For details on our data sources and how we put all the information together to create our final rankings, check out the Data and Methodology section below. Average Retirement Savings: How Do You Compare? This affluent St. Louis suburb is the home of the Bellerive Country Club, which hosted the PGA Championship back in 2018. West Lake Hills received a 2019 Certified Scenic City award, which recognizes cities that demonstrate a "commitment to high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and spaces. - Median home value: $159,900 (82% own) The low-key beach town has two state parks, Stump Pass Beach State Park and Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. If you've always thought the towns in Hallmark Christmas movies seem like great places live, here are eight small town filming locations you can actually go to. And, broadly speaking, crime tends to be more rampant when theres more opportunity for it to occur. It also lays claim to year-round warm weather. Highlands, North Carolina, has long been a favorite getaway for Southern city dwellers and antique hunters. Luzerne Township, Pennsylvania 1.. 3. - Median household income: $50,945 - Median home value: $159,900 (89% own) - Population: 1,255 (13% age 55-64 and 54% age 65+) It offers retirees a suburban vibe with restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of green spaceand the proximity to the nation's capital leaves even more room for culture, arts, and education. To put the stellar records of our 100 safest small towns in perspective, heres a look at the small towns that reported the most violent crimes and the most property crimes. Wilson Grange, the town's agricultural and culinary venue, hosts wine tastings and a weekly farmers' market. - Population: 15,095 (18% age 55-64 and 51% age 65+) According to the 2020 Census, 63% of Americans live in an, But it turns out the trends weve seen during the pandemic. Woodbury is situated near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Bear Mountain State Park, with views down the Hudson River to New York City. Accessed October 6, 2021. For anyone considering a move to Garden City Beach, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation guide. - Population: 13,479 (18% age 55-64 and 29% age 65+) In addition to its seven golf courses, Sun City West offers amenities like adult learning opportunities, organized trips, more than 100 clubs, and four recreation centers. The nonprofit Green Valley Recreation operates 13 recreation centers and offers more than 1,000 classes. "It's very affordable and has lots going on culturally, plus a revitalized downtown.". We calculated crime rates for every small town in the country that met our criteria. Yet it's only a 20-minute drive to cross the George Washington Bridge into New York City. Arizona's capital (and its largest city), Phoenix is known for being heavily populated, extremely hot, and one of the gun-friendliest cities in the country. Things to do in Orlando with your kids Orlando is America's playground, and millions of people visit each year. - Population: 854 (23% age 55-64 and 62% age 65+) Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington, KY is all about bluegrass, bourbon, and the Breeder's Cup. How Much Does a Home Security System Cost? Those who want to stay active with outdoor recreation or by playing golf have their pick of communities near manicured club courses and the great outdoors. This New York village offers fitness center memberships as well as planned game and movie nights. Cheektowaga also ranks 19th for home affordability, with a 2.43ratio of home value to household income. The median age on St. Simons, according to the World Population Review, is about 54 years old. *SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. The Best Medical Alert Systems for Fall Detection, Upper Providence Township, Delaware County. The community is only a 15-minute drive to Siesta Key, a Gulf of Mexico barrier island with sandy beaches, tidal pools, and coral reefs. It's located near Baltimore, Annapolis, and scenic beaches and boating at Chesapeake Bay. This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information, Best Parent Student Loans: Parent PLUS and Private. As part of our Safest Cities series, we look at crime rates in cities of all different sizes. Nebraska is the lone exception with a unicameral legislature. - Median household income: $131,071 This city also ranks 15th for its high concentration of healthcare facilities, at 14.30% of all establishments. There are picks for outdoor lovers, as well as options for art- and food-focused folks. Blog > most conservative cities in texas 2021. most conservative cities in texas 2021. But now you have the cold, hard data to back that presumption, because Crowdpac just released statistics ranking the prominence of liberal or conservative ideologies in almost every city and town across America. But can we put our finger on why? - Median rent: $1,450 (11% rent). Annuities provide steady income in retirement, but some financial planners prefer alternatives. Show chat replay Understanding the Pros and Cons of Annuities. - Median rent: $936 (14% rent). - Median rent: $840 (11% rent). There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. ", - Population: 25,544 (12% age 55-64 and 84% age 65+) 1. - Median household income: $47,862 So we report on both major metro areas and smaller towns. SafeWises answer: Almost nothing. These towns are scattered across the country, from Idaho to Michigan to Pennsylvania to New York. Nearby, Arrowhead Chocolates serves small-batch sweets like dark chocolate truffles made with award-winning whiskey from Stein Distillery, a short stroll away. It's near impossible not to fall for the oak-lined streets of this south Mississippi hamlet, the setting for HGTV's Home Town. The town is surrounded by Nantahala National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thecoronavirus crisishas also made places with low population densities more appealing, and small cities can offer the energy and creativity of urban life whileboosting your savingsin an affordable community. Country Living editors select each product featured. - Median home value: $162,400 (59% own) - Median household income: $177,321 This Central Coast town has plenty to boast about, with more than 200 wineries and award-winning restaurants. - Median household income: $124,716 When you go, visit the new Paso Market Walk showcasing local makers, farmers, and vinters, and stay in a retro camper at Rves de Moutons, located on a goat and sheep farm in the heart of wine country. And the percentage of residents with a high school diploma ranges from 75% to 91.5%. Looking for Stars Hollow, Serenity, or Virgin River vibes from the comfort of home? - Median household income: $170,417 Other than meeting our population threshold, these tiny towns dont have much in common. - Population: 1,406 (17% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) - Population: 5,022 (15% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) With numerous water trails and a temperate climate, the coast is a paddler's paradise. - Median home value: $267,900 (86% own) Many of the students are excited to make new friends. A health savings account is a beneficial tool for retirement planning. - Median rent: $1,250 (12% rent). - Median household income: $38,490 High Point is a community that sits on Florida's Gulf coast, not far from Tampa Bay's pulsing metropolis. Taking money from your IRA may seem like a simple matter, but it's a decision that must be timed right. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. Why small towns? - Median household income: $75,552 Garden City is a prime spot for crabbing and fishing because of its access to the Atlantic Ocean and Murrells Inlet. - Median rent: $869 (25% rent). Unfortunately, theres no easy answer. After you tour our top 10, you might want to mosey on over to our list of 20 small towns that leave a big impression for more idyllic Main Streets, quirky festivals, friendly locals, and lovely country landscapes. To rank each city or town, 50% of the score was determined by the number of violent crimes per 1,000, and 50% of the score was determined by the number of property crimes per 1,000. The 10 Safest Small towns In America In 2021 Note: There was a five-way tie for number one, listed in alphabetical order. Conservative States by State Legislatures State Legislatures are composed of Senates and Houses to serve as the bodies of representation for the 50 republics that make up the United States. And there's no shortage of good eating, from the sticky buns at Sweet Somethings bakery to crawfish etouffee at Cafe LaFleur. Law Library, American Law and Legal Information, . Lexington, Kentucky. ", - Population: 20,902 (14% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) - Median household income: $40,586 Jensen Beach has two golf courses and hosts an annual arts and crafts show. These 5 cities hail from all across the countryIdaho to New Yorkalthough the majority are in the Northeast, which traditionally has the highest concentration of towns with little or no crime reported. South Texas is a prime spot for birders, as well, and Palm Valley is near nesting grounds of many species of birds that migrate through Hugh Ramsey and Thicket Nature Parks. We examined FBI crime report data and population information for 2019 (the most recent year for which complete data was available). - Median home value: $1,001,800 (81% own) Personal Safety Devices for Every Situation, Best Medical Alert Systems for Fall Detection, Home | Safety News | 100 Safest Small Towns in America 2021. To see the entire list of the 100 safest and the 100 most dangerous small towns in America, you can find the full report here. The county in which this Texan city is located has the 14th-highest concentration of restaurants, 9.07% of all establishments. The average percentage of people with a high school diploma or higher in the safest small towns is 94.3, 3.7% higher than the US average of 90.9%. Located within the Fort Myers and Cape Coral areas, the Whiskey Creek neighborhood sits near the Caloosahatchee River, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Although it didnt impact rankings, we also examined poverty rates, median income, and education attainment. - Population: 12,978 (17% age 55-64 and 41% age 65+) Ocean View, Delaware, is a small coastal town with just over 2,000 residents known for its suburban, rural feel and its great weather, low crime, and all-around warm family atmosphere. ", - Population: 3,327 (17% age 55-64 and 27% age 65+) Populations range from 5,300 to over 12,500. All of the professors are very friendly and helpful. "The town really is idyllic, like a throwback to simpler times," Jason adds. The Economist has produced a chart that ranks 67 cities in America from most conservative to most liberal. For that same time period, cities with fewer than 10,000 people saw a 30% jump in homicides, which matches the FBIs final nationwide estimate for 2020.. - Population: 9,622 (15% age 55-64 and 23% age 65+) The Louisiana city of Slidell ranked No. Interestingly, for the second year in a row, the Northeast had the most safe small towns. Spearfish, South Dakota. New Hanover Township, New Jersey 8. - Median home value: $402,100 (79% own) - Median household income: $44,862 - Population: 2,835 (15% age 55-64 and 21% age 65+) - Median household income: $57,265 This is not a guarantee. Stowe, VT 05672, USA. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. The percentage of residents living below the poverty line ranges from 4% to 22%. Everyone loves a comeback, and Wilson's is one for the ages. Small businesses surround Public Square, including Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace, Duck River Books, Hattie Jane's Creamery, and Trek Bicycle Shop, co-owned by American Pickers's Mike Wolfe and housed in a circa-1857 building. The average median household income among the 100 safest small towns is $110,602, 61% higher than the US average of $68,703. - Median rent: $2,634 (3% rent). The analysis also shows that the most conservative cities are not as conservative as the most liberal cities are liberal. Accessed October 6, 2021. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, NPR, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of radio and TV clips. For more safe city data, check out our list of the 100 Safest Cities in America, and watch for our ranking of the safest (and most dangerous) metro areascoming soon. - Median household income: $218,603 During our analysis, we also noted the small towns that reported the most crimes. Though large metropolises like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC, are often thought of as culture and . - Population: 4,287 (19% age 55-64 and 25% age 65+) St Charles has the 39th-highest concentration of healthcare establishments at the county level (13.44%) and the 55th-lowest Dec. 2020 unemployment rate (4.7%) both top quintile rankings. Median housing costs equal just 16.93% of median household income in OFallon, ranking 19th for that metric in the study overall. - Population: 11,077 (15% age 55-64 and 30% age 65+) - Median home value: $1,516,200 (93% own) Although it didnt impact rankings, we also examined poverty rates, median income, and education attainment. There's plenty of opportunity for golfing at Lake Success Golf Club or the Fresh Meadow Country Club, which has been a destination for celebrities including Babe Ruth. - Median rent: $788 (16% rent). The 18th century Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy, Hollow, New York, which was named one of the safest small towns in America in 2021, The marina in Emeryville, Californiathe most. Flickr/U.S. Next, we found each citys average ranking, with each metric receiving an equal weight. - Median home value: $944,700 (78% own) You may also like: These States Have the Highest Gas Tax in the U.S. - Population: 9,137 (21% age 55-64 and 33% age 65+) - Median rent: $1,211 (1% rent). - Median rent: $1,037 (29% rent). No other characterization of any community is implied or intended, says SafeWise.). The good news: There was a 17% decline in property crimes compared to the cities that made the list last year. Residents are just minutes from Detroit and 30 miles from the Brighton Howell area, which has 123 miles of trails and 20 golf courses. - Median household income: $56,779 - Median household income: $180,000 - Median rent: $1,957 (22% rent). - Median household income: $53,503 Still, dressing up for a seat at, say, Les Petites Canailles, a recent addition from Michelin-starred chef Julien Asseo, wouldn't be out of place. - Median rent: $1,877 (35% rent). Each measurement was normalized on a 01 scale with 1 corresponding to the measurement that would most positively affect the final score. Getting to New York City's Penn Station takes about 35 minutes by train, but there are plenty of reasons to stay close, including the activities and programs offered by the Great Neck Park District. Surprisingly, there were over twice as many violent crimes reported compared to the number of property crimes. - Median home value: $232,900 (91% own) - Median household income: $85,417 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family, 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023, Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues, What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February, Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing. Here's a hint: quite a few of them are in Florida and Tennessee. Rudy Ximenez / Visit Georgetown. 1. Wood, who isyou guessed italso a former guide. Median housing costs equal 17.43% of median household income in Flower Mound, the 21st-lowest ranking for this metric. - Median rent: $991 (21% rent). "But there have been more and more young families moving here to live full time, too," says Margaret Shutze, who moved with her own family in 2019 to create Flat Mountain Farm, a workshop and event space. - Median home value: $415,000 (89% own) The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a different kind of fun, as well as volunteer opportunities. - Median home value: $222,700 (95% own) The draw of idealized Normal Rockwell communities may be growing as headlines continue to highlight big crime in big cities across the country, says Rebecca Edwards, a security expert, safety and tech reporter for SafeWise. - Median home value: $954,300 (91% own) The Timber Pines Community Association, which says it's dedicated to offering premier "country club living for active adults," calls Timber Pines the "best-kept secret in Florida." The United States is full of beautiful small towns. So what else makes the five safest small towns similar? - Population: 5,198 (11% age 55-64 and 79% age 65+) This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review |. If you haven't done these things by age 50, it could be too late to do them well. A bunch of former river guides running things. - Median home value: $169,300 (80% own) Professional vs DIY Home Security System Installation. You may even find your new hometown among the group! - Median home value: $76,700 (86% own) - Median household income: $192,983 Golfers and anglers alike won't have trouble filling their days in this town that spans the island bearing its name and parts of the coastal mainland. The new spending bill makes it easier to save for retirement. More about us. Retirees are drawn to the endless array of outdoor activities, from fishing and tennis to sailing, kayaking, and golf. - Population: 1,400 (24% age 55-64 and 48% age 65+) Plus, the live music and barbecue of Austin are only 30 miles away. 20 small towns that leave a big impression, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. - Median home value: $232,600 (71% own) , May 21, 2020. Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. Yet "it is completely unpretentious," says Alexis Negranti, founder of Negranti Creamery. However, in this case, 64.6% of residents consider themselves to be Republicans. She was 30 years old, just a "regular person," she said, when she gave up her career to . The city has a charming town square with historic buildings that is frequently bustling with festivals and events. Instead of basing the rankings on election ballots and voter registration, Crowdpac took a look at political donations since 2002. Underwood, a registered nurse from the Chicago suburbs, wanted to make the health-care system better. Sauk Village, Illinois (also had the highest violent crime rate in the U.S.), The Top 19 Cheap Hotels: Five-Star Luxury Under $50 A Night, Tired Of Where You Live? The existence of a fiduciary duty does not prevent the rise of potential conflicts of interest. And if you're planning a holiday escape, here are the best small towns to visit for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The city ranks 11th for low income inequality, with a Gini coefficient of 0.36. - Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent). Plus, it's just 12 miles from bustling Charleston and all the activities and services of a major Southern city. Dozens of pop culture references (from Gilmore Girls to The Andy Griffith Show) are burned into our brains, but an unending parade of town festivals and folks relying more on the sheriff than locks to keep their home safe dont necessarily line up with reality. ", - Population: 3,974 (18% age 55-64 and 52% age 65+) Some ways to narrow down the list include moving closer to grandkids or settling in a vacation spot that has generated family memories over the years. An extensive new trail system is also in the works along the river. To find the most livable small cities in America, SmartAsset compared 291 cities with at least 65,000 people but fewer than 100,000 across the following 11 metrics: First, we ranked each city in each metric. And during the pandemic, more and more Americans have been fleeing big cities for simple, small town life. Holly Hills is a small Denver suburb, which gives residents the advantage of being close to the excitement of the city with the ability to go home to a small, friendly community at the end of the day. - Median home value: $722,500 (84% own) Sioux City, Iowa ranks 11th for home affordability with a 2.25 ratio of home value to household income. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. The atmosphere is amazing. ? In fact, only 4% of all cities in the US have 50,000 or more residents.. Whether your city made our list or not, we encourage everyone to be proactive about home security. - Median household income: $187,569 The Hollywood Park Community Association works toward that goal by hosting community events and running programs like Neighbors Lifting Neighbors, which pairs people needing assistance with others seeking to help. The biggest employer and visitor attraction is the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet Center, which has more than 200 stores. By. - Population: 14,473 (15% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) Case in point: a slew of new businesses opening their doors in this Hudson Valley hamlet. 19. These potential retirement spots provide natural beauty, entertainment options and convenient access to a larger city when you need it. Emeryville, California (also had the highest property crime rate in the U.S.), 2. - Median home value: $823,300 (92% own) - Median home value: $1,017,100 (82% own) The past few years have seen a renovation of Wilson square's Tudor Revival buildings, now home to stylish shops like White's Mercantile, Wilson Cafe, and the Hampson Archeological Museum. 10 Best Small Towns in America - Prettiest Small Towns in America 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 Amazon's Best Winter Fashion is on Sale Right Now 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing - Population: 1,129 (16% age 55-64 and 48% age 65+) When a small town has a high quality of life and a good economy, it often begins to draw new residents. You may also like: 50 Best Value Public Colleges in America, Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, great weather and bountiful outdoor activities, great weather, pristine setting, and wealth of outdoor activities, Delaware is a great place to retire in general, six miles of sugary beaches, wildlife, resorts, spas, golf, and restaurants, resort vacation lifestyle and country club living, 46 Best Lake Towns to Call Home in America, spans the island bearing its name and parts of the coastal mainland, The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Seniors love the warm weather and quaint downtown, plus it's one of the most affordable places in the nation, with home values far below the national median. "We were drawn to Hudson's diversity and creative energy," says Lev. - Population: 1,162 (17% age 55-64 and 28% age 65+) If you find yourself in an emergency, a medical alert necklace can contact trained professionals See which medical alert system is the best to keep you and your loved one Find the best medical alert systems with fall detection. - Median home value: $1,109,400 (79% own) Median housing costs in Ankeny, Iowa equal 15.72% of median household income, the seventh-lowest rate for this metric in the study. - Median rent: $1,196 (9% rent). Residents can join more than 130 recognized clubs (including political organizations, performing arts groups, and fitness groups), spend their days on the putting green, or attend classes at nearby colleges and senior education centers. Dozens of pop culture references (from. ) St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. - Population: 4,360 (21% age 55-64 and 30% age 65+) With nearly half of the towns this year making their first appearance on the list, its hard to nail down the reason these little burgs saw a rise when both the safest and most dangerous metro cities declined year over year. - Median home value: $852,700 (86% own) See the rest of the safest small towns in America. - Median home value: $271,500 (94% own) States with a gap of 20 points or greater are considered "highly conservative." 1. So we report on both, Its easy to conjure an image of life in a small town. The town reported 54.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents (US 3.7). Lafayette is a small city with a number of colleges and universities. Nicknames: Mule Town and Dimple of the Universe, Columbia natives Susan and Bryson Leach hadn't expected to move back to their hometown, but when they decided to buy a house and open their homewares shop Needle & Grain and kids boutique Little Neighbors, "we realized Columbia was everything we wanted," says Bryson. - Median home value: $261,000 (55% own) Delaware is a great place to retire in general for its tax benefits for retirees, but what makes Ocean View so special is its access to 28 miles of beaches, parks, space for bike riding and hiking, and annual festivals, as well as access to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. - Population: 5,521 (25% age 55-64 and 65% age 65+) Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. Familiarity makes it harder for crime to slide under the radar like it may in a big city with more anonymity. Sometimes it makes more sense for one member of a married couple to keep working. Motto: "A great place to visit, a better place to live.". There's Windmill Island Gardens, Nelis' Dutch Village filled with fun rides for kids and, most famously, the annual Tulip Time Festival in early May, when Holland is awash with millions of blooms. Some of the best choices are idyllic suburbs like Piermont, New York and Shenandoah, Texas, that are just minutes away from the business bustle and cultural attractions of big cities. Residents of Parole benefit from shops, services and restaurants being an easy walk or short drive away. While Joseph may be best known for its community of bronze artists, summer rodeo, and the Wallowa Lake Tramway (among the steepest on the continent, which takes riders to the top of Mt. The Southern California town also sponsors a number of sporting and cultural events, including the BNP Paribas Open, the tennis tournament. - Population: 1,557 (14% age 55-64 and 36% age 65+) Joseph sits in northeast Oregon's Wallowa County, renowned for both its natural beauty and remoteness (there are no stoplights, and it's a four-hour drive to Boise, Idaho, the closest big city). For reference, America is about 60% white, while Billings clocks in at 86%. More Galleries From Forbes. Billed as "The Original Fun City," Sun City is dedicated to creating a fun, relaxing place for active retired adults. Sauk Village, Illinois is the small town that reported the highest number of violent crimes to the FBI in 2019. Cheektowaga, New York has a 7.6% unemployment rate for Dec. 2020 (the highest rate for this metric in the top 10). Founded in 1886 as a hub for timber and cotton production, the town fell into disrepair in the 1950s as agricultural work declined and residents moved elsewhere. on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. - Median home value: $747,000 (83% own) Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly, warmer settings to establish new roots. And, broadly speaking, crime tends to be more rampant when theres more opportunity for it to occur. Its easy to conjure an image of life in a small town. - Population: 1,832 (14% age 55-64 and 18% age 65+) - Median home value: $159,000 (70% own) - Median rent: $1,645 (11% rent). - Population: 1,150 (7% age 55-64 and 23% age 65+) This Long Island hamlet is home to the luxury shopping center Americana Manhasset. - Median household income: $52,196 It is important to note that our 2020 study on the most livable small cities in the U.S. did not include one of the metrics we used this year the unemployment rate in each city. Plus, according to the 2020 Census most Americans tend to live in small towns. For country escapes, visit Kindred Farm, which hosts dinners on its 17-acre property, or nearby Natchez Hills vineyard. Most Livable Small Cities - 2021 Edition - SmartAsset SmartAsset found the most livable small cities in the U.S., based on metrics like home affordability, inequality, establishments, health insurance and more. Country Living participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Then, in 2010, the Lawrence Group acquired it as part of a larger land purchase. - Median rent: $2,846 (13% rent). - Median home value: $272,400 (89% own) - Median rent: null (9% rent). - Median rent: $1,261 (18% rent). Part of St. Tammany Parish, which boasts more than 160,000 registered Republicans, Slidell has become a hub for right-leaning voters and conservative values. Just over 30 miles away from St. Louis, OFallon, Missouri leads our study as the most livable small city in America. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.