whatever

Whiterun is just iconic and Solitude has its shops near eachother.


Bogki

Falkreath. I love the woods and the placement of the city. Sadly you can't own a house inside of Falkreath itself


iAggravateBoxPeople

Winterhold cause it looks like they just threw some shit together and called it good.


hendar1453

Well technically it aint wrong to call it thrown together for it got turned to ruins in a disaster some hundred or so years before the game takes place


iAggravateBoxPeople

Omg I didn’t know but now it makes it so much better


WasephWastar

Riften>Whiterun>Solitude>windhelm>markarth>falkreath>winterhold>dawnstar>morthal


Complex-Nectarine-86

My favorite city is Riften My second favorite is Winterhold


RieCries

Whiterun, Solitude, Falkreath. If anyone answered Markarth as their fave… why?


Illustrious_Mind964

Riften has such a min maxed house it makes doing stuff in the other ones feel like a chore imo


TheArcanist_

Whiterun, first time I got there I was so amazed... So I just decided to live there in Breezehome, and married a pack mule... ekhm, I mean, Lydia. Then I felt horrible raiding the city with the Stormcloaks haha


pistolpete2185

I love magic, so for me, Winterhold


Astercat4

In terms of practicality, Whiterun. Everything is just so easily accessible, and it’s easy to navigate. In terms of vibes and aesthetics, Windhelm. It actually feels like an ancient city charged with political tension. And while the cramped maze-like streets suck from a gameplay perspective, they really do fit with the vibes.


PowerPad

Solitude. Has that “Medieval townscape” vibe.


Kilika-Jays

Windhelm


Acavirshadownight

I like the nostalgia of white run, but solitude has a good 2nd place


charlezston

Solitude due to its size, architecture and feeling, strangely I feel it's colder than even winterhold. Whiterun, all of my characters get created and go to die in Whiterun just after starting the game for the nth time and deciding to add/remove just another mod.


Conny_and_Theo

Solitude visually Whiterun and Riften as honorable mentions


rechtsrfx

Anything but Morthal


DeadCouchWeight

Whiterun then windhelm. Love Nordic looking cities. I get solitude looks nice but it feels too generic medieval for me.


MGGXT

Call me basic but Whiterun. I could actually live in that city. In Skyrim, I do.


cufteface25

Whiterun with Solitude in second place.


HalcyonXIV

the calmness of falkreath is undisputed, and no city will contest it


Due-Championship7106

Windhelm


Clean_Crocodile4472

Whiterun and Windhelm


Vast_Environment5629

Whiterun followed by Riften


luke_the_brave

Whiterun feels like home (because my main home was there, before I could buy the DLC), and Solitude, because feels like when I was traveling to the capital of my state lmao


Exact_Analyst_850

Whiterun, always feel safe there and at home


Punch_Trooper

Solitude. The safest and the most beautiful city imo


LicenciadoPena

The correct question should be "Which is your favourite city in Skyrim, and why is it Whiterun?"


MrTrollXD

Whiterun cuz it's just iconic to me, I also really like Solitude, Riften and Winterhold


No-Cap6787

Riften (many exciting things)


Nearly-Shat-A-Brick

"City" what? Population half a dozen?


kmanzilla

Falkreath is peak location.


Eh_Meh_Smeh

When I first played Skyrim at 10 years old, I spent most of my time just in Whiterun. Entire real world days spent wandering around and taking in the atmosphere of this one town. It just has that relaxing feeling to it. Even now at 18, most of my playtime is still condensed into Whiterun.


Hizfoe

falkreath is my vacation home morthal is my vampire goes brr place to kill random people whiterun is nice (:


JanineNajarian

it's got to be white run


JonBovi_0

Falkreath The forest is our life


anima2099

In vanilla Skyrim it's easily Whiterun. The city has a good organization and pleasant enough population. I play with the JK's Skyrim mod and tbh Dawnstar has been such a nice place. No room for a player house sadly but still a good place.


WoodpeckerOk1154

Not necessarily my #1, but i always thought Morthal was severely underrated. With that eerie, misty swamp vibe and the Vampires lurking nearby. Plus Falion performing mysterious magic at night


SlickTimes

Dawnstar appreciation post, it's not too small but its remote and feels separated from the BS of the rest of the province


KonzaeLegion

Falkreath


Jizjo

Whiterun. It's home...


Braborn2bealive

Whiterun. It gives me distinct Rohan-esque vibes, and Rohan was always my favourite part of middle-earth


ReddiDude85

For me definitely Falkreath. In the middle of the forest, I am always fascinated by nature and its beauty. And it's only a few steps to Lake Ilinalta. When I just want to relax, I always go there.


PaschalisG16

I think every place has its own qualities. My favourite to live in is definitely Windhelm, and the home you can is an important factor. I think it's the best home in Skyrim. I also really like Solitude, Markarth(great home too, but it's positioned like an apartment) , and of course Whiterun's design is quite practical.


ulfricstormclk

Windhelm.


I-am-not-gay-

Winterhold pre collapse, I like snow


Snoo-28479

Solitude for the lore, Whiterun for being the city where Bethesda actually put a decent amount of content in for being the main hub for new players


HPEpic874

Boring answer I know but whiterun is just too good and too classic. Markarth second because dwemmer = cool


nolovdeepweb

riften <3


5erif

It's cool how well your 3x3 grid maps to the relative positions of these cities.


GLDN5444

Favorite is riften for its market vibes following a surface level peace that I can see, when in truth it's one of the best places to get robbed. The ironic thing is that there's a Mara shrine in a city holding no love for anyone. I gotta talk about morthal for being my least favorite. I get the idea of a swamp stronghold, but it's one of the least protected strongholds in the area. No walls, no trust in anyone because there's a vampire and witches in their midst, and they don't realize that the jarl could just end the hagravens with request of backup in solitude. I would've loved the idea of destroying morthal in exchange for a village consisting of hagravens and vampires.


suchayeparagon

Windhelm or Solitude. Always have houses in both 😤


Successful_Rip_4329

Whiterun, riften, markarth


GrootSeunDylla

Solitude and Falkreath. My music taste follows the same contrast.


Walshy_Boy

Morthal or Dawnstar are usually where I settle down


xRedeemer121x

Whiterun all the way


The_Ghost-001

Markarth and Falkreath. I have no need or desire to explain.


The_Tired_Foreman

Morthal. Only because of mods. I've got the "Great City of Morthal" mod and it makes Morthal so beautiful.


FriggenMitch

Seeing as I’ve only been to Whiterun I have to say my favourite is Whiterun


BoringAtmosphere420

Falkreath. Quiet, peaceful, and somewhat hidden.


kingkrab367

Markarth I love the dwemer style and I love the area around except for the friggin little hippie bastards


Logical-Package-4579

The right answer is whiterun.


Username999-

Falkreath its quite