"Young entrepreneurs are taking notice." Colleges: University of Minnesota, College of St. Catherine, Hamline University, Macalester College, University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), The College of St. Scholastica. - Median rent: $3,501 (0% rent). - Median home value: $145,800 (79% own) - Median home value: $264,000 (80% own) But those few factors, along with numbers of reported crimes, are still just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to analyzing everything that impacts both the safety and overall quality of life in a community, large or small. - Median home value: $415,000 (89% own) The town is also home to the long-running annual Fiesta, a celebration of West Michigan's Latino culture and community. 29% of Mississippi residents are moderate, and 12% are liberal, the smallest percentage of every state. For each town, Stacker has included the town's resident population along with figures for median home value, median rent, and median household income. More Galleries From Forbes. On the Gulf Coast, Villas is about 130 miles south of Tampa and St. Petersburg. - Median home value: $243,200 (98% own) The town is also the perfect jumping off point for day trips to other Poconos towns like Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, and Milford. 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. Consider your health care plans, income sources and tax bracket before making the transition. - Median rent: $991 (21% rent). - Population: 3,119 (12% age 55-64 and 31% age 65+) The island has a higher-than-average cost of livingunderstandable what with the island's great weather, pristine setting, and wealth of outdoor activities. The show stars Laurel locals Erin and Ben Napier, who have helped revitalize the town's homes and businesses. - Median rent: $1,135 (33% rent). Case in point: a slew of new businesses opening their doors in this Hudson Valley hamlet. We examined FBI crime report data and population information for 2019 (the most recent year for which complete data was available). - Population: 2,272 (20% age 55-64 and 37% age 65+) Lewisboro Town, New York 1. All of the professors are very friendly and helpful. When it comes to retiring in Texas, Palm Valley ranks among one of the best small towns because of its low crime, family atmosphere, warm weather, and relatively low cost of living. "The town really is idyllic, like a throwback to simpler times," Jason adds. - Median household income: $70,341 SmartAssets services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. - Population: 1,255 (13% age 55-64 and 54% age 65+) The community's 668-foot-long fishing pier provides an ideal spot for anglers during the day and acts as a live-music venue during summer evenings. US Census Bureau, Semega, Kollar, Shrider, and Creamer. Plus, according to the 2020 Census most Americans tend to live in small towns. - Median home value: $76,700 (86% own) Get all the details about how we rank the safest cities in our full methodology. - Median household income: $170,417 These States Have the Highest Gas Tax in the U.S. - Population: 5,198 (11% age 55-64 and 79% age 65+) Note: Theres a five-way tie for number one. ? Among them: The Maker, an 11-room boutique hotel spread across three historic buildings, founded by the owners of Fresh beauty products, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg. Big cities have nabbed the most headlines for rising murder rates in 2020, but small towns werent immune. Founded by Dutch settlers in 1847, this town along Lake Macatawa celebrates its heritage with attractions typical of the Netherlands. - Median household income: $107,500 Residents can swim in two geothermally heated pools, golf on four courses, play tennis on eight courts, and join more than 100 clubs, classes, and organizations. 1. - Median home value: $175,400 (85% own) As Mayor Johnny Magee says, "You're here, you're family.". It's a half-mile boardwalk along a saltwater estuary where residents can eat, listen to live music, shop, and enjoy recreational water activities. - Median household income: $85,200 This city also ranks 15th for its high concentration of healthcare facilities, at 14.30% of all establishments. Only 1.9% of Flower Mound residents live beneath the poverty line, the third-lowest rate for this metric in our study. - Median household income: $47,862 - Median rent: $1,221 (30% rent). She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past eight. 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. But 14.6% of the residents in Lafayette live below the poverty line, ranking 200th out of all 291 cities we analyzed. - Median rent: $1,862 (5% rent). 20 small towns that leave a big impression, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. A health savings account is a beneficial tool for retirement planning. 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. There's a Huuuuge spectrum between Wyoming and Vermont for how people claim they stand politically. - Population: 14,362 (20% age 55-64 and 27% age 65+) - Median home value: $333,500 (86% own) Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime reports and spotting trends. This is SmartAssets fourth study on the most livable small cities. Cheektowaga also ranks 19th for home affordability, with a 2.43ratio of home value to household income. - Population: 2,433 (19% age 55-64 and 33% age 65+) There's also a massive retirement community for those age 55 and older called Sun City Texas, which has over 15,000 residents. 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. 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). - Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent). During the first nine months of 2020, New York City reported a 40% increase in murders year over year. More of an artsy soul? But even small town America isnt immune to crime. - Median home value: $387,600 (89% own) Accessed October 6, 2021. - Median rent: $869 (25% rent). It's one of the largest of the islands, and one of the most beautiful and quintessentially Southern. 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. Debt and waiting until a financial situation improves are top justifications financial advisors hear. - Median home value: $747,000 (83% own) 19. - Median rent: $936 (14% rent). Georgetown's population has increased 10.5% over the past year to 75,420 people in 2021. Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides such as payment of fees (which will reduce returns). Plus, the live music and barbecue of Austin are only 30 miles away. Which small towns reported the most crime? You may also like: These Are the Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. - Population: 24,729 (20% age 55-64 and 38% age 65+) Stowe, VT 05672, USA. - Median home value: $261,000 (55% own) - Median rent: $1,261 (18% rent). For flexibility and a sense of purpose, consider these jobs for people over 50. How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement. Stroll Holland's downtown shopping district for a mix of longtime, family-run businesses rooted in the town's Dutch heritage, like DeBoer's Bakery, and newer offerings like garden and home-goods shop Gezellig. Lexington, Kentucky. (And a note: SafeWise used the terms safest and dangerous to refer to crime rates calculated from FBI data. Myrtle Beach is 10 miles away, and Huntington Beach State Park is even closer. Populations range from 5,300 to over 12,500. 3/3/2023 0 Comments 20. - Population: 10,669 (20% age 55-64 and 40% age 65+) - Median household income: $50,945 And, broadly speaking, crime tends to be more rampant when theres more opportunity for it to occur. But can we put our finger on why? - Population: 1,162 (17% age 55-64 and 28% age 65+) Home SecurityInternet SecurityHome SafetyFamily SafetySenior Safety, Car SafetySmart HomeEmergency PrepPet SafetyPersonal Safety. Nebraska is the lone exception with a unicameral legislature. We excluded towns with populations below 5,000 and above 15,000. Here's a look at the most recent IRA and 401(k) tax reform laws. Lucky for us, America is full of small towns that capture that nostalgic feelingand nearly non-existent crime rates are the cherry on top. Thetford Township, Michigan 1. - Population: 3,901 (20% age 55-64 and 51% age 65+) year over year. - Median rent: $1,088 (18% rent). More about us. Everyone loves a comeback, and Wilson's is one for the ages. The atmosphere is amazing. - Population: 5,022 (15% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) Oshkosh, Wisconsin is located 75 miles from Milwaukee and ranks 15th in our study for home affordability with a 2.39 ratio of home value to household income. Lafayette, LA. It also lays claim to year-round warm weather. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. For residents of Sauk Village, the risk of being a victim of violent crime was 1 in 18 last year. Show chat replay Understanding the Pros and Cons of Annuities. - Median household income: $74,087 Some cities are more conservative than liberal. - Median home value: $402,100 (79% own) Why small towns? - Median home value: $823,300 (92% own) - Population: 2,835 (15% age 55-64 and 21% age 65+) Familiarity makes it harder for crime to slide under the radar like it may in a big city with more anonymity. Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. Out of 2,111 cities, these are the ones that round out the top 100. Whether your city made our list or not, we encourage everyone to be proactive about home security. Country Living editors select each product featured. 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. 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. With no shortage of choices, how do they decide? It's easy to make the case for Honesdale's charm. Though South Kensington has its share of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, residents also have easy access to the sights, shops, and eateries of Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas. 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. One-Time Checkup with a Financial Advisor, 7 Mistakes You'll Make When Hiring a Financial Advisor, Take This Free Quiz to Get Matched With Qualified Financial Advisors, Compare Up to 3 Financial Advisors Near You. That prompted us to ask, What makes those five small towns similar? The answer: almost nothing. Aggravated assault was the most common violent crime reported, with 490 incidents. - Population: 9,622 (15% age 55-64 and 23% age 65+) 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. - Population: 5,283 (15% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) The Louisiana city of Slidell ranked No. 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. September 28, 2022. For country escapes, visit Kindred Farm, which hosts dinners on its 17-acre property, or nearby Natchez Hills vineyard. Published on April 21, 2021 at 8:44 am by Murtaza Zaidi in Lists, News. The tiny picturesque village of Piermont is perched on hills overlooking the Hudson River, close to a bird-filled salt marsh, a state park with hiking and cross-country ski trails, tennis courts, and a pool club. The news gets better when we look at property crime. This Oklahoma Small Town Has Been Ranked Most Charming in the State by HGTV Network. The city with the highest average ranking received a score of 100 and the city with the lowest average ranking received a score of 0. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a different kind of fun, as well as volunteer opportunities. There are also loads of hiking trails throughout Montgomery County. 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. - Median home value: $159,900 (89% own) Small cities allow you to escape the crowds and traffic of large metro areas but still retain the stores, services and health care options that make life in retirement easier. Its stated mission is to provide "high-quality public services to a community which values limited government. Our number 1 most conservative state in America.Wyoming leads the nation by far in terms of the widest gap between conservatives and liberals at 35%. One of the most popular cities among Republicans and the conservative population of America is Burleson, Texas. Meanwhile, Sauk Village, Illinoisa suburb of Chicagowhich was named the second most dangerous town in America overall was ranked as the most violent small town in the country. With numerous water trails and a temperate climate, the coast is a paddler's paradise. Unfortunately, theres no easy answer. Flickr/Delilah Hinman. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. 5 states had only 1 city each on the list: Idaho, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. ", - Population: 3,327 (17% age 55-64 and 27% age 65+) - Median home value: $159,900 (82% own) Despite changes, beloved parts of Highlands (like its many antique shops) remain the same. There's also a lot of excitement around Zio & Son's recently opened This Old Hudson Maison guesthouse, inspired by the French countryside. There's lots to explore, including the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the oldest art museum in the state. You may also like: 50 U.S. Cities With the Dirtiest Air, - Population: 5,370 (19% age 55-64 and 59% age 65+) - Median home value: $554,100 (100% own) Palm Valley is a veritable nature lover's paradise, with hiking and biking trails, the Harlingen Country Club, and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. - Median household income: $177,321 - Median household income: $54,778 Sauk Village, Illinois is the small town that reported the highest number of violent crimes to the FBI in. Heres a rundown of what we learned: Overwhelmingly, when compared to big cities, the 100 towns that made our list have higher numbers when it comes to median household income and the number of high school graduates. The small town enjoys a great perch from which to access the busier cities, as well: Chapel Hill is an hour-and-a-half away and Charlotte is two hours away. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Field Club was originally the winter home of Stanley and Sara Carroll Brown Field, of Marshall Field department store fame. - Median home value: $346,400 (89% own) And among the 100 cities on this years list, there were six murders total, down from nine the previous yeara 33% drop. So we report on both, Its easy to conjure an image of life in a small town. - Population: 14,473 (15% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) Taking classes keeps your mind sharp, helps you network and may even be free. Median household income ranges from around $36,000 per year to over $158,000. Luzerne Township, Pennsylvania 1.. 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. This New York village offers fitness center memberships as well as planned game and movie nights. - Median rent: unavailable (0% rent). Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. The city had the second-lowest unemployment rate in the study, with just 2.7% in Dec. 2020. Urban Crime: Are Crime Rates Higher In Urban Areas? - Median household income: $52,196 - 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. Here's a look at the fastest-growing small cities in the U.S. with between 50,000 and 100,000 residents, according to Census Bureau data. 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. Mississippi. Points: 2. SafeWise defined a small town as a place with 5,000 to 15,000 people. Motto: "A great place to visit, a better place to live.". Get Paid Up To $33,000 To Move To One Of These Towns. - Median home value: $232,600 (71% own) - Median home value: $169,300 (80% own) 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. Share Tweet Email . - Population: 7,985 (15% age 55-64 and 20% age 65+) 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. St. Paul is second in the U.S. in the number of higher education institutions per capita. On top of our overall, report, we think it helps to hone in on crime trends in cities of similar sizes. 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. There's a vibrant arts community nurtured via local institutions like The Bascom visual arts center, as well as outdoor adventure aplenty in the Blue Ridge Mountains. - Median rent: $1,450 (11% rent). We may earn money when you click links on our site. Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly, warmer settings to establish new roots. - Median household income: $124,716 - Population: 3,874 (16% age 55-64 and 24% age 65+) Olmos Park is surrounded by San Antonio, offering the community quick access to all the attractions found in the larger city. Larceny-theft was the most common property crime reported, accounting for 92% of all reported incidents. 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. - Median rent: $840 (11% rent). ", - Population: 25,544 (12% age 55-64 and 84% age 65+) ", - Population: 20,902 (14% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) Among the safest small towns, an average of 5.5% of the population lives below the poverty line, about half the national average of 10.5%.. A part-time career could mean a stressful future if you don't use some of these tips to prepare for retirement. - Median home value: $474,600 (71% own) , Michigan reported the highest violent crime rate among the safest small towns, reporting 0.8 incidents per 1,000 people. Shoe-and-lifestyle boutique Intentionally Blank and Nikki Chasin's eponymous clothing store both offer new shopping options, while Breadfolks bakery and Sonder natural wine bar provide new spots to dine and drink along Hudson's commercial strip, Warren Street. - Median household income: $87,083 - Median home value: $954,300 (91% own) - Median household income: $132,955 - Median home value: $1,516,200 (93% own) In Cypress Lake, located down the Caloosahatchee River from Ft. Myers, the cost of living is more than 5% below the national average.