Looking for the best small towns in America? Whether you’re searching for affordable places to raise a family or a community full of amenities perfect for your retirement, these nine locations across the U.S. are the top small towns to live in thanks to their affordability, friendly communities, and unique attractions!
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Population: 3,789
- Home Price: $1,542,000 median purchase; $2,231 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 37% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious place to live, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the best small towns in California, because of its beach access, green parks, thriving small businesses, and an exciting nightlife scene! Residents of this cozy coastal town enjoy comfortable weather year-round and a quieter way of life, with companies like Quail Lodge & Golf Club, La Playa Carmel, and Inns-By-The-Sea offering a variety of jobs in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel Unified School District is one of the best school districts in California, with institutions like Carmel High School and Carmel Middle School. And Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, so residents can enjoy small-town charm with their four-legged friends!
Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Hit the waves or explore the Scenic Bluff Path with your pup at Carmel Beach. Spend quiet afternoons shopping in Carmel Plaza among cottage-inspired buildings and unique boutiques like Parts Unknown and The Club Carmel. Participate in the town’s Art Events. Grab a cup and a bite like an Affogato, Iced Matcha, and a Spinach & Cheese Danish to start your day from Cafe dal Mare. Enjoy Yellow Thai Curry, Seafood Pasta, or a Gyros Sandwich on a private pet-friendly terrace at the Treehouse Cafe. Suit up for some fine-dining at Stationaery, where dishes like White Alba Truffle, Lobster Roll, and Caviar & Chips shine. Or visit the tasting room at Caraccioli Cellars to sip a variety of red and white wines!
Chesterbrook, PA
- Population: 5,080
- Home Price: $343,500 median purchase; $2,189 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 1.2%
Chesterbrook isn’t just perfect for those looking for small-town living—it’s considered one of the best places to live in America! The town’s well-kept neighborhoods and quiet streets are perfect for families, with a variety of community walking trails winding throughout. Spacious green parks like Wilson Farm Park bring a touch of nature to this small Pennsylvania town, making it great for pet-lovers and nature-lovers alike. With a median household income higher than the national average, many residents can also find a variety of well-paying jobs at companies like BNP Paribas, JG Wentworth, and AmerisourceBergen. Plus, excellent schools and amenities in Philadelphia nearby help provide more opportunities and things to do, which helps Chesterbrook maintain its small-town feel with convenient access to big-city perks.
Things to Do in Chesterbrook
Visit Valley Forge National Historic Park—less than a mile from town—and immerse yourself in the rich history of the rural area on trolley tours, museum tours, and at events like March In to Valley Forge. Practice your throwing game at the Wilson Farm Park Disc Golf Course. Learn about the city’s patriotic history or host an event at the Duportail House and Federal Barn. Discover the ruins of a historical bottling company when you run, jog, or bike on the 1.3-mile Valley Creek Trail. Admire rare plant species at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens—or participate in a Wednesday Walkabout for a behind-the-scenes nursery tour! Chow down specialty ‘zas like the Philly Steak Pizza, Coal Fired Buffalo Chicken Pizza, or the Coal Fired Grandma Pesto Pizza at HG Coal Fired Pizza. Munch on some Warm Crab Dip, Pork Loin Schnitzel, or a Wagyu Truffle Burger with a Zombie Dust Pale Ale while you attend a paranormal investigation dinner at Black Powder Tavern. Or devour dishes like the Country Apple Salad, Fish Tacos, and the Bacon Ranch Fajita Wrap at Nudy’s Cafe in Chesterbrook (rather than driving into Philly for this beloved local chain)!
Clarendon Hills, IL
- Population: 8,834
- Home Price: $456,300 median purchase; $970 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 0.8%
Largely considered one of the best places to live in Illinois, Clarendon Hills is great for small-town living because residents focus on maintaining The Volunteer Village’s culture and supporting friends, neighbors, and families. A higher-than-average median household income and unbeatable safety ratings make Clarendon Hills great for both families and retirees. Excellent schools like Walker Elementary School and Clarendon Hills Middle School facilitate student learning, while the Community Consolidated School District 181 offers plenty of employment opportunities. And when you’re feeling like going to town, it’s easy to catch a ride into Chicago via the Metra BNSF Railway, public transportation that’s part of the Downtown Revitalization Project.
Things to Do in Clarendon Hills
Listen to live music or participate in carnival games at the annual Daisy Days Festival. Enroll in Clarendon Hills Park District recreational programs like culinary classes, sign the kids up for youth athletics like fencing and volleyball, or join the 60+ Social Club after retirement. Take your kids to storytime or check out an item from the Library of Things at the Clarendon Hills Public Library. Swim laps in the pool or ride down the Slip & Slide Water Slide at Lions Park Pool. Learn beginner or advanced soccer skills through the Zen Soccer School. Wake up and grab a coffee like a Cold Brew or Cortado to pair with a Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Croissant at Tierra Distilling Co. and Cafe. Grab an order of Wisconsin Cheese Curds with a Country Burger or Kentucky Ribeye at Country House. Fill up on Edamame and specialty rolls like the Peacock Roll and the Crunch Dragon Roll at Sakura Sushi. Or gather your family for some Italian-familial dishes like Escarole & Beans, Cacio e Pepe, and finish the meal with Panna Cotta at Il Mio.
Cold Spring, NY
- Population: 1,911
- Home Price: $478,500 median purchase; $1,586 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
A picturesque small American town surrounded by Hudson River views on one side and green, hilly parks on the other, Cold Spring is one of the best American small towns to live in, complete with American Foursquare, Craftsman, and Shotgun-style houses. A small town with a history dating back to as early as 1730, Cold Spring attracts many visitors who come to experience the surrounding beauty of the Hudson Highlands State Park and the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary—and who then help support the local economy. Residents of this town benefit from great schools like Haldane High School and Haldane Elementary School, and get convenient access through MTA’s Metro-North Railroad and the nearby US-9 interstate.
Things to Do in Cold Spring
Walk your dog, take a hike, or prepare a picnic for a day outside at West Point Foundry Preserve. Learn more about Cold Spring and the founding of the area through exhibits like Indigenous Peoples in Putnam County, West Point Foundry, or Revolutionary Visions: Women in the Hudson Highlands during the American Revolution at the Putnam History Museum. Join neighbors in events like Sit & Knit, the Butterfield Walking Club, or the Middle School Book Club at Julia L Butterfield Memorial Library. Take a weekend trip just a mile outside of Cold Spring to tour the historic gardens and grounds of Boscobel. Get caffeinated with a latte and snack on a Chocolate Croissant, French Onion Danish, or a Squash Danish at Cold Spring Coffeehouse. Experience Hudson River views while dining on a rotating menu of Contemporary American eats at Riverview. Listen to live music on weekends while eating dishes like the Paddy Burger, Thai Chili Salmon, or Fish & Chips at J. Murphy’s on Main. Or have date night with your partner at Le Bouchon and enjoy beer garden fare like Spatzle Mac & Cheese, Lamb Burger, or Croque Madame to go with a Le Bouchon Sangria.
Liberty Hill, TX
- Population: 4,633
- Home Price: $197,100 median purchase; $1,060 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
On the outskirts of Austin, TX, is Liberty Hill—a bustling, charming small town surrounded by nature. It’s easy to see why this town is one of the best small towns to live in America because of how residents gather together for annual events like Whimsy & Wonder, where local art is displayed throughout the town—or at their annual Sculpture Festival, when residents gather to look at international sculptures made from sand, ice, metal, and other materials. Residents are able to get around the city and to Austin with ease, thanks to CARTS interurban coaches and country buses offering people the ability to get to jobs and other activities in the city. Residents are able to enroll children in top schools like Liberty Hill Elementary School, Bill Burden Elementary School, and Liberty Hill High School—and encourage fun at the Liberty Hill Swim Center or one of the local parks like Central Park or City Park.
Things to Do in Liberty Hill
Stroll among stunning works of art made by artists all over the world at Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park. Enjoy the open spaces by cooling off at the splash pad, playing with your family, and enjoying a picnic at Wetzel Park. Test your wits and teamwork when you gather your friends and family for the Liberty Hill Hustle Scavenger Hunt. Have fun with your family or throw a party where you play mini golf and laser tag at KitFoxy’s Putt Putt & Pew Pew. Start your morning with a Macchiato, Chai Latte, or Jalapeno Cheddar Bagel at Forrest Coffee House. Savor smoked perfection with some Texas BBQ classics like a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, a One Meat Plate with Sausage, and sides like Corn Casserole at Agape BBQ. Build up an appetite so you can eat Chile Con Queso, Carne Guisada Enchiladas, or Carnitas Tacos at Jardin Corona. Or sip Texas wine like Pinot Blanc, Tempranillo, or Primitivo with some Pizza, Pub Mix, and Meat & Cheese Trays at the Thirsty Mule Winery.
Los Alamos, NM
- Population: 12,978
- Home Price: $317,200 median purchase; $1,046 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 1.9%
One of the best places to live in New Mexico, Los Alamos is dotted by pine trees and overlooks the Rio Grande Valley. Proximity to the University of New Mexico Los Alamos, top-rated schools like Los Alamos Middle School, and Los Alamos High School—ranked one of the best high schools in New Mexico—and incredibly low crime rates make this an ideal location to raise children. This sunny town is also known for its outdoor recreation, with the New Mexico weather allowing activities like hiking and biking year-round. Art-lovers in Los Alamos can appreciate the town’s growing arts and culture scene at the Fuller Lodge Art Center or by joining the Los Alamos Arts Council, while also having easy access to even more art exhibitions in nearby Santa Fe.
Things to Do in Los Alamos
Explore the canyon in your new backyard at Bandelier National Monument. Spend your winters skiing at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Uncover the story of the atomic bomb at Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Check out local artists and musicians and learn about the nature and history surrounding the city at the Los Alamos Main Street & Creative District. Feel the music at the Cowboy Dinner & Dance at Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo. Grab a Bagel with Cream Cheese, an Up & Atom Breakfast Sandwich, or a Lots of Lox at Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe. Treat your family to lunch at Viola’s for a Blue Corn Enchilada, Stuffed Sopapillas, or the Taco Plate. Replenish with dishes like Fried Green Chile Strips, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, and the Open Faced Polish Brats at Cottonwood On The Greens after a round of golf at the Los Alamos County Golf Course. Or finish your night at Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op with a Tub Beer like the Hoppenheimer IPA, Canyon Rim Rye, or New Mexi Lager!
Louisville, CO
- Population: 19,342
- Home Price: $627,500 median purchase; $1,682 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
If you’re looking for one of the best small mountain towns to live in near Denver, CO, Louisville is perfect for you! Extremely safe neighborhoods, fantastic schools, and family-friendly events like Old Town Skate and farmers markets make this a coveted place to raise children. Families are able to send their children to the best school district in the Denver area, the Boulder Valley School District—which includes schools like Louisville Elementary School, Louisville Middle School, and Monarch High School, one of the best Colorado high schools in the Boulder area. And since it’s located between Boulder and Denver, Louisville residents are able to benefit from easy access to city amenities and job opportunities at companies like Vaisala without getting stuck in the hustle and bustle of the big metro.
Things to Do in Louisville
Join other music lovers of the community every weekend in the summertime and enjoy the weekly concert series, Street Faire. Stay active, observe nature, and take in the mountain views on the 32 miles of hiking and biking trails. Learn the history of the city and the area’s historic sites and buildings with a walking tour or by visiting the City of Louisville Historical Museum. Let your pet explore the dog park off-leash at Louisville Community Park. Help yourself to some comforting breakfast food like Biscuits and Gravy, Huevos Rancheros, or a Jumbo Pancake at Bob’s Diner. Stop by and try some Infamous Poppers, Brisket Stew, or an Austin Steak Sandwich at Waterloo. Chow down on a Special Pho Bowl, Vietnamese Kabob Bowl, or the Drunken Noodles at Mile High Pho. Or try one of the many beverages on tap like the Space Cadet Cream Ale, Mendacious Belgian Blonde, or Wicked Nebula IPA at Gravity Brewing.
Portland, ME
- Population: 66,706
- Home Price: $302,700 median purchase; $1,204 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
Across the country from its Oregon cousin, Portland, Maine, is one of the best places to live on the East Coast and one of the best small towns for job opportunities. Healthcare and educational services are some of the largest industries in the area, with major companies like Maine Medical Center, the Portland Press Herald, and the Catholic Charities of Maine offering a variety of employment opportunities. Additionally, this city is home to the most diverse school district in Maine, including Longfellow Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Casco Bay High School. This up-and-coming small coastal city is also filled with more than 300 farm-to-table restaurants, microbreweries, and non-chain establishments, making Portland a paradise for foodies. Plus, living in Portland, ME, means living in one of the best seaside towns and picking the best of the catch at local fish markets dotting the cobblestone streets of Downtown Portland.
Things to Do in Portland
Test out your swing and book a tee time at Riverside Golf Course. Explore the Western Promenade, a popular area made of walking trails, a dog park, and community garden. Attend a high school, amateur, or semi-pro sporting event at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Catch a Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB) game and participate in the seventh-inning stretch at Hadlock Field. Stroll down Congress Street and admire or purchase local art pieces at the First Friday Art Walk. Head to East End Beach for a swim or seal-watching at Portland’s only public beach. Order a Lemon Bar Superfood Smoothie, The Lovers Bowl, or a Golden Mylk Latte at Blake Orchard Juicery. Chow down dishes like Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, the Veggie Homie Plate, and the Cajun Burger at The Bayou Kitchen. Get a taste of the sea with dishes like Scallops in Pernod and Cream, Seared Bone-in Monkfish, or Lobster Diavolo at Mediterranean bistro-style restaurant, Street and Co. Or pick up some of your favorite pours like Allagash White, Tripel, or Curieux from Allagash Brewing Company!
Traverse City, MI
- Population: 15,525
- Home Price: $282,900 median purchase; $930 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of U.S. cities
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Are you dreaming of living in a small town with breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor activities? Look no further than Traverse City! Situated on Lake Michigan, this northern tourist hub promises you’ll always have something to do. Nicknamed The Cherry Capital of the World for its reputation as the top tart cherry producer and the city’s National Cherry Festival—Traverse City is one of the best places to retire in Michigan and one of the best beach towns to live in. With affordable housing, access to some of the best public schools in Michigan like West Senior High School, Central High School, and Grand Traverse Academy, and large employers like Northwestern Michigan College and Traverse City Pit Spitters, it’s easy to see why Traverse City is one of the best small towns in America.
Things to Do in Traverse City
Experience the city’s many biking trails, including Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail—which includes 27 miles of paved trails near Lake Michigan. Head over to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for additional outdoor opportunities to boat, fish, and hike. Track your self-guided tour in a Beer Week passport to earn prizes during Traverse City Beer Week. Schedule a winery tour of the Old Mission or travel along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Take a bite and enjoy dishes like Brunch Deviled Eggs, Crunchy Crispy French Toast, paired with a Meet At The Peach Pit Mimosa at Sisters. Order Steak Udon, Fish & Chips, or Cowboy Killer Burger at Firefly. Chow down fish favorites like the Smoked Trout Dip, Beer-Battered Shrimp, or Neptune Salad at Apache Trout Grill. Or if pours are more your style, check out libations like Rare Bird Kea Chaos, Rare Bird Lost Coastlines, and Rare Bird Rosé the Riveter at Rare Bird Brew Pub.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
City statistics from AreaVibes
