For travelers searching for lesser-known vacation destinations, America’s smaller towns are a great choice. Everyone is aware of the bustling metropolises of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, where visitor numbers are consistently high. While many people have a strong desire to travel to larger cities, not everyone enjoys dealing with the bustle of a vacation. Alternatively, any of America’s many picturesque small towns would make for a more restful, quiet, and even more economical vacation.
In an effort to highlight the allure of tiny towns on the US map—and encourage readers to visit them—this piece will examine a few best small towns in America to live for families that are surprisingly fun and gorgeous despite having smaller populations. There is a small American town for every taste, ranging from affordable small towns in the South to coastal locations and picturesque small towns adjacent to large national parks (or even inside them, as in the case of Gatlinburg).
Most entertaining of all, these little spaces usually don’t draw large crowds of people, which adds to their allure for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Furthermore, a trip to any of the following small American towns would be highly recommended because they each have unique attractions that should not be missed.
Summary:
- These charming small towns in the United States make excellent vacation spots for those seeking a tranquil, economical, and restful experience.
- A historic part of California, Truckee is home to stunning natural settings and ski resorts.
- Another small town on everyone’s bucket list in America is Sedona, Arizona, which boasts breathtaking red rocks, hiking trails, and a pedestrian-only downtown.
Top 10 Best Small Towns In America To Live For Families:
- Jacksonville, Oregon
- Camden, Maine
- Taos, New Mexico
- Cooperstown, New York
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Moab, Utah
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Casey, Illinois
- Sedona, Arizona
- Truckee, California
Top 10 Best Small Towns In America To Live For Families in detail:
10.Truckee, California
- Number of people: approximately 17,000.
- Activities include Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal Mountain California, Northstar California Resort, Sugar Bowl Resort, Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park, and Donner Pass.
- With a lake and a population of about 17,000, this town has a centuries-old past.
Truckee is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to explore the Sierra Nevadas and see an iconic lake in Northern California. It easily deserves a spot on your travel bucket list of small towns in America. In addition to experiencing a genuinely historic portion of the Golden State, visitors can enjoy the outdoors here.
Visitors can easily reach cities like Reno from Truckee, which is close to the Nevada state line. It might be worthwhile to take a leisurely stroll through the town’s historic downtown, browse the independent stores, and attempt a breathtaking hike around Donner Lake while you’re there. In addition, this area offers fantastic hotels by the lake in the warmer months, as well as world-class ski resorts for winter visitors.
9.Sedona, Arizona
- Number of people: approximately 9,700
- Activities: Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, Cathedral Rock Trail, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona / Red Rock Country, Sedona Heritage Museum, Broken Arrow Trail, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art.
- Awe-inspiring red rock scenery and approximately 9,700 people.
One of the most well-known towns in Arizona is Sedona, which attracts tourists from all over the world. This rocky town is not only charming but iconic, with miles of red rocks, gorgeous resorts, mouthwatering cuisine, and an abundance of spas.
There are not many people living in Sedona; the approximate population is 9,700. This place offers hiking and rock climbing for visitors in addition to a bustling, walkable downtown. Even though it is smaller, Sedona has a lot to offer. Although spring or fall are the best times to visit Sedona, any time of year will be breathtaking.
8.Casey, Illinois
- There are about 2,300 people living there.
- Activities: ASA Softball Hall of Fame; World’s Largest Golf Tee; World’s Largest Teeter Toter; World’s Largest Pitchfork; World’s Largest Wind Chime; World’s Largest Rocking Chair;
- A town full of “big things” (literally!) with 2,300 residents
The population of Casey, Illinois, is only a few thousand. The town is small and easily overlooked as it is located just off Interstate 70, but once visitors enter its center, they will notice something unusual about the area. This town really lives up to its motto, “big things in a small town”; in fact, it is full of larger-than-life “things,” that is, actual giant objects. Though it may sound strange, Casey is one of the most unique towns in America because of its large features, which also make for tons of interesting photo opportunities. More than ten “huge” world records for giant objects are held by the small Illinois town of Casey.
It goes without saying that Casey offers a ton of great restaurants, adorable stores, and nearby attractions. But the most striking features are, of course, the enormous fixtures, eight of which hold the record for being the “biggest” such-and-such on the planet according to the Guinness World Records.
Casey is a tiny town with a big personality that offers a ton of astronomical attractions to explore via treasure hunt while visiting. These include the largest rocking chair in the world, the biggest mailbox on the planet, the largest wind chime, the largest truck key, and much more. A hunting road trip featuring “unique Illinois roadside attractions” might include a wacky stop-off at this location.
7.Williamsburg, Virginia
- Number of people: approximately 15,400.
- Activities: Water Country USA, Patrick Henry Square, West Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg Winery, Ltd., and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Colonial Williamsburg; Haunted Williamsburg; Williamsburg.
- 15,400 people, the largest living history museum, and more, all combined with an old world charm.
Despite being deeply ingrained in American history, Williamsburg, located on the Virginia Peninsula, is a relatively modern town. After being renovated in the 20th century, the downtown area draws tourists who come to experience its alluring ambiance while following in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.
In addition to a plethora of other historic structures, the town is home to the largest living history museum in the United States and the country’s first psychiatric hospital. Moreover, Williamsburg boasts skilled individuals dressed in period costumes who narrate the stories of these significant historical figures.
As novel as this may sound, these acts are an authentic part of the town’s history and culture because Yorktown and Jamestown, two nearby locales, are home to monuments honoring some of the most well-known historical figures in US history, including George Washington, Patrick Henry, John Smith, Pocahontas, and many others.
6.Moab, Utah
- Number of people: approximately 5,300.
- Activities: Hell’s Revenge, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park, and Corona Arch.
- Moab shines because of its red rocks, 5,300+ residents, and starry skies.
Though tiny, the charming eastern town of Moab, Utah, serves as a magnificent entry point to the otherworldly rock formations of Arches National Park and the canyons in Canyonlands National Park. Nevertheless, it offers all the amenities visitors could want for a classic Beehive State vacation.
Of course, one of the primary reasons Moab is so well-known is its proximity to the fabled national parks in the area, where outdoor experiences and exhilaration draw would-be Indiana Joneses who hike Martian trails and take in breathtaking views of the planet’s rocky formations.
Attractions in Moab include the Moab Giants dinosaur museum and park, which gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the amazing history of this area. Nevertheless, the town itself is also a treasure trove of fun and fascination. Additionally, the town hosts numerous festivals, including the Moab ArtWalk, Moab Music Festival, and Moab Folk Festival.
5.St. Augustine, Florida
- Number of people: approximately 14,300.
- Activities include Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
- 14,300 inhabitants, breathtaking views of the coast, and a quaint historic downtown.
With its theme parks, beaches, and supposedly the best sunsets in the world, Florida is a popular travel destination. However, because St. Augustine town differs greatly from many of the typical bustling modern cities and beach destinations in Florida, it is not a place that most people immediately think of as an ideal destination. That makes it extremely underappreciated, especially in light of the variety of activities available there.
A full day should be dedicated to visiting the Lightner Museum, which is yet another excellent attraction. Most visitors would just love to take in the exquisite furnishings and the typically calm weather in this region of Florida.
4.Cooperstown, New York
- Population: approximately 2,000 individuals.
- Activities include the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum, the Farmers’ Museum, the Fenimore Art Museum, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard.
- The Baseball Hall of Fame, art museums, and almost 2,000 people.
While New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, there are some interesting towns that offer an alternative experience. A few distinct attractions make Cooperstown a relevant part of New York State, which is underappreciated otherwise.
With a population of just under 2,000, it has the charm of a small town, but it also has the added benefit of having the Baseball Hall of Fame there, which means that anyone who enjoys baseball should visit this town. One of the city’s most underappreciated museums is the Fenimore Art Museum. In general, Cooperstown offers plenty of activities in a peaceful setting for a restful vacation.
3.Taos, New Mexico
- Number of people: approximately 6,500
- Activities include the Wilder Nightingale Fine Art, Kit Carson Home & Museum, Harwood Museum of Art, Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, Couse-Sharp Historic Site, Millicent Rogers Museum, and Ernest L. Blumenschein House.
- This town is home to 6,500 people, traditional pueblos, and more than 80 galleries.
Another excellent option for a dream small town worth visiting is Taos, New Mexico, sometimes referred to as the “Soul of the Southwest” because of its artistic appeal. With only 6,500 residents and a few attractions, Taos is a fun place to visit without being overrun by tourists. During a trip to Taos, New Mexico, there are many worthwhile activities to partake in, such as exploring the well-known pueblos on the reservation, going to churches, skiing in the valley, and much more.
The town’s traditional pueblo homes actually give it a distinct appearance, but you can also see some amazing artwork in the many art museums. Despite having fewer residents, Taos is home to over 80 art galleries, making it one of the best small art towns in the United States. This is undoubtedly New Mexico’s center of the arts.
2.Camden, Maine
- There are about 5,200 people living there.
- Activities include the Curtis Island Lighthouse, Laite Memorial Beach, Mount Battie, Mount Battie Trail, Mount Megunticook, and the Camden Snow Bowl in Camden Hills State Park.
- This weekend’s getaway town features scenic beaches, hiking trails, and 5,200 residents.
It should come as no surprise that there are some best small towns in America to live for families because Maine is one of the most underappreciated travel destinations in the country. The enjoyment that can be had on a quick trip to Camden makes it stand out as a perfect destination.
Camden is one of the many picturesque little towns along the East Coast of the United States that are worth visiting. It is home to numerous natural attractions, including stunning beaches and hiking trails. Additionally, opera lovers should visit the Camden Opera House for some of the region’s best performances. Camden has a population of only 4,850, but that adds to its charm.
1.Jacksonville, Oregon
- Number of people: approximately 3,000.
- Activities: Applegate River Lavender Farm, Nunan House, Jacksonville Cemetery, Red Lily Vineyards, and Quady North Winery Tasting Room.
- 3,020 residents, gorgeous walks, and the arts bring this historic Gold Rush town up to date.
One of the most unusual and overlooked tourist destinations in the country is Jacksonville, an Oregonian town. Although there aren’t many people in the area—roughly 3,000—there are still plenty of things to discover.
Great hiking trails and an overall lovely atmosphere can be found in the Woodland Trails and Forest Park. Jacksonville is renowned for its contemporary fun even though it was once a Gold Rush town in the 1800s. Another attraction where residents and tourists can enjoy excellent music and artwork is the Britt Music and Arts Festival.