America's Funniest Small-Town Names

5. Why, Ariz.
Who's on first? What's on second? Why, Arizona? Before you go all existential, consider the fact that the name of this tiny crossroads has a fairly prosaic origin: It was named for the Y intersection of two highways. And then give in to the penetrating introspection that overcomes all who see the town sign framed against the blue Arizona hills. Why, indeed.

6. Boring, Ore.
Many of us are saddled with "interesting" surnames … at least homesteader W.H. Boring had this Oregon town named for him in 1903. But its 8,000 residents find Boring anything but. Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest peak, and Portland, a hub for wineries and rose gardens, are both nearby. Blacksmiths at Red Pig Garden Tools will forge implements for you right in the shop. Stroll biking/walking trails or find some furry love at the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus. Afterward, if you care to be not intrigued a little more, check out Boring’s "unofficially official" paired community: Dull, Scotland.

7. Truth or Consequences, N.M.
Truth or consequences: Would you change your name for a little bit of fame? Hot Springs, N.M., did just that in 1950 in response to a contest held by the popular radio programTruth or Consequences. Midway between El Paso and Albuquerque, Truth or Consequences boasts geothermal springs (and affordable spas), deserts, mountains and Elephant Butte Lake. Low housing prices, a calm climate and outdoor activities make the area a popular retirement destination. Surrounding Sierra County hosts historic ghost towns and futuristic development: Spaceport America, which plans through companies like Virgin Atlantic to make civilian spaceflight possible for everyone.

8.  Dunmovin, Calif.
One would think that the optimistic folks who named Dunmovin had finally found a place to hang their hats for good. But, by the looks of this ghost town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, practically nobody who settles in Dunmovin is, well, done movin'. Less a town than a way station for travelers, desert rats and ramblers, Dunmovin has an overgrown, tumbleweed-blowing-in-the-desert charm. It's a lonesome landscape, with a name that's not going anywhere.

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