Ever tried to win a game of Scrabble or a geography quiz and realized your brain just blanks when it comes to the letter Z? It’s a tough one. Honestly, when you think about the United States map, your mind probably jumps to the big players—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago. But the "Z cities" are a rare breed. They aren't just trivia answers; they’re real places with weird histories, massive nuclear plants, and some of the best water you'll ever drink.
There aren't many of them. You’ve probably heard of a couple if you live in the Midwest or Florida, but most people couldn't name three if their life depended on it. These towns often sit in the "in-between" spaces of America. They are the spots where the road gets a little quieter and the local history gets a lot more interesting.
US Cities That Start With Z: The Heavy Hitters You Need to Know
When we talk about US cities that start with Z, we aren't just talking about tiny villages with one stoplight (though there are plenty of those). We’re talking about established communities with tens of thousands of people.
Zionsville, Indiana
If you’re looking for the "biggest" Z-city, this is usually it. Zionsville is basically the crown jewel of suburban Indiana. As of 2026, it’s holding steady as a wealthy, picturesque hub just north of Indianapolis. People go there for the brick-paved Main Street. It feels like a movie set. You’ve got these high-end boutiques and upscale dining spots that make you forget you’re in the middle of the "Crossroads of America." It's pricey, though. The home values here are some of the highest in the state, driven by a school system that’s consistently ranked at the top.
Zanesville, Ohio
Zanesville is different. It’s got more of a rugged, industrial soul. Located where the Muskingum and Licking Rivers meet, it was actually the capital of Ohio for a hot minute back in the early 1800s. Today, it’s famous for the "Y-Bridge." It’s exactly what it sounds like—a bridge shaped like a Y. You can start on one side and end up on the same side of the river you started on if you take the wrong fork. Pretty trippy if you aren't expecting it. The population in 2026 is hovering around 25,000, and it remains the seat of Muskingum County.
Zephyrhills, Florida
You’ve seen the name on a plastic bottle. You probably have one in your fridge right now. Zephyrhills is synonymous with spring water, but it’s a real place in Pasco County. It was founded by Don Robinson back in the 50s because he realized the water coming out of the ground was exceptionally pure. Nowadays, it’s a massive winter destination for "snowbirds." The town’s population nearly doubles when the weather gets cold up north. It’s also one of the world's premier spots for skydiving. If you want to jump out of a plane over a landscape of orange groves and limestone springs, this is your spot.
The Small Town Gems and Quirky Spots
Not every Z-city is a suburban powerhouse or an industrial hub. Some are just... weird. Or tiny. Or incredibly specialized.
- Zion, Illinois: This town was founded as a "theocratic" city by John Alexander Dowie in 1901. He wanted a place where "sin" was literally outlawed. For a long time, it was home to one of the biggest nuclear power plants in the country. That plant is now fully decommissioned as of late 2023, leaving the town to figure out its next chapter. It sits right on Lake Michigan, sandwiched between the northern and southern halves of Illinois Beach State Park.
- Zillah, Washington: Deep in the Yakima Valley. If you like wine, you’ve probably had something from the Rattlesnake Hills area. Zillah is the heart of it. It’s also home to the Teapot Dome Service Station—a gas station built in 1922 that looks like a literal teapot. It was built as a political joke following a massive bribery scandal involving the Harding administration.
- Zachary, Louisiana: Just north of Baton Rouge. It’s a fast-growing city that feels a bit more "modern South" than the surrounding parishes. It’s got one of the best-funded school districts in Louisiana, which has turned it into a magnet for young families.
The Alphabetical End: Zzyzx, California
We can’t talk about US cities that start with Z without mentioning Zzyzx. Yes, that is spelled correctly. It’s located in San Bernardino County, right off I-15 on the way to Las Vegas. It’s technically an unincorporated community, but it’s the last place name in the US Gazetteer.
It was named by a guy named Curtis Howe Springer. He was a radio evangelist and self-proclaimed "doctor" who wanted his health resort to have the "last word" in the English language. He basically made the name up. Today, it’s home to the Desert Studies Center, but people still pull off the highway just to take a picture of the road sign.
Why the Letter Z is So Rare in American Naming
Most American city names are either stolen from Europe (London, Paris, Berlin) or are derived from Indigenous languages. The letter Z isn't particularly common in English or many of the Algonquian or Iroquoian dialects that shaped Eastern US place names.
Most of the "Z" names we have are either:
- Biblical: Like Zion or Zarephath (rare, but they exist).
- Germanic/European Surnames: Like Zanesville (named after Ebenezer Zane) or Zeigler.
- Modern Marketing: Like Zzyzx.
Honestly, it makes these places feel a bit more "findable." You don't accidentally end up in a Z-city. You usually have to be looking for it.
Traveling to the Zs: Actionable Tips
If you’re actually planning a road trip or looking to relocate to one of these spots, here is the ground-level reality of what you're walking into.
For Zionsville, don't just go to Main Street. Check out the Rail Trail. It’s a converted railway line that cuts through the woods and connects the neighborhoods. It's the best way to see the town without dealing with the parking nightmare downtown.
📖 Related: Why Fire Island Pines NY Still Feels Like a Different Planet
If you're heading to Zillah, don't just stop at the Teapot. Go to HopTown Pizza. They do wood-fired pies in an old 1904 farmhouse, and they use local hops in the atmosphere. It’s arguably the best food in the entire valley.
For those curious about Zanesville, skip the chain hotels. Look for the local pottery. This area was once the "Pottery Capital of the World," and you can still find incredible, hand-thrown pieces that aren't mass-produced junk.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Map: If you're driving I-15 through California, set an alert for Zzyzx Road just to see the weirdness for yourself.
- Plan a Tasting: If you're in the Pacific Northwest, look up the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail in Zillah for a weekend trip.
- Research Schools: If you're moving to the South or Midwest, look into Zachary, LA or Zionsville, IN; they are consistently top-tier for education data as of early 2026.