You grow up in a small town, and your ambition takes you to the big cities. Sure, you get to meet tons of new opportunities, a large job market, and access to better healthcare, but after a while, the euphoria scales start to fall off.
First, the cost of living hits you! Then, the diverse population you love begins to show its noisy side. Perhaps the dirty street corners or high crime rates finally dawn on you — maybe home wasn’t so bad after all?
Amidst it all lies the subtle contender, winning the hearts of those who would open their arms to it — the little, small cities.
Of course, they definitely have their flaws — fewer employment opportunities, limited diversity, and entertainment — but a good number of them have proven their worth.
Let’s highlight those worthy few. Here’s a list of the best small cities to live in the U.S.
Bloomington, Indiana
- Population: 78,840
- Average House Rent: $1,612
- Median Home Value: $320,000
- Median Household Income: $46,543
- Cost of Living: 1% below the National Average
- Crime Rate: 29 per 1,000 residents
Home to Indiana University; if you’re familiar with the classic buzz of college-town energy, then you might just find a nice and cozy place to call your own in Bloomington.
Even as a small city, a lot is going on here to keep you entertained all year. Whether it’s live musical acts, sporting events, thoughtful art galleries, or its breweries and wine fest, you’re in for a good time here.
Your wallets will even have a fair chance to breathe while in Bloomington. Indiana University and Baxter Healthcare Pharmaceuticals are the leading employers in the city and your best bet at snatching the median income necessary to fund your expenses.
Must-do Activities and Places to Visit:
- Literary lovers can grab any of the 450,000+ thrilling book copies at the free Lilly Library.
- Take your kids on an adventure to the Karst Farm Park with unique playgrounds and splash pad.
- Dine at the Anyetsang’s Little Tibet Restaurant for Indian, Tibetan, and Thai cuisines.
- Head over to The Bluebird or the Orbit Room for live music and local acts.
- Explore the Hoosier National Forest, and be sure to hike at the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Ithaca, New York
- Population: 32,724
- Average House Rent: $2,057
- Median Home Value: $425,000
- Median Household Income: $45,468
- Cost of Living: 1% higher than the National Average
- Crime Rate: 53 per 1,000 residents
Another college town hits the list!
With the presence of Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca easily sits among the best small cities to live in the U.S., with a highly populated age group of 18 – 25.
Life in Ithaca is as fun as it gets. There are plenty of lush trails, immersive street art and murals to gaze upon, breathtakingly stunning waterfalls to admire—150+ of them—and amazing weather conditions to make all your outdoor adventures possible.
As a young adult or family folk chasing a career, you should know that the education sector takes center stage when it comes to employing the locals. Other significant employers include the Cayuga Medical Center and BorgWarner Morse TEC.
Must-do Activities and Places to Visit:
- Find your place at Cayuga Lake and engage in all the amazing water sports.
- Visit the Buttermilk Falls State Park with the whole family for camping, picnics, or perhaps a hike.
- Literary lovers can move across the carefully curated bookshelves at Odyssey Bookstore.
- Take your kids to the Ithaca Children’s Garden and Museum of the Earth for a cool learning experience.
- Shop all your local farm produce at the Ithaca Farmers Market every Saturday and Sunday.
Bend, Oregon
- Population: 104,557
- Average House Rent: $1,839
- Median Home Value: $945,000
- Median Household Income: $82,671
- Cost of Living: 12.2% above the National Average
- Crime Rate: 18 per 1,000 residents
Looking east of Cascade Mountain in central Oregon, you should see the hip and growing city of Bend. In just over two years, this city has seen growth margins by +5%, proving to be among the best small towns in America for those who choose to call it home.
It’s an outdoorsy world out here in Bend with access to hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing activities — the thrill is unending. Let’s not even forget the Deschutes River that runs through the center of the town in a picturesque manner that just blends perfectly with the artsy downtown.
While in the city, place your focus on the retail, healthcare, and hospitality industries for employment if you aren’t a remote worker. Other significant employers lie in tech and I.T. services.
Must-do Activities and Places to Visit:
- Visit the Deschutes River; either you’re walking the trail or floating in the waters.
- Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bend at the High Desert Museum or the Old Mill District.
- Hike Tumalo Falls or the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park.
- Get your taste buds buzzing with wine tastings at Viaggio Wine Bar.
- Catch live musical concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Bozeman, Montana
- Population: 57,305
- Average House Rent: $2,217
- Median Home Value: $731,300
- Median Household Income: $74,113
- Cost of Living: 22% higher than the National Average
- Crime Rate: 23 per 1,000 residents
College town strikes yet again!
Home to Montana State University and Gallatin College, the city has been dubbed with many monikers—The Egypt, the Sweet Pea Capital of the Nation. But one has stuck in recent times—Boz Angeles; given by the Wall Street Journal for the city’s booming real estate market.
Year-over-year, Bozeman goes under the radar of many searching for a new city to call home, but no more. The city’s excellent educational system, outdoor adventures (skiing, rafting, fly fishing, hiking), and family-friendliness can no longer go unnoticed.
Life here is full of all the casual small-city pleasures doused with big-city arts and entertainment, coupled with a flourishing economy. The big employing industries lie in the educational sectors, retail trade, food services, manufacturing, and accommodation.
Must-do Activities and Places to Visit:
- Unearth all the hidden history at the Museum of the Rockies.
- Shop, dine, and take pictures all along Main Street, Downtown Bozeman.
- Spend your winter hitting the Big Sky Resort & Bridger Bowl Ski Area slopes.
- See and learn more about bears at the Montana Grizzly Encounter.
- Hike The M Trail — take some pictures of the beautiful scenery while at it.
Portland, Maine
- Population: 69,104
- Average House Rent: $71,498
- Median Home Value: $1,744
- Median Household Income: $560,000
- Cost of Living: 15% higher than the National Average
- Crime Rate: 19 per 1,000 residents
From the list of the best small cities to live in the U.S. comes Portland, not the one in Oregon but Maine! Lying by the Casco Bay shoreline, Portland will thrill you with its sublime seafood, rocky beaches, and many lighthouses.
Whether you’re a student, a career individual, or retiree, Maine’s largest city welcomes you with its many recreational spots, highly rated schools, and top-rated health facilities.
With annual job growth in healthcare, life insurance, and finance, Portland is a living trend in the USA.
Must-do Activities and Places to Visit:
- Get a 360-degree view of the city from the Portland Observatory.
- Take your tastebuds beyond the realms as you hop through the different breweries.
- Gaze at unique pieces at the Portland Museum of Art and the art gallery in The Press Hotel.
- Experience a family time out on a ride at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Catch live musical performances at the Portland House of Music or State Theatre.
Key Takeaway — Best Small Cities to Live in The U.S.
Forget the big, popular cities for a moment and imagine life in some of the areas you consider small and deserted.
You might not even know it, but some of the best small cities to live in the U.S. on this list might just be what you need. So, when next there’s an argument on the next best thing to San Francisco or Chicago, you have the little guys to point out.
If you’re still in doubt maybe plan a visit for a few days or a week, and come experience these cities for yourself.
