The United States is a country of amazing contrasts. It has deep valleys, flat plains, and towering mountains. This means its cities have very different elevations.
Let's look at a few famous cities to see how their height above sea level changes their character. It's an elevation showdown!
Cities
From the "Mile-High City" to the "Big Easy" below sea level, a city's altitude plays a big role in its identity and daily life.
Denver, Colorado (The Mile-High City)
Elevation: 1,609 meters (5,280 feet)
Denver's nickname is no joke! It is exactly one mile high. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, its high altitude means the air is thinner.
This can make it harder for visiting athletes to compete. But it provides stunning mountain views and a gateway to world-class skiing.
Chicago, Illinois (The Windy City)
Elevation: 181 meters (594 feet)
Chicago sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Its elevation is fairly low and flat. This made it a perfect hub for building railroads in the 1800s.
Its landscape doesn't have mountains, but it has a skyline of incredible skyscrapers. You can see its flat terrain on an elevation map.
Miami, Florida (The Magic City)
Elevation: 2 meters (6.5 feet)
Miami is famous for its beaches and warm weather. It is also one of the lowest-lying major cities in the world. Its very low elevation is a key concern.
Being just a few feet above sea level makes the city vulnerable to rising sea levels and hurricanes, a challenge it is actively working to solve.
New Orleans, Louisiana (The Big Easy)
Elevation: -0.6 to 6 meters (-2 to 20 feet)
New Orleans is famous for its music and food. It’s also famous for its unique elevation. Much of the city is actually below sea level, like a bowl.
This is why the city has a system of levees to protect it from the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a place with a truly special geography.
From the mountains to the sea, a city's current elevation tells a story. It shapes how people live, work, and play in these amazing urban landscapes.