The charm of an American small town has been well-documented in movies, novels, and Norman Rockwell paintings. And yes, even today, small-town life is thriving.
AARP celebrates small towns in its Livability Index, which rates American communities across seven categories:
- Housing
- Neighborhood
- Transportation
- Environment
- Health
- Engagement
- Opportunity
In the latest AARP index, a small town is a community with a population of between 5,000 and 24,999. Here’s a look at the top small towns as ranked by the AARP Livability Index.
Middleton, Wisconsin
Overall livability score: 68 out of 100
Population: 19,764
The city of Middleton once was an area inhabited by the Algonquin tribe. They were known to build mounds, and you can still see their work in several locations in this part of Wisconsin.
Falcon Heights, Minnesota
Overall livability score: 68 out of 100
Population: 5,586
Public lands make up two-thirds of the city of Falcon Heights. The University of Minnesota owns some of that land, and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds is also located here.
Jackson, Wyoming
Overall livability score: 68 out of 100
Population: 10,585
Jackson, Wyoming, is located at the southern end of the Jackson Hole valley. In 1920, the town became among the first in the United States to elect an all-female council.
Falls Church, Virginia
Overall livability score: 68 out of 100
Population: 14,309
There is plenty to keep you busy in Falls Church, including a lot of history. The Virginia city takes its name from the historic Falls Church, where President George Washington and Virginia statesman George Mason once were congregation members.
Pitkin County, Colorado
Overall livability score: 68 out of 100
Population: 17,980
Aspen, Basalt and Snowmass are all located in Pitkin County. The unincorporated community of Snowmass is the second-biggest ski area in all of Colorado, with 91 downhill trails stretching across more than 150 miles.
Pierre, South Dakota
Overall livability score: 69 out of 100
Population: 13,908
Pierre is South Dakota’s capital city. Hikers and bikers love the 116,000 acres of open space in nearby Fort Pierre National Grassland.
Salida, Colorado
Overall livability score: 69 out of 100
Population: 5,543
Salida is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Soak away your worries in one of the Colorado city’s three public hot springs, including the Salida Hot Springs Pool, the largest indoor hot springs facility in the country.
La Crescent, Minnesota
Overall livability score: 70 out of 100
Population: 5,135
La Crescent is Minnesota’s apple capital. The city hosts a jam-packed Apple Festival every year, complete with a parade, sports competitions and plenty of music and entertainment.
Orange City, Iowa
Overall livability score: 71 out of 100
Population: 6,158
Orange City works to preserve a distinct Dutch flavor. The Iowa city hosts an annual Tulip Festival, many buildings feature Dutch architecture, and the quaint downtown features a flowing water canal lined with miniature windmills.
Great Neck Plaza, New York
Overall livability score: 71 out of 100
Population: 6,980
The village of Great Neck Plaza sits in New York’s Nassau County. As one perk of living in this community, residents can join their neighbors for summer concerts at charming Firefighters Park.
Aspen, Colorado
Overall livability score: 73 out of 100
Population: 7,721
The mountain community of Aspen, Colorado, appeals to skiers and nature buffs. Enjoy the music and related fun of both the Aspen Music Festival and Aspen Food & Wine Classic.
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