Photo by Sean Pavone from Shutterstock
Nothing compares with the charm of a small city, and if you live in one, you most definitely know what we are talking about. But, if you’re used to seeing skyscrapers and heavy traffic all day, you’ll be surprised to experience what living in a small city feels like. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, you should enjoy at least once in a lifetime (if not every single weekend).
People who live in small cities tend to be more positive and cheerful. In fact, it has been shown that they are happier than their urban counterparts. Fortunately for all of us, our country is full of charming small towns—we just have to highlight the best of the best.
So, whether you want to move to a small town or just to spend your free weekends with your family and friends, the ones we’ve gathered in this post are the best when it comes to outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and, of course, their residents.
P.S.: Spring is already here and there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on your front porch with a glass of wine to relishing its amazing scenery. And, as you’ve probably guessed the best way to do so is to live in a small town.
Click on the “NEXT” button for all of them!
Metro Population: 471,265
The first entry of our charming small cities list is Reno. This city is well-known for its casinos, but even if you’re not a gambler, Reno is a great city to live in due to its outdoor activities. For instance, Lake Tahoe is really close (less than an hour).
The “Biggest Little City in the World,” namely Reno also offers many cultural events such as the annual Great Reno Balloon Race and Burning Man. Reno also sits on the first position when referring to restaurants.
So, if you’re looking for outdoor activities at your fingertips, Reno is one of the best options for you and your family.
Metro Population: 378,488
Naples is the second entry here and if you’re wondering why, note that this city scored awesome in the outdoor activities category. Sunbathers are actually obsessed with this small city due to its parks and beaches.
Plus, Naples offers a lot of great things to do all year round, so you’ll never get bored here. Just a half-hour distance from Naples, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, which is basically “the hometown” of the land-dwelling gopher tortoise.
Wait, there’s more: Another reason you should move to Naples is that Florida has no income tax. 🙂
Metro Population: 150,056
Enveloped by a Spanish style blanket, Santa Fe is the second-oldest city in our country and this most definitely translates to history, culture and traditions. And, as you can see from the above image, it is full of charm.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts are well aware of the city’s hidden gems. Skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and river rafting are several outdoor activities you can enjoy while exploring the beauty of Santa Fe.
Within one visit, you’ll find out why Santa Fe is actually called “The City Different.”
Metro Population: 389,494
Savannah’s charm is highlighted through its cobblestoned streets which will actually give you the sensation of living in England. Its centuries-old homes will further immerse you in this vintage daydream.
Historic sights, fresh local seafood, great outdoor spaces and nice people are just a few words to describe Savannah’s vibe. In addition, this charming town also holds more than 150 festivals annually, so Savannah residents definitely know how to party.
Pro tip: Take a walk down Broughton Street where you’ll find many housewares, antiques, and jewelry.
Metro Population: 459,585
Are you a beer lover? Then Asheville is the most “brewtiful” city to visit or move to. Nicknamed, the “Beer City USA,” Asheville has a weird (but in a good way) feeling floating in the air. In fact, locals are pretty proud about “Keep Asheville Weird” thing.
Downtown Art District is packed with galleries, museums, and souvenir shops where time passes by like lightening (especially with a beer in the hand). The city is also known for its scenic views due to the fact that it is literally in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Metro Population: 399,148
America’s last frontier, Alaska hides some amazing small cities. One of them being Anchorage. In our opinion, Anchorage’s middle name should be Adventure. Why so? Because at every single corner, the city hides an adventure.
Skiing, hiking and kayaking are just a few outdoor activities that locals are used to take advantage of on a regular basis. If you want to visit Anchorage, you should definitely not forget about salmon. You’ll probably eat the best salmon there.
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Thank you for "the most beautiful cities in USA" hey are indeed gorgeous but, I'd still pick Savanah as the most beautiful city, and friendly people
Savannah is a beautiful city. Unfortunately, the crime rate in this city is one of the worst in the country.
I totally agree. I grew up there
Naples is my pick. Not only a Beautiful city but in a well run state and you can't beat weather
Worst governor and Naples is EXPENSIVE!!!
You are joking, of course. You can't be serious about either element of your reply to Susan.
Homewood, Alabama is a wonderful small town. It is just a few minutes outside of Birmingham. It has wonderful schools, nice parks, and excellent youth sports and community events. It is a great faith based city with diverse churches. It is home to Samford University. You will enjoy walks, shopping , and eating at unique places.
Diamondhead, Mississippi
loved the view of Ashevillie NO Caralina
Naples, Savannah, Charleston, NC, Ashville.... all really neat cities. One you might not think of is Buffalo, NY. I can hear the jaws dropping and see all of you thinking SNOW!!! Sure but that also means some of the best skiing in the East just south of the city. I sail my boat to Toronto and many other ports on Lake Ontario and to the 1000 Islands, considered world class cruising grounds. Some of the best local restaurants, and the Elmwood Village considered one of he top neighborhoods in the country. Terrific local schools, colleges and universities. Roswell Park, one of the best cancer institutes in the country .... plus, its affordable.
RIGHT ON MARK. ALL OF WESTERN NY IS NICE AND AFFORDABLE.
orry, but I have been to Buffalo NY and it is not the prettiest, by far!
Just wait few decades. All the people who moved South in past three decades will be moving back to North due to climate change.
Buffalo will be one of the cities that will benefit from climate change.
Good afternoon, I have family in the most coolest places in the country : Southern California, L.A. Myself personally would prefer San Diego. The atmosphere, year round temperature in the 70's, great fantastic views, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, The beautiful Coachella Valley & so much more. And let's not forget the mighty Pacific Ocean. All in all, the West Coast or Arizona, that's my choice.
I live in Arizona, and I would never l live in California. Worst run state, too many liberals who are screwing up the whole state, worst political leadership, as well as too many homeless people.
Agreed. I moved from California to Nevada 15 years ago and no doubt made the right choice. Can still visit CA for the good features but don't have to deal with the many problem areas.
I thing Lake Tahoe Is beautiful and Carson City .That where I would live
Greenville SC should also be on this list
Absolutely, will be moving there soon. "The Buckle of the Bible belt"
Great town and people!!
The entire U. S. is peppered with hundreds of small beautiful towns. Many of them are wonderful places to live. I know. I have been there and done just that in many of them. My work was the cause of my moving around a lot, but that was not a bad thing. I enjoyed every bit of the moving around.
You forgot Traverse City, Michigan!!
We moved to Naples in April of this year. Believe it or not, even in our eighties, this place keeps us up and moving.....and the weather is great....i feel 20 years younger...no lie.
Stay up North if you want to....but here's a secret...they say Florida is "hot" in the summer....well, if you check, you'll learn that along with the wonderful sun and sunsets, Naples is bathed in cooling, clean-sea breezes from 3 different directions almost all the time...appreciate that the stores, houses, cars are all air-conditioned, and many folks happily dunk in their own private pools to "cool off" if need be. There's a rich, peaceful life-style here that's really great!