In this article, we will talk about the 30 most charming small towns in America. You can also take a look at the 25 Most Festive Cities in the US.
Small towns in America play an important role in contributing to tourism and economic well-being. They attract visitors with their charm, history, and local culture, bringing in significant economic benefits. Preserving small towns in America is essential as these towns reflect the core values on which the country was built.
Agriculture has traditionally been a major revenue source for towns in rural America. The sector provides jobs not only on farms but also in related industries such as food processing, transportation, services, and retail. The income from these jobs supports the local economy by circulating within the community.
However, small towns across the country face many challenges, including limited job opportunities and rising poverty. According to a report from USDA, small towns recorded a decline of over 1.4 million jobs between 2007 and 2010. The 2009 recession played a major role in this downturn.
Although employment gradually increased from 2010 to 2019, it never returned to pre-2007 levels. Unemployment in small towns is often due to a lack of available work, even for those actively seeking jobs.
Rural communities are experiencing a shift in their workforce dynamics now. According to American Progress, the service industry now employs the largest segment of the small-town workforce. This marks a change from the past when agriculture, manufacturing, and mining were the primary employment sectors in these areas.
Data from the US Census revealed that in 2016, 10.9% of rural Americans worked in retail trade, while 7.3% were employed in the entertainment, arts, accommodation, and food services sectors. These roles are all categorized under the service industry. These figures together account for 18.2% of the workforce, almost one-fifth.
Amazon’s Role in Small-Town Economies
Small towns frequently struggle with residents leaving for larger cities in search of work. Creating even a few jobs in these areas can make a significant difference. Companies such as Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) have played an important role in supporting small towns and expanding their economies.
Many of Amazon.com Inc’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) fulfillment centers are situated in small towns across the US, with a population of fewer than 50,000. These centers have a positive influence on these communities by generating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. In the last five years, Amazon.com Inc’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) fulfillment centers have averaged employment for over 750,000 individuals, with 40% of these positions in small towns.
The jobs created in these communities open up new opportunities for residents. On average, 47% of individuals hired for logistics positions by Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) did not have jobs earlier. These roles offer an average hourly wage nearly three times the federal minimum wage.
Research conducted by economists at Amazon and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, indicated that for every 10 positions Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) directly creates, nine additional jobs are generated indirectly at other places in the county where the facility is situated. Furthermore, the establishment of an Amazon facility is estimated to result in an annual increase of $1,225 in median household incomes and an average decrease in poverty rates by up to 3.3% in the county.
An aerial view of a vacation cabin park, nestled in a tranquil natural landscape.
Our Methodology
To shortlist the 30 most charming small towns in America, we used a consensus methodology. We referred to multiple credible sources such as Far & Wide, Travel and Leisure, NC Travel Guides, HGTV Quora, and Reddit threads. Our approach focused on gathering insights into each town’s scenic beauty, historical significance, and other attractions. Following the shortlisting of the cities, we assigned a score to each city based on the number of times it appeared across our sources. In the case of cities having the same score, tiebreaking was done on the basis of which city was outranking the other in our sources. The most charming small towns in the US have been ranked in ascending order of their scores.
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Let’s begin our list of some of the most beautiful towns in America.
30 Most Charming Small Towns in America
30. Fredericksburg, Texas
Score: 1
Fredericksburg, a charming town in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is located between San Antonio and Austin. In Fredericksburg, the economy is supported by various sectors. The average household income is $56,858, and the unemployment rate is 2.20% as of 2024.
29. Westfield, Texas
Score: 1
Founded in 1870, the town was named after Gadi F. West, who owned a small plot of land there when the International-Great Northern Railroad extended from Houston to Spring. In recent years, Westfield has developed into a bustling suburb. Even with its proximity to Houston, Westfield has managed to keep its small-town appeal and walkable neighborhoods.
28. Nacogdoches, Texas
Score: 1
Nacogdoches, Texas, has a diverse economy with key sectors in construction, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail. The median household income in Nacogdoches is $37,612 as of 2022.
27. Gloucester, Massachusetts
Score: 1
Gloucester is located in Essex County, Massachusetts. It is primarily supported by the fishing and seafood processing industries. Tourism also plays a significant role in Gloucester’s economy, with arts, entertainment, and recreation making up 20% of job opportunities.
26. Aiken, South Carolina
Score: 1
Aiken, a small town known for its historical charm, natural beauty, and strong sense of community, is home to the University of South Carolina at Aiken. The town offers diverse residential options, including golf communities and assisted living facilities.
25. Bryson City, North Carolina
Score: 1
Bryson City, a small town in North Carolina, is home to 1,558 residents with an employment rate of 54.9%. It serves as the county seat of Swain County and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest, Bryson City is one of the most charming small towns in America.
24. Astoria, New York
Score: 1
Astoria, a neighborhood in Queens, New York City, is surrounded by Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, and East Elmhurst. Known for its historic architecture and lively art atmosphere, Astoria is among the top 25 most charming small towns in the US.
23. Red Bank, New Jersey
Score: 2
Red Bank, situated in Monmouth County, New Jersey, had a population of approximately 12,936 residents as of 2020. According to a 2022 report, the median household income in the area is $89,500. Throughout the year, Red Bank hosts a range of events, such as the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival and sidewalk sales.
22. Beacon, New York
Score: 2
Beacon, a small town in America, has a diverse economy with key sectors including construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and retail trade. The median household income in Beacon is $96,891.
21. Hilo, Hawaii
Score: 2
Unlike other Hawaiian markets, Hilo’s tourism sector is smaller due to its challenging weather conditions and fewer beach activities. The Merrie Monarch Festival is a major draw for visitors, showcasing the town’s cultural richness.
20. Lambertville, New Jersey
Score: 2
Lambertville, a small town in New Jersey, is known for its historic charm and active arts scene. It has a population of 4,139, with about two-thirds of its residents having higher education.
19. Ocean City, Maryland
Score: 2
Ocean City, Maryland, is a favored resort town. The town’s economy rests on tourism, with an average household income of $62,401 and a population size of 6,844.
18. Whitefish, Montana
Score: 2
Whitefish is situated in Flathead County, Montana. The town hosts seasonal events such as a winter street march, “penguin plunge,” and snow sculpture exhibitions.
17. Mystic, Connecticut
Score: 2
Mystic, located in New London County, Connecticut, has a population of 4,417 residents. It is known as one of the most peaceful places to live in the state.
16. Wimberley, Texas
Score: 2
Wimberley, located in the Texas Hill Country, is known for its beautiful views of the Blanco River and the surrounding hills. The town attracts tourists from all over.
15. Wallace, Idaho
Score: 2
Situated within the Idaho Panhandle, Wallace is known for its rich mining history and beautiful setting. It’s a small town with an attractive downtown area consisting of many restored historic buildings.
14. Oxford, Ohio
Score: 2
Oxford, in Butler County, offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. Visitors enjoy attractions such as the Hefner Museum, Hueston Woods State Park, and the Black Covered Bridge for recreation and exploration.
13. Littleton, Colorado
Score: 2
Littleton, situated in Arapahoe County, Colorado, is a small town known for its historical charm and natural attractions. As of 2022, the median household income in Littleton is $90,273.
12. New Castle, Delaware
Score: 2
New Castle benefits greatly from tourism, contributing significantly to the county and state economy. It is among the top 15 most charming small towns in America.
11. Paducah, Kentucky
Score: 2
Paducah, a small town in McCracken County, Kentucky, is celebrated for its rich history. The tourism industry performs well here, with attractions like the Market House Museum and River Heritage Museum drawing numerous visitors annually.
10. Helen, Georgia
Score: 2
Helen is a town in Georgia known for its Bavarian architecture and traditional festivals like Oktoberfest. The primary economic activity revolves around attracting tourists interested in recreational activities such as hiking, boating, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
9. Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Score: 2
Isle of Palms is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, with a population of approximately 4,347 residents. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, and beach activities including sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and boat rentals.
8. Essex, Massachusetts
Score: 3
Essex is a coastal town in Massachusetts. It ranks among the top 10 most charming small towns in the US.
7. Alton, Illinois
Score: 3
Alton, located along the Mississippi River in Illinois, is rich in historical sites related to the Civil War, such as the Alton Prison. Its economy is primarily supported by tourism, with additional sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail.
6. Fairhope, Alabama
Score: 3
Fairhope, located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Alabama, is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. The town hosts many fairs all year round.
5. Crystal River, Florida
Score: 3
Crystal River, situated in Florida, is celebrated for its natural springs, particularly the spring-fed Kings Bay. The local economy heavily relies on tourism, attracting residents and visitors alike to enjoy its warm waters. Crystal River ranks among the top 5 most charming small towns in America.
