The fictional small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, may only exist in Gilmore Girls, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of equally charming destinations within the U.S. that offer a similar setting and slower pace of life. Of course, real life requires more amenities than what appears in Amy Sherman-Palladino’s hit series—although a local diner is certainly appreciated—and there are many factors that ensure a small town is a great place to live.
The most livable small towns have access to health and educational facilities, green spaces, and cultural activities. Affordable housing is also critical. With those characteristics in mind, we asked a few real estate experts to share their picks for the best small towns to live in the U.S. right now.
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
The Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
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“Phoenixville is a town that got knocked down—and then turned that comeback into a community-wide celebration,” says Casey Gaddy, realtor at The Gaddy Group, referencing the closure of the Phoenix Steel Company in the 1980s. “What used to be steel and soot is now sidewalk cafés, murals, music, and pizzazz.” About an hour outside of Philadelphia, Phoenixville is a hub for those who want to experience culture without battling city traffic. “Come First Friday, Bridge Street shuts down and becomes a block party, music spills out of storefronts, and families explore among art vendors,” he adds.
Those hoping to buy a home in Phoenixville may also be able to find a good real estate deal. “With home prices around $400,000, this is one of the last Philly-adjacent towns where you can still find magic, momentum, and a mortgage that doesn’t break you or your wallet,” he says.
West Richland, Washington
Birds in a West Richland, Washington park.
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Now’s the time to call West Richland home, at least according to Cary McGee, a realtor based in Tri-Cities. “West Richland is growing faster than any of our local towns. New developments are going up, new schools are being built, and new shopping and restaurants are following.” She also adds that West Richland has been named one of the safest cities in Washington, and the weather and average home prices are significantly more appealing than what you’ll experience in Seattle.
“People from the west side of the state sometimes move here for the weather—we get about 20 percent of the rain that Seattle gets—and because their dollar goes further, especially when it comes to real estate,” she explains. The median sale price for a home in West Richland is around $500,000, while the homes in Emerald City frequently rise above $900,000.
Belmont, North Carolina
City hall building in Belmont, North Carolina.
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Charlie Williams of the Williams Property Collective calls Belmont “one of the best older smaller towns in the Charlotte metro area.” The cost of living is 10 percent lower than the national average, and Williams says its residents benefit from “the proximity to the historic downtown shops, homes, and parks.” The downtown area is where you’ll find that classic small-town feel—visit the Belmont Historical Society, take a class at Belmont Yoga, and discover stunning public art in the form of large-scale murals. Not to mention, you’re just a 12-minute drive from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, so you’ll also get some of the perks and convenience of city living.
Lambertville, New Jersey
A person walking along The Delaware River in Lambertville, New Jersey.
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Though Lambertville, New Jersey, is classified as a city, its population was last recorded at just over 4,000 people—and Gaddy describes it as a destination that “lives at the intersection of elegance and soul.” “Explore and find quaint galleries, antique shops, and Lambertville Station, where dinner comes with a view and a little local history served on the side. Weekends mean wandering the stalls at the Golden Nugget Flea Market, where treasure hunting is practically a sport,” he says. Plus, he notes, that it’s “one of those rare places where people still say hello on the sidewalk and where every corner feels like it belongs on a postcard.”
Given its proximity to two major cities, New York City and Philadelphia, real estate does tend to run on the higher side; according to Redfin, the median sale price for a home is around $617,500. For many, the cost of living is still worth it when you factor in the community atmosphere and relatively low crime rate.
Frisco, Colorado
A museum in Frisco, Colorado.
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Anyone who loves the outdoors will likely have Colorado on their shortlist of places to move. But where, exactly, in the Centennial State should you move? Well, if you like the small-town feel of Breckenridge but don’t want to pay the resort town prices, shift your search to nearby Frisco. While real estate is on the high end—the average home value is just over $970,000—you’ll have a year-round outdoor playground right outside your door. In the winter, head over to Keystone, Copper Mountain, or Breckenridge slopes; in the summer, you’ve got both land and water-based activities. The Dillon Reservoir allows for boating and fishing, and you can camp, hike, and bike around the shoreline.
Penngrove, California
“Penngrove is a charming small town in Sonoma County that feels like stepping into a cozy TV re-run. Though it’s just a one-light town tucked into the foothills, it offers easy access to modern conveniences while providing a peaceful escape from city life,” says Holly Schaefer, a West Coast-based realtor with Corcoran Icon Properties.
“The lifestyle blends country living with a touch of funk, with many homes on generous lots (averaging nearly three acres) and a community full of character—from working farms to unique and vibrant local businesses. Longstanding traditions like the Fourth of July parade and the beloved K–6 school give Penngrove its warm, tight-knit feel and make it a truly special place to call home,” she says. Real estate in Penngrove, however, doesn’t come cheap. Zillow estimates the average home value in Penngrove is more than $1.2 million. If that’s in your budget, and you appreciate a rural community with easy access to cities (including Petaluma and Santa Rosa), this may be your definition of the perfect small town.
Maplewood, Missouri
Recently named by GoBankingRates as the best small town to retire in, Maplewood, Missouri, bats above average in a few categories—namely, cost of living, livability, and crime rate. As a resident, your living expenses will be around 10 percent lower than the national average, and you’ll have access to a variety of amenities that help increase the town’s liveability score; there’s a strong sense of community, a highly rated public school system, and top-tier healthcare facilities in nearby St. Louis.
Lewes, Delaware
The harbor of Lewes, Delaware.
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If you’re considering moving to Delaware for its tax advantages—like low property taxes and no tax on Social Security benefits—you may want to check out Lewes, a 3,604-person town located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. “Lewes has this way of slowing you down without asking. The town is walkable, historic, and close to the water, but what stands out most is that no one is performing here,” says Gaddy. “You’ll get a wave from the person across the street and maybe a tip on where to get the best crab roll without even asking.”
Real estate is significantly more affordable in Lewes, as compared to the beach communities of Rehoboth and Dewey Beach to the south. “Home prices hover around $500,000, and for that, you’re getting more than just a beach town—you’re buying into a community that still feels like itself. It’s the kind of place where people come for the weekend and quietly start checking the real estate listings before they leave,” Gaddy adds.
Campton Hills, Illinois
A church in Campton Hills, Illinois.
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There are three major reasons to move to Campton Hills, Illinois: safety, schools, and proximity to a major city. Safewise recently named the 10,731-person community the “Safest City in America,” and the town’s school districts continue to receive high ratings. While a good portion of Campton Hills is considered rural, keep in mind that the bustling city of Chicago is only 60 miles away; the commute is certainly doable, especially if you only plan on making the journey a couple of times a week.
Dunedin, Florida
Bike path in downtown Dunedin, Florida.
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Though it has a population of around 36,000 (the highest on this list), this Florida town offers plenty of quaint charm. “Home to iconic Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi Island, and the recently restored Dunedin Golf Club, home buyers see Dunedin as one of the true small-town gems,” says real estate advisor Jim Henkel. He also credits its “amazing, walkable downtown with many shops, restaurants, and breweries” for its livability. If you plan on living in this coastal town full-time, you’ll reap the benefits of a decent cost of living (6 percent lower than the national average), a 52 percent lower crime rate than Florida as a whole, and the aforementioned scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Spend your free time kayaking, swimming, and soaking up the Gulf Coast weather. Of course, no place is perfect; Dunedin is at risk for hurricane damage and was hit by Hurricane Helene in 2024.