Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Does the idea of a laid-back lifestyle sound appealing to you? If you answered yes, then you should consider moving to a small town. Small towns across the US offer access to the outdoors, local shopping, and most importantly peace, quiet, and privacy that is rare in a big city. If this lifestyle sounds like something you’re interested in, we compiled a list of 10 beautiful small towns in America that you can move to today. From the beautiful Hawaiian town of Hilo to the smallest capital in the US, Montpelier, keep reading to see what towns made the list and which one could possibly be your next home.
1. Portland, Maine
Median Sale Price: $450,000
Portland is a coastal community that features sweeping ocean views, outdoor greenery, and friendly locals. If you love exploring small businesses, this is the town for you. Downtown Portland boasts many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and bakeries owned and operated by local families. Portland also offers numerous hiking trails, skiing, and swimming all within close proximity to downtown. Portland’s rich history, dating back to 1786, is sprinkled throughout the city with its cobblestone streets and historic ships docked along Casco Bay. If you move to Portland, you can expect four distinct seasons with warm, pleasant summers and chilly winters. Be sure to take a ferry to Peaks Island, a popular place to go swimming and kayaking, explore Breakwater Lighthouse, or visit the Historic Victoria Mansion. Don’t forget to try a delicious lobster roll!
2. Sedona, Arizona
Median Sale Price: $1,300,000
Located in Northern Arizona, Sedona is a beautiful small town in America known for its breathtaking red sandstone formations and gorgeous starry nights. In Sedona, expect hot summers, cold winters, and comfortable temperatures during the spring and fall. There’s no shortage of nature in the town with more than 200 hiking trails covering 400 miles, like Devil’s Bridge, Fay Canyon, and Cathedral Rock. If you move to Sedona, you’ll never get bored with a variety of festivals and events that take place each year. Some of which include the Sedona International Film Festival and the Red Rocks Music Festival. When in Sedona, be sure to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, go shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, or relax at Slide Rock State Park.
3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Median Sale Price: $1,650,000
Located about 120 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a beautiful ocean-side town that provides a suburban feel with access to many shops, restaurants, and parks. Carmel is known as an art mecca with many different communities and societies dedicated to poetry, theatre, crafting, writing, and visual arts. You can find a variety of diverse activities, such as lounging in the sun at Carmel City Beach, rated one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic, visiting Carmel Mission, or exploring Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. If you are a golf fanatic, you can play a round of golf close at nearby Pebble Beach Golf Links which has hosted several US Opens and is currently the home of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Carmel locals can expect moderate temperatures year round.
4. Estes Park, Colorado
Median Sale Price: $625,000
Colorado is known for its outdoor pursuits, so it’s no surprise Estes Park offers access to world-class hiking, fishing, biking, and camping. This gateway town into Rocky Mountain National Park welcomes thousands of visitors every year, but is also a great place to call home if you like a laidback lifestyle. Estes Park offers a secluded and private small-town lifestyle, with the nearest cities, Fort Collins and Boulder, located about an hour away. The summer season brings comfortable temperatures to Estes Park and is partly cloudy year-round. During the winter months, expect a lot of snow. The best activities to do in Estes Park include exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, walking along the downtown riverwalk, or taking a drive along the peak-to-peak scenic byway.
5. Hilo, Hawaii
Median Sale Price: $386,725
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo provides residents with a lush landscape, roaring waterfalls, and beautiful botanical gardens. Moving to this beautiful town in America provides many weekly activities that are sure to get you in the island lifestyle. You’ll find many local shops, restaurants, and beaches within walking distance of downtown. In this island city, you can expect a muggy, warm, tropical climate year round. If you find yourself looking for something to do on your day off you can take a stroll through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, hike to ‘Akaka Falls, or learn about astronomy at the Imiloa Astronomy Center.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
Median Sale Price: $390,300
The charming town of St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and is a great place to call home. Located in northeastern Florida, this town has beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic neighborhoods. If you love food, St. Augustine is the place for you. From fresh seafood to Cuban cuisine, there are options to suit everyone. This town is also bike-friendly with different bike lanes and trails to explore. In St. Augustine, you can expect cool and partly cloudy winters, hot summers, and a wet environment year round. If you find yourself moving to this beautiful town in America be sure to check out the Castillo de San Marcos, Saint George Street, and Fort Mose Historic State Park.
7. Port Townsend, Washington
Median Sale Price: $605,000
Known for its historical Victorian-style buildings, annual cultural events, and views of the Olympic Mountains, Port Townsend WA is a wonderful place to move to. The town is best described as comfortable, quaint, relaxed, and true to its historic roots, with great scenery, outdoor activities, and friendly people. The summer weather tends to be comfortable and dry compared to winter, which can be wet and cold. When in Port Townsend, be sure to pay a visit to Fort Worden State Park which served as a US Army base to protect the Puget Sound, learn about sea creatures at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, or grab a drink at Port Townsend Brewing Company. The Port Townsend Historic District is also recognized as a national historic landmark district by the US.
8. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Median Sale Price: $1,240,000
Nantucket is a beautiful small town in America known as a vacation destination for many, but is also a great place to call home. At only 14 miles long and 13.5 miles wide, this small island provides privacy, seclusion, and a getaway oasis for locals to relax and enjoy. Perhaps one of the best aspects of Nantucket is the diverse beaches such as the family-friendly Jetties Beach on the North Shore or the popular surfing destination Surfside Beach on the South Shore. While in town, pay a visit to the Whaling Museum, head over to the Sankaty Head Light, or grab a drink at Cisco Brewers. Nantucket’s weather is humid and slightly windy during the summer months, while the winters are cold and wet. With all the unique activities coupled with small-town charm, Nantucket is sure to capture your heart.
9. Montpelier, Vermont
Median Sale Price: $305,000
With a population of about 8,000, Montpelier is not only the US’s smallest state capital, but is filled with unique attractions and historic charm. This small town has countless book stores, coffee shops, and a vibrant music and arts scene. If you decide to move here, be sure to visit the Vermont State House to see beautiful gold-domed Greek revival architecture, take a walk around the large green area at Hubbard Park, or take a winery tour at North Branch Vineyards. The freezing and snowy winter season is offset by comfortable, wet summers.
10. Saugatuck, Michigan
Median Sale Price: $665,000
Saugatuck is a beautiful suburban town that borders Lake Michigan. During the summer months, the town comes alive with live music, open-air restaurants, and the breeze of the nearby lake flowing through the streets. You can enjoy this temperate climate year-round. When living in Saugatuck, locals can enjoy the freshwater of Oval Beach which is filled with coastal grasses and rolling sand dunes. Residents can also try their hand at brewing beer at Saugatuck Brewing Company or enjoy panoramic views at Mount Baldhead.
*Median home sale prices as of September 8, 2021. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Redfin recommends consumers make informed decisions, and perform their own due diligence about each community.
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