Meg McKinney. A resort town with fresh powder for skiing in the winter, Whitefish Lake for water fun in the summer, and great hiking and biking trails throughout the year, Whitefish is beloved among travel pros. - Population: 1,365 - Location: Town in Georgia - National rank: 60. - National rank: 206. Finally, tour Ulysses S. Grants home (the 18th President) and stop in the Galena History Museum. The Best Underrated Town to Move to in Every State - MSN Today, the city boasts the Edith Barill Riverfront Park, which has biking and walking trails and a public boat ramp providing easy access to the river. From here, visitors can depart upon sea and land adventures, including visits to the Whale Museum and the San Juan Islands Museum to learn more about this blissful spot on earth. Prince Edward Island. - National rank: Not Ranked. Picturesque Stowe is renowned as one of the best ski resorts and villages in New England. Travel+Leisure released a new list that details the 12 best small towns in Canada, and the always underrated Baie-Saint-Paul made the cut. Go on a ghost tour in Berlin to learn about spooky sightings in the area and visit one of the local beaches for some relaxation and family-friendly fun. - Location: Suburb of Huntsville, AL - National rank: 481. A Favorite of: House Beautiful, Travel Channel. - Population: 24,185 - Population: 17,201 Just outside of the capital of Richmond, Innsbrook is a town best known for its mixed-use office and living spaces. - Population: 2,071 Okemos, next to Michigan State University, has an abundance of youth sports activities, making the town an attractive place to raise a family. The Prettiest Town in Every State - The Daily Meal The best small town in every state Frank Olito Updated Bar Harbor, Maine. - Location: Suburb of Reno, NV Community theatre is also a fun way to experience the local area and The Winnipesaukee Playhouse fits the bill for nighttime entertainment. Time your visit for the Cody Nite Rodeo and the Cody Stampede (events that have taken place for more than 100 years) for small-town fun that you simply cant experience in other cities and parts of America. The surrounding towns of Slade, Pine Ridge, and Stanton are ideal for fueling up or purchasing supplies. California. The Snowy Range Mountains are just east of Medicine Bow National Forest, where outdoor enthusiasts can camp, hike, or spot local wildlife. Since booms often bust, what was once the third largest city in Arizona became a literal ghost town.. Outdoor adventures abound in town, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. If your vision of the Jersey Shore has been shaped by a certain MTV "reality" show, you'll definitely be surprised by Cape May. The lakes region has much to offer in the way of kayaking, boating, and playing in the sand. Visit Cowboy Lyles Candy Barn, play a round at Bully Pulpit Golf Course, and memorialize your time in the Badlands with a visit to Todds Old-Time Photos and Gifts. A Favorite of: Architectural Digest, Reader's Digest, Actually the largest city in northern Michigan, Traverse City nonetheless retains small-town charm, particularly during its annual, beloved National Cherry Festival. Nearly 600,000 sandhill cranes funnel into town to feed on corn from the fields and roost along the Platte River. According to Best Places, the cost of living is 60.3% higher than the U.S. average. The small town of less than 3,000 people is the perfect base camp for all sorts of outdoor adventures. Population: 5,709 There are few things more magical than driving into Homer on a bluebird day. Of course, youll want to fill your belly with all of the BBQ that you can handle, washed back with some sweet tea. as well as image rights, data visualizations, forward planning tools, Kids love Above & Beyond Children's Museumand GameOnand adults will enjoy a brew tour at 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. Taproom. Essex has several claims to fame. Shop, dine on seafood, and watch the sunset at Fairhope Pier. Louisiana is filled with bewitching small towns featuring moss-draped trees and a slow-paced lifestyle, and none charm more than this destination north of Baton Rouge. Despite its modest size of two and a half square miles, Clayton manages to pack in plenty of attractions. - Population: 23,875 Established in 1837, it was a stopping point for Lewis and Clark during their exploration of the country. There's even a quaint festival every year that honors the elk living in the neighborhood. - National rank: 597. - Population: 98,137 It's nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving residents magnificent views and even more incredible wildlife. Just outside the town's borders is a platform for taking in mysterious orbs that light up the night sky, known as the Marfa Lights. Whether you're thinking of relocation or are big on hometown pride, click through to find the best place to live in every state. With a population of 2,590 residents, this little beach-side town is peaceful and laid back. Hot Springs is one of the most unique small towns in America, with a population of 37,100. Play a hand of poker at one of the casinos and visit Buffalo Bodega Saloon where Buffalo Bill Cody once drank. Enjoy local cajun eateries or pop over to NOLA for live music, parks, and museums. While any time is a good time to visit Kennebunkport, fall is especially spectacular due to dips in temperature, changing leaf colors, andfewer tourists. Enjoy the national park playground or all the attractions within the town, including an aquarium and adventure park. Most conservative public colleges in America, 50 countries with the fastest-growing GDP per capita, professional athletes and country music stars, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/?ref=chooser-v1. The town boasts a small population, highly rated schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and a diverse population. Nearly every cottage in Seaside has a short white picket fence in the front yard, however no two fences are an exact side-by-side match. - Population: 52,565 - Population: 13,827. Paia, with 2,550 residents, is known as the gateway to the Road to Hana. As is the trend with the small towns on this list, Mineral Point's art scene is a pretty nifty reason to visit as well. Overlooking the Ohio River and West Virginia's Williamstown, the town honors its early American history with a number of museums, as well as the Mound Cemetery, the final resting place for heroes of the American Revolution. Learn about the area's history at Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort National Cemetery, with graves from the late 1800s then watch for dolphins on a tour departing from the downtown marina. The historic Best Court Motel is one of the last remaining 1930s-era motor courts, designed around automobile travel. Elvis fanswill want to put Tupelo, Mississippithe birthplace of The Kingon their must-visit list. Florida is so much more than an amusement-park destination or the home of a certain Latin-inspired Art Deco mega-city. Explore 21 acres of the Stephen Decatur Park, where you can picnic, relax at the nature pond, and stroll down the trail. What's are America's best suburbs? Here's one from each 50 states Sedona, with a population of 10,300 people, is ideal for those who want to relax or be active in the outdoors. For a unique stay just 15 minutes from Zion National Park, book a Watchman Canvas Tent or a hand-crafted covered wagon at Zion Wildflower Resort. Anyone who has seen the romantic film "The Bridges of Madison County" has already gotten a glimpse at the Iowa town of Winterset; one of the famous covered bridges spotlighted in the film is located here. The Best Small Town in Every State - Insider Youll notice the German heritage along the Main Street right away, with its shops and restaurants. - Population: 16,905 Explore over 100 wineries and vineyards, farm-to-table cuisine, and western art throughout the towns boutiques and shops and be sure to stop in the Pioneer Museum to learn about the town's first residents. Just don't let that ease of living fool you; festivals are a big deal here and offer a spirited time. - National rank: 99. Founded in the early 20th century, Star City is a small town overlooking the Monongahela River. One of the first American seaside resort towns is home to a wooden beach boardwalk dating back to the mid-1800s. Begin your trip by learning about the local history at the North House Museum and Archives, built in 1820. and more. - National rank: Not Ranked. Bisbee draws tourists who are interested in history, music, museums, antiques, and especially art. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the largest airport in Montana. Ozark Cafe is another popular spot in this charming small town. While in town, visit the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, hike on the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, and attend the Medora Musical for nighttime entertainment on a grand scale. Taos is a long-time artist colony and youll be hard-pressed to go home without a handmade work of local art, or something that youve made yourself in a pottery studio or during an art class. Texas is a big state with heavily populated cities, however, the hill country, Fredericksburg in particular, is home to only 11,400 people. Drive along its quiet streets and feel completely lost in an authentic Southern backdrop. Weston, located along the beautiful Missouri River. Get a glimpse into the city's industrial past at Sloss Furnaces, and learn about its history at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The town is also filled with wineries, distilleries and pubs, not to mention tons of history. A Favorite of: Architectural Digest, Country Living, House Beautiful, Reader's Digest. History lovers flock to Gettysburg each year to visit Pennsylvanias national military park. , one of the few naturally occurring lakes that are almost perfectly circular, turning itself into a Bavarian alpine town. It perches on the spot where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, giving it both bayside and oceanfront beaches. Listen to live music at Music Art Love, sample different flavors of honey at Harolds Famous Bee Company, and wander through the many shops in the historic downtown. Opt for a private vacation experience in one of the 17 two- and three-bedroom Resort Homes. - Location: Suburb of St. Louis, MO Rent a pontoon boat at Pier 47 marina, go on a salt marsh safari, and learn how to deep sea fish. For instance, you can visit Josiah Henson Museum and Park to learn about the abolitionist who inspired the novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin. Perhaps the best reason to visit Ketchum, however, is to see the stars. There are several places to stay, including small cottages and large resorts. While everything looks and feels vintage, Los Alamos has a lively culture, including food, wine, antiques, and arts. If you love crawfish, then youll definitely want to add Breaux Bridge, the Crawfish Capital of the World, to your must-visit list. Theres something so magical about waking up when it's still dark out to hike through a Nebraska field toward a viewing blind, where youll silently wait until sunrise. - Population: 1,181 Summer and fall are great seasons to visit this vacationers paradise, although the island is operational year-round. Make your way to Merediths Waukewan Town Beach, a public swimming area with views of the surrounding hills. Best Places To Retire In Every State - Page 12 - 24/7 Wall St. If your organization is interested in becoming a Stacker - Median home value: $772,900 (84% own) - Median rent: $2,044 (16% rent) - Median household income: $161,771. You'll find the fetching Edgartown on the island of Martha's Vineyard, accessible via a ferry that fills with throngs of tourists and seasonal residents each summer. share our stories with your audience. Quebec does not officially differentiate between towns and cities as the general French term for both is "Ville". Visit Red Rock State Park, peruse the handmade art and jewelry at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, and opt for a spa treatment at any one of the renowned wellness centers. The Most Beautiful Place in Every U.S. State Sitka is a lively and charming small town with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Found at the lower tip of Otsego Lake, this cheerful village is lined with quaint shops, restaurants, art galleries and museums, farming and, of course, baseball. Its unique placement offers residents stunning views of nature and wildlife. The entire state of Delaware is small, and its towns are no exception. Best Small Towns in Every U.S. State | Far & Wide It may lead you to some magical destinations. - Population: 1,421 In fact, the largest disc golf tournament in the world, Glass Blown Open, is held here annually. - Location: Suburb of Omaha, NE Small towns in the US can have just as much culture as big cities. Explore the Tupelo Hardware Store where Elvis' mother, Gladys, bought him his first guitar. Entrancing ski towns seem a dime a dozen in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and they're invariably irresistible no matter when you visit. Here are some. The town is home to a weekend farmers' market, the University of Idaho, and the paved Latah Trail connecting Moscow and Troy for joggers and cyclists. The city is home to 11 parks, including Hanley Park, which is home to the oldest structure in the citythe Historic Hanley House. Lexington, North Carolina is known for its fast cars and great BBQ. - Location: Suburb of Honolulu, HI Its natural beauty is equally captivating: Unlike most of the state of Illinois, flattened centuries ago by glaciers, Galena is set in the rolling hills of the northwest. Copyright Steve Grundy (stgrundy) / Getty Images. - National rank: 12. A Favorite of: Architectural Digest, Travel Channel. Bandelier National Monument gives a glimpse into the area's ancient past: Visitors can climb wooden ladders to explore ancient cave dwellings where the region's earliest inhabitants used to live. Often the doorway to nature and outdoor adventures, these villages are ideal for the great American road trip or for delving deeper into a weekend getaway with friends or family. - Location: Suburb of Tucson, AZ Just minutes from Oklahoma City, Edmond boasts the University of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma University Medical Center among its higher-education institutions. While the Rodeo Capital of the World is only 50 miles from the east gate of Yellowstone National Park, youll find that slowing down and exploring this town is well worth your time. West Fargo is one of the fastest growing cities in North Dakota. Your little compadre Tucson has officially emerged as Arizona's top culinary whiz kid, and you better believe it took more than Sonoran hot dogs to earn the. Be sure to visit Hot Springs National Park, and soak in a thermal pool at Bathhouse Row. Combining headquarters for startups and larger companies with plenty of retail and dining, the community aims to make it easier to live and work in one cohesive area. Shutterstock.com Debates about "best" and "worst" cities elicit strong feelings. Cape Elizabeth is a suburb of the cool cultural hub of Portland. Additionally, the small downtown has a number of notable buildings, including the famed Arkansas House Inn, which opened in 1934, and Emma's Museum of Junk, a unique antique store. - Population: 55,551 Best City to Live in Every State - 24/7 Wall St. Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Also, in the area is the Black Hills Mining Museum, Broken Boot Gold Mine, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Shopping and dining in Dock Square and Lower Village is also quite the treat. - Population: 65,187 In this study, GOBankingRates analyzed U.S. Census Bureau income data in locations in every state with 500 to 15,000 households to determine the wealthiest small towns in America, and they. Home to America's longest-running Independence Day Parade, thousands flock to this seaport town in Rhode Island. In winter, blankets of soft snow set the stage for outdoor adventure; in fall, the leaf-peeping can't be beaten; and in summer, cool mountain breezes make for perfect hiking weather. Make sure you visit the American Fur Company Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, Biddle House, and Fort Mackinac. The former home of J. - National rank: 176. 50 Best Small Town in America to Visit - Country Living There are zero bridges or tunnels connecting Massachusetts to the Martha's Vineyard, so youll have to take a ferry, with or without your car, to reach the destination. - Location: Suburb of Boston, MA Today DeFuniak Springs still has its Victorian charm and still welcomes travelers interested in Florida's rich history and culture. ", - Population: 62,620 Window shop, visit art galleries, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, and indulge in some retail therapy. Rivers and waterways inevitably make for winsome towns. The Red River shaped the gorge, much like the Colorado River carved out parts of the Grand Canyon. You may want to visit during one of the many festivals or events like the Jour de Fete Arts & Crafts Festival, French Heritage Festival, or the Chocolate Walk. - Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL - Location: Suburb of Oakland, CA Best cities to live in every state in the US for quality of life 1. Bisbee sits about 90 miles southeast of Tucson in the Mule Mountains. Fishing is so popular that the Governor's Walleye Cup tournament prize is $15,000. The 72,000-acre Valentine National Wildlife Refuge includes nine lakes with year-round fishing, and Merritt Reservoir has sandy beaches and some of the state's best fishing. Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in every state using Niche's 2023 rankings. Photos cannot capture the beauty of Haystack Rock, Oregon's iconic boulder at Cannon Beach. Visiting the five lighthouses in Aquinnah, Cape Poge, East Chop, Edgartown, and West Chop is also a great way to experience the island. This kind of proximity gives the people living here access to as much or as little hubbub as they like, with cultural events, outdoor activities, restaurants, and educational centers galore. The Caperton Trail follows the river to Morgantown and passes the West Virginia University Arboretum. If a city is more your speed: These are among the 50 best cities to live in the US. 19th century as a resort for railroad travelers. Originally built as a private residence, then converting a community. A Favorite of: House Beautiful, Southern Living. New York: Jericho. The Putnam, a history, anthropology, natural sciences, and regional archival museum, is also popular and well worth a visit. The best place to live in every US state - Insider But the town offers a much more relaxed pace than the Big Apple, while still boasting great places to visit like Steppingstone Park, which overlooks Long Island Sound. Many cities on the list are suburbs experiencing growth thanks to rapid improvements in their metropolitan areas, whether it's the creation of new rail systems or a megacorporation moving in. The artsy college town has museums and cultural spots like the Hood Museum of Art and the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts. - National rank: Not Ranked. Spend time at the Figge Art Museum, a modern glass building that houses artworks from around the world. Beyond its red, white and blue decor, the town is a sailing mecca offering entry to Narragansett and Mt. From whale watching to incredible hikes, Sitka has everything an adventure traveler needs within a small-town setting. To ensure the town remains a great place to live as it grows, the city has invested in a Neighborhood Revitalization Program to support local homeowners with loans for home improvement projects. Kentuckys Red River Gorge area is one of the most beautiful destinations in the state. A Favorite of: Country Living, U.S. News & World Report. Join in the Audubon Pilgrimage celebrating John James Audubon's time in St. Francisville or the Walker Percy Weekend's literary event honoring the acclaimed author, who set his stories in Louisiana. (He was captured and killed here; some even say he was born and raised here!).