Gonna break the rules of your question & go with 2 answers.
Windhelm for major city because despite the constant cold, I personally find the historical characteristics of it more interesting than I do the other hold capitals, and I find it’s Architecture more appealing than I do Markarth’s or Solitude’s.
For minor city I’m gonna go with Falkreath because it’s the woodsiest (Riften doesn’t count because it’s major, not minor). I spend a decent amount of time outdoors IRL, so I appreciate the large amounts of greenery surrounding it
Also love markarth and vlindel hall especially (prob spelled it incorrectly). The people? Not so much, but living with cannibals, forsworn, and overzealous guards keeps me on my toes!
I like Dawnstar too, especially now that Shady Sam is there to be another general goods vendor. It feels like a real village, with unique characteristics. Multiple levels, two mines, the docks and the museum.
For me it’s a tie between Solitude and Markarth. Solitude hits that quintessential medieval aesthetic for me while Markarth hits that high fantasy vibe I also really enjoy. I love the Dwemer ruins. Markarth definitely has its problems tho lol
I don't WANT to say Whiterun but after all these years it just feels like home. The kids running around, the damage from the civil war, storm cloaks replacing guards, fixing the tree, having a merchant missing because the dark brotherhood had a contract out for him, the Red guard guys being ignored by everyone at the gate...
I just feel like it's the only city where things change based on your playthrough.
I'd have a hard time choosing between Riften and Whiterun. For me, Riften is prettier, has a better natural setting, and looks gorgeous at sunrise and sunset. It brings back good memories of Guild quests. Whiterun is quieter and evokes a sense of nostalgia. It's usually the first city we visit, where we buy the cheapest house, and where we become thanes for the first time. I also like its size: bigger than a town, but not as big as Solitude or as labyrinthine as Markarth. Tough choice.
when I was young I really love Markarth because of the Dwarven architecture. man I was so excited to meet a dwarf/dwemer such a big hook for me. I also like Windhelm but because of the location of the smithing station and the shops
Whiterun for me too. I love the Eagle shaped forge and the viking type features. The castle is fantastic with the moat around it. I love the way its laid out so the shopping areas are all in one line and most of the living in the other line. If I had the money I'd build it as a holiday park
Riften. It’s small, and compact. It’s on the lake so there’s a steady supply of fish and other food. It’s a good place for the wife and kids to live, and the thief’s guild will give the kids some ‘life skills’ and since I’m a member, they’ll look after my family when I’m not there.
Gonna break the rules of your question & go with 2 answers.
Windhelm for major city because despite the constant cold, I personally find the historical characteristics of it more interesting than I do the other hold capitals, and I find it’s Architecture more appealing than I do Markarth’s or Solitude’s.
For minor city I’m gonna go with Falkreath because it’s the woodsiest (Riften doesn’t count because it’s major, not minor). I spend a decent amount of time outdoors IRL, so I appreciate the large amounts of greenery surrounding it
I’ve always loved Solitude
Yeeeeeaaaaahhhhh!
Reading this and then seeing your flair made me laugh out loud lmfao
I love Solitude as well, especially the home, although, uh, I think my flair might indicate that it’s for different reasons 👀
Major- Riften. Great city for thief characters which I mostly play as and a very unique layout.
Smaller- Dawnstar. I love The Pale region, it's so beautiful.
Major city - windhelp
Minor city - riverwood
Windhelp! Must be alot of wind over there if they need help with it all the time
So much wind.
For a snowing 24/7 and can't see shit place, that's pretty accurate
Morthal is so atmospheric
I also enjoy the simple marshes of Morthal
I also enjoy the plentiful Deathbell growing there, so good 👌
I enjoy the local vampire community. Really brightens up the place and increases the local home market value
Whiterun and Solitude.
For walking around I love Solitude as well, sit in the tavern for a bit, all that good stuff
It's one of the few places in Skyrim I can still get confused where to go.
Markarth and solitude are impossible to navigate
Solitude is easy, Markarth not as much.
I was moreso adding and agreeing, but i do think solitude isnt the easiest to navigate compared to most (but not markarth)
Whiterun is just the most convenient city: central, vendors for everything, full blacksmith with smelter… It’s just perfect!
I got a controversial one: Markarth.
Disclaimer: I only like the Dwemer aesthetic part, not the filthy residents in there.
I would also love Markarth for the aesthetics, if not for the cannibals everywhere. So not a fan of them.
I've never had more issues with guards than I do at Markarth. They'll fine you just for talking too loudly.
Also love markarth and vlindel hall especially (prob spelled it incorrectly). The people? Not so much, but living with cannibals, forsworn, and overzealous guards keeps me on my toes!
Shors stone because Sylgi
Whiterun I just wish breezehome could be made into a grand estate instead of what it is.
Markath is ancient
Dawnstar
I like Dawnstar too, especially now that Shady Sam is there to be another general goods vendor. It feels like a real village, with unique characteristics. Multiple levels, two mines, the docks and the museum.
Riften, no doubt
Raven rock or morthal are mine because they both have a haunted/ ghostvtown like feel to them
I love Morthal too but wouldn't call it a city
For me it’s a tie between Solitude and Markarth. Solitude hits that quintessential medieval aesthetic for me while Markarth hits that high fantasy vibe I also really enjoy. I love the Dwemer ruins. Markarth definitely has its problems tho lol
Like the guards fining you if you just so happen to breathe the wrong way?
Yep 😂
Detroit
I don't WANT to say Whiterun but after all these years it just feels like home. The kids running around, the damage from the civil war, storm cloaks replacing guards, fixing the tree, having a merchant missing because the dark brotherhood had a contract out for him, the Red guard guys being ignored by everyone at the gate...
I just feel like it's the only city where things change based on your playthrough.
Windhelm.
Winterhold, i love the cold atmosphere there. The history of this city, once the capital of Skyrim. Unfortunately destroyed. Also l like the academy.
Major, Whiterun. It’s so quaint, there’s plenty to do 2 of those being Deadra quests, and it’s in the middle politically. Just, perfect.
Minor, Dawnstar. The large open bay looks amazing, the dark brotherhood base is awesome, and it has one of my favorite Deadra, Dagon deez nuts.
Riften
A true resident of Riften giving the perfect answer
I'd have a hard time choosing between Riften and Whiterun. For me, Riften is prettier, has a better natural setting, and looks gorgeous at sunrise and sunset. It brings back good memories of Guild quests. Whiterun is quieter and evokes a sense of nostalgia. It's usually the first city we visit, where we buy the cheapest house, and where we become thanes for the first time. I also like its size: bigger than a town, but not as big as Solitude or as labyrinthine as Markarth. Tough choice.
Whiterun is my favorite right now, has been for years
when I was young I really love Markarth because of the Dwarven architecture. man I was so excited to meet a dwarf/dwemer such a big hook for me. I also like Windhelm but because of the location of the smithing station and the shops
Windhelm.
Riften... it's just good , weather is nice, the house has good lake view , aside from the guild everything else is not bad
Winterhold bc the college is there. Dawnstar for the layout and weather.
Whiterun for me too. I love the Eagle shaped forge and the viking type features. The castle is fantastic with the moat around it. I love the way its laid out so the shopping areas are all in one line and most of the living in the other line. If I had the money I'd build it as a holiday park
Riften. It’s small, and compact. It’s on the lake so there’s a steady supply of fish and other food. It’s a good place for the wife and kids to live, and the thief’s guild will give the kids some ‘life skills’ and since I’m a member, they’ll look after my family when I’m not there.
Winterhold, I enjoy the isolation
Raven rock and its not even close (if it counts)
If not then windhelm probably but its a tough choice and i could very well switch it depending on how i feel
Markarth
Solitude is my favorite. Just the layout and its more orderly. Minor city maybe Dragon Bridge, just a tiny cozy village.
Whiterun is my favorite city, but Honeyside is my favorite house.
Markarth my beautiful