To find the most livable small cities in America, SmartAsset compared 291 cities with at least 65,000 people but fewer than 100,000 across the following 11 metrics: First, we ranked each city in each metric. Most Livable Small Cities - 2021 Edition - SmartAsset SmartAsset found the most livable small cities in the U.S., based on metrics like home affordability, inequality, establishments, health insurance and more. - Median rent: $972 (29% rent). Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly, warmer settings to establish new roots. September 28, 2022. For that same time period, cities with fewer than 10,000 people saw a 30% jump in homicides, which matches the FBIs final nationwide estimate for 2020.. - Median household income: $108,947 Sauk Village, Illinois is the small town that reported the highest number of violent crimes to the FBI in. Note: Theres a five-way tie for number one. - Median rent: $1,196 (9% rent). The island has a higher-than-average cost of livingunderstandable what with the island's great weather, pristine setting, and wealth of outdoor activities. Garrett Park retains its historic, small-town charm with potluck town dinners, farmers markets, a swim club, and historic homes and buildings. As part of our Safest Cities series, we look at crime rates in cities of all different sizes. But if we must, these 10 rise to the top of the Country Living editors' list. Its easy to conjure an image of life in a small town. - Median rent: $840 (11% rent). Residents of Parole benefit from shops, services and restaurants being an easy walk or short drive away. Mississippi. This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information, Best Parent Student Loans: Parent PLUS and Private. It also reported the highest number of property crime incidents in2019. A typical Social Security payment is likely to cover basic costs in these areas. Dutch Island, situated on the outskirts of Savannah, is like stepping into another world. News. - Median household income: $75,552 In a larger, urban setting, there are more opportunities and fewer familiar eyes on homes, cars, packages, etc. - Population: 2,272 (20% age 55-64 and 37% age 65+) Plus, according to the 2020 Census most Americans tend to live in small towns. entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. Median housing costs in Ankeny, Iowa equal 15.72% of median household income, the seventh-lowest rate for this metric in the study. With nearly half of the towns this year making their first appearance on the list, its hard to nail down the reason these little burgs saw a rise when both the safest and most dangerous metro cities declined year over year. Here's a look at the most recent IRA and 401(k) tax reform laws. Each measurement was normalized on a 01 scale with 1 corresponding to the measurement that would most positively affect the final score. It's near impossible not to fall for the oak-lined streets of this south Mississippi hamlet, the setting for HGTV's Home Town. 1. Don't miss the annual Red Poppy Festival, a free celebration with live music, a parade, a kid zone, arts and crafts, and a car show.Hailed as "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas," downtown Georgetown allows free parking after 5 p.m. year-round to dine, try a wine-tasting or two . One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens is to add a home security system. Georgetown also provides convenient access to the scenic rivers and lakes of the Texas Hill Country. The self-proclaimed "California desert sanctuary" in the Coachella Valley lives up to its moniker with amazing mountain views, 350 days of sunshine, renowned golf courses, and several residential country clubs. - Median home value: $1,109,400 (79% own) Getting to New York City's Penn Station takes about 35 minutes by train, but there are plenty of reasons to stay close, including the activities and programs offered by the Great Neck Park District. According to county-level data, it also has the 11th-highest concentration of bars (1.29%). Pre-pandemic, 75 million visitors a year went to Orlando. Current market conditions bring both opportunity and risk. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. States with a gap of 20 points or greater are considered "highly conservative." 1. And among the 100 cities on this years list, there were six murders total, down from nine the previous yeara 33% drop. Look for ways to trim costs and keep items in solid condition to stretch retirement dollars. The low-key beach town has two state parks, Stump Pass Beach State Park and Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Cheektowaga, New York has a 7.6% unemployment rate for Dec. 2020 (the highest rate for this metric in the top 10). Familiarity makes it harder for crime to slide under the radar like it may in a big city with more anonymity. - Median household income: $54,778 Luzerne Township, Pennsylvania 1.. - Median rent: $1,645 (11% rent). - Median rent: $1,450 (11% rent). Other than meeting our population threshold, these tiny towns dont have much in common. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. Garden City is a prime spot for crabbing and fishing because of its access to the Atlantic Ocean and Murrells Inlet. Lafayette, LA. The median age on St. Simons, according to the World Population Review, is about 54 years old. On one hand, you could say that small towns experience less of everythingfewer weddings, fewer funerals, fewer high school reunionsbut thats an oversimplification. On top of our overall 100 Safest Cities in America report, we think it helps to hone in on crime trends in cities of similar sizes. And if you're planning a holiday escape, here are the best small towns to visit for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's fine to wear boots and a hat to a five-star spot." You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, NPR, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of radio and TV clips. Georgetown is a haven for the old and the young. In 2017, Town and Country began creating a New England-style town square to foster a more tight-knit community. As part of our Safest Cities series, we look at crime rates in cities of all different sizes. Menu burger Close thin Facebook Twitter Google plus Linked in Reddit Email arrow-right-sm arrow-right Loading Home Buying Calculators The community's 668-foot-long fishing pier provides an ideal spot for anglers during the day and acts as a live-music venue during summer evenings. - Median household income: $218,603 This is SmartAssets fourth study on the most livable small cities. - Median rent: $1,446 (17% rent). - Median rent: $2,000 (33% rent). These States Have the Highest Gas Tax in the U.S. Dozens of pop culture references (from. ) After you tour our top 10, you might want to mosey on over to our list of 20 small towns that leave a big impression for more idyllic Main Streets, quirky festivals, friendly locals, and lovely country landscapes. For that same time period, cities with fewer than 10,000 people saw a 30% jump in homicides, which matches the FBIs final nationwide estimate for 2020. Recreation and learning opportunities abound in this retirement community 25 miles south of Tucson in the Sonoran Desert. St. Paul is second in the U.S. in the number of higher education institutions per capita. The city had the second-lowest unemployment rate in the study, with just 2.7% in Dec. 2020. - Median rent: $1,088 (18% rent). St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. - Population: 8,763 (14% age 55-64 and 20% age 65+) - Population: 1,255 (13% age 55-64 and 54% age 65+) Big cities have nabbed the most headlines for rising murder rates in 2020, but small towns werent immune. The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses.. Populations greater than 15,000 people and fewer than 5,000 people were excluded. There's also a massive retirement community for those age 55 and older called Sun City Texas, which has over 15,000 residents. The town, known for its large fountain, is an International Dark Sky Community, a designation given to places that "promote responsible lighting and dark sky stewardship. . 3/3/2023 0 Comments Plus, the live music and barbecue of Austin are only 30 miles away. Larceny-theft was the most common property crime reported, accounting for 92% of all reported incidents. - Median rent: $1,568 (8% rent). More Galleries From Forbes. When a small town has a high quality of life and a good economy, it often begins to draw new residents. We excluded towns with populations below 5,000 and above 15,000. - Median rent: $1,259 (21% rent), This safe, master-planned community in Maricopa County holds numerous community events throughout the year and is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. There's plenty of opportunity for golfing at Lake Success Golf Club or the Fresh Meadow Country Club, which has been a destination for celebrities including Babe Ruth. The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 50, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 59 , The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 65, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 66, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 70 . "I fell for the landscape of Wallowa County and wanted to figure out a way to make my home here," says Greg Hennes, founder of the Prairie Mountain Folk School as well as the design-forward Jennings Hotel and artist residency, both in Joseph. The city with the highest average ranking received a score of 100 and the city with the lowest average ranking received a score of 0. 29% of Mississippi residents are moderate, and 12% are liberal, the smallest percentage of every state. We added it back into the equation for this year and considered the most recently available figures from the BLS, measured at the county level. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington, KY is all about bluegrass, bourbon, and the Breeder's Cup. Published on April 21, 2021 at 8:44 am by Murtaza Zaidi in Lists, News. The draw of idealized Normal Rockwell communities may be growing as headlines continue to highlight big crime in big cities across the country, says Rebecca Edwards, a security expert, safety and tech reporter for SafeWise. Taking classes keeps your mind sharp, helps you network and may even be free. Median housing costs amount to 16.33% of median household income in St. Charles, Missouri, ranking 15th in the study. Its stated mission is to provide "high-quality public services to a community which values limited government. Thetford Township, Michigan 1. - Median home value: $267,900 (86% own) From when to retire to how much to save, here are expert-backed answers to crucial retirement questions. So we report on both major metro areas and smaller towns. For flexibility and a sense of purpose, consider these jobs for people over 50. - Population: 1,129 (16% age 55-64 and 48% age 65+) , New Jersey saw the biggest drop year over year, falling 70 places, from 29 to 99. , New Jersey made the most impressive jump, climbing 64 spots from 90 to 26 this year. To put the stellar records of our 100 safest small towns in perspective, heres a look at the small towns that reported the most violent crimes and the most property crimes. - Median home value: $272,400 (89% own) Contact press@smartasset.com. - Median rent: $2,846 (13% rent). Things to do in Orlando with your kids Orlando is America's playground, and millions of people visit each year. Among them: The Maker, an 11-room boutique hotel spread across three historic buildings, founded by the owners of Fresh beauty products, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is nearly 1 in 5. The percentage of residents with a high school diploma ranges from 75% to 91.5%. - Median home value: $579,800 (67% own) - Median household income: $104,006 "There's a cowboy vibe. Howard), it's also attracting a growing group of entrepreneurs. Spearfish, South Dakota. Holly Hills is a small Denver suburb, which gives residents the advantage of being close to the excitement of the city with the ability to go home to a small, friendly community at the end of the day. 19. The town has two swimming and recreational facilities for residents, and a thriving senior center offers classes, trips, guest speakers, and art exhibits. West Lake Hills received a 2019 Certified Scenic City award, which recognizes cities that demonstrate a "commitment to high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and spaces. - Population: 14,778 (15% age 55-64 and 35% age 65+) - Median home value: $221,600 (67% own) This 0.2-square-mile hamlet is one of several communities in the Great Neck area. With so many charming small towns across America, it's hard to pick favorites. For those who are leaving the bustle behind for bucolic reverie, the sense of safety associated with small-town life may play a factorbut small towns have crime too. Indeed, Sun Lakes has five adult country club communities represented by three homeowner associations, numerous golf courses, and hundreds of special-interest clubs. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get investing advice, rankings and stock market news. Phoenix, Arizona. Weiser, Idaho 6. For each town, Stacker has included the town's resident population along with figures for median home value, median rent, and median household income. Populations range from 5,300 to over 12,500. - Median home value: $229,800 (84% own) For residents of Sauk Village, the risk of being a victim of violent crime was 1 in 18 last year. Annuities provide steady income in retirement, but some financial planners prefer alternatives. - Median household income: $53,500 It's easy to make the case for Honesdale's charm. How Much Does a Home Security System Cost? Beaches and golf courses aren't far, and neither is Manhattan, which is 20 miles away. , Income and Poverty in the United States: 2019. , September 15, 2020. Rudy Ximenez / Visit Georgetown. - Median rent: $3,501 (14% rent). Urban Crime: Are Crime Rates Higher In Urban Areas? Why small towns? And, as weve stated before, small towns still see their share of crime. The town's name traces back to the Civil War, when Union soldiers captured by the Confederates were held at Camp Parole. There are picks for outdoor lovers, as well as options for art- and food-focused folks. Residents can swim in two geothermally heated pools, golf on four courses, play tennis on eight courts, and join more than 100 clubs, classes, and organizations. A bunch of former river guides running things. - Population: 14,473 (15% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) Points: 2. The good news: There was a 17% decline in property crimes compared to the cities that made the list last year. You may also like: 46 Best Lake Towns to Call Home in America, - Population: 2,887 (10% age 55-64 and 40% age 65+) Nebraska is the lone exception with a unicameral legislature. It is important to note that our 2020 study on the most livable small cities in the U.S. did not include one of the metrics we used this year the unemployment rate in each city. - Median home value: $1,516,200 (93% own) There's a vibrant arts community nurtured via local institutions like The Bascom visual arts center, as well as outdoor adventure aplenty in the Blue Ridge Mountains. - Median rent: $1,214 (11% rent). - Median home value: $232,600 (71% own) You may also like: 50 Best Value Public Colleges in America, Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, great weather and bountiful outdoor activities, great weather, pristine setting, and wealth of outdoor activities, Delaware is a great place to retire in general, six miles of sugary beaches, wildlife, resorts, spas, golf, and restaurants, resort vacation lifestyle and country club living, 46 Best Lake Towns to Call Home in America, spans the island bearing its name and parts of the coastal mainland, The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Eau Claire, Wisconsin has the third-highest concentration of bars in our study, at 1.89% of all establishments at the county level, and the third-fastest commuting time with an average length of 15.1 minutes. - Median home value: $1,194,200 (100% own) - Median rent: $1,261 (18% rent). "We're everywhere," jokes Mike "Diesel" Post, Salida's Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. According to Safewise, your risk of being a victim of property crime in Emeryville is nearly one in five, while your risk of being a victim of motor vehicle theft is one in 109. For anyone considering a move to Garden City Beach, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation guide. A farm-to-table-dinner on a bridge in New Albany, Miss., and the Park Along the River. It's bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly, and Metro trains are a quick trip to downtown Washington D.C. - Population: 873 (14% age 55-64 and 29% age 65+) Courtesy New Albany Main Street Association New Albany, Mississippi This is the small small-town. - Median household income: $187,569 There's Windmill Island Gardens, Nelis' Dutch Village filled with fun rides for kids and, most famously, the annual Tulip Time Festival in early May, when Holland is awash with millions of blooms. SafeWise defined a small town as a place with 5,000 to 15,000 people. - Median household income: $192,983 And only 2.5% of its residents live below the poverty line, 11th-lowest in this study. - Population: 854 (23% age 55-64 and 62% age 65+) South Texas is a prime spot for birders, as well, and Palm Valley is near nesting grounds of many species of birds that migrate through Hugh Ramsey and Thicket Nature Parks. If you've always thought the towns in Hallmark Christmas movies seem like great places live, here are eight small town filming locations you can actually go to. We may earn money when you click links on our site. - Population: 5,022 (15% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) - Median home value: $754,200 (89% own) - Population: 3,119 (12% age 55-64 and 31% age 65+) The city has a charming town square with historic buildings that is frequently bustling with festivals and events. Show chat replay Understanding the Pros and Cons of Annuities. - Median home value: $747,000 (83% own) - Median rent: $932 (20% rent). It's one of the largest of the islands, and one of the most beautiful and quintessentially Southern. Conversely, people are more likely to know one another (or theyll at least know your mom) in a smaller community. "It's very affordable and has lots going on culturally, plus a revitalized downtown.". But it turns out the trends weve seen during the pandemic started before COVID-19 began holding us hostage. That prompted us to ask, What makes those five small towns similar? The answer: almost nothing. Main Street newcomers include the Gold Room, a spot for wood-fired pizzas and cocktails from former Portland chefs Ross Effinger and JoMarie Pitino. SafeWisea safety and home security sitejust released a timely report on The 100 Safest Small Towns in America for 2021. The report also looked at the 100 most dangerous small towns in the United States. Case in point: a slew of new businesses opening their doors in this Hudson Valley hamlet. Median housing costs equal 17.43% of median household income in Flower Mound, the 21st-lowest ranking for this metric. on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. The 10 Safest Small towns In America In 2021 Note: There was a five-way tie for number one, listed in alphabetical order. - Median home value: $333,500 (86% own) The percentage of residents living below the poverty line ranges from 4% to 22%. - Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent). What do you get when your town is home to FIBArk, the oldest and biggest white water festival in the country? - Population: 38,877 (15% age 55-64 and 76% age 65+) The average median household income among the 100 safest small towns is $110,602, 61% higher than the US average of $68,703. This New York village offers fitness center memberships as well as planned game and movie nights. The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses.