12 Best Small Towns to Live in the U.S.

Incline Village, Nevada

This upscale community on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe is far from being just another resort town. Unlike similar vacation destinations, Incline Village has everything its approximately 9,000 residents need to live here full-time: a hospital, pharmacies, schools, grocery stores, a university campus (University of Nevada, Reno), and a library.

Of course, there’s no shortage of recreational amenities such as private beaches, a boat launch, pools, golf courses, and even an in-town ski resort, Diamond Peak. Residents also enjoy no income tax and relatively low property taxes, according to Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty agent David Duffie.

“The most popular neighborhoods are near the lake or in areas with great lake views,” added Duffie. “These include Lakefront, Mill Creek, and Lakeview subdivisions for lake proximity, and the Eastern Slope for views.”

However, relocating to Incline Village isn’t cheap. According to Zillow, the median home value is $1,411,680.

Moab, Utah

As the gateway to two of the country’s most beautiful national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — Moab benefits from a stunning setting comprising mountain peaks, desert views, and the Colorado River. Understandably, outdoor recreation is a major pastime in this town of about 5,000 residents. But its main drag is also lined with shops and restaurants, attracting visitors from all over the world.

“The market in Moab has undergone a correction and is more balanced now — it continues to move at a slow but steady pace, and has become more favorable for buyers. It’s a great time to look at options in our unique, recreation-rich area of Utah,” Becky Wells of Summit Sotheby’s International Realty said, explaining that most people prefer to live in town to stay close to its amenities and participate in cultural events.

“Castle Valley is another lovely area to the northeast of Moab, which offers a quieter, rural vibe and beautiful scenery that’s been featured in many movies,” added Wells.

Currently, Moab homes list for a median price of $563,356, according to Zillow.

North Potomac, Maryland

North Potomac is one of the most desirable communities near Washington, D.C. The town offers easy access to many parks and natural recreational areas, as well as top-notch shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment. Niche.com ranked it the second-best place to live in Maryland for its excellent public schools, family-friendly amenities, and diversity. The town is also home to the headquarters of Montgomery County Road Runners Club, one of the largest and most active running clubs in the country.

“The area experienced huge growth and resurgence during the COVID-19 era, as many Washingtonians flocked to the close suburb given most homes exist on larger-than-average lots. This growth trajectory has no signs of slowing down,” Yianni Konstantopoulos, an agent at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, explained, noting the average price point for a single-family home hovers around $875,000 to $925,000, but potential buyers can also find townhouses in the $485,000 to $525,000 range.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

“Imagine living in a place where every stroll is a scenic journey to the sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an enchanting lifestyle characterized by its walkability, strong sense of community, and vibrant local businesses,” Susan Cardinale of Sotheby’s International Realty — Carmel Brokerage told Travel + Leisure.

Described as “a village in a forest overlooking a white-sand beach,” Carmel has just about 3,000 residents and offers an abundance of natural sights and sounds. Living here has its quirks — homes don’t have standard geographical addresses, but proper names. However, its beauty hasn’t remained unnoticed, and real estate does come at a steep price.

“The average sales price for June 2024 was $2.53 million, with the year-to-date average being just over $3 million,” added Cardinale.

Taos, New Mexico

Nestled at 6,969 feet in northern New Mexico, Taos is a unique town that blends Native American heritage and culture, art, and spectacular landscapes spanning snowcapped peaks, lush forests, and high desert views. It’s home to a vibrant artistic community dating back to the end of the 19th century, when the Taos Society of Artists was founded. Since then, many creatives have found refuge — and inspiration — here, transforming the small mountain town into a world-famous art enclave with a historic plaza, many galleries, and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts will equally thrive here as the Southern Rocky Mountains offer a plethora of four-season activities like skiing, mountain biking, zip lining, and golfing.

“Real estate […] includes small, traditional, ‘adobe-style’ homes both in town and rural, as well as condominium and part-time resident properties close to activities,” Lisa M. Bybee of Sotheby’s International Realty — Santa said.

Current median home prices are below the $500,000 mark, at $456,804, according to Zillow, down almost 10 percent since last year.

Beaufort, South Carolina

The second-oldest city in South Carolina is rooted in history and Southern culture. Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, so residents enjoy access to many beaches (Hunting Island State Park, just 20 miles east, is a favorite) and plenty of watersports year-round. Those who dream of waterfront living are also in luck.

“The extensive range of waterfront and golf communities provide resort-style living almost everywhere, and the interior island neighborhoods span from upscale, custom-designed homes to beautifully comfortable and friendly havens,” Amy Lance Leath, a broker with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, explained. “Popular neighborhoods at the higher end of the market include the historic district in downtown Beaufort, Fripp Island, Distant Island, Habersham, Dataw Island Club, Coosaw Point, and Newpoint, with several up-and-coming neighborhoods such as Cat Island, the town of Port Royal, and other nearby areas.

Best of all, homes in the area are cheaper than the national median — $401,858, according to Zillow, (compared to $420,800).

Rutland, Vermont

“The beautiful skyline of landmark buildings, set against the backdrop of the stunning Green Mountains, consistently leaves newcomers in awe But, it’s the people that make this gem of a place so special, so friendly, and always looking to help,” Freddie Ann Bohlig, a local real estate agent at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, said of this small Vermont town with a population of about 15,000. It has a vibrant downtown area, farmers markets, a theater, restaurants, and shops.

“We’re conveniently located near the largest ski area in the northeast [Killington Resort] and the largest freshwater lake in Vermont [Lake Bomoseen], offering a wide range of activities that cater to diverse lifestyles,” added Bohlig.

She explained the town gained popularity with families and young professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, but housing has remained affordable, with median home values just below $270,000.

Berry Hill, Tennessee

Berry Hill may take up less than a single square mile, but this town — about 15 minutes south of Nashville — is home to dozens of recording studios and music publishers, in addition to hundreds of businesses. The destination was ranked best for young professionals in Tennessee and also has its residents within walking distance of Geodis Park, Nashville’s newest sports venue.

Housing options vary, accommodating a diverse range of budgets.

“You can buy a one-bedroom condo for around $250,000 or spend close to a million dollars for new construction or for a teardown to build multiple dwellings, which has happened a lot lately,” Blair Blaylock Teasdale, managing broker at Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, said.

A growing number of people are taking notice of the town. “Going forward, the music industry is looking to double down on the area as Universal Music Group eyes the opening of its $250-million production campus, just announced last year,” Jackson Zeitlin of Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty added.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Historic Williamsburg, sitting along the banks of the James River, was the first English settlement in the New World, dating back to 1633. Today, the destination offers a captivating blend of history, culture, entertainment, and natural attractions. The community is also famously home to our country’s second-oldest university, William & Mary. The town is a 2.5-hour drive from Washington, D.C., and around an hour from Virginia’s capital, Richmond, providing residents with even more urban amenities and conveniences. 

“Many residents choose to live near Colonial Williamsburg, where history comes alive every day. Kingsmill, Ford’s Colony, and Governor’s Land are popular residential areas, each offering a unique lifestyle. These communities boast golf courses, social clubs, and amenities that cater to discerning residents,” Mike Stevens of The Steele Group Sotheby’s International Realty said.

Branson, Missouri

“I love to travel, but I’m always so happy to get home to Branson,” April Redford, a real estate agent at ReeceNichols, said about this Ozark town of about 13,000 residents, which is known for its natural beauty and affordable real estate market.

“Branson is perfect because whether you want tons of action and activity, or you just want to sit in the shade by the creek and skip rocks, there’s something for everyone,” she added.

Like many mountain communities that experienced enormous interest and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, Redford explained that the real estate market has slowed down and “isn’t so rushed.” However, even after the increased demand, one thing hasn’t changed: Branson’s affordability.

The current median home value in this town is $262,938, according to Zillow.

Davenport, Florida

This central Florida town, 35 miles southwest of Orlando, buzzes with activity and growth.

“On the north side, you’re right in the mix — close to the amusement parks, water parks, lots of great retail centers, and things to do year-round. South Davenport is definitely more of your local vibe,” Renee Anthony, a realtor at Watson Realty Corp., explained.

Thanks to the town’s proximity to two major urban centers, and its affordable real estate market — the median home value is about $370,000 — many families have relocated here, about 100 per month. Anthony noted there are lots of resale and new construction homes at great prices.

Whitefish, Montana

With world-class skiing in the winter and plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and boating in the summer, Whitefish is an outdoor lover’s dream. And while the town welcomes many visitors, its close-knit community of full-time residents remains its best feature, according to local real estate agent Amanda Kelly of Windermere Real Estate.

“The folks here are genuinely welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. It’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and outdoor beauty,” she said. “There’s always something happening, whether it’s a farmers market, a local festival, or just hanging out downtown at one of the great restaurants or shops.”