Quietly Thriving: The Best Small Cities in the U.S.
While major cities often dominate the conversation, small cities across the U.S. are carving out a niche for themselves by offering charm, community living, and an exceptional quality of life. A recent report by WalletHub has identified the best small cities in America based on various livability indicators such as living and housing costs, school-system quality, local unemployment rate, average commute time, and nearby attractions. Here are some of the top contenders:
Carmel, Indiana: Leading the pack is Carmel, Indiana. This city stands out for its robust economic factors including a low unemployment rate (3 percent), affordable housing costs, and strong median annual household income. Additionally, Carmel excels in health and safety metrics with low rates of adults in fair or poor health and one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates.
Brookfield,Wisconsin: In second place is Brookfield,Wisconsin which boasts low unemployment and poverty rates at only 3 percent. Residents also enjoy high ownership rates and impressive credit scores along with favorable health statistics and relatively low crime rates.
What is the main attraction in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
The United States is home to a vast array of small cities that offer a unique charm and a high quality of life. From picturesque mountain towns to historic coastal communities, there is no shortage of small cities waiting to be discovered. This map reveals the top small cities in America, making it easier than ever to plan your next getaway.
Top Small Cities to Visit:
- Ashland, Oregon
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Durango, Colorado
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Sedona, Arizona
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Brattleboro, Vermont
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Charleston, South Carolina
Each of these small cities offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, there is something for everyone to enjoy in these small cities. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top small cities and what makes them worth a visit.
- Ashland, Oregon
- Home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival
- Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including Lithia Park
- Charming downtown area with an array of galleries, restaurants, and boutiques
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Located on the shores of Lake Michigan
- Known for its wineries, cherry orchards, and scenic beauty
- Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and water sports
- Durango, Colorado
- Nestled in the San Juan Mountains
- Historic downtown area with Victorian architecture
- Gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking
- St. Augustine, Florida
- The oldest city in the United States
- Rich in history and Spanish colonial architecture
- Beautiful beaches and lively cultural scene
- Sedona, Arizona
- Famous for its stunning red rock formations
- A haven for spirituality, wellness, and art
- Abundance of hiking trails and outdoor activities
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- A hub for art and culture
- Historic adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene
- Rich Native American and Spanish heritage
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Historic seaport town with a lively downtown
- Quaint shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining
- Picturesque coastal setting with scenic harbor views
- Brattleboro, Vermont
- Quirky arts and culture scene
- Picturesque New England town with covered
Lexington,massachusetts : Rounding up the top three is Lexington,massachusetts thanks to its low property crime rate coupled with a strong education system within one of the wealthiest states in terms of median annual household income.
Other notable small cities that made it to the overall top 10 include Fishers (IN), Appleton (WI), Apex (NC), Brentwood (TN), Lancaster (PA), Bozeman(MT) ,and Westfield(IN).
Additionally , newsweek conducted another study mapping “smartest”small cities
The ranking took into consideration factors such as tech infrastructure,sustainability ,tech job market Seattle topped this list due to its remarkable performance in tech infrastructure,sustainability .With major tech giants like Amazon,and Microsoft,the city also boasts significantly high numbers of AI,and IoT companies
it’s evident that these small cities are quietly thriving,promising an enviable quality of life compared to their larger counterparts.Newsweek has been intentional about illuminating these lesser-known gems,capturing stories that might otherwise fly under-the-radar.Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com if you have any interesting story tip you’d like us to cover or any inquiries regarding this article.