Discover the charm and happiness in these ten small towns across America. Known for their low poverty rates, low crime rates, and strong community ties, these towns offer a serene and joyful living experience.
Bisbee, Arizona
Bisbee boasts a rich mining history, low poverty and crime rates, and affordable living costs. Located in the Mule Mountains, it offers cultural and natural attractions, including the Copper Queen Mine Tour and the annual Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb.
- 2020 Population: 4,923
- Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
- Crime Rate: 9.19%
- Cost of Living Index: 84.8
Silverton, Colorado
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton retains its historic charm with Victorian architecture and low crime and unemployment rates. The town is known for its mining history and scenic beauty.
- 2020 Population: 622
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
- Crime Rate: 17.1%
- Cost of Living Index: 93.2
Apalachicola, Florida
This coastal gem in Florida’s Panhandle offers a peaceful community with a low cost of living and a lower poverty rate. Known for its seafood, the town hosts the annual Florida Seafood Festival and features walkable attractions and pristine beaches.
- 2020 Population: 2,341
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
- Crime Rate: 7.52%
- Cost of Living Index: 97.4
Caribou, Maine
Caribou blends rural and urban living with tight-knit community bonds. It is Maine’s cheapest small town and ideal for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a low crime rate and cost of living.
- 2020 Population: 7,396
- Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
- Crime Rate: 6.59%
- Cost of Living Index: 75.1
Makanda, Illinois
Surrounded by Shawnee Hills, Makanda is an artistic hub with low crime and poverty rates. Known as the “most hippie town in Illinois,” it offers rolling hills, creeks, and cultural festivals.
- 2020 Population: 547
- Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
- Crime Rate: 12.1%
- Cost of Living Index: 78.4
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a Victorian spa town in the Ozarks, known for its preserved architecture and low cost of living. Despite its small size, it offers a rich history, outdoor beauty, and a low poverty rate.
- 2020 Population: 2,166
- Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
- Crime Rate: 27.87%
- Cost of Living Index: 76.3
New Harmony, Indiana
Once a utopian experiment, New Harmony features historic buildings and a tranquil atmosphere. With a low crime rate and cost of living, it offers a unique blend of past and present charm.
- 2020 Population: 690
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
- Crime Rate: 15.2%
- Cost of Living Index: 82.7
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island, a charming beach town near Savannah, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches. It offers a low poverty rate and cost of living, making it an attractive place to call home.
- 2020 Population: 3,114
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
- Crime Rate: 28.10%
- Cost of Living Index: 90.2
Sugarcreek, Ohio
Known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek is a gateway to Amish Country with a low poverty rate and cost of living. The town is famous for its cheese production and annual Ohio Swiss Festival.
- 2020 Population: 2,373
- Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
- Crime Rate: 5.5%
- Cost of Living Index: 77.7
White Rock, New Mexico
White Rock offers a rural feel with picturesque landscapes and a close-knit community. With low unemployment and poverty rates, and a cost of living below the national average, it is one of the happiest small towns in the U.S.
- 2020 Population: 5,852
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Crime Rate: 19.8%
- Cost of Living Index: 97.7
Conclusion
These ten small towns in America provide a blend of low cost of living, low crime rates, and strong community ties, making them some of the happiest places to live. Each town offers its unique charm and cultural experiences, perfect for those seeking a serene and joyful lifestyle.