America is a huge country with big cities which thrive. It is also a place where small towns, tucked into valleys and off main roads are great places to live, raise a family and grow a business. They all feature low crime rates, low unemployment, low cost of living and an abundance of things to do. Below are just a few of them.
The Western States
America’s west is more than just the west coast where California is. It also includes Texas, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
“The King of Cowboy Towns” is another name for Sheridan, Wyoming. It is located in between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. Its Historic Main Street District is lauded for its beauty and the plenty of unique stores, bars and eateries. Sheridan has 10 beautifully clean lakes and there is always something to do outdoors. Culture lovers should note that the town has two theaters, an art fair, and galleries.
Texas Hill Country is full of small towns. Boerne is one of them. It is the county seat and boasts the highest median income in the state. Its natural beauty lies in its lakes, caves, trails and historically-kept downtown area. Mild temps with lots of sunshine make it the perfect place for those who love outdoor activities.
Golden, Colorado is truly golden in its small town feel and only 15 miles from Denver. It is the home of two major breweries and pristine parks. Management, business, science and art are the big industries for this clean air small town. Unemployment is not bad. While it is a pretty well-known town for tourists, it offers a farmers markets for locals.
The Midwest, East and Central US
Kentucky is home to many beautiful small towns. Danville is one of them. It is one of those lucky places which enjoys all four seasons. Danville has charming neighborhoods and residents proud of their town. Four major companies have centers there. And it has plenty of activities throughout the year for everyone of any age to take part in and enjoy.
Clive, Iowa is near Des Moines. It has awesome geography and its Greenbelt Trail system connects walkers and bikers to paths which stretch across town. Clive is home to 4 major corporate offices and more than 600 businesses. The annual Clive Festival draws thousands of visitors for a day of fun in the outdoors.
Way up in the Northeast is Brattleboro, Vermont, a small city tucked under some of the most magnificent terrain in this part of the country. It is a haven for artists, skiers and lovers of books. This is another city with a low crime rate and good employment. The city has several independent bookstores, live music venues, puts on 13 festivals each year. There are 90 major employers in the area and yet the average commute to work is only 12 minutes. This is a great place to raise a family or relocate to if you want to thrive in an artistic-friendly community.
The Benefits of Living in Small Cities or Towns
Consider the benefits of living in a small town compared to a larger city:
Lower property taxes, lower fuel costs, cheaper housing, better schools, lower car insurance rates, less traffic and less time commuting, better shopping at locally owned businesses than name-brand stores and the feeling of community. All of the small towns above are close enough to big cities where residents can enjoy what the metropolis has to offer, where guests can fly into and out of and, if needed, where locals can commute to work. However, the real beauty of living in a small town is knowing your fellow residents and coming together for fun or when times are tough. These are the kinds of places where front doors are left open, where block parties are just another name for having a barbeque and there is always someone around when you need them. These are America’s communities of distinction.