But this is an elite ranking32 states had no cities on the list. County-level data shows that Winnebago County, where Oshkosh is located, has the highest concentration in the studyof bars compared to all establishments (2.63%) and ranks 20th for entertainment establishments compared to all establishments (2.46%). We examined FBI crime report data and population information for 2019 (the most recent year for which complete data was available). That prompted us to ask, What makes those five small towns similar? The answer: almost nothing. We added it back into the equation for this year and considered the most recently available figures from the BLS, measured at the county level. 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. "There's a cowboy vibe. To rank the safest and most dangerous small towns, SafeWise analyzed data from the FBI from 2019 (the most recent year for which complete data was available). So what else makes the five safest small towns similar? "When we moved back from college, there was almost nothing in downtown," says Ben. - Median rent: $3,501 (0% rent). In the summer months, late afternoon thunderstorms are common two days out of three, although tropical storms and hurricanes can bring downpours and high winds. (Shutterstock) Share with friends. - Median home value: $229,800 (84% own) . on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. In 2021 that number grew . Rudy Ximenez / Visit Georgetown. Accessed October 6, 2021. What do you get when your town is home to FIBArk, the oldest and biggest white water festival in the country? Garrett Park retains its historic, small-town charm with potluck town dinners, farmers markets, a swim club, and historic homes and buildings. - Median rent: $1,568 (8% rent). It also lays claim to year-round warm weather. - Median rent: $972 (29% rent). Georgetown is a haven for the old and the young. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is nearly 1 in 5. Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. In the summer, Rehoboth Beach hosts a free concert series. St. Paul is second in the U.S. in the number of higher education institutions per capita. Jensen Beach has two golf courses and hosts an annual arts and crafts show. US Census Bureau, Semega, Kollar, Shrider, and Creamer. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. In fact, only 4% of all cities in the US have 50,000 or more residents.. Howard), it's also attracting a growing group of entrepreneurs. 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. - Median household income: $59,429 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. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past eight. - Median household income: $58,250 Fish and Wildlife. The city has a charming town square with historic buildings that is frequently bustling with festivals and events. "You can ski Monarch Mountain, then kayak, and have time left for mountain biking," adds mayor emeritus P.T. But anyone who's enjoyed a quiet afternoon swinging on a front porch or hiking up colorful mountains knows America's small towns are, in their own way, just as appealing. 1 of 21. Lafayette, Indiana has the 13th-highest concentration of restaurants, at 9.13% of all establishments at the county level. 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. 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 rent: $932 (20% rent). 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. Founded by Dutch settlers in 1847, this town along Lake Macatawa celebrates its heritage with attractions typical of the Netherlands. The Best Medical Alert Systems for Fall Detection, Upper Providence Township, Delaware County. 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. There's lots to explore, including the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the oldest art museum in the state. There's a lot to enjoy within this town's one square mile, including pristine beaches and a mile-long boardwalk filled with attractions, shops, and restaurants. 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. Here's the list of the most conservative towns: Hereford, Texas Princeton, Texas Appling, Georgia Cripple Creek, Colorado Monahans, Texas Orange City, Iowa Sumiton, Alabama Delhart, Texas. 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. The median age on St. Simons, according to the World Population Review, is about 54 years old. Home SecurityInternet SecurityHome SafetyFamily SafetySenior Safety, Car SafetySmart HomeEmergency PrepPet SafetyPersonal Safety. - Median household income: $170,417 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. - Median household income: $75,313 Things to do in Orlando with your kids Orlando is America's playground, and millions of people visit each year. To help retirees thinking about a move, Stacker referenced Niche's 2020 Best Places to Retire study, which lists 50 American small towns that offer the best retirement options. - Median home value: $222,700 (95% own) Time to drop the disability coverage and review your other plans. 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. - Population: 14,362 (20% age 55-64 and 27% age 65+) It's also downright friendly (see the "Greetings from" and "Welcome to" murals). How Much Do I Need to Save for Retirement. - Median household income: $74,087 The 25 Best Small Town Main Streets in the U.S. A Classic Christmas Awaits in This Virginia Town, The Best Missouri River Town for a Girls Weekend, The Prettiest American Towns to Visit This Winter, This Tiny New York Town Goes Big on Antiques, 32 Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in America, This is America's Next Great Antiquing Town. Yet it's only a 20-minute drive to cross the George Washington Bridge into New York City. It also reported the highest number of property crime incidents in2019. 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. "Honesdale is progressive, but it maintains a slower pace and has a tight-knit community that wraps you up like a warm hug," says Allaina Propst, owner of Here & Now Brewing Co., which she opened in 2017. Published on April 21, 2021 at 8:44 am by Murtaza Zaidi in Lists, News. The Stourbridge Line historic railroad, based in Honesdale, offers rides along the Lackawaxen River Valley in restored 1920s train cars. - Median rent: $936 (14% rent). holding us hostage. The new spending bill makes it easier to save for retirement. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. - Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent). 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. An old political adage goes that cities are more liberal whilst rural areas are more conservative. Set on the shore of San Francisco Bay between Berkeley and Oakland, Emeryville, California ranked as the most dangerous town in America. Georgetown also provides convenient access to the scenic rivers and lakes of the Texas Hill Country. On the Gulf Coast, Villas is about 130 miles south of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Honesdale's Main Street is lined with historic buildings, many dating back to the 1800s. Wilson Grange, the town's agricultural and culinary venue, hosts wine tastings and a weekly farmers' market. How Much Does a Home Security System Cost? Out of 2,111 cities, these are the ones that round out the top 100. - Median household income: $131,071 Median housing costs equal 15.39% of median household income in Fishers, Indiana, ranking fifth for this metric out of all 291 cities we studied. Heres what we learned about property crime in Emeryville. Plus, according to the 2020 Census most Americans tend to live in small towns. - Median home value: $474,600 (71% own) 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. - Median rent: $1,420 (15% rent). Next, we found each citys average ranking, with each metric receiving an equal weight. Everything from remote work to spiking violent crime rates in larger locales has been credited with the exodus. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. High Point is a community that sits on Florida's Gulf coast, not far from Tampa Bay's pulsing metropolis. 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.. was named the most dangerous small town in America. During the first nine months of 2020, New York City. The Marsh Walk is a source of pride in this beach town known as the seafood capital of South Carolina. According to the 2020 Census, 63% of Americans live in an, But it turns out the trends weve seen during the pandemic. Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. "Highlands has really become a year-round town," says Jason Reeves, owner of the new Highlander Mountain House hotel and The Ruffed Grouse Tavern. From when to retire to how much to save, here are expert-backed answers to crucial retirement questions. - Population: 8,763 (14% age 55-64 and 20% age 65+) 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. 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. In Cypress Lake, located down the Caloosahatchee River from Ft. Myers, the cost of living is more than 5% below the national average. One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens is to add a home security system. The good news: There was a 17% decline in property crimes compared to the cities that made the list last year. Accessed October 6, 2021. - Population: 13,479 (18% age 55-64 and 29% 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. - Median home value: $722,500 (84% own) Cheektowaga, New York has a 7.6% unemployment rate for Dec. 2020 (the highest rate for this metric in the top 10). With no shortage of choices, how do they decide? South Sarasota in Sarasota County is near Roberts Bay, home to Edwards Islands Park, a pair of islands perfect for beach days, boating, and fishing. - Median household income: $187,778 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. - Median rent: $1,221 (30% rent). A part-time career could mean a stressful future if you don't use some of these tips to prepare for retirement. This is SmartAssets fourth study on the most livable small cities. Conversely, people are more likely to know one another (or theyll at least know your mom) in a smaller community. 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 - Median home value: $1,516,200 (93% 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. Questions about our study? Accessed October 6, 2021. Flickr/Delilah Hinman. Surprisingly, there were over twice as many violent crimes reported compared to the number of property crimes. #3 Most Conservative Colleges in America Bob Jones University Greenville, SC 4 Year 1,094 reviews Sophomore: Bob Jones has a great staff! - Median household income: $107,500 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. See the rest of the safest small towns in America. - Median home value: $579,800 (67% own) - Median home value: $1,017,100 (82% own) The self-proclaimed "California desert sanctuary" in the Coachella Valley lives up to its moniker with amazing mountain views, 350 days of sunshine, renowned golf courses, and several residential country clubs. Main Street newcomers include the Gold Room, a spot for wood-fired pizzas and cocktails from former Portland chefs Ross Effinger and JoMarie Pitino. Each measurement was normalized on a 01 scale with 1 corresponding to the measurement that would most positively affect the final score. - Median home value: $1,109,400 (79% own) There are picks for outdoor lovers, as well as options for art- and food-focused folks. If you haven't done these things by age 50, it could be too late to do them well. - Median rent: $1,130 (20% rent). 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. More of an artsy soul? entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. Unlike the safest and most dangerous metros, this years safest small towns saw a rise in violent crime year over year. Dutch Islandis small, with just 480 homes, and offers plenty of activities from tennis and beach volleyball to boating, hiking, and a community pool. - Median home value: $264,000 (80% own) Percent of Population Age 25 and over by Educational Attainment: 19402020. - Median home value: $402,100 (79% own) From New York and L.A. to Chicago and Miami, the United States is home to some of the best and buzziest big cities in the world. - Median home value: $76,700 (86% own) - Median home value: $944,700 (78% own) "In Paso, everyone is welcome, any way you are." This New York village offers fitness center memberships as well as planned game and movie nights. Sleepy Hollow Village, New York 1. The news gets better when we look at property crime. For flexibility and a sense of purpose, consider these jobs for people over 50. 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 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: $108,947 Between Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach sits Jensen Beach, a vibrant community known for its major shopping centers, fine dining, and water sports. This unincorporated community near Phoenix was founded in 1978 by Del Webb. ? Read on to see which locations are the best spots to retire in America, and where you might want to go. - Median rent: $2,547 (7% rent), This Phoenix suburb sits on the edges of both the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and Camelback Mountain and has three golf courses, four medical centers, nine resorts, and 294 sunny days per year. - Population: 7,985 (15% age 55-64 and 20% age 65+) - Median household income: $114,583 Olmos Park is surrounded by San Antonio, offering the community quick access to all the attractions found in the larger city. "We're everywhere," jokes Mike "Diesel" Post, Salida's Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. Debt and waiting until a financial situation improves are top justifications financial advisors hear. - Median rent: $1,413 (21% rent). 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: 1,400 (24% age 55-64 and 48% age 65+) 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. The town has two swimming and recreational facilities for residents, and a thriving senior center offers classes, trips, guest speakers, and art exhibits. ", - Population: 3,974 (18% age 55-64 and 52% age 65+) 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. - Median home value: $232,900 (91% own) - Median household income: $48,672 The community also has a community college campus that offers lifelong learning opportunities. 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. The town is also home to the long-running annual Fiesta, a celebration of West Michigan's Latino culture and community. 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. - Population: 1,406 (17% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) Charlotte is the most conservative of North Carolina's major cities, and the nearby suburb of Union County is even more so. 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. - Median rent: $2,000 (33% rent). Other than meeting our population threshold, these tiny towns dont have much in common. September 28, 2022. "It's very affordable and has lots going on culturally, plus a revitalized downtown.". - Population: 15,095 (18% age 55-64 and 51% age 65+) - Median household income: $56,779 - Median rent: unavailable (0% rent). 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. 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. Note: Theres a five-way tie for number one. - Population: 4,287 (19% age 55-64 and 25% age 65+) Georgetown's focus on affordable and eco-friendly initiatives is a huge draw. There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. More about us. 5 states had only 1 city each on the list: Idaho, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. The region hosts a number of baseball spring-training camps, and the scenic islands of Sanibel and Captiva are nearby. You may also like: Best places to retire in America, - Population: 2,540 (17% age 55-64 and 24% age 65+) - Median home value: $734,800 (85% own) On one hand, you could say that small towns experience less of everythingfewer weddings, fewer funerals, fewer high school reunionsbut thats an oversimplification. - Median home value: $754,200 (89% own) - Median household income: $122,228 Among the 100 cities on our list this year, there were six murders total, down from nine the previous yearthats a 33% drop. 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. St. James, located on North Carolina's southeast coast, was incorporated in 1999. 1. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. - Median home value: $243,200 (98% own) - Median household income: $54,778 The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses. New Hanover Township, New Jersey 8. - Median household income: $180,000 What's not to love about this beachfront town on Florida's southern Gulf coast? Those numbers could lead us to conclude that more resources correlates to lower crime rates. It's easy to make the case for Honesdale's charm. Jennifer Piper/Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce. Senior insurance needs are different. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. These are the best small towns in America for retirement. It might surprise you to learn that most Americans live in small towns. 29% of Mississippi residents are moderate, and 12% are liberal, the smallest percentage of every state. - Population: 3,811 (24% age 55-64 and 57% age 65+) - Median home value: $159,000 (70% own) Emeryville, California (also had the highest property crime rate in the U.S.), 2. For reference, America is about 60% white, while Billings clocks in at 86%. - Median household income: $71,333 - Median home value: $172,500 (79% own) - Median rent: $1,250 (12% rent). 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. Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. Beaches and golf courses aren't far, and neither is Manhattan, which is 20 miles away. - Median household income: $85,200 The percentage of residents living below the poverty line ranges from 4% to 22%. 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. During the first nine months of 2020, New York City reported a 40% increase in murders year over year. Factor in longtime draws like excellent antiquing, a top-notch farmers' market, and easy access to outdoor adventure, and it's easy to see why more folks are calling Hudson home. The biggest employer and visitor attraction is the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet Center, which has more than 200 stores. - Median home value: $221,500 (88% own) No other characterization of any community is implied or intended, says SafeWise.). Indeed, Sun Lakes has five adult country club communities represented by three homeowner associations, numerous golf courses, and hundreds of special-interest clubs. For residents of Sauk Village, the risk of being a victim of violent crime was 1 in 18 last year. - Population: 38,877 (15% age 55-64 and 76% age 65+) When it comes to the things that impact everyday lifelike financial well-being and educational opportunitieshow do the small towns that report the fewest crimes stack up against the countrys major metro areas? - Median rent: $788 (16% rent). Average Retirement Savings: How Do You Compare? - Population: 5,022 (15% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) According to FBI data, murders in the United States increased by 30% in 2020 over the previous year and violent crimes jumped by 5.6%for the first time in four years.