October 20, 2026
Ready For a Slower Pace? The Best Small Towns To Call Home
Tired of bumper-to-bumper traffic, crowded grocery stores and the seemingly endless hustle and bustle of city life? Maybe you’ve been drea...
Tired of bumper-to-bumper traffic, crowded grocery stores and the seemingly endless hustle and bustle of city life? Maybe you’ve been dreaming of somewhere a little quieter, where you can enjoy more space, get to know your neighbors or spend your weekends outdoors. If you have, moving to a small town might be worth considering, and you don’t necessarily have to trade city conveniences for a house in the middle of nowhere.
From charming college towns to mountain communities, some of the best small towns to live in the USA offer a nice balance of peace, personality and everyday amenities. Here’s what to consider before making the move, along with ten towns we think might be worth adding to your list.
Before packing up and saying goodbye to city life, it’s worth thinking about what you hope to gain from the move and what you might miss. Small-town living has plenty of appeal, but there are a few trade-offs you’ll want to factor in beforehand.
Of course, moving from the city to a small town can take some getting used to. You may have fewer employment opportunities, limited public transportation and longer drives to specialized healthcare providers. Restaurants, entertainment and shopping options may also be more limited. And if you’re accustomed to city anonymity, living somewhere everyone seems to know everyone might feel a little different.
It’s also worth checking how far you’ll be from a larger city. Having access to major hospitals, airports and additional job opportunities could make your transition considerably easier.
Ready to give small-town living a try? Here are a few tips for moving to a small town and getting comfortable in your new community.
So, where should you start looking? The best small town in America to live in will look a little different for everyone. But, despite that, we’ve rounded up ten communities across the country, from some of the most beautiful small towns in the U.S. to lively communities and college towns within driving distance of major cities. Each offers something a little different, depending on the lifestyle you’re looking for.
Population: Approximately 26,800
If you love historic architecture, local restaurants and a walkable downtown, Staunton might be right up your alley. Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this charming town offers a lively arts scene, independent shops and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Staunton also has a regional healthcare presence, schools and local employment opportunities in healthcare, education and retail. Nearby Waynesboro and Harrisonburg offer additional options, although larger metropolitan job markets are farther away. Housing choices include historic homes and more conventional suburban properties. So, if you’re considering an older home, be sure to factor potential maintenance costs into your budget.
Population: Approximately 8,100
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails and access to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. The town also has a thriving arts and music community, thanks in part to Brevard College and the Brevard Music Center.
Asheville is roughly an hour away, so you’ll likely have plenty of access to additional shopping, healthcare and employment opportunities. Tourism, education and healthcare contribute to the local economy, but job seekers may need to look beyond town limits. Mountain housing can also be expensive, so compare home prices and rental availability before falling in love with the scenery.
Population: Approximately 7,000
Dreaming of life along the New England coast? Belfast offers a working waterfront, independent bookstores, galleries and a historic downtown overlooking Penobscot Bay. Residents can enjoy waterfront walks, community events and easy access to Maine’s coastal scenery.
Belfast has local healthcare facilities and employment in industries such as healthcare, retail and tourism. Bangor is about an hour away for additional services and shopping. Housing ranges from older coastal homes to properties farther inland, although waterfront locations can command higher prices. And if you’re moving from somewhere warm, be prepared for snowy winters and a quieter tourist off-season.
Population: Approximately 27,000
Prefer a small town with a little more going on? Home to the University of Mississippi, Oxford combines college-town energy with Southern charm. Its historic Square is packed with restaurants, bookstores, shops and entertainment, while university events keep the community calendar busy.
The university also supports employment in education, administration and related services. Residents have access to local healthcare, with Memphis, roughly 75 miles away, offering additional amenities and job opportunities. Oxford’s popularity as a college town can make housing competitive, especially near campus. Summers are hot and humid, but the relatively mild winters may appeal to snowbirds hoping to leave heavy snowfall behind.
Population: Approximately 600
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves kayaking, hiking or simply enjoying a beautiful lake view, Bayfield deserves a spot on your list. Located along Lake Superior, this tiny community serves as a gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and offers a picturesque downtown with local shops and restaurants.
Bayfield is considerably smaller than many of the other towns on this list, which means fewer everyday amenities and employment opportunities. Tourism and seasonal businesses play an important role in the local economy and residents may need to travel to nearby communities for additional shopping and healthcare. Housing availability can also be limited. Oh, and Wisconsin winters are no joke, especially along Lake Superior!
Population: Approximately 11,900
Wine country, Hill Country scenery and a little German heritage? Fredericksburg, located between Austin and San Antonio, is a popular Texas destination known for its wineries, historic Main Street and access to outdoor attractions like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Residents enjoy local restaurants, shops and community events, while tourism, hospitality, retail and healthcare support employment. Austin and San Antonio are each roughly 70–80 miles away, although commuting regularly may be less practical than the mileage suggests.
Fredericksburg’s popularity with visitors also contributes to higher housing costs and busy weekends. If you’re hoping for a quieter lifestyle, consider exploring neighborhoods outside the main tourist areas.
Population: Approximately 18,800
Want small-town charm without giving up easy access to a major city? Mount Dora might be a good fit. Located northwest of Orlando, Florida, this lakefront community features a historic downtown, antique shops, restaurants, parks and a busy calendar of festivals.
Its proximity to the Orlando metropolitan area is a major perk for people who want additional employment opportunities, healthcare options and entertainment within driving distance. Mount Dora also offers a mix of established neighborhoods and newer housing developments. Keep in mind that Florida’s warm, humid climate comes with summer heat, hurricane-season considerations and potentially expensive home insurance costs.
Population: Approximately 6,000
If mountain living has been calling your name, Salida might be worth exploring. Situated along the Arkansas River, this Colorado community offers hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fishing and access to nearby ski areas. Its historic downtown also features galleries, restaurants and local businesses.
Tourism, outdoor recreation, healthcare and local services support the economy, although specialized job opportunities may be limited. Housing costs can be relatively high for a town of its size and Denver is several hours away. You’ll also want to prepare for snowy winters and the realities of living at a higher elevation. If you’re someone who prioritizes outdoor recreation and doesn’t mind a little mountain weather, Salida has plenty to offer.
Population: Approximately 8,300
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River offers spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities to get outside. The town is particularly popular for windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking and cycling, while its downtown features breweries, restaurants and independent shops.
Hood River also has a local healthcare presence and employment opportunities in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and services. Portland is roughly an hour away by car under favorable conditions, making it possible to access a larger metro without living directly in one. However, housing can be expensive, and winter weather may affect travel through the Gorge. It’s a great town to explore if you want outdoor adventure with some city conveniences still within reach.
Population: Approximately 12,700
If you’re drawn to the Southwest, Cottonwood offers desert landscapes, mountain views and a historic downtown filled with restaurants, shops and tasting rooms. Located in Arizona’s Verde Valley, it’s also a convenient home base for exploring Sedona, Jerome and nearby hiking trails.
Cottonwood has local shopping, healthcare facilities and employment opportunities in healthcare, retail, tourism and hospitality. Flagstaff is roughly an hour away for additional amenities, while Phoenix is farther south. Housing may be more attainable than in nearby Sedona, although prices and availability still vary. Summers can be hot, but Cottonwood’s elevation generally brings cooler temperatures than the Phoenix area.
You can research a town for months, but spending time living there can tell you a whole lot more about whether it’s somewhere you’d like to call home. If you’re considering a temporary move or want to explore a new community before putting down permanent roots, CORT Furniture Rental can help you get comfortable while you figure things out.
Where our services are available, you can choose individual furniture pieces or a complete furniture package with flexible lease terms. We’ll deliver and professionally set everything up in your new space, so you can spend less time worrying about moving or buying furniture and more time getting to know your new town.
