The most uplifting/grand city? If you had to live in one...

[Pandamatak]

For a fact, I can tell you right now that Morthal is probably the worst city in the game. It doesn't even have it's own area ("cell" or whatever you want to call it - Gates to Morthal?) and it's about the size and complexity of Riverwood. Not only that, but it's constantly gloomy, darkish, and snowing there.

Whiterun is probably by far the best city so far since the weather there is always great and the place is literally golden. Also, it's one of the largest cities to boot.

Personally, I think Riften comes in second (I like the community there, lol) and Solitude comes in third. Markarth almost made the cut with the Dwemer ruins, but the place is still depressing.

If you were to buy a house and had to live in any of these cities, which would you choose?

EDIT: Oh, and a question if anyone can answer - can you get a house in each of the nine cities or is owning a house exclusive to just a few of them? (Such as Whiterun).

[Irothur]

currently have my house in Whiterun, its probably my favorite, though i do also kinda like windhelm and markarth; both for the ancient history feeling from the construction and the metropolitan feeling from the density.

[Lhyzyhl]

Whiterun and I think its only a few of them

[RedDeadFred]

I love the scenery of Markarth and the house you can buy there is also pretty nice. Great view from your doorstep.

[unokitsune]

I prefer Markarth.

Not only is it a fine example of what a working dwarven city would/looks like but it comes with a few perks:

Your house includes both an alchemy/enchanting table in one level of the house
There is a barrel where you can store your ingredients practically right next to the alchemy table
There is a single mannequin for armor/apparel duping
There are alot of places in your house to show off your weapons/shields
There are 2 blacksmiths in the city that usually have a lot of gold ((I consider 1k+ alot of gold for a merchant)) and thus ore/refined to buy
Both blacksmith forges are near the enchanting table where the Jarl's court wizard and dwarven expert are located, though the smelter is slightly lower
The city is beautiful but some of the people there are a bit gloomy
It's near alot of mines and orc strongholds where my current character met her hubby.
I would though like guard rails for the stares so you don't have to worry about falling off.

[IABlindKidI]

Whiterun. If there's a civil war going on, I wanna be right in the middle of it!

[Musicman247]

Solitude. I guess I enjoy the finer things in life. Plus, having a leader that you actually feel like helping us a plus.

[soda popinski]

You can only buy a house in the 5 main cities

[AboutFace]

Proudspire in Solitude is a total disappointment. I was hoping for something as grand as Skingard in Oblivion. There is very little storage considering the size of the house. Lots of useless bookcases. No chests or cupboards near the Alchemy/Enchantment area. It's horrible. Wish I had never wasted my coin. I haven't moved anything from Whiterun to Solitude and I won't. Whiterun may be small, but it is efficient. I am going to buy Markarth, hoping for happiness.

I also noticed placing goblets, cups and other items on shelves is no where as simple as it was in Oblivion.

To me the game is depressing. It is one of the most aesthetically ugly games I have ever seen. The holds aren't worth saving! hehe Way too much snow and cold, I need to wear my flannels when I play the game.

I am at the point I want to garner the dragons, and just make friends with them and let these bickering factions deal with each other. Such whiners.

[BvBPL]

Whiterun for me, but if I had a second choice as well, I bet Windhelm has some great ski slopes.

[adamflint]

I love the look of Markarth, but the community there is terrible. Corrupt guards, tons of rebels, terrible bank security (it's easy to loot it in broad daylight with the secretary still behind the desk), etc..
So for me it's probably Riften. It reminds me of Cheydinhall back home in Cyrodiil.

[Modryn]

Solitude or Riften, not a huge fan of the other places. Solitude... honestly I think because it's the closest thing to what cities were like in Oblivion, and Skyrim feels so different then other TES games, Solitude at least gives me a similar feeling that I had in Cyrodiil.

Riften... I'd say about the same as my reason above. It reminds me of Bravil a tad bit. Other then that, I really like the scenery there.

I've spent so much time in Oblivion that the transition too Skyrim hasn't been easy in terms of what the game, and world, felt like. So I guess I prefer places that at least reminds me somewhat of places I'm more familiar with.

[Ryuhza]

Solitude reminds me of the Imperial-type cities in Morrowind. I kinda liked it. Oh, and it actually seems a little big, unlike some of the other major cities.

I like the community in Riften, and it's secludedness.

[adamly]

Markarth because it is so darn cool.

[Oasis23]

I said Riften because I'd be in with the Thieves' Guild, but my second choice is Markarth because it looks awesome.

[Squiver]

While we're on the topic, which available house has the most bookshelves in it? Seriously - this is my first priority.

Spoiler:

I was considering buying the house in Windhelm until I did the Butcher questline... Can't bring myself to do it anymore.

[Revenant]

I'd say the most grand city is Markarth
but the one I'd most like to live in would be Whiterun

[Berzerker]

Whiterun...Ysolda lives there.

[Iceborn]

I'm enjoying Whiterun fairly well..

[ThE cHoSeN oNe LDB3]

Solitude or Whiterun.

[Lord Elvewyn]

I was actually disappointed in Solitude. Whiterun or Markath at the present. Still got 4 cities to visit though. Winterhold might be of interest - I usually play mage characters.

[Dark Spark]

My assassin fell in love with Markarth soon as she arrived. The sheer verticality of the city presents many sight-lines for shooting arrows down into the streets , you can shout folks off the ledges to watch them tumble upon the stonework below, and the green coloring of the Markarth Guards' uniform means that you can use heavy Orc weapons to fit out the look.

Sure, the residents do give the impression that it's not safe to walk the streets at night, but— *looks at text above*

Oh.

Never mind.

[The Silent Striker]

I like markarth, but it needs more buildings. Riften is neat, but the docks could of been better. I like solitude the best, because it is huge, pretty looking, and is a central hub for ships.

[Breton Wind]

I love the look of Markarth, but the community there is terrible. Corrupt guards, tons of rebels, terrible bank security (it's easy to loot it in broad daylight with the secretary still behind the desk), etc..
So for me it's probably Riften. It reminds me of Cheydinhall back home in Cyrodiil.

^^ This about Markarth. I'm going back there one day to slaughter every guard in the city.
Then I'll do it for amusement from time to time on a regular basis.
Really too bad since Markarth is unique and has a mystical quality about it.

[Narzul]

I would want to live in Falkreath. The Steward that rules in the Hold in place of the Jarl is a very nice, trustworthy woman and the people living in Falkreath are friendly and occasionally adorable. Runil is such a sweet old man. On top of all that, the woods there are gorgeous.