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. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a different kind of fun, as well as volunteer opportunities. The 10 Safest Small towns In America In 2021 Note: There was a five-way tie for number one, listed in alphabetical order. Each measurement was normalized on a 01 scale with 1 corresponding to the measurement that would most positively affect the final score. Located in Sarasota County, which is full of beaches and attractions, Ridge Wood Heights scored particularly high with Niche on health and fitness. Percent of Population Age 25 and over by Educational Attainment: 19402020. "We're everywhere," jokes Mike "Diesel" Post, Salida's Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. During our analysis, we also noted the small towns that reported the most crimes. There's a Huuuuge spectrum between Wyoming and Vermont for how people claim they stand politically. Read on to see which locations are the best spots to retire in America, and where you might want to go. The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses.. The town reported 211.9 property crimes per 1,000 incidents (US 21.1). - Median rent: $1,211 (1% rent). September 28, 2022. ", - Population: 20,902 (14% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) - Median home value: $722,500 (84% own) 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. Menu burger Close thin Facebook Twitter Google plus Linked in Reddit Email arrow-right-sm arrow-right Loading Home Buying Calculators - Median home value: $175,400 (85% own) Fish and Wildlife. Country Living editors select each product featured. A maximum of 10 towns from each state and towns with a population of fewer than 40,000 were considered for the rankings, which Niche calculated according to retiree representation, weather quality, cost and safety, access to healthy living, and a handful of other factors. Retirees in Florida enjoy the financial benefits of having no . Get all the details about how we rank the safest cities in our, Latest City and Town Population Estimates of the Decade Show Three-Fourths of the Nations Incorporated Places Have Fewer Than 5,000 People. Motto: "A great place to visit, a better place to live.". It also has four and a half golf courses, a community center with various activities, a number of tennis courts and swimming pools, and a marina and beach club along the Oak Island seashore. Rudy Ximenez / Visit Georgetown. (Shutterstock) Share with friends. Crime in small towns can be surprising. The Isle of Palms is one of the South Carolina Lowcountry barrier islands, with six miles of sugary beaches, wildlife, resorts, spas, golf, and restaurants. There's also a lot of excitement around Zio & Son's recently opened This Old Hudson Maison guesthouse, inspired by the French countryside. Spearfish, South Dakota. Every March, it hosts the Southern Arizona Senior Games in which more than 1,000 participants compete in events that include bicycling, mah-jongg, tennis, and powerlifting. - Median rent: $3,501 (0% rent). 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. Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly, warmer settings to establish new roots. 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. During the first nine months of 2020, New York City reported a 40% increase in murders year over year. Located in Maricopa County, the town is located 45 minutes from Phoenix, giving it fantastic connectivity. - Median home value: $852,700 (86% own) Instead of basing the rankings on election ballots and voter registration, Crowdpac took a look at political donations since 2002. We calculated crime rates for every small town in the country that met our criteria. The county in which this Texan city is located has the 14th-highest concentration of restaurants, 9.07% of all establishments. 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 household income: $47,862 The United States is full of beautiful small towns. For reference, America is about 60% white, while Billings clocks in at 86%. And, broadly speaking, crime tends to be more rampant when theres more opportunity for it to occur. 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. That prompted us to ask, What makes those five small towns similar? The answer: almost nothing. - Median household income: $52,196 SafeWise defined a small town as a place with 5,000 to 15,000 people. Elmira Town, New York 9. Despite changes, beloved parts of Highlands (like its many antique shops) remain the same. - Median home value: $261,000 (55% own) - Median rent: $788 (16% rent). 19. Its easy to conjure an image of life in a small town. According to the 2020 Census, 63% of Americans live in an, But it turns out the trends weve seen during the pandemic. Big cities have nabbed the most headlines for rising murder rates in 2020, but small towns werent immune. Flickr/Delilah Hinman. The percentage of residents with a high school diploma ranges from 75% to 91.5%. Almost one in two Americans (48%, to be exact) prefer to live in a town or rural area, according to a 2020 Gallup survey up from 39% in 2018. - Median household income: $122,228 - Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent). - Median household income: $57,265 Get Paid Up To $33,000 To Move To One Of These Towns. Winters in the subtropical climate are mild. - Population: 11,077 (15% age 55-64 and 30% age 65+) The NHL's Highest-Paid Players 2022. - Median rent: $1,130 (20% rent). - Population: 4,287 (19% age 55-64 and 25% age 65+) For those who are leaving the bustle behind for bucolic reverie, the sense of safety associated with small-town life may play a factorbut small towns have crime too. Honesdale's Main Street is lined with historic buildings, many dating back to the 1800s. - Median home value: $243,200 (98% own) The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses. But ranks 215th for its concentration of restaurants, which account for only 6.72% of all establishments at the county level. The Louisiana city of Slidell ranked No. States with a gap of 20 points or greater are considered "highly conservative." 1. - Median rent: $1,433 (19% rent), This hilly, 4-square-mile patch of Texas is conveniently located near Austin's downtown and two Austin gems Zilker Metropolitan Park and Lady Bird Lake. According to county-level data, it also has the 11th-highest concentration of bars (1.29%). Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides such as payment of fees (which will reduce returns). Sauk Village, Illinois is the small town that reported the highest number of violent crimes to the FBI in. Its stated mission is to provide "high-quality public services to a community which values limited government. From hamlets blessed with a double scoop of Main Street momentum to lesser-known towns undergoing sidewalk-to-steeple revitalizations, these places invite you to slow your pace and enjoy the good life. These photos capture all the charm of small town life, from farmers' markets to covered bridges to cozy inns. - Median home value: $954,300 (91% own) This data was used to provide additional insight into any trends or patterns that may correlate to why some cities or states may be more likely to report lower crime numbers than others. Despite this, only 3.3% of residents are uninsured (29th-lowest rate for this metric out of 291). Cities outside those population parameters and those that failed to report complete crime data to the FBI were excluded. Here are the 10 safest small towns in America for 2021 Note: There's a five-way tie for number one. 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. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. According to Safewise, your risk of being a victim of property crime in Emeryville is nearly one in five, while your risk of being a victim of motor vehicle theft is one in 109. The town is small, with just under 4,000 people, and is known for its great weather and bountiful outdoor activities like art and cultural festivals, gardens, and al fresco dining. Hello Wyoming! These States Have the Highest Gas Tax in the U.S. Big cities have nabbed the most headlines for rising murder rates in 2020, but small towns werent immune. This city also has the 14th-lowest unemployment rate in our study, at 3.4% in December 2020. The town's name traces back to the Civil War, when Union soldiers captured by the Confederates were held at Camp Parole. It might surprise you to learn that most Americans live in small towns. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. 49 towns made the list for the first time this year. - Population: 1,832 (14% age 55-64 and 18% age 65+) On top of our overall 100 Safest Cities in America report, we think it helps to hone in on crime trends in cities of similar sizes. Wetlands, open spaces, ponds, and marshlands add to the town's visual appeal. The draw of idealized Normal Rockwell communities may be growing as headlines continue to highlight big crime in big cities across the country. - Median household income: $74,087 If you haven't done these things by age 50, it could be too late to do them well. The town reported 54.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents (US 3.7). - Population: 15,095 (18% age 55-64 and 51% age 65+) Residents can appreciate the four waterfront neighborhood parks and a private boat ramp. . - Median rent: $1,135 (33% rent). - Median household income: $85,417 Georgetown also provides convenient access to the scenic rivers and lakes of the Texas Hill Country. - Median household income: $53,503 - Population: 1,343 (22% age 55-64 and 47% age 65+) Phoenix, Arizona. "It was an opportunity to not only restores Wilson to its former glory, but make it a hub of food and culture in the Delta while staying true to its roots," says Norbert Mede, who heads up the town's development. - Median home value: $232,600 (71% own) - Population: 8,852 (15% age 55-64 and 31% age 65+) Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News - Median rent: $1,088 (18% rent). - Population: 1,557 (14% age 55-64 and 36% age 65+) Nearby is the Friendship Heights shopping district and the National Institutes of Health and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. In addition, it ranks 30th for its relatively low proportion of residents living below the poverty line, at 4.0%. 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. - Population: 5,198 (11% age 55-64 and 79% age 65+) 20. This college town is the home of Southwestern University, the oldest higher education institution in Texas. The show stars Laurel locals Erin and Ben Napier, who have helped revitalize the town's homes and businesses. "It's very affordable and has lots going on culturally, plus a revitalized downtown.". Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Georgetown is a haven for the old and the young. More about us. Billed as "The Original Fun City," Sun City is dedicated to creating a fun, relaxing place for active retired adults. Here's a hint: quite a few of them are in Florida and Tennessee. North River Shores sits on the banks of the North Fork St. Lucie River in Martin County. 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. As part of our Safest Cities series, we look at crime rates in cities of all different sizes. - Median household income: $181,929 Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. - Median home value: $169,300 (80% own) For more safe city data, check out our list of the, , and watch for our ranking of the safest (and most dangerous) metro areascoming soon. - Median household income: $50,945 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. - Median rent: $972 (29% rent). - Median household income: $80,451 When a small town has a high quality of life and a good economy, it often begins to draw new residents. - Population: 2,835 (15% age 55-64 and 21% age 65+) Aside from that statistic, homebuyers flock to this locale for its . Eau Claire also ranks 22nd out of 291 for its high number of healthcare establishments, at 14.08% of all establishments. On the Gulf Coast, Villas is about 130 miles south of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Accessed October 6, 2021. But 14.6% of the residents in Lafayette live below the poverty line, ranking 200th out of all 291 cities we analyzed. - Median rent: $1,446 (17% rent). Luzerne Township, Pennsylvania 1. 1 of 21. - Median home value: $293,100 (85% own) But its not all bad news. But this is an elite ranking32 states had no cities on the list. - Median rent: $2,000 (33% rent). Community members may join the semi-private Whiskey Creek Country Club for access to an 18-hole golf course and a bar and restaurant, as well as social activities such as bridge and dancing. This city ranks 14th for its relatively high concentration of bars, making up 1.04% of all establishments, according to county-level data. As Mayor Johnny Magee says, "You're here, you're family.". Many of the students are excited to make new friends. - Median household income: $71,333 Out of 2,111 cities, these are the ones that round out the top 100. - Median household income: $180,000 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. Cheektowaga also ranks 19th for home affordability, with a 2.43ratio of home value to household income. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. - Median rent: $1,994 (14% rent). For residents of Sauk Village, the risk of being a victim of violent crime was 1 in 18 last year. ? 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. Populations greater than 15,000 people and fewer than 5,000 people were excluded. - Population: 14,362 (20% age 55-64 and 27% age 65+) With so many charming small towns across America, it's hard to pick favorites. And if you're planning a holiday escape, here are the best small towns to visit for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Your risk of being a victim of motor vehicle theft is 1 in 109. The populations range from 5,300 to over 12,500. - Median home value: $221,600 (67% own) Carefree, Arizona, is exactly thata worry-free small town that is one of the best for retirees. The town, known for its large fountain, is an International Dark Sky Community, a designation given to places that "promote responsible lighting and dark sky stewardship. As part of our Safest Cities series, we look at crime rates in cities of all different sizes. 1. Unlike the safest and most dangerous metros, this years safest small towns saw a rise in violent crime year over year. - Median household income: $48,672 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. A vibrant Arts District, green spaces, and annual festivals, including Mule Day (which celebrates the town's history as a mule-trading center), add to the appeal.