These Photos Capture the Charm of Small Town Living
These Photos Capture the Charm of Small Town Living
City living has its place, and there are benefits of being able to get food delivered pretty much around the clock and access to a variety of job opportunities, museums, and more. But all that hustle and bustle can get to be a lot, and after a year of quarantine and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have decided to avoid that non-stop lifestyle and embrace the beauty of small towns. The slower pace of small-town life has never appealed more than it does now.
You've got everything from good neighbors to adorable main streets with sweet local shopping to quaint festivals to really pretty open landscapes with every outdoor activity you could imagine. Locations like Telluride, Colorado, Saratoga Springs, New York, and Boothbay Harbor, Maine, are just a few towns that leave a big impression, but there are so many more places in the United States that give off that Stars Hollow or Virgin River kinda vibe. There's just something kind of magical about the small town lifestyle that instantly makes people feel more relaxed and at home. We've found 18 photos that really capture the quirks that make small town living so wonderful.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Looks like another cute Main Street, but Deadwood, South Dakota, has some major Wild West vibes. And Mount Moriah cemetery (where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are both buried) has some gorgeous views of the Black Hills.
Ogunquit, Maine
Maine's motto is "The Way Life Should Be" for a reason. In the coastal town of Ogunquit, Maine, you can take in a play at their amazing theater, or you can kick back in an Adirondack chair and watch the boats go by.
Winslow, Arizona
Love the nostalgic feel of any spots along the famed Route 66, and with Winslow, Arizona, you'll get the added bonus of singing the famous Eagles song as you stroll by.
Solvang, California
California or the Netherlands? Solvang, California celebrates its Danish heritage with windmills and fun architecture.
Hamptons, New York
Driving down country roads and finding a small roadside stand selling farm fresh veggies and fruits like this one in the Hamptons on New York's Long Island.
Ketchikan, Alaska
The town of Ketchikan, Alaska, has charming shopping historic buildings on stilts, but these bright colored buildings use to be the town's red-light district.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Nestling a town right in the middle of hills just instantly makes it seem more cozy, and Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is no exception. Stunning year-round with a nearby river, train, and bike path, this village is filled with shops, nice people, and fantastic foliage in the fall.
Wallace, Idaho
Love historic buildings and fire departments like this one in Wallace, Idaho. And this tiny historic town is near some cool hiking trails to explore.
Telluride, Colorado
County, state, and 4-H fairs or local carnivals are small-town staples. And some towns become known for niche festivals like the Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles, Illinois, the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island in Michigan, or Telluride's annual film festival.
Bath, New Hampshire
Covered bridge? Check. Waterfalls? Check. Fall foliage? Check. Bath, New Hampshire checks off a lot of the quaint small town boxes.
Yountville, California
Tiny markets like this one in Yountville, California (in the heart of Napa Valley) make grocery shopping a lot more fun.
Stowe, Vermont
Pretty church steeples standing tall among buildings and pretty foliage like this on in Stowe, Vermont look so inviting.
Charleston, West Virginia
Nothing beats a small town parade on a sunny day, like this one in Charleston, West Virginia.
Clarksville, Missouri
If you take the last train to Clarksville, Missouri, you'll be greeted by this welcome and beautiful entranceway before you wander through town and along the banks of the Mississippi.
Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida, might not seem like your traditional "small town," but since the entire island is a bird sanctuary, there are wild chickens and roosters roaming around which definitely add to the charm.
Dover, New Jersey
Pretty public parks, like this one in Dover, New Jersey, are one of the bonuses of small town living.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
A gazebo decked out in patriotic swag, like this one in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, is the perfect place for a summer concert, first kiss or epic proposal.
Lemonade Stand
Nothing says small town like a lemonade stand, which could be in any small rural or suburban town.
Who needs cities anyway?