I can't help but think the original photo is from Fairhope, Alabama even though it was not included in your list. You didn't identify that site. Could you, please? Thank you.

Cool.... I'd like to share a soundtrack suited for small towns http://www.theamericanmodern.com/post/42335087342/soundtrack-for-a-small-town. Happy listening!

Taos? It's a filthy place when I was there a few years ago. Garbage everywhere and no one picks anything up. Of course they are artists and picking up garbage is the government's job or something. In Arizona,you see those signs like" The next three miles the Kiwanis Club keeps the highway clean". There are zero near Taos. What a dump.

I thought this might be a credible list of towns until I saw Beckley, WV. Someone has lost their mind.

http://media.smithsonianmag.com/images/631*421/Small-Towns-Naples-FL-intro-631.jpg looks like my hometown but not on the list. but now i see in the url it says naples, FL so i guess that's what it is.

this website is awesome

this website is awesome

Perhaps you should have the author check a map of Washington State to locate the Olympic Peninsula. I'm sure the people of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Poulsbo and Kingston will be quite amused to find that they've been moved across the Hood Canal with Gig Harbor to the Olympic Peninsula. Gig Harbor is located on the Kitsap Peninsula. The bridges refered to cross the Tacoma Narrows which separates the Kitsap Peninsula from Tacoma.

Morton all the way! Yo dawg, I love me did town!

I have lived near some of these towns; Great Barrington, Brattleboro, Mill Valley. Most people can not afford to live in them. How about a slide show of affordable small towns?

This website has proven very useful in my work. You see, I'm an aspiring author, and my first book Dénûment takes place in a small town. I decided to be realistic and use a real place as the location of my story, but I didn't know any small towns. So while researching small towns I came across your website. I'm pleased to say that because if your website I have decided to make my story take place in Laguna Beach. Thank you. -Catie Westphal

How Naples, FL made the list is beyond me? This town has no character. It is only for the rich and their employees. Don luke in Bradenton, FL.

New mexico really haves the best little towns in the world i lived there before i wouldint go back because i love the city and fast living but when i get old i will move back

I have returned to Beckley, WV and have lived here for two years and have been pulled over by the poice three tines for no reason and my wife has been pulled over once for a made up reason . Tamarac is nice and so is the Exibition Mine, if you have never been a mine. There are too many city police. There were 14 policeman in 1965 and the population was 21,000, now the popullation is 17,000 and there are about 54 policeman. It is almost like a police state. The Smithsonian has lost creditability with me.

Wow, really. I live in Brattleboro. What do you think makes it a best small town: the low wages, lack of affordable housing, high taxes, lack of job opportunities, few restaurants, hidden homelessness, or its pretentiousness? Although it pretends to be progressive, the town is actually pretty socially conservative and judgemental. It absolutely merited this title in the 90s, but now is only glorious for the affluent. A tough place for the working class.

Key West? No way Jose. I lived there for 11 years and when I left it was like being released from jail. It's good for a wild weekend as long as you avoid the city income producer of DUI, but as far as living there, forget it. Everything is way overpriced (125 miles to the mainland, most of it at 35mph) and playing highway tag whenever a hurricane comes by gets real old fast. Low murder rate but up there with larger cities with theft.

First of all a place with population of 5,000 or more is not a town but a city. How can a place with high humidity even be considered? I dont even like visiting those places let alone live there. The more crowded a place is the quality of life goes down. I like to go outside more than 30 times a year. Give me a small town in Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming. But my favorite place of all is Prairie City, Oregon. It is in a spectacular valley that has no equal. I have been to the Eastern US and you can have it all!

Average, typical run-of-the-mill USA workers need "not apply" for residing in Mill Valley or similar towns where those higher up the socio-economic hierarchy dwell with even the ill-defined "middle class" often unable to reside in these high-falutin' locales.

It seems to me that using big city culture as the standard of judgment appeals only to a well-heeled and well-educated segment of the population,of a certain age. Re-name the list as the best small towns for the traditional cultural elite. There's nothing wrong with the concept of the list--just provide truth in advertising.

Beckley, WV? You've got to be kidding. That is a serious trash hole any way you slice it. Warning, this list is way off.

Smithsonian, you did a great job on describing Naples on the Gulf, but you did omit that Naples is the golf capital of the world with more golf courses per capita of any place in the world. Tennis is also a very active sport. Fishing and water sports year round. How can you beat that? John W. Vaughn

I grew up in Brattleboro,VT. I got smart and moved away. I can't imagine any reason to tell anyone to visit this place.

There's no way any town with lots of hipsters can be considered a good place to live. Hipsters are shallow and boring.

Losoya, Texas is the place to live. Everyone keeps to themselves and there are no nosy neighbors threatening to take you to court because you painted your home a color they don't care to look at. Your children are bused to school, so you can do your farm work and not have to stop milking your cow to take them.

If I win the lottery I would like to live in a simple town and away from the Rat Race, so I may choose one of those towns, but only if I win. No one has to know you won because there are ways of keeping your winnings a secret by hiring a good Financial Adviser that will make sure you name is not brought out in the open. Now, if I can only be lucky to win a few millions and live off the interest.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho never makes such lists and yet is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the northwest. If you are looking for a place to vacation where you can walk up and down mainstreet and find all kinds of great shops and restaurants this is it. Beautiful lakes, they are all over the place here. Fresh clean air, yes, mountains and forests, beautiful colors, wild moose, deer, elk. Or if you want to fly around in a float plane, stay at a 5 star resort, golf at some of the most spectacular courses around with beautiful views, this is the place. Laid back is the culture here, no attitudes, no stress, no hurry. I moved here from Silicon Valley and will die here, its perfect. Oh, by the way, don't tell anyone.

This article really sucked

First off, how much did they pay you?Second thing,most of your picks are not small towns! For some odd reason,you keep sending me your magazine, and I did use it up until last year when my bird died, so go green save the planet you can stop sending me you magazine with all it's useless information . Geprge

Wow is the first thing that comes to mind reading your list and seeing why you selected these places. The title is Top 20 Retirement Places. Not top 20 places to see an arts and crafts show. Your research is very shallow and painfully evident that the people contributing to this piece, never even visited the places selected. When it comes to living somewhere, a lot more effort has to be made in selecting one place over another. Retires look for low crime, affordable housing, great medical facilities, a slower small town atmosphere and no income taxes. How do any of these towns seperate themselves from 100's or even 1,000's of others. Never once did you mention a single town in Tennessee. There have to be 20 alone in that state that beat almost any of these. This is two hours of my life, that I will never get back. I learned more about these places, reading the responses from readers. Very disappointed!!!!!!!

Lived in Naples, Fl for years and totally agree with Smithsonian Magazine about naming it one of the 20 Best. When folks come on Vaca here, you wont want to leave as we did. The people are classy and cultured and this town offers sooooo much all year round to enjoy. Thank you Smithsonian for pointing out what all have known here for years, and making it now worldly known due to your fine magazine.

Your list includes some really neat small towns, but Naples? OK if you like lots of people, traffic, gated communities, hot, hot, hot. The best thing is , you left out most of the best small towns, which means we will live in peace in these great places, no wally world. Jim B.

Missed the Bar D Wranglers for a musical feast of bluegrass and chuckwagon dinners. Been a staple of Durango experience sinces the sixties.

I usually enjoy lists like this, but not this one. It's a pretty shallow collection of towns with a few tourist attractions that a longtime resident would visit a few times, and then never again. Some of the towns listed have godawful climates, or are located where the surrounding area lacks most charm. I've been to maybe half the places shown, and North Idaho has them beat by far.

If there are hippies and art galleries then it's a great small town. Good to know. Thanks Smithsonian.

Evidently, the person writing this article has never been to Marfa, Texas. It's a great place - if you like scorpions, rattlesnakes, and heat like the Sahara Desert. The only people living there are Border Patrol people, who are there only because they were assigned there.

Check out Palmer, Alaska or do folks not normally think that Alaska is part of america anymore....

Please check out Traverse City ,Michigan and surrounding area for consideration for your Top 20 small cities and you will be amazed !!!

I have to laugh at some of the comments on this page. As a non-American I wouldn't have a clue about any of these places (okay, Key West I've been to) and their descriptions made me want to visit them. The whole point of the article if you will take notice is TRAVEL. At no point do they mention what it is like to live there but more what is nice to do there and visit. So calm down people. No need to get all huffy because of house prices and demographics.

Butler PA, yikes.......

Next time you do this list, please be sure to check out Petoskey, Mi. One of the finest small towns in America by any measure.

Listen, I live near Butler, it's ugly, there are no restaurants or shops. No interesting architecture. Nothing to do there. Take off list. There are PLENTY of quaint Western PA towns, why Butler??? ...try Franklin, Ligonier, Bedford, or Beaver, but not Butler.

this is cool

Any list which omits the entire State of (tax free) New Hampshire if, in my opinion, flawed

I.... like others on this blog LOVE NAPLES, FL....yes it is a playground for the well-to-do.....and yes there is a ton of culture, class and people from all over the world here....also now by the ton re-investing in real estate here in this worldly true example of "Paradise" .. Been here for years and would never live anywhere else....The cultured events here are always sold out...fifth ave, 3rd street, and all Naples offers is mind-blowing....One who truly knows true culture, knows it is here and enjoys all this city offers... Yes there are plenty of well-off people in their gated communities and beautiful estate like homes...and if this is what one wants for their existance here...then so be it!!! Everyone has the right to live in any area here....and for the post prior to this about my beautiful naples....well there is no one at the "entrance gate" of Naples to decide who gets in and who dosnt...and no one stopping anyone from packing and leaving if this isnt form them.....all is welcome.... Come, enjoy the best life has to offer...culutre, class, and beauty for all to have for their own..

This was just a terrific view of some great small towns...you do such a good job..thank you!

No Bardstown, KY?

Frankenmuth, Michigan is one town that easily could make your list of cultural gems. Not only is the town beautiful and a major tourism destination, but it is one that values its historical roots celebrating through wonderful parks, excellent museums, hand painted murals, beautiful churches, successful schools and incredible downtown.

Naples is cultured? Just because they have an orchestra and some art museums? Did you happen to look at the demographics? About 93% of the population is white...doesn't diversity usually spark culture? Maybe I'm off base, but just because some old rich people from up north decide to pump money into a beach town in Florida, doesn't automatically give it a high "culture" rating. To me, it's more like segregation-is-back. They're ok with their gated-all-white communities because they feel safe. They use their money to build walls and fences to keep the "less-desirable" populations out. When did we replace the word "segregation" for the word "gated-community"? Take a closer look at this community, its art, and their orchestra. Let me know if the music you hear perform is ever anything past 1910 or anything other than pop show tunes. Let me know if you hear any jazz styles after the 1940s, too. If this is cultured, then with the right amount of money we could create the same thing in Antartica. Cultured? Best small town? Well let me put it this way: good luck trying to find a place to live if you're a local - the price of land and housing is through the roof thanks to stuffy rich folks that buy their 2nd/3rd homes and only live in them for 5 months out of the year. If you don't mind paying for over-priced local seafood catered to tourists then this is the place for you. And I can't count the numerous mediocre and generic Italian restaurants. As long as the community or restaurant has an Italian name, it must be "legit."

America is not only the United States... America is a whole continent!!

Small towns, my eye! How you could consider Laguna Beach a small town when it's part of the Los Angeles/Orange County megalopolis is beyond me. Ditto for most of the others, too. Taos? Naples? These aren't "small towns." The fact that a town has a "boundaried" population of 5,000 does not matter if it's crowded in with six (or a dozen) other "small towns." Then it's a community of 40,000! I am so tired of seeing these articles and thinking, "Yay, finally, a town that isn't in the middle of a small city," only to be disappointed. You should state what the overall population of the area is. For writers who are supposed to be aware of the ability of words to mislead, I don't see how you could not know what you are doing. PLEASE, BE HONEST.

Rhinebeck New York.... check this wonderful village out.

Key West, Naples, Taos, Mill Valley, pleeease. Of course these towns are nice and so are a thousand others in the US but until you rank the towns by affordability (house prices, taxes, cost of living, etc) and year round enjoyment (have you ever spent a summer in Marfa, Tx.,I have, or a winter snow bound in the northeast?)this list is not of much practical use to anyone considering moving.

Although I now live in the beautiful state of FL, I was born and raised in WV. Lived in Beckley for a total of 40 out of 55 of those years! Beckley offers everything from the visual beauty of nature to the arts. The 'folk' are genuinely kind and loving!WV AWESOME! Bonnie Tilley-Khan

Hmmm I live here, and I wouldn't say it is 14th in the nation.

How could ypu have missed Clarion PA? We are a village with a college/university, community theatre, river, state park, two resident poets and an avabt gaard bputique publisherjust a couple miles from an interstate and amall! Apparently, our 500 people with practically no crime is too small and not perverse enough to fit your desires. Well, Iv'e got to get back to my paintings to be ready for our Auumn Leaf Festival. Personally, I feel that a town of 2500 thousand is much too big for a world with the internet. I've lived in unahilla and it is not even up to the standards of Gilbertsville, 10 miles away!

The editors at Smithsonian need to take a look at the town of Unadilla, in upstate New York, in the next ranking of the best small towns in America. I have never seen a more picturesque, Norman Rockwell-ish little town in all my life. Mind you, this is just from a series of photographs taken by a family member. The photographs show a sleepy, winding Huck Finn of a river, quaint Victorian homes in bright colors, rusted, disused, yet still beautiful farm equipment resting in a shady spot. I'd be curious to see if any of the magazine staff will pay a visit to this charming place. I bet it'd be worth the trip.

I am living in Taos - a beautiful place with great diversity - this year but my home is in Laguna. Not true it is for affluent white people, where are you hanging out? If you only go to certain places you will only see certain people which probably do not include the locals

DA indicts Taos man on burglary, other charges. Don't go to Taos, NM..Run, run quickly if your near this freak town. Throw backs from the 60's and their criminal adult children.

I am confused, or i am stupid, or there is something wrong with your geography which i dont think so becouse you are writters, and an important magasine, but as long as i know America is not only towns in United States, there are other beautiful towns in America, for example Antigua guatemala, in Guatemala which is in America, Puebla in Mexico, that also is in America, Leon, Nicaragua, wich also belongs to america, cundinamarca, in Colombia that is also in America, and i can keep going and going and i can name a lot of beautiful cities that are in America, so tell me please, ? why the towns you mention are all in United States ?. thanks.

I was surprised at your choices...I have lived in Southern california and can tell by your choices that the researcher who put this article together hasnt done any research at all nor are they really very creative choices..oh well, best to do your own research!

Thanks for Naples, Fl making your list. After many years of being a "snowbird", this wonderfull town is now my full time residence. Naples is known for its beauty, culture, and refined upscale living. Even Fla. Gov. Rick Scott, who can have his pick of any town in Fla to live has made beautiful Naples his home. Out of all my worldly travel, I choice living here. Naples a true slice of paradise.

I'm not sure how they pick these small towns... but I quite agree with what the bloggers beneath are saying! When you talk about places to live that are friendly, have community spirit and are thriving, look at places like Aiken SC and Franklin Tenn (just to name two) ... there's diversity in Aiken, history, not too far from the ocean and Atlanta Ga (about 3 hours to each) ... now here's a town the Northerners use to head to during the cold season.. polo fields, great dining, lots of golf .. folks like Fred Astaire use to visit/live here, Roosevelt brought his mistress here... what a cool place this is! As for Franklin, Tenn... well, that should have been an obvious pick, it was already voted one of the best small towns to live in! I do love the south - I don't like lots of cold weather (like Michigan, although Ann Arbor is quite wonderful and the surrounding areas are interesting too - - like Brighton and Howell, they too offer quaint small town living with big town amenities) ... anyways - enjoying the south with its 4 seasons and lots of warm weather for us x-Californian lizards! :))))

Princeton Was Nice, but it's become overcrowded with urban sprawl, and traffic is a nightmare.

Very projections of American History in all of these theme towns. they are all very treasurable in Information.

Laguna Beach? Aside from the beach scenery there's nothing else to do there. Just another connect the dot seaside town in culture deprived Orange County. The art scene there is laughable (still life of you guessed it..Ocean) and the Sawdust festival just a swap meet of locals selling their high school art projects. Another over-hypped city. And Hollywood is not just a few miles away. More like 1.5 hours drive on a good day.

Great article!!

I was born and raised in a tiny little town in west virginia. moved away and was gone for over 40 years, now am back and retired living in the coolest little town in Lewisburg west virginia, after city life coming back to the country is great. more room. clean air,and the people are so friendly. nothing else like it anywhere. After all Lewisburg is the coolest little town .

I happen to live in Vermont and I am shocked that Brattleboro made this list. Although it is a fairly nice town, I would not even put it in the top ten in our little state alone. Especially when there are such beautiful towns here as Woodstock and Manchester, just to name a couple. There really is nothing to do in Brattleboro at all other than a farmers market or small festival here and there. I like the article but I do think that there are much nicer towns out there in our great country besides the ones mentioned.

I lived in Red Bank, NJ, for most of my 70 years, but am now living (again) in Burlington, VT, a far more congenial place than Red Bank is as present. By the way, Red Bank is more like 55 miles from Manhattan, not 25. Having left the town in March 2012 I can say with certainty that it is going through some difficult economic times, with store closings on Broad Street and elsewhere. In it's recent heyday, it had a wonderful small town ambiance, a real happening place, made that way by long-time mayor Eddie McKenna. Today it is just another small town, struggling to remain vital through the ongoing economic woes found throughout the country, in big cities and small. Marine Park was once a neat place to sit and daydream, or fish from the pier for snapper and other game fish that came in from the Atlantic. Last summer I paid a visit to the Red Bank parks department to ask why there were no benches to sit on in the park (used to be lots of them); I was told in a phone call a few days after my visit that a purchase order had been cut to buy some. Never happened, at least during my stay in the apartment I lived in not far from the park. A paradigm for the sad times the city is struggling with. As far as the Count Basie Theater, you can find the same performing artists performing in just about every state with a venue for them to perform in. Red Bank is just not in the same league with Burlington, VT. And, truthfully, it never was.

The Taos, NM pick has to be a joke? You obviously did not check the crime/murder rate and unfriendly locals in this town, something with this towns people is not right, landscapes are breathtaking as well as sunsets and night sky, but the crime makes it a sad, pathetic, depressing little place.

I noticed that there are lots of white people in these towns. Was a mostly white population also one of the criteria?

Just by accident, browsing on the internet, I came upon Brattleboro. I'm an Afrikaans speaking South African citizen with English second language. I'm an artist painting in acrylic. Even just the little bit I saw now-shows and events advertised, it looks like an amazing place, interesting and food for my heart! Hope that in some way I can share my art with you. As an artist I am hungry for stimulating my creativity.I'm a positive energetic person, but with the way things are in South Africa with crime, one feels isolated and caged in, suffocated- not being able to live your art fully. I've worked for Carnival cruises, and in South Dakota Hill City-.... so knowing what freedom feels like!

The subhead reads, "from the Berkshires to the Cascades." So I scoured for a small town near the Cascades. Guess you mean Gig Harbor, which is no where near the Cascades, but liberty taken, I suppose. Almost closer to the Olympics. Great Barrington is a great town, my aunt and uncle have lived there forever. I took my aunt to Trinity Church about 4 years ago, she had never been. Went to their weekly hootenanny, had a blast.

Laguna Beach is also for VERY conservative, white, affluent people.

Mill Valley does NOT welcome 'newcomers'...this is the most elitist, boring and unfriendly small town i've ever lived in. it's conservative and pretentious, and it's the WORST area for single women and men,,,the women are caddy and wear the 'mill valley uniform',,,and don't forget to buy an SUV if you move here... it's nice for a day.

Any place big enough to have a McDonalds is no longer a "small town."

I grew up in a true small town: 300 people. We had to drive 75 miles to get to a McDonalds or a shopping mall. They finally built a McDonalds in the next town, seven miles away. They closed the elementary school I went to years ago. Now the kids ride the bus to the same town with the McDonalds.

These small towns may be nice for a few days, but as a place to live? You'd spend your time in a car driving places. The best places to live have the diversity and richness of a large city, but still have some of the intimate feeling of a large town. And they are small enough and dense enough that you can get everywhere on foot or by bicycle. These places would include Boulder, CO, Madison, WI, New Haven, CT, Ann Arbor, MI, Portland, ME, and Providence, RI.

You guys really don't want to come to Gig Harbor, Wa..... if you don't happen into town on a rare sunny day, it's drizzling (not raining) and cold or overcast and depressing. I hear this area of the country has the highest suicide rate in the country. Horace Greeley said West, not Northwest.....

Cool area. I live in van horn and I love it here.

Well......ya left off Sebastopol, California; Waverly Tennessee; Mebane, N. Carolina; Plum Branch, S. Carolina; and Bridge City, Texas.

I just moved to Great Barrington last year, and while I think the town is beautiful and has lots to offer, I am disappointed in a lack of community spirit I've found in other towns. For example, I can't find a single traditional 4th of July celebration in GB or anywhere in southern Berkshire County. For comparison, I moved here from a small town in Ohio (Granville) that has a fantastic July 4th parade and carnival. Last year the parade lasted 3 hours and had antique fire trucks, farm equipment, marching bands and more, and the day ended with fireworks in a local park. This year, despite having been without power for days, they are still holding both the parade and carnival. Now that is some town spirit!

I attended John Brown University (www.jbu.edu) in Siloam Springs from 1989-1994. They were doubtless the best years of my life!

I found this article elitst at best and irrelevant at worst. I guess the "culture" of small western towns isn't hoity toity enough for Ms Spano and Ms Shen, rodeos on the 4th of July and car races on Saturday night not elite enough for you? What about Tamasklit Native American Museum or Hat Rock, which was mentioned by Lewis and Clark? Those are the cultural places here in North Eastern Oregon. Lavandar farms, water parks, the Pendleton Rodeo all to every man for the two? I don't like their definition of culture and their unstated rebuke of the culture here in Hermiston and Pendleton, OR. High concentrations of museums, botanical gardens, and such as defined by a computer program? Don't you have the research ability in your brains to search out these very same places and disregard the real small towns of America? You have given the ability to a computer program and I think chosen the places rich people will go, but not people like me who like to learn about local culture and history. You could have given an infusion of tourists/visitors to places like Echo, Hermiston, Pendleton, and Athena, OR. Instead you promote that which is already promoted. Nothing about fishing, hunting, hiking, or even micro breweries. Sad, sad, sad.

Thankinh you for the research!

Taos new Mexico, eh?

This has been the talk (and often joke) of Great Barrington for months. Thank you. GB is a great. I should know. It's where I live

Evidently the story writers Susan Spano and Aviva Shen cut and pasted their story. Their research could easily be found by a google search. Santa Paula, CA. is approximately 15-20 minutes via a non busy 2 lane freeway to the beach. We're known for our agricultural, oil museum and the best weather in the world. Santa Paula is 4.4 miles squared and the neighbors extend from city limits to city limits. Take a look and I'll let you decide. Remember we don't have the cold winters and hot summers. Just beautiful weather throughout. We're also proud of our diversity and the fine restaurants here in town. http://www.discoversantapaula.com/SantaPaula_VisitorInfo.htm

The glorious beauties of Nature in all these places courtesy of the Almighty Creator beat all the famous labels in all the commercials for the small towns. They are the reasons the people settled there in the first place and to which our thanksgivings must be addressed. Thank you, too, Smithsonian, for providing the gorgeous pictures that inspire us to go to see for ourselves if we are able, or to enjoy quietly at home in our dreams.

I loved the list of the 20 best small towns in America. I would love to visit each and everyone of them. Road trip anyone?

I guess "small town" is a relative term. Here in Montana, a community of 10,000 people is "the city" to the many surrounding farming communities. To be a small town, the population needs to be closer to 2,000 or fewer.

I live in Butler, PA and I can honestly say this is basically the best thing to happen to this small town. It truly is underrated and I'm glad that someone was able to notice how quaint and awesome this town can be. Thank You, Smithsonian for the recognition we deserve.

Gig Harbor is a great town! When you drive the waterfront you can still feel the rural small 1940s town feeling. Even though the Uptown chain "strip mall" is expanding. You can drive only 5 miles to get back to that cozy feeling. I hope to raise my own kids here.

Crystal Bridges Art Museum is in Bentonville, Arkansas, not Siloam Springs, AR.

As a 16 year resident of Naples Florida, I have to applaud you for adding it to your 20 Best Small Towns in America. There are many activities, venues, festivals & events year round in Naples, many which are designed to showcase the talent of local artists, performers & musicians. According ot our United Arts Council in Naples, our local arts community consists of 59 nonprofit cultural groups, 100+ galleries, 500+ artists & entertainers, thousands of art-lovers. November is a great time to visit Naples as the entire month is dedicated to Celebrate the Arts, showcasing the arts & cultural offerings of our city.

Apparently, cost of living is not a factor given any consideration in formulating this list.

Boring list. Last time someone did something like this, they ruined Destin Florida...

As I perused your May issue, my ordinary sense of anticipation quickly changed to puzzlement, then anger. What has happened to the Smitsonian that I eagerly devoured each month for more than 30 years? Over the years, Smithsonian has introduced me to a panorama of the world and beyond, presented with objectivity, well-written text and breathtaking photography. Imagine my distress when I open the May issue to find turgid, self-absorbed drivel from "hipsters" such as those who chose the ten best small towns in America. In the past, I often saved up to two years worth of Smithsonians because I couldn't bear to throw them away; my children, and now the children of our local school have used the photos for countless reports, posters and the like. The May issue went immediately into the recycling bin. In your efforts to be more "relevant," you are destroying the essence of Smithsonian. Please return to what you do best - giving us monthly tastes of art, science, music, and history, complete with your mesmerizing photos and artwork. James Smithson would have wanted no less.

Typical that all of the places listed are artsy liberal enclaves without much balance on the other end of the spectrum like hunting and fishing opportunities, at least unmentioned. I personally don't want to spend my free time listening to folk music, drinking sour wine, and looking at art when the call of the wild beckons.

Butler PA is 7 and Key West is 16? I've been to both and live in driving distance of Butler..I don't get it. I'm not sure what Butler is even doing on this list, let alone how the heck it's that much higher than Key West!?

I once again am trying to post on this article, but The Smithsonian folks don't seem to like what I have to say. I looked at all of the towns on this list and all of the have a majority Caucasian population. Looking at the demographics of each town there are only three on the list that have 22% minority. I think it is a shame that the Smithsonian cannot find one town in the United States (or Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, etc.) that has a majority-minority population.

I am an 81 year old old goat that reads the Smithsonian religiously. I have traveled to over 40 countries ans all our states except ALASKA. Susan did a great job listing her 20 small towns, but she missed the best town in America. It is called FAIRHAVEN, Mass. It will be 200 years old on June 30, 2012. It is a small town of about 14,000 residents. They call it the headway to Cape Cod. It is the only town in America where one of it's own citizens came back to DONATE about 10 buildings including 4 grammar schools and the most beautiful High School in America. It is made of MARBLE. He was a former Standard Oil Executive. His Name is HENRY HUTTELSTON ROGERS. I marvel at his achievements and donations to this town. He also donated the Town Hall, Public Library, Unetarian Church and a hotel called the TABATHIA INN named afer his daughter. Pres Rosevelt came to the Inn around 1937. The entire town of 4000 residents showed up to see him. He gave the kids Rosevelt Campaign buttons. I had one for 65 years until it was stolen from me in a hotel room 10 years ago. The Movie MOBY DICK was filmed next door in New BEDFORD with Gregory Peck as the main actor as Capt Ahab. The Revoluntionary Fort at Fort Phoenix is still there and visited daily. I have gone back every year from Florida for the past 30 years for homecoming weekend which is usually the last Saturday in June. This year, for the 200th celebration right in the center of town, there will be 100,000 people. A resident. MYRA Powers LOPES has written a number of books on Fairhaven and Henry Huttelston ROGERS. If that man is not in HEAVEN, No one will ever get there. I know of no other town in AMERICA that was given so much for free from one of its own citizens.

You really should have considered Lewes, Delaware and St.Michaels on Marylands beautiful Eastern Shore.

Glad to see Marfa made the list. It is a great small town. Though it takes a little digging to find all that there is to do, it is worth the effort. A great place to meet really interesting people as well.!

The events at the Trinity Church in Great Barrington indeed gave rise to Arlo Guthrie's song, and the movie was subsequently filmed there, but I seem to recall that her restaurant was located in Stockbridge. Growing up, Great Barrington was where my farming family would go for agricultural fairs. It's a real shame that the fair grounds' grandstand was destroyed by a tornado in 1995. It was a lovely memory of time a time before sushi and chimichangas.

Taos…wow second place. What a great choice. My husband and I decided to concentrate all of our business efforts and personal life in Taos. We wanted to provide care to this small community, which is so eclectic and culturally enriched. There are wonderful little shops in the central part of town on the plaza. There are ways to get exercise throughout the year for kids and adults, since our outdoor season is so short. They are spread from the north (in El Prado) to the south side of town (near Ranchos de Taos). During the winter there are 3 ski valleys from the center of town: Taos, Angel Fire and Sipapu. The restaurants are diverse, Italian, European, Organic, New Mexican, Mexican just to name a few. The art varies from the Taos Pueblo to Modern Artists. Art & Music are such an important part of our culture that it is conducive to art festivals, juried art shows, music in the park, chamber music and many more activities. For all of those looking for a unique place to visit come join us in Taos.

Siloam Springs, AK is wrong! AK is the abbreviation for Alaska. AR is the correct abbreviation for Arkansas where Siloam Springs is located. I hope to see a correction listed soon.

I'm sorry, this list had my interest until Butler loaded onto my screen. The area surrounding Butler is scenic, with farmland and woods abounding, but the city itself leaves much to be desired. What was once a thriving mining and industrial town has been heavily on the decline since those industries left. At this point, most of the town is run-down and its inhabitants below the poverty line. Not ideally a place that I would advertise as a great small town. Having personally grown up in Western Pennsylvania, with relatives in Butler still, I can say there are handfuls of other small towns populating this side of Pennsyvlania that are far more attractive than Butler.

The write-up on #5 Gig Harbor surely paints a sweet picture. Caution; make sure you can handle the weather! It. Is. Absolutely. Brutal. A great place to visit in August or September, but imagine dark gray skies Oct- July 15th. Plus side is that, in over 20 years, I've never locked my house or removed keys from a car in the driveway :-)

This article is incorrectly titled. It should be called The 20 Best Small Town Tourist Traps or Artist Colonies in America. The vast majority of towns described used phrases like: "Tourists, seekers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts pack the plaza." and "Day-trippers come for gourmet restaurants." What is more apt to make a small town one of the best are traits like; friendliness, comfort, and a sense of wellbeing, not how many tourist, or arts and craft people can be attracted in a season.

I guess if you don't agree with the Smithsonian's list, your comment doesn't get posted. I wrote a negative review about the City of Butler, I live here and it is NO paradise, talked to many people who live here and they cannot believe this town made the list either, why not let people hear the truth? Nothing I said was inappropriate, political, unlawful, threatening, or a product indorsement. I live here you guys don't, I can't write my opinion and have it posted because I had bad things to say about the town. Smithsonian you've lost my respect. I hope people don't use that guide to find a place to live, if the other towns are anything like mine. Why don't you explain the criteria you used. People can't even get a job here unless it is minimum wage and that is even hard. This is a hard and depressing place to live. Did you even visit, and if so for how long, obviously not long enough to really get a feel or understanding of this town.

I am very happy to see that Naples, Florida has been recently named as the 2ND HAPPIEST SEASIDE TOWN OF THE U.S. by Coastal Living Magazine, as well as being noted as one of the 20 BEST SMALL TOWNS IN AMERICA by Smithsonian Magazine. Should have been 1st. We full timers here as well as the snow-birds who flock here in the winter months, and Europeans here in summer know this all to well. Its PARADISE HERE!!

It is wonderful to hear that Taos, New Mexico ranked number 2 on the list of top 20. As a indigenous native to Taos Valley, I can see how the charm of the valley entices as it has for the people I come from. Despite the ranking, I must make a correction to for the writer. The story states that long before the Taos Pueblo, were the Anasazi who were in the valley. However, archeological research supported by our own oral history, factually proves that the people of Taos Pueblo were well in existence in this valley during what ill informed writers call the Anasazi period. When in truth the term Anasazi comes from the Dine' people (Navajo), a term used to described those who occupied this area of the Southwest prior to the arrival of the Navajo. Anasazi meaning the ancient ones to the Navajo. A term used historiclly by them to identify the other people in this region. So to say that the Taos Pueblo came after the Anasazi is incorrect when in fact the Taos people occupied this valley when Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde were being abandoned, places identifed by the Navajo as the homes of the ancient ones (Anasazi).

I grew up in Beckley (#19) and it really has a long way to go before it qualifies to be on this list. They are trying to improve the town but it still needs ALOT of work.

Beaufort North Carolina was recently honored by another organization as "The Best Small Town in America". And, I agree!

Surprised to not see Saratoga Springs, NY or Burlington, VT on list. Perhaps even Blowing Rock, NC.

We are delighted and honored to be in the top 10! When we moved here from the city (Richmond, VA) in 1984, I was afraid that living "in the country" would not be to my liking. Now, there is no other place in the world that I would rather live. We have a number of very fine art galleries that are frequented by visitors from the DC area and cities outside the state, as well as award winning restaurants. We bought and renovated an old Victorian house, have a large vegetable garden along the south side of the property, and are within walking distance of downtown. Life is quiet and life is good. Thank you, Smithsonian!

I vote for blue ridge Georgia...population 1200 give or take somebody from atlanta. Great schools , small town activities. A lake, a train, hiking trails, a home depot, and a Wendy's Can't beat that. And. Piece and quite I'm retired

i think you should check out cohasset ma. lovely little town on the south shore of boston. or how about nantucket? the furthest point east in the united states!!! have you even done research on the eastern seaboard??

I think that you should have considered more towns in the Heartland of America, or don't you know what that really means. I get very disgusted with people on the coasts considering this to be "The Great Flyover Area"!

I would to see a longer list, say the top 100. Twenty is way way to short.

Thanks for selecting our town - Siloam Springs, Arkansas. We will mount and frame the article and photo for our Chamber of Commerce wall and donate copies to our City and Main Street organization. We welcome folks looking for a "staycation" in the nearby Southern states, as well as those who want to travel any distance to find us. You will need to get off Highway 412 and come "downtown" to enjoy the full flavor of Sager Creek, our parks, skateboard facility, restaurants and coffee shops, and our vibrant downtown - including unique rental surrey bikes. We have skydiving at the airport, a family-friendly wild animal drive-through, and the home of Little Debbie snack cakes. DaySpring Cards has an outlet on the East side, and Cherokee Casino is on the West side. We have something for every member of the family, so y'all come see us.

I see that my first comment today was never posted. Did I say something wrong? I find your unwillingness to post it very telling.

I grew up in Great Barrington, MA. You never know what you have until you move away and look back. It was a great place to grow up in. My dad was on the police department for many years when I was young. It was a town that everyone knew everyone crime was low, Now it is being turned in the New York get away and the prices of the homes have gone so high that even if I wanted to move back there. I couldn't afford it. I truely was a great place to raise children and some of the most beautiful falls in the world. I'm glad I grew up there.

That is where I grew up. You don't think about the beauty till you move away and look back. I was a wonderful place to grow up.

I looked through you list and about halfway through I noticed something odd. I went back to the beginning of the list and looked up the demographics of each town featured and was surprised that none of them has a majority minority population. In fact, of the 20 towns featured, only three had a white population that dipped below 69%; Taos, Red Bank, and Siloam Springs. I could be wrong, but I have to believe that there is at least one town in this great country of ours that is worth visiting which has a non white majority population. If you can't find one in the continental United States, how about looking at U.S. possessions in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or Samoa? As a white American, raising my kids to appreciate the diversity of our nation, I am shocked that a government organization like the Smithsonian wouldn't look at the diversity of their list when suggesting which small towns are 'best."

I live 10 minutes from Butler have called this place home for over over 40 years! There is so much to say for small towns! The Butlerites love their town, they work hard to keep people wanting to stay and visit! With Pittsburgh being 45 minutes away it is the perfect place to live!

Staunton is really not a "small town" in my book nor does it have the appeal or charm of what a small town is supposed to be in my opinion..

Im sorry, coming from a "small town" like myself I can safely say none of these towns are small at all. From which definition they are defined to be I'm not quite sure. Although they all look quite lovely, and few I have visited; true small towns have their own diverse independent culture.

I Lived in Butler for eleven years, visited there many times after my parents split. It has a tremendous ethnic diversity and Butler County has splendidly scenic geography. Unfortunately land management has been reckless, the city is not the vibrant metropolis of the 40's and 50's. But you have reasonable weather, reasonable prices, and a lot of talented citizens.

Great Barrington is pretending to be something it never was and never will be. Small town with a bloated (and unwarranted) ego. -Raised in G.B.

thanks for not listing my small town in NM. I don't want more people moving in and making it "civilized".

Naples is truly a paradise. I have visited here for years and recently have made it my year round home. I read several posts here that have stated they have traveled everywhere and have now moved here. I am also one of those now happy residents. As others stated here I also have lived and traveled all over the world, also with the means to live anywhere in the world. Naples is #1 on my list of over 121 places visited, and I have lived in 14 different locations, but something was always missing. This list also includes Europe. I have never seen such beauty. Even just something as simple as shopping and the design of these centers makes it all an exciting experience. 5th ave and 3rd for strolling, dinner, culture and shopping is like none other. The beaches and year round events hosted here make life here wonderful. Worldly class, art, elegance, and culture is in the utmost of abundance here. I know Ive gone on and on, and even with that is dosnt seem like enough said. Naples, thank you, what was missing from all other locations is now 100 percent here! I am here for forever!!

The picture of Siloam Springs AR is taken on the little creek that runs in front of the Masonic Lodge. We think our Lodge has the most beautiful setting of any Lodge in Arkansas. Theda Ezell

Ashland may be great for tourists and residents, but my experience of a brief (and never gonna happen again) visit was that as soon as they asked where I was from and I answered "Grants Pass" (just 40 miles and 100 years away), I was immediately treated as though I had chopped down a forest and eaten all the baby birds on toast before I came over there for the "culture".

Not really sure where some of you think Great Barrington is. We are two hours from a Metropolitan area (one of our strong points...just far enough away) and our airport is about the size of a large driveway. the article forgot to mention that we have a wonderful community made National park which runs through our town. Google the Housatonic River Walk. We are rich in history. First town in America to free a slave. Home of WEB Dubois. The list goes on and on.

Cities which lie within major metropolitan areas shouldn't be considered in ratings of "small towns." Sure, it can look or "feel" like a small town - and people can be attracted to that quality about it - but, there are attractions at Disneyland that look and feel like bayous and jungle...they should not come up in conversations comparing actual bayous or jungles... I grew up near a "small town." People there would commute for miles to larger "small towns" for work, or shopping, and considerably farther in any direction to reach more than ONE airport. At least one of the "towns" on this list is in a county that has two major pro sports franchises and TWO international airports, and is adjacent to a county which has THREE international airports and FIVE major pro sports teams... I'm sorry, but this city does not belong in a comparison with towns like Oxford MS or Ashland OR. Maybe the list title should be expanded to include suburbs.

Seeing Oxford as one of your picks gave me great pleasure, since I will be moving there in the near future. This is not the first time Oxford has been spot-lighted as a great place to live, as it is also known as a great place to retire. Thanks for giving them more attention!!

I'm an Arkie and was delighted to see Siloam Springs was featured (#14). However, I need to point out that Arkansas is abbreviated AR, not AK (that's Alaska). Keep up the good work on future articles. I never get tired of reading the Smithsonian Magazine.

Cities which lie within major metropolitan areas shouldn't be considered in ratings of "small towns." Sure, it can look or "feel" like a small town - and people can be attracted to that quality about it - but, there are attractions at Disneyland that look and feel like bayous and jungle...they should not come up in conversations comparing actual bayous or jungles... I grew up near a "small town." People there would commute for miles to larger "small towns" for work, or shopping, and considerably farther in any direction to reach more than ONE airport. At least one of the "towns" on this list is in a county that has two major pro sports franchises and TWO international airports, and is adjacent to a county which has THREE international airports and FIVE major pro sports teams... I'm sorry, but this city does not belong in a comparison with towns like Oxford MS or Ashland OR.

Wonderful place to raise a family. I lived here from 1991-2003! May decide to retire at Siloam.

Something they forgot about Ashland, OR is the wonderful Oregon Cabaret dinner theater. This has had an excellent play every year I've been there and they do change every few months. The theater is right downtown and easy to get to. For information go to www.oregoncabaret.com. Lithia Park is also beautiful and be sure to find out why people in Ashland live so long...try the Lithia water at the fountain in the park.

I moved to Staunton six months ago after 30 years in Arlington (just outside DC). I chose Staunton (after much travel and research) for many of the reasons cited in the article. My DC friends are now teasing me that I am ahead of the curve. All I know is that I love it here and plan to stay!!!

Though Siloam Springs is a nice community, the real lifestyle of Northwest Arkansas is the contributions of Bentonville, Centerton, Hiawassee, GRavette, Bella Vista, and the list goes on. Only ashort drive to breathtaking vistas, Beaver Lake,and Eureka Springs makes this a very insulated region of the country. Low unemployment,low crime rates, and a very affordable lifestyle should put Northwest Arkansas as number 1 on your list.

Oxford, Mississippi has a wealth of festivals, all year long... Shakespeare, The Double Decker, the blues, Oxford Endurance Weekend... as well as Yocona International Folk Festival, touring north Mississippi in early August. Named to honor our aboriginal inhabitants, the Chickasaw and Choctaw, "Yocona" means "the land". This summer, Yocona Festival has invited folk dance and music companies from Egypt and Peru, with our local ethnic Irish, Scottish, gospel and rock & roll performers.

What? No mention of SKIING (20 miles away-304"-we had a bad year! Oh, and maaaybe 4" in town.....total !) and at least 3 other theaters worthy of mention , microbreweries, world-class fishing and rafting minutes away? I could go on but you get my gist. Ya' done us poorly on the expounding of our virtues. Kinda the point of the article, wasn't it? Oh, well maybe your audience will google us and become enlightened beyond your obviously limited space constraints. Thanks anyway for the kudos. 28 yr resident of incredible Ashland ( and 30 b4 in small towns) K W Heidrick...........

It's disappointing that this article hardly includes anything from the Midwest. With the exception of the Menomonie, the region is completely ignored.

It's a shame that the two towns in California you selected are both extremely expensive places in which to live. There are other great small towns, for example Bishop, with it's annual Mule Days Celebration, its Playhouse 395 productions, its magnificent setting in the Eastern Sierra Nevada with access to year-round recreation, and its friendly people, clear blue skies and cold, clean water. I'm a fifth-generation Californian who was priced out of the real estate market in the San Francisco Bay Area. I lived for a short time in Mill Valley and loved it, but it would take three jobs to afford a home there. I love the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, but affordability is a problem there as well. When y husband retires we are actually looking at retiring to Oregon since we would like to be closer to the more hospitable climate of the coast. Perhaps affordability should be a factor in picking out the "best" small towns.

To Kelsey from Great Barrington. I'm sorry that your life has found so much sadness. However, statistics don't bear out the gravity of the portrait of Great Barrington that you paint. It is truly a Great town. Like all places it is not perfect. I have been lucky enough to take a forty day trip across this great country. There are so many wonderful places in the USA. But, when I came back to Great Barrington I realized how much the area really has to offer those who wish to enjoy it. I hope that one day you will take advantage of and appreciate your home town. If you embrace it, it will embrace you back two fold. Good luck.

Thr first 5 years of my life were in Mill Valley, California (1915-1920)

Siloam Springs? Fayetteville is really where its at in Northwest, nay all of Arkansas. Lived there forever. The U of A and the Razorbacks, Walton Arts Center, Dickson street entertainment district, the square, the Clinton house, plus numerous festivals - Springfest, Fallfest, Firstnight, Bikes blues and BBQ - plus it's close to Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and yes, Siloam, all pretty cool towns. Plus you get to see two or three blimps and the Oscar Meyer weinermobile every year during the Wal-mart stockholders meeting. Fayetteville is right in the middle of Tulsa, Springfield, Memphis, Kansas City, St. Louis, OKC. Dang - why did I ever move away?

I don't believe the writer on Taos, NM was aiming at Mexicans, when he stated the "counterculture". Taos, since the 1960's, is made up of a diverse population of artists, outdoor enthuiasts, eclectic business people, etc. I wouldn't jump to conclusions that the author was referring to a specific ethnicity.

Beckley, W.Va ia a neat little town but hard to navigate its icy streets in winter.

A little history...New Mexico was once part of Mexico. Many of us who are descended from the Mexican settlers are proud of that ancestry, whether our blood lines are Spanish, Indian, or most likely, some combination of those people's.

Yes, Taos is beautiful! My family goes every February to visit my husband's father. We ski, snowboard, shop, hike, museum hop, & eat! I have photographed the same places/spaces every year but it never gets old. I feel at home when I'm there, even though I'm from Atlanta!

How could you miss Corvallis, Oregon? Great education, great medical center, two universities, 40 minutes from skiing and 40 minutes from the coast and lots of vegan and vegetarian menus as well as other gourmet items. Lots of music venues and all located right here in a flower and wine producing valley. Come visit us sometime...you will like us.

I just LOVE Gig Harbor! Best place to live!

I liked your assessment of Beckly,Wv, but there is another small town in Wv that I have been to & found very charming & as country as you can get. The town is Spencer,Wv-approx a one hour drive N/E from Charleston, has a pop of about 2500 ppl -A kind of sleepy little place & very countrified setting -was the site of Civil War battle & the home of the most decorated female of WW11.

Butler, PA is a great place to live. It is growing with all the advantages of its own plus easy access to all that Pittsburgh has to offer. We have a good work ethic and strong faith base that provide stability that is often missing. We continue to grow and enjoy welcoming new community members who add to the diversity of who we continue to become.

Naples? Small town? What's the criteria again? Naples is a fairly good-sized small city and it's monopolized by the obscenely wealthy or the poor hospitality industry folks. It's pretty, yes, but it doesn't seem to fall under the rubric of small town. Out of all the wonderful little coastal communities in Florida, there could have been a more fitting choice. How about Dunedin? Or some of the old Florida enclaves in the Chassohowitzka area? I loved reading about the quirkiness of the other choices, but Naples made me guffaw a little.

The Alice's Restaurant episode and song did not originate in Great Barrington but in Stockbridge, Mass, on the property line between the Indian Mill Music Workshop where Arlo was a camper and the crusty neighbor's preoperty on which Arlo dumped the trash. Officer Obie the anti-hero in the song continued to preside over the main intersection in "downtown" Stockbridge for many years.

I am amazed that neither Boulder and/or Fort Collins, Colorado did not make this list due to the excellent quality of life found in both of those towns.

Oh my gosh, I hope no one really thinks Marfa should be on this list? Did the writers actually visit Marfa, or do they have an out-of-state artist friend who is trying to recoup some of their investment in this sparsely populated area? Marfa is to Texas as Tombstone is to Arizona- a quick little diversion on your way somewhere more interesting! I like Marfa and have traveled through it many times in the last 30 years while visiting our friends' ranch. It has always had a nice town square, a railroad running through it, a few people with money and more without, Marfa lights and ranchers who came into town every so often. It still has all that, but now there are a very, very few who are attempting to promote their art work in this setting in hopes the remote and sparse location (rather than the quality of their work) will make it sell. IF you are in the area Marfa is worth a visit, but it's not a destination worthy of all the miles just for this town.

In regard to Taos, the comment about the Mexicans in Taos was especially irritating. There are some Mexicans who have moved to Taos, but the Hispanic population in Taos is largely Spanish, many whose family lines can be traced to the 17th century. They are Americans whose claim to their heritage in the US surpasses the claims of most EuroAmericans (other than those who can trace their heritage to the early colonies). And indeed Pueblo Bonito is in Chaco Canyon near Farmington and is a relic of the early Anazasi culture. Taos Pueblo has no barbed wire or fence around it. It has been continuously inhabited for 800 years although now most families who own homes with modern conveniences on Pueblo land use their Pueblo homes for feast days or for small shops. Taos Pueblo is a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

The picture they picked does not do Gig Harbor justice whatsoever. It is a beautiful place with great people. Has a lot to offer being a small town. There is far more shopping here than I expected. I love it. It is cozy and has all the conveniences one would need.

Marfa is nice tho i saw the Marfa Lights about 70 miles to the north. Looked like a parallel highway , barn light or oil derek off in the distance a mile or two. I kept seeing it for about 20 miles as i drove along at night. 1968

Shush don't advertise....gotta love Gig Harbor.

Glad Mill Valley made your list, but of all the photographs you could've used, you chose that one? Why not feature our gorgeous Mount Tamalpais? Also, I think the author missed the essence of this town. Yes, we have a dynamic music scene (as well as dynamic arts, film, and theater scenes!), but Mill Valley also has top-rated schools, excellent dining, a multitude of scenic outdoor-adventure possibilities, and charming shops that are locally-owned (chains are not a "good fit" here).

It should be noted that Mill Valley, California is like any other small American town complete with three auto dealerships Mazaratti, Ferrari, and Porsche . . . the Mill Valley captured in the great picture of my friend Garry and his shop is fading fast and been largely replaced with shamefully expensive boutiques, silly eateries and feminine face saloons. The old hippie guard is extremely marginalized as is most of it's past charm. Great trees, amazing vistas, it's proximity to San Francisco and mild climate makes up for it's neo snob appeal.

Staunton is indeed the home of The Stonewall Brigade Band, continuous since 1855. The article mentions that it was founded to feature the saxophone, which is incorrect. It was the saxhorn. Both instruments were invented by Antoine Sax of Brussels Belgium. The saxophone is a familiar instrument in use today. The Saxhorn, however was a brass instrument much like a trumpet, except that the instrument bell pointed backwards over the shoulder of the player so the music was projected behind the players. This worked well when bands led parades, as those marching behind could hear the music. The band still possesses the original set of Saxhorns made by Sax himself in Brussels and imported by Klemm of Philadelphia, bought in late 1844. This is the only complete unbroken set of Confederate band instruments that exists as a complete set today. The SBB is also the oldest-continuous community band in the nation. The band is now a typical concert band of brass, woodwinds and percussion. There is, however a sub-group that plays period music on reproductions of the original Saxhorns.

My wife and I were planning to move to Mill Valley next month. Inexplicably, the rent on our apartment just went up by 45%. Thanks a lot.

Pay NO attention to the negative post about Taos. The writer obviously doesn't live here. It's probably the best quality of life you're going to find anywhere in the US. Easy-going, generous, friendly and visually spectacular. People have been coming here since at least 1300. European settlements decades before Plymouth Rock. Taos/Santa Fe is the nation's 2nd largest art market after NYC. White water rivers, 13000+ft. peaks, pine forests, red rock desert, world class ski slopes & trout streams, hiking, biking. Mild summers, sunny all the time--especially in winter so it's down-vest weather even in the teens. Bald Eagles, huge elk herds, bobcats passing through the back yards. Folks of all imaginable backgrounds--highest PhD demographic in the US (Santa Fe/Los Alamos/Taos corridor)--politically very progressive. Three cultures get along extremely well, thank you. What culture you can't get here is an hour away in sophisticated Santa Fe. You can live cheaply here--nobody starves and almost zero property tax. Major downside: Hard to make any but lower middle class living here.

So many great things you can say about Mill Valley, with so many events to attend all year round, but Mill Valley Music is the musical hub of a town filled with superb music, music venues and musical happenings!

In response to PJA and his/her comments on Taos: You must be confused. Pueblo Bonito, while in Northern New Mexico, is nowhere near Taos. Taos Pueblo does not have a fence around it, except maybe a barbed-wire one. As far as racism here goes, having grown up in the south I know what racism looks like, and Taos is much better on that score than most places. In fact, with 3 distinct cultures, people get along quite well here. As for Taos being just a "gas stop, all you have to do is visit taos.org to see that's not true. You must be thinking of someplace else. I'll admit Taos is not perfect, but then, no place is. Come to Taos and spend a little time - you'll change your mind.

Great Barringotn is more about the tourist then the locals. it has nothing for there younger generation and has a drug/violnce/and teen pregnancy problems through the roof. it may be pretty on the outside but open it up its pretty sucky, take it from someone who lives here.

What? Brattleboro, VT? Anyone thinking of moving here and finding a happy place, should read this first. We are slowly spiraling down into a place where you can live nicely if you have a trust fund, but hardly otherwise. See http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?articleno=5280&page=1

Red Bank ? For a couple of days each month when the weather is nice, great place to be. But, 25 years ago most of the businesses in town were boarded up. The Red Bank you visit today is fairly new. I'm glad its on the list. The comments about Key Largo ? Nice advertisement Joe. I'll be over from Naples very soon to spend money and have some fun, but Key Largo shouldn't be on any BEST list. Now NAPLES, where I live......take it OFF the list because we don't want too many people figuring out how great it is here. Best beaches, fishing, boating, restaurants, shopping. The Ten Thousand Islands are nearby for the most incredible fishing, boating, camping, secluded beach islands....as long as you have a boat to take you out there.

I believe Siloam Springs is in Arkansas instead of Alaska.

well I live in butler county and minuets from the city of butler, butler county is holding realestate values , its a sellers market apparently the price of homes are high now. butler city, for the most part is boreing, youll find drugs no matter where you go, but rarely do we find news of shootings, robberies, or other violent crimes like we hear of in the city of pittsburgh. the county of butler has affordable taxes, compared to surrounding counties the article mentions the asian art meuseum, its in an old house, small, and not that big a deal. the jeep festival is one of three festivals a year in which the planners will not crawl out of the fifties, and play actual music, the kids in the schools in butler are not readly for life after graduation, [IF they do so]. Butler county is a decent place to live if your looking for a job in healthcare engineering. check the jobs availiable in nearby cranberry township,[16046/66 in search engine] and you will see what drives the economy here.

I grew up in Red Bank, NJ, during the 1940s and 1950s. The town's fortunate location along an estuary, a depleted and polluted body of water where crabbing was once a popular summer sport, is not a river at all. The town went into a free fall for almost twenty years; its housing market was saved by vacuous yuppies from nearby New York City and northern New Jersey who took over residences in nearby affluent communities like Rumson, Little Silver, and Middletown. It helped that a cadre of well-heeled stockbrokers and physicians held the fort while pop musicians and numerous celebrities scarfed up second-residences for easy commutes to Manhattan, which, as the crow flies, is forty-five miles away (not 25 as stated in the article). The town is utterly sterile with a cramped infrastructure more suitable to times gone by. Do not read this as "quaint." Nothing about Red Bank or central New Jersey is quaint. There's loads of traffic and subdivisions everywhere. And, as the article correctly stated, it's expensive, very expensive, to live in Monmouth County, these days. Have a nice day!

Well, the last time I was in Taos, the Mexicans in town were setting fire to the fence at Pueblo Bonito, where the resident Indian population was quietly minding its business as it has for thousands of years. The racism in Taos is pretty thick. Breakfast one morning with an Indian friend in a restaurant of rednecks was another unpleasant experience. Taos? I really don't think it deserves much more than a gas stop.

Great Barrington, MA is also home to the "Berkshire Fringe Festival" ...now in its 7th Year...It is a venue for creative, emerging artists who will perform this summer on the Campus of Bard College at Simon's Rock, (which is on the outskirts of the village).

The choice of Gig Harbor is perfect! The only thing I would change is that it should be rated higher. Great place, great people, great area.

Shame on you, Smithsonian. Such a bastion of educational material and yet you cannot even get the postal abbreviation code for Arkansas correct??! It's Siloam Springs, AR. Not Alaska... And it is a great little town!

This is a great article and the worst photo of Gig Harbor I have ever seen. Probably for the best. Not many people will be flocking to visit with the worst view of Gig Harbor when there are so many other amazing views including views of Mt.Rainier in the back ground.

One large omission about Mill Valley, CA is that it's been the home of the Mill Valley Film Festival, an internationally recognized film festival for 35 years now. The film festival started in downtown Mill Valley and now owns and operates the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, arguably one of the most prestigious film art houses in the country. They (California Film Institute) also owns the Sequoia Theater in downtown Mill Valley. This "institution" helped put Mill Valley on the map!

I live here in Gt.Barrington It's pretty BUT NOT number one

Good choices. Been to all but 3. As geographers we make it a point to do highways + byeways.

I am so thankful for this great list. I have been to some and live in Gig Harbor, Washington. I dearly love it. It looks like a charming New England harbor town. There is a happy vibe here in our town. We looked all over the Northwest until we found this charming little town. Thank you, will read in my Smithsonian Mag. Blessings to you all.

I have lived in Key Largo, Florida, the first of the Fabulous Florida Keys for 20+ years now. Along with my wife, we operate a small resort there as well. Key West is a charming town and should be visited - but I feel the oversight this article and so many others make, is that if you visit Key West, you have only visited a small part of the Fabulous Florida Keys. We are a truly unique chain of 43 interconnected islands and driving down the highway to Key West and then saying you have visited the Florida Keys is only to short-change yourself. Those who choose to visit often soon discover that each little island and town has many unique things to offer and only after you have explored many of those opportunities have you truly discovered The Florida Keys and Key West. So take the time to explore - often - all the Florida Keys - it will enlighten you and even enhance your experience of Key West. Joe Harris - Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens in Key Largo, Florida, USA.

I've seen many of these towns on my bicycle tours...Great Barrington, Brattleboro, Ashland...well done Smithies!

I cannot believe Saltville,Va. is not on this list and at the top-One of the riches if not the riches town in America. Who made this decision? I also bet no one that compiled this list has ever visited this unique town.I presently live in Danville,Va which properly was not even discussed.My opion and i am sticking to it-As we say here in the South-Later

Naples, Florida is paradise. I am a world traveler and have lived in Europe and South America, but chose Naples as my base. Perfect beaches, high culture, art, sophistication, wonderful climate for business, and exquisite dining. It is a gem than can compete with much larger cities in terms of quality of life.

No place is perfect and it depends on the taste of the individual but I'll take Key West. I grew up in New England and it is beautiful there 5 months of the year but you can keep the other 7 months. Key West is sunny almost everyday and there is never a frost. It has a small town feeling.You know almost everyone there (nowhere else to go), the speed limit is 35,no traffic, you don't need a car, you can get around on a bike or scooter, very dog friendly, and there are 300 bars there. Not for everyone, but I will take it.

BUTLER PA? the most unliveable city list is more likely. being a subscriber to your magazine makes me wonder now exactly what influence you had in listing this run down, economically distressed drug infested city as a great small town. The only people who would even consider butler a great small town are those who have never been here, and those who have no clue.

I moved to Taos twenty years ago at the age of twenty-two. Many of us call New Mexico the land of entrapment because for reasons seemly beyond ones control it is a hard place to leave. There is not a day that has passed over the last twenty years that I have not found myself mesmerized by the natural beauty. But, here is my honest take. Taos is a great place to drop out or retire. Come to Taos and have your God realizing acid trip or write your novel but if you want a good school system, career opportunities, or a faster paced life style, don't move to the Southwest "backwaters" called Taos. There is a major drug and alcohol problem here and a "manana" attitude that can drive one completely nuts if you come wanting to accomplish absolutely anything. My motto is: Taos is a wonderful place to visit, again and again. If I ever get out of here I will definitely come back to retire, take acid and have my complete God realization. But why wait?

The fact that I'm absolutely in love with "the one and only" Brattleboro (VT -- for Vermont!) has absolutely nothing to do with my being the Executive Director of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. But it sure makes my job really easy. And now, Dear Smithsonian, you've made it even easier!

I was wondering when some big group would discover what I, and many others have discovered through the last eons...Taos is a real gem. You neglected to mention the great outdoor offerings...rock climbing, river rafting, hiking along mountain streams, fly fishing, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, Lama treks...the list goes on and on. There is other music too. We are between Denver and Albuquerque and thus many great musicians stop on their way through. Great music on the town Plaza every Thursday Summer night. Our town is very diverse; in culture,income, life style etc. But we are small and therefore mix it up and enjoy the ride. Come visit us. The sun shines 345 days of the year but at 7000 ft. we're COOL.

Need to check your facts regarding Siloam Springs, AR. It is a beautiful town but it is neither the birthplace of Wal-Mart or the home of Crystal Bridges Museum. Those would be Bentonville and Rogers, AR.

Naples Florida is one special place. There is a reason why in season (winter months for all else) people from all over the world flock here. The culture and enviroment is the utmost in worldly class. The surroundings are breathtaking, beaches are amazing, shopping is world class, and the food is exquisite. I meet people from all over the world who have the means to go anywhere, and there a reason they are here. This full time resident has lived in many places all over the world, and Naples is my number one selection. Also real estate here is much sort after now again after a past correction. All the worldly visitors are investing by the tons once again here again. Investing in Naples now is second to none. Life is great here, come and enjoy the great life it offers!

I've lived in Great Barrington. It is a sweet place, but #1, I think not.

The 20 Best Small Towns in USA, North America. America is a big continent (North, Central a South).

Naples -- great choice. Have lived in many places in the US and overseas -- picked Naples as being highly cosmopolitan, clean, culturally oriented with great weather. The Naples Symphony is most accomplished and enjoyable and you can find a place to park when attending.

Princeton, New Jersey is listed 12th as one of the best small towns in this article. Please note that Princeton, composed of Princeton Borough and Princeton Township, has a combined population of over 30,000. In 2013 consolidation of the two governmental entities will take place. In no way does this detract from making this a nifty place to live.

I hope your fact checkers did a better job on information regarding the other city descriptions than with Siloam Springs. Such a glaring error to allow AK for AR.

How about Upstate New York..Rhinebeck We Have the Hudson River & 5 Estates that are open to the public,historical sites & a Presidential Library, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), along with BARD FISHER CENTER, awesome hikes @ Minnewaska Sate Park, Mohonk Mountain & the Shawangunk Ridge & Wine Trail to name a few. Restaurants galore, Rhinebeck Performing Arts, Vassar Powerhouse Theater & more..Maybe if you had "25 Best Towns" we surely would have made the cut.

Molly Pitcher "a Revolutionary War heroine who is said to have brought water to thirsty soldiers"?! It's completely tangential to the story, but I'd expect the Smithsonian to report the actual reason for her fame: taking her wounded husband's place and ramming shot into a cannon. The only historical fact in the story, and Smithsonian Magazine gets it wrong. Oh dear.

I am a native of Beckley, WV, and was glad to see it on your list. You mentioned the outdoor theater, Tamarack, and exhibition coal mine but did not mention a university in the city limits, a new Federal Courthouse, and several federal buildings, a city pool, 2 parks, as well as many cultural events that are brought into Beckley throughout the year. Within a 30 minute drive, we also have white water rafting, a beautiful ski resort, 2 very nice lakes for swimming or boating, many camping areas, the New River Gorge Bridge, a new multimillion dollar boy scout "high adventure" camp, and most any restrauants or motel that one could imagine. Did I mention that our display of fall leaves are spectacular?

The pic is of Lyndora Pa. rather. Def one of the greatest little towns in the country. 16045 baby!!!

I am here to sing the praises of beautiful Naples, Fl. I have extensve travel experience in the US and most of Europe. I can live anywhere. When it came time for me to pick a location to live, my choice was Naples. I consider it the most beautiful place on earth. The art and culture here is the utmost in worldly class, the people are friendly, and even at the height of season, people from all over the world are here loving it just at much. Life is what you make it and being able to live here is a gift to myself. When you make it in life, Naples is here for you to celebrate it!

The years I live in red bank N J I love it.

Correction: Siloam Springs, Arkansas (AR) 72761

guess I'm lucky since I live in the beautiful Berkshires in the sping and summer and we enjoy Naples in the winter! However, I think Lenox has Great Barrington beat by a Berkshire mile with its natural beauty and proximity to ALL the great attractions the area has to offer. Take another look folks (but you were close)!

I would like to believe that my home-town, Butler, Pennsylvania, belongs on this list; I don't see it. On the other hand, I am a frequent visitor to Princeton, NJ; with so much to offer, it deserves a higher rank on the list. I wonder about the methodology that was used to make these selections.

I agree with your May 2012 issue that Siloam Springs, AR (Arkansas) is a beautiful town. However, it is not located in AK (Alaska). Or maybe they do have a Siloam Springs - but I'll bet it's not in the Ozarks. Love the magazine. We, in Arkansas, are just a bit touchy about our initials.

See how Key West was turned into a tourist town after going bankrupt and being turned over to the federal government in this PBS documentary: http://keywestbohemia.org/

Regarding #14 (The Next Ten): Siloam Springs is located in Arkansas, not Alaska. The postal code for Arkansas is AR, Alaska is AK.

To see Gig Harbor, WA rated as #5 put a smile on my face. We spent most of last fall/winter traveling around the Puget Sound area, trying to decide where to live, and Gig Harbor was the place we chose. Ironically we chose this town for the same reasons mentioned in the article!

Naples? Really? Nothing small town about Naples, I am sorry. My brother lives there and hates the place. In the winter when the snowbirds have flocked to more than double the population, both traffic and the eco-system take a huge hit. Seriously Smithsonian, time to re-think this list even if the criteria for getting on here matches. To me a real small town is at least an hour away from any metropolis. Not sure if you realize this, but the whole SW corridor of Florida is one sprawling city!

My wife and i travel to the states every 2nd year from Shoalhaven Heads Australia. We always make it a point to stay in the Berkshires and will continue to do so. It's all very nice Regards Glen and Louise

Ashland, OR, also has great opportunities for hiking (Pacific Coast Trail), river rafting (Rogue River), skiing (Mt. Ashland) and biking (nice long bike trail connecting several towns).

I just read all of the posts, most positive. Yet, I hated seeing the cynics rant on and on about Butler...Taos...Key West...Menomonie...Beckley, etc... making the list...while those of us who were born and raised in Staunton...just smiled and grinned...and thanked our lucky stars.

I do believe who ever came to visit Menomonie either was there in the winter and did not see the beautiful "green" pea soup Lake Menomin or was given some "Boyceville Gold" brownies to munch on to sway their assessment of this town. They do have some good plays at the Mable Tainter theatre and that is about it.

AR is abbreviation for ARKANSAS---not AK which is Alaska. Siloam Springs AR is a lovely town--friendly and picturesque. My 4 years of high school was at Siloam Springs High School--graduated 1951.

Are you kidding me, Menomonie. How did they find the town? I didn't know about it and I lived an hour away for five years.

As a newer resident (7 years) to Great Barrington, I would endorse the selection. Having always lived in metro areas (Miami, Atlanta, Dallas), I love the small town atmosphere and the people. Local business run by local people; locavore options abound for a gastronomic feast at all $$$ levels. And Berkshire County is an amazingly beautiful area all 4 seasons with so much variety - arts, festivals, hiking, canoeing, a bikers haven. I'm glad I made the move!

Is Smithsonian Magazine racist? Did you deliberately exclude towns with Black majority population? Or our you saying that there are no Black majority towns that are nice to live in? I read your comment policy. Nice piece of fluff website.

Who ever wrote this article piece is mistaken on historical facts aboutTaos Pueblo and need to refer to the world heritage site and see they put the wrong date...

Sorry Smithsoniam - there is no such place as "Beckley City" it's just plain old "Beckley" WV - there is not "Beckley City..." you need to correc this...

The U.S. is so big and there are just too many incredible small towns missing off this list so it's hard to take it seriously but fun to learn about new places nevertheless.

Try living in New England for a winter before you move here.

photo 8 is not butler pa 16001 the photo is of bessemer,penn,and kohler ave in lyndora pa 16045. lyndora is a small boro adjacent to the city of butler and has its own ethnic and commercial history. tom ellis a lyndora resident 72 years.

Maybe I should have stayed?

I was interested to see Siloam Springs in the Ozarks of Alaska (AK)on your list. Siloam Springs in the Ozarks of Arkansas (AR) is also a delightful place. While you're in AR check out Bentonville and Crystal Bridges and Eureka Springs, an art colony on a par with Taos.

Naples?? is this a joke? World-class music and culture? Obviously whomever contrived this list has never been here! I've been in Naples for almost 10 years and I can report that Naples has absolutely no culture what-so-ever.. The old-timer residents despise culture or anything/anyone that resembles it. Came here to live close to family years ago and I'm counting down the days until I leave this place. Naples has nothing to offer me or anyone else for the matter under the age of 65. As another commenter replied, the beach gets old after a while.. and that’s all Naples has going for it.

Three cheers for Beckley, WV! I have lived in Beckley all my life and am proud to see it make this list. It is a wonderful place to live. To me, there is no place quite as wonderful as southern West Virginia!

Three cheers for Beckley, WV! I have lived in Beckley all my life and am proud to see it make this list. It is a wonderful place to live. To me, there is no place quite as wonderful as southern West Virginia!

I also would like to have seen Pensacola, Florida on you list. The ciy has a lot to offer. evidentley spelling isn't one of them

I'm wondering why the authors didn't go to these places...had they, Beckley, WV would not have been listed as an example of wonderful small town America. First of all, it's Beckley, not Beckley City....second, I wouldn't classify it as a 'small town'. Tamarack is a nice stop off the interstate, but as a whole, most of Beckley is run down and lacking in any of the ammenities that would classify it as a nice place to visit. The downtown area isn't walkable, even if there were places to walk. Most of the restaurants are chains. The closest 'museums' are an hour away in Charleston. There's a Starbucks at the interstate truck stop and a stip club not too far away...serioulsy, not a center of culture. Thirty miles to the north is Fayetteville, WV which actually has some of qualities of a nice small town: good local restaurants, acccess to the National Park, bed and breakfasts, small shops, a farmer's market, and access to outdoor activities like whitwater rafting, climbing and mountain biking. Why wasn't this place listed?

Marfa is wonderful, as is Oxford.

I agree with Peaches that most big city people don't have a clue as to life in a small town. They looked for " concentrations of museums, historic sites, botanic gardens, resident orchestras, art galleries and other cultural assets". What about schools, hospitals, climate, crime rate, utility costs, etc.? Half the places that they have listed are actually suburbs.

Huh? Lived here since college and never heard Brunswick, Maine referred to as a small fishing town.

It is interesting to me to read all these comments. Seems that no matter how nice a place is, some people aren't going to be happy. Having moved to Gig Harbor a little over 2 years ago now, I was proud to see it make the list at #5. It seems that most of the comments post here agree it is as nice as it is reported to be, although there are, as I mentioned, those who apparently didn't find happiness there. Sad really because I believe that if you can't find happiness where you are you probably won't be able to find it anywhere and if you can't see the beauty and benefits available in Gig Harbor you most definitely won't be happy no matter where you go.

I love Beckley WVa!!! After all I grew up there! Now that I am a mom with kids I know and understand the small town living is safer than bigger cities. I live in Miiami fl now I like it but there is no place like W Va.

"There is, we think, something encouraging about finding culture in small-town America."

The authors couldn’t have written a more penetrating and revealing sentence (hat tip to Peaches at 07:29).

Hill City, South Dakota has some of the most beautiful natural scenery of any place in the country (and I have been to forty-four states). It has a population of less than a thousand and, yet, has good restaurants, an archaeological museum, art galleries and is in close proximity to Custer State Park, a true national treasure.

Naples Fla The most beautiful city in the Us

It always cracks me up that the 'big city' people 1) have no idea what a "small town" is, and 2)that they say things like "There is, we think, something encouraging about finding culture in small-town America" as if it were a shock to find anything at all, much less creative and cognizant human beings, outside of their beltways. I've lived in huge cities (+1 million pop) and now live in a town of 145 - and there are museums, art shows, local band performances, even a cappella singing performances and melodramas, everywhere you look,and at least every weekend within a two hour drive. Thanks for playing, but 'culture' is everywhere, once you get off your subways and look somewhere else - besides down your own nose. And you don't need a computerized Google list to find it. I hope you weren't paid for this bit of mindless, effortless fluff.

A cruel and wholly unjustified post by Freddy about Oxford, MS. I am a transplant from the Chicago area and have lived and worked in Oxford for nearly 15 years. I have lived in several countries including a small coastal town in the land called California, and find Oxford to be the most agreeable and delightful community to return to after travel to call home.

#19 Should be corrected to say Beckley, WV instead of Beckley City, WV. I have driven through that area on my way up from my hometown of Charlotte, NC several times and it is a beautiful area and seemingly nice little/medium sized town.

I also would like to have seen Pensacola, Florida on you list. The ciy has a lot to offer.

I would liked to have seen Alton, New Hampshire on your list. It is a beautiful town with much to offer.

Laguna Beach? Really? Yeah, it's fabulous in the middle of December, but as soon as the tourists come in it is overcrowded, and the water turns green. Yes, it is lovely, but really only for a few months out of the year.

Amazed Philipsburg, MT. isn't on this list.. crazy small town, big on visitors

Siloam Springs, Arkansas would be Siloam Springs, AR not AK. AK would be Alaska. You are not the first to make this mistake nor will you be the last. But of course AR and AK is mostly nothing but small towns.

Oxford, MS should be number one on this list. I'm from NC and went to school in Chapel Hill (which is now approaching big city status). There is no university town in America that is more attractive than Oxford.

@Freddy What's wrong with hunting in the city limits? Seems like a perfectly acceptable activity so long as its done carefully. And why is the university the only "decent" thing to look at?

As a life long Butler resident I couldn't agree more with your number 7 pick. Having traveled extensively all over the US and Europe I learned long ago that our little town is a great place to live. We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside you've ever seen. Great golf courses abound. We have an incredible system of city, township and state parks nearby. The local school systems are top notch. Some of the best College and Universities in the nation are an easy drive. There are wonderful theater and musical performances at local venues ... and best of all are our people! Down to earth, hard working, generous, caring people. Come give us a visit - I'll show you around!

Augusta,Georgia is the best place to live

I have been to Durango Colorado and it is a great small town.More like heaven on earth.It DEFINITLY deserves to be on the list.People check it out!

having been born and raised in Brooklyn,NY.........I had oplenty of culture a cubway ride away......and a lot of my neighbors were not interested in culture...I loved visiting my paternal grandmother in Troy,NY and loved the train tracks one block from where she lived...when the flashing red lights went on...I was thrilled to no end.........and when I joined the Navy in 1970 I got to meet some interesting people,especially the Southerners.....some real nice small towns not far from cultural attractions there........so now I live 20 minutes from Ponce Inlet now...........

Naples is a hideous town that strives from poor values due to a facisnation with wealth and the perception of it. It's fun to visit but considering I was raised in a midwestern town, I would never consider raising my children here and I'm 23.

Key West should be number one. Prices are competive with any other resort town. The best thing is that you no longer have to be super rich to afford a home on the rock. Key West also has the number one little theatre in the state of Florida. There is something for everyone.

I would not feel sorry for anyone spending their money or time to visit Butler Pa. You would need to be interested in history in order to appreciate what Butler has to offer.

Any of the people involved in compilihg this list ever been to Georgia or South Carolina?

I have lived in Oxford and I visited Menomonie. I like both towns but I don't know if they are truly among the 20 best small towns in America.

I visited Vermont and its just beautiful, and the people are so friendly.

Wow, I'm so impressed that Brattleboro, VT made the list. It has long been overlooked but that doesn't stop that small town from continuing to be one of the most charming and culturally diverse towns in New England. I no longer live there but will treasure my years of residency forever.

Wow, I'm so impressed that Brattleboro, VT made the list. It has long been overlooked but that doesn't stop that small town from continuing to be one of the most charming and culturally diverse towns in New England. I no longer live there but will treasure my years of residency forever.

Small towns?!?! Are you kidding me? These places are big cities compared to the small towns I've lived in over the years.

Is there a Siloam Springs in Alaska? There is one in Arkansas and the Ozark setting is in Arkansas. Eureka Springs,Arkansas might be on your list of best small towns. It is called "Little Switzerland" because it is built on beautiful mountains. It has the renouned "Thorncrown Chapel" designed by the famous architect Fay Jones.

Donna; who posted above needs to, read it again, it does not say that Siloam Springs, Ar was the birth place of Walmart. Read it again!!!!!!!

Thoroughly agree with the Staunton, VA choice. The remodeled train station is another asset as well as the beautiful layout of the town. I'd add Lewisburg, WV and New Hope, PA to this list. Great towns!

Thoroughly agree with the Staunton, VA choice. The remodeled train station is another asset as well as the beautiful layout of the town. I'd add Lewisburg, WV and New Hope, PA to this list. Great towns!

Naples was great 40 years ago when my family would vacation there every spring. Today it isn't really a "small" town. Too many changes and 5th avenue is not the same. I miss the "Book Nook"

How could you miss Swarthmore, PA. Charming, intellectual, quiet and close to a big city. Also, have you folks ever been to Butler?

I love Smithsonian magazine but you've gotta wonder how Naples and Butler ended up on the same list. As a native of Butler County with family who still live there and have since the 1850s, did the authors actually visit either Butler or Naples? Or did they rely on photos and statistics and some computer generated program? Walk down Main Street in Butler. It used to be lively in the 1950s and '60s but not anymore. When I go to Butler, it makes me feel so sad-folks need jobs in this rust belt community! I realize the Downtown Revitalization folks are working hard but they have a way to go. And now energy companies are coming in and doing whatever they want cause of natural gas & Marcella shale. The energy companies are not burdened by regulations in PA or Butler County. And folks are desperate for money.

On the other end of the spectrum, Naples has lots of wealthy part time residents and wicked traffic.

No Country For Old Men may have been partially filmed in Marfa, TX - I didn't recognize it if so, but a good deal of it was in Las Vegas, NM - where it was easy to recognize most of the scenes.

I was born and raised here until I was in the 4th grade. I remember the winters skiing at Jug End Barn Resort. So much fun for our families. And, yes beautiful landscape. My mom misses Great Barrington to this day. I can't wait to share this with her.

Butler, Pa? Really? Did you visit, before saying that it has a thriving downtown? Once upon a time, downtown had 2 nice department stores, which are now closed. There are only two, non-chain restaurants in town, where I would dine. Although there are stately Victorian mansions along the main street (now mostly offices) most areas look run-down. It is a depressed city, with high unemployment. The county does have some worthy sites, including McConnell's Mills State Park, with a covered bridge, and Lake Arthur, with sailboats, neither of which was mentioned in the article.
Although I reside in Butler County, I also frequently visit two other cities in your Top 10- Redbank, NJ and Naples, Fl - which both certainly deserve a place in the Top 10.

Red Bank deserves the title. it's a great, little boro on the navesink river. has two theaters, a great library, and u can walk to anywhere in town. it's a little pricey. we rented for 6 years, but couldn't afford to buy.

Red Bank is the best. My daugther lives there, and is beautiful,peaceful,great people,cheap,and the best pizza at the brothres pizza place. we are lookin foward goimg again this summer from texas.

There are about 6 of those places that I have visited for various amounts of time. Honestly, someone is not playing with a full deck, no one would ever settle in those places if they didn't have to. There are so many places in the US that are financially stable, great schools, beautiful scenery, wonderful hospitals and great people. One that comes to mind is Hammondsport, NY, a Beautiful lake, great school, many arts and crafts shows in the park. Great people, who would do anything for you.They have gorges leading down to the town, which are wonderful family experiences. They are the home of many wineries, Gold Seal, Taylor,Buuly Hill Wineries, and a short distance from Welch's grape juice winery in Naples New York. Yes, I wonder when there are so many great places, that you should choose what you have?? Do you get out much??

Consider visiting the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau. www.VisitButlerCounty.com. There is much more to Butler than the city itself. It is the region as a whole that makes it worthwhile.

Went to Gig Harbor during a business trip in 1972. Ate at the Klinkerdagger(sic)something ??? & Pettit Publick House sea food restaurant. Great food / Great town!

If Key West and Naples are too expensive and you prefer Florida, look at Venice about an hour north of Naples. It has a beautiful historic downtown within walking distance of beaches. Mount Dora outside of Orlando is an interesting small town similar to others on this list. It's very walkable and a poular "festival" town.

I've lived near Laguna Beach and grew up near Great Barrington and they both deserve their rankings but you forgot Venice Florida.It has so much more to offer than Naples.

My Dearest Butler, Pa., I was raised under your skies I walked through your seasons, your narrow streets that led to my "Diamond"... Somehow your simplicity provided the perfect training, & testing ground to try, fail, learn, prevail. I am "ONE" lucky guy who can never forget our many times together. You taught me well. You raised me to believe I could become anything, go anywhere & yet never leave. I was proud of You which made me proud of Me.
My Dearest Butler, Pa. "No matter where I roam, this heart will have a Home"...
Congrats! Butler, Pa. They "GOT IT RIGHT"!!! Norman Saleet

Gig Harbor is a wonderful place to live. Reasonable housing prices, open happy community. Very giving people live here and we are blessed.

Rick Santorum is from Butler???? GREAT!!! When can I move there?????

I truely feel that Northern Minnesota was wrongfully over-looked. Great lakes, friendly, Spirit mt, local business, local preformances...

Small Town needs to be defined. Key West, which I've been to many times, is not a small town. Westerville, Ohio is a beautiful "small" town.

I live in Butler and there are alot more features that come to mind that weren't mentioned like Jennings Nature Trail with its wild flowers, the Old Stone House, Moraine State Park, McConnells Mills, Butler Fairgrounds, Butler Farm show, Rails to Trails, Downtown Heritage events, Alameda Park,and Butler Memorial Park.

They weren't looking for best small towns to "live" in---that is obvious from their selections. And so stated in the article--to quote: "But we focused on towns with populations less than 25,000, so TRAVELERS could experience what might be called enlightened good times in an unhurried, charming setting. We also tried to select towns ranging across the lower 48. When they do a list for living purposes, they should ask residents and past residents--not research agencies for travelers.

How could you miss two gems--Peterborough, NH--Home of " OurTown"--and Montpelier, VT? Picture post card ambience, history, fabulous reputations?

Wow, worst article that I have ever read. The editor needs to do a better job weeding out the garbage. 2 THUMBS DOWN

Brunswick is a great town having spent many a summer here and now retired here. Nice overview but somewhat shortchanged with no mention of the truly outstanding Bowdoin International Music Festival held for 6 weeks for soon to be 50 years...a celebration of the most talented music studetns from across the globe and outstanding musicians teaching/learning/performing.

Coming from the East Coast & now living in Gig Harbor I might add another couple of pluses: no income tax (WA State), low prop taxes (for a coastal state anyway) & really cheap utilites (thanks to the hydro, NG & coal). Not the biggest sports fans in the world here but with cable & internet you're pretty well covered. Tony

They should have listed Bluffton, SC the best little town in the south

I found Great Barrington two years ago after visiting several states trying to find somewhere other than suburbia in which to raise my kids. I wanted to get away from the video game culture and raise my kids to be independent thinkers in a natural environment. There's not much work in the area so my husband, like many others, has to commute out of State during the week - which can be tough - but it is, without a doubt, a great place to raise kids. Skiing close by in the winter, incredibly beauty all summer, Fall that takes your breath away, a mud season that leads quickly into summer, people who think - and not a Sarah Palin supporter in sight.

TAOS,NM Best small town in America? I've been telling people this for over 35 years. You just barely figured it out now?

there are small towns across the nation,But what really make a great small town is just a matter of an opinion. i lived in Tucson A.Z.loved it there if it was to hot,we would go to Mt.Lemon that is nice and go fishing,camping.it was only an hour or so from tucson.not to sure what the population is now but it was quiet large.I now live in a Little town call Dexter N.M.,there population is of about 2000-3000 and i like it just as much as tucson,it has the bottomless lake's and lake Van,or you can always go about 20 min. north and go to Roswell and see what the alien fuss is all about.

I am surprised that "Great Barrington " was picked as # 1 . My parents have a home for the past 35 yrs in N. Egremont which is one town over . You are right that Great Barrington offers a lot all year round. Great food , entertainment, everyone treats you like family, and 3hrs. from L.I.

beckley west virginia? really? i lived there for 6 years and i really dont understand how it made the list. Theres a okay ski resort there, and a few little parks. But i guess if you went there for 1 day and visted the tamarack and watched the outdoor theater do "hatfields and mccoys" you might not think its such a terrible place.

How could Harbor Springs, Michigan, not make the list?

Some of these places most of us can't afford to live in.Some towns and cities they forgot too.

As a NJ transplant who chose to live in Brattleboro and raise a family, I am so grateful to be here. No status wars, gentle people, creativity, music. Wonderful community for kids where the focus is more on the moment. The economy can be tricky as in almost any small town- but if you work at it, there are opportunities. Telecommuting works well for me. Someone mentioned politics- that's another aspect of this place that makes it so vibrant- a lot of idealists- is that so bad?

Have you been anywhere in the mid west? Appleton WI? or my new home Sarasota FL which beats the Keys and certainly Naples.

I grew up in Taos, my family has been here for over 250 years, yes, there is the ethnic culture which is slowly being replaced by a different culture due to a migration of people moving here to escape, bringing with them Hollywood types and horrendously high housing prices. With a difficult economy, numerous vacant storefronts, and very few job prospects, galleries come and go here as quickly as summer thunderstorms. Taos is an extremely beautiful place, to visit. Please don't move here.

Why did The Smithsonian accept only those cities with majority white populations?

They may be the best small towns, but they dont talk about the expense of living there. When I think "small town" I think an inexpensive way to live? Not on this list...especially places like Naples FL.

They may be the best small towns, but they dont talk about the expense of living there. When I think "small town" I think an inexpensive way to live? Not on this list...especially places like Naples FL.

Baily's Harbor, WI. It's nine miles across Door County from the tourist traps but on Lake Michigan, not Green Bay. Just a sleepy little town of about 1,500 (?). I don't live there but I'd like to; I can tolerate the cold because I stay indoors and write in the winter.

Fernandina Beach, Florida on Amelia Island should be on the list ! Lots to do, many golf courses, fishing, nice beach, good food and reasonable prices.

Spent 40 years in Butler before leaving the area to travel the country. There are many beautiful small towns in PA (let alone the country) and Butler is not. Your article is very misleading and one would have to wonder how it was chosen...did anyone visit it from your staff or was this all based on the Jeep parade.

Lafayette Louisiana is the small town capital of the world. It should be the #1 spot on this list without question. yeah rouge yeah blanc yeah cajuns allons!

Taos, New Mexico? Are you kidding? That is the filthiest, most heavily littered town I have ever lived in. You can have a mansion next door to a private junkyard, both at the end of an unpaved dirt road with potholes large enough to damage the suspension of your car. It has a heavy neo-hippy culture and leans hard left, politically. The only quaint part of Taos is the plaza and the few blocks surrounding it. The ethnic diversity that exists there is not a harmonious one either. About Taos, try it for a few years and leave. But it should not be considered a nice place to live.

Re: the posting by Ken on April 19,2012 | 02:13 PM Butler, PA - #7 on this list - is home to machinists, farmers, engineers, assembly line workers, nurses, lawyers, teachers, musicians, artists, clergy, entrepreneurs, chefs, auto mechanics, hunters, fishermen, churchgoers, runners, bicyclists, motorcycle enthusiasts, golfers, salesmen - the list goes on. It's a great place to live, built on hard work and hometown values where the overall cost of living has not spiraled out of control. The only traffic jam is heading to Wal-mart on a Saturday.

Marfa,TX is a dying town, it's population has been declining for several years. The average age of the population in Marfa is much older than the average for the rest of the state. Most of the young people who live there can't wait to leave. Real Estate is cheap there but there is an obvious reason for that, no one wants to move there.

Siloam Springs is a beautiful small town in Arkansas (AR) not Alaska (AK).

Looks so very nice. Lucky you!

Butler may not be a place for vacations, except for the visiting to attend some of the annual events, but it is a great place to live and grow up. I know. I did it. Great family town, great neighbors, a great people. When I think of our nation, I think of Butler. I hope the town remembers it's history and keeps on keeping on.

I have traveled to 55 countries and nearly every state. Yet for 34 years my return destination has been Menomonie. When I get on the plane, I'm always glad to come back. For my wife and me, it is unpretentiously ideal.

Whitefish, Montana. Small affordable town...great lake, ski resort, golf, fly fishin' for trout, elk, moose, eagles, bears, crystal clear rivers, buffalo burgers, Montana Beef (it's what's for dinner), snow capped mountains, hiking, white water rafting, snowmobiling, dog sledding, photography, western antique shopping, cool summer breezes, pow wow's and Glacier National Park. Big Sky Country. Last Best Place. Whitefish, Montana.

Check it out! Gig Harbor is voted #5 best small town in USA!!!

Menomonie WI, What a great choice! It's a great town set in a beautiful part of Wisconsin. Besides all the historic places, shops and restaurants homesick Menomonites comment on above, remember our two independent bookstores. Put Bookends on Main and Cogitare on your next walking tour of downtown, maybe during the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival or SummerDaze festivities.

Did you know that the town of Great Barrington does not allow Christmas decorations? David de Cesare, Baiting Hollow, NY

Gig Harbor, WA, is indeed a beautiful small town with so much to offer that we, the Harborites, sometimes take it for granted. Even so, complacent as we may have become, we adore our little nautical nook across the Narrows Bridge. The people here are friendly and welcoming. We have a downtown area located along the Harbor where the retailers invite you to browse and are more than happy to answer your questions; whether you're inquiring about local artisans or where to purchase locally grown/made gourmet food items. We have two privately owned bookstores (they have staying power and a great selection of books!) Our uptown area features an out-door style mall with many eclectic and lovely clothing, gift, and specialty shops. The restaurants along Harborview and in the uptown area cater to everyone's needs in terms of diet and taste. We have a next-to-nothing crime rate and the neighbors watch over one another's properties. We've enjoyed travelling within the states and abroad, but we're always happy to return home.

I have lived in and around Red Bank, NJ for many years and yes, it is a wonderful town! It is a small town with a big town atmosphere. There are friendly people, terrific stores, great restaurants, wonderful antique centers, the beautiful Navesink River and of course the Count Basie Theatre as referenced in the article. The shows there can't be beat because there is such a diversity in what is offered, from ballet, jazz and rock to the plays staged by Phoenix Productions and the Monmouth and New Jersey Symphony orchestra performances to name a few. There are food festivals, jazz in the park, the street fair in September and many other interesting things to do. If you are ever in the neighborhood stop by and check Red Bank out.

staunton, va is a wonderful place that i discovered on accident. i live in va beach and i was meeting my better half who was away at school. we picked a place that looked to be the middle on a map - staunton. it is the cutest town, amazing local shops, friendly people, rich history, great bars with rare beers and live bands, and locally owned restaurants (seriously, some of the food is to die for. try the irish alley or the bistro if you ever make the trip). we're going back there to celebrate our anniversary this week. i think the most amazing thing about that experience is what i found out afterwards. i was telling my family about how great the city was, and my grandma shared with me that staunton is where she and my grandpa spent their honeymoon. they were married 65 years prior to his passing. anyway, enough about me, VISIT STAUNTON!

What fascinates about your choice of Great Barrington as #1 are the various comments from readers who,correctly in my opinion, point to the spectacular nature of the ENTIRE Berkshire area. My wife and I are retirees who hail from Brooklyn, have a permanent residence on Long Island NY, are definitely not among the 1%, and have a second home in GB that we visit at least one week each month. Yes, taxes in GB are higher than elsewhere in the Berkshires (but far lower than LI). Yes, there is some love-hate relationship between locals and folks likes (because of which we shop locally, and take care to be polite and respectful to our neighbors). And yes, traffic gets annoying during tourist seasons (it pays to befriend locals, who know of great detours!). Bottom line: GB is well worth visit(s) from your readers.

What about Meredith, NH? Beautiful jewel of a town...for all seasons. What about North Hutchinson Island, FL? On the ocean, view of the Indian River, close to cultural events in Vero Beach.

I was a resident of Mill Valley for nearly 40 years and I quite agree that the author's assessment is right on the money!! I regret having to leave my home town but current circumstances required it.

My wife and I have to agree we were extremly surprised to see Gt. Barrington,MA rated #1 in America; while we agree wholehardedly with the survey for all the reasons put forth and more, we have had 20 great years living here and thank G-d every day we get to wake up here and get to live in that which has been described. We are getting older now and look forward to retirement and have put our 231 year old house up for sale. We are located a short walk to the downtown and a short walk to one of the best ski areas in the region. We recommend to anyone that coming to Gt. Barrington will be an incredibly worthwhile endevour and who knows you may just wish to stay and perhaps purchase a nice old home to live in.

All well and good! There are beautiful places in this Country! The only problem I see with being in these places is how do you live there? Most of these small town's don't have any jobs for the locals, never mind newcomers! If you are not in the local college or university, being supported by the parents, best stay where you are! I don't know about you, but I need to work and support my Family!

I have lived here for nearly 30 years! Never would have expected to see us on this list! Congratulations Siloam Springs!

Bravo Smithsonian! You got it right. Great Barrington is not only a great place to visit, it's a great place to live. From the first time I stepped foot in this town to ski at Butternut I was in love and knew that I wanted to live here. 12 years later when my daughter started UMass Amherst, I moved here from Long Island and never looked back. Beautiful scenery, unlimited cultural pursuits and itelligent and caring people who smile and engage you on the street. What more could a person ask for in a hometown? Great Barrington......You Rock!

Asheville N.C. is one of the most interesting places Ive ever been to.Didnt make the list??? I lived in Naples FL for 25 years. It "WAS" worth the list before 2005. Now, not so much.

I grew up on a farm 13 miles east of Siloam Springs. I have lived in this area all my life(I'm 56). I moved to town 24 years ago. As for Walmart, we have the 4th one built. I raised two kids and they graduated from Siloam Springs High School also. It's a beautiful town and all of the country side around it! I loved growing up here and it's a great place to call "home".

Princeton has 46,000 people according to my research. Thats a small town?

This is a good choice! Nice town and one we used to visit regularly as Pittsburgh residents!! Go a little further north to Moraine State Park....nice locale!

One problem with your article is that you did not do any research. Siloam Springs, Arkansas is not the birthplace of Walmart or the home of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. THEY ARE IN BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS !!!!!!

I would love to see the list. JUST the list. Don't need a slide show. Not going to scroll through multiple pages just to drum up click rates. Bye

Marfa, TX...It has one thing going for it for sure...the high school football team will be playing Six-Man football starting next season, a version of football that only the smallest classifications of schools can opt to play in Texas...a fast, more exciting, and usually higher scoring type of football...if you have never seen a Six-Man game you are missing out!

I am not one to post on message boards; however as a native of West Virginia, I had to say something. Beckley City is not a town. It is just Beckley, WV, now doesn't that sound better? I looked this article up because I had heard Beckley made the list, and I was excited that WV was getting well-deserved attention. I know it is a small mistake, but a mistake nonetheless.

Naples sucks. Unless you have money, then it's not so bad. There are many better small towns in Florida, but if you're under 40 and work a regular job, Naples is not for you.

Ashland, Oregon was a wise choice for the top 20 small towns in America. Theatre, mountains, rivers, a university, great people and the best coffee from Case Coffee Roasters to drink on crisp, cool days!!

Lived in Mill Valley twice. It's an enchanted place surrounded by awesome natural beauty that has managed to retain its charm and individuality. Mountain biking was invented there.

Great list

Red Bank New Jersey is a gem. All the haters need to get over themselves. Thank you Smithsonian for the recognitation !

Brattleboro is indeed a lovely village. We passed through when moving to New Hampshire and had to stop-it was so lovely. We strolled around and met so many friendly local residents we began to wonder if we should just stop and stay there. But we continued on to New Hampshire. You forgot about this lovely state. The only problem is to decide which lovely village to pick as best!

Donna - the Siloam Springs mention does NOT say Walmart was founded in nor Crystal Bridges is in Siloam. It says, "Along with Rogers, the birthplace of Walmart. and Bentonville, home of the Crystal Bridges..." indicating the correct placement of both. You misread the article.

I have lived in major metropolitan cities most of my life, and after getting married in NYC, and moving to Taos, NM....well, my husband and I feel we are in nirvana! I opened one of the most fashionable stores imaginable, eat fabulous, locally grown dinners at amazing restaurants, and meet intelligent, sophisticated people every day I am here. I know that anyone who visits Taos would not go away untouched.

Just returned from my second visit to the Ashland Independent Film Festival. I am so jealous of my friend from high school who has been able to retire there!! Its the greatest little town and the film festival is such a treat! We also saw one play this year and did the backstage tour of all three Shakespeare theaters - fascinating look at the world of rep theater. Do yourself a favor and go visit for a week or a weekend - or a month! Stay at the Best Western Bard Inn - a truly welcoming hotel with four locations and superb service.

I've lived in Mill Valley for 23 years and have a love/hate relationship with the town. On the plus side, we have great schools, a twenty minute drive into San Francisco, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails right in our back yard, a 15 minute drive to Muir Woods and the redwoods, access to all types of water sports, an hours drive to the Napa Valley and a bit longer drive to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore where you can see seals, whale migrations and bird life. And if you ski, Lake Tahoe is about 3 hours away. Our climate is perfect ... never gets too hot, or too cold and we don't get rain in the summer so planning outdoor activities is pretty safe from June to October.

On the downside, real estate here is very expensive, and so are our property taxes, gas, food and everything else. If I hadn't bought my house in 1989, when it was still affordable, I wouldn't be able to buy here now.

Not sure my husband and I will be able to stay here once he retires, but none of the other locations we've considered come close to the beauty of this place.

Taos is lovely beyond words, but seriously, what is wrong with being allowed to hunt in your own bacl yard?

Staunton, Virginia...home of the little piece of heaven on Earth known as Mrs. Rowe's. Can't catch a Hokies game without stopping in for some Hash Brown casserole and tenderloin gravy on the way down and fried chicken, mac 'n cheese and a slice of pie on the way back!

I grew up in Butler, PA, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it made the list. I live in CO now and miss that small town feeling. Things have changed back east. When I drive down Main Street, I can remember all of the family-run businesses, which are now long gone. From my experience, it seems you can never get enough of the beautiful old barns, farm houses, lush trees, and rolling hills. Fall is definitely the highlight, with the changing leaves of an amazing range of colors, but until you've lived somewhere else, I'm not sure you can appreciate what you're missing.

i was born in gt.barrington and still live there and love it although i now spend my winters in florida but look forward every spring to going home to G B

Bentonville is the birthplace of walmart. They should really say Benton County, AR. Fayetteville is alright, too. But, it's expensive and crowded. Siloam Springs is alright. North West Arkansas is a good area.

Princeton is my Camelot. Community members can audit regular university classes; every day's schedule includes lectures, speakers, films and other events with no fee. Because it's so convenient to NY and DC, we get a lot of government and theater/music celebrities. Like-minded people, beautiful surroundings, and an hour from either New York or Philadelphia --- with a convenient train to Newark Airport. First class public library in the center of town is a center of events for people of all ages seven days a week. My sons on both coasts keep lobbying for me to move, but no way.

Amazing that the town that I was born in gets this recognition. So proud of my home town, my family heritage in Butler, Pa.and, the history there.

Let me guess: "Freddy" has spent a lot of time in Starkville, MS.

My family & I have lived & traveled all over the U.S., we've seen many small towns that have lost their main industries & employers but have managed to "reinvent"themselves, to reenergize their "Main Street" . it's so sad driving down what used to be a thriving Main Street area, booming business used to line both sides of the street as well as businesses on the side streets. now all we see is one boarded up business after another. The Italian & French residents that heavily populated the south side of the city are elderly now, many having moved out of the city or have passed on. They were a proud group of people who took great pride I'm their homes, however humble they were. The new group of inhabitants (for the most part) should be ashamed of themselves. homes are falling apart, jyards not maintained, windows open in the summer time & draperies blowing out them in the wind. What a depressing area my sweet hometown has become.

I was born on Maple St. Went to Bessie Weller Elementary and Robert E. Lee. Left to enter the Army and never returned but on occasion. My Mother and Grandparents buried in Thornerose Cemetery. I married a wonderful girl from Tallapoosa, Ga over 48 years ago and retired in Tallapoosa, Population around 3200. Stauntonian people are too rich and snobbish, only think about themselves. Tallapoosa is a real friendly town and the majority of citizens are Christians.

Taos New Mexico is a true treasure, the mountains being the southern most part of the Rocky Mountains, the open lands, pastures, the Pueblos, the outdoor recreation opportunities and world classs chef's and artists abound in this place.
The western light hitting the mountains and the sunsets are to be in your mind forever. Georgia O'Keefe, Ansel Adams and many others found this special place too.

Traverse City, MI? I can't take this list seriously without a nod to northern MI...

I was born and raised in Ashland Oregon. It was like growing up in paradise!

GATLINBURG, TN

Are you kidding me??? Why is St. Augustine, FL not on this list? I can't believe that tacky, cheesy Key West made it. St. Augustine has a vibrant art scene, great music festivals (Rhythm and Ribs, Gamble Rogers Folk Festival and Celtic Music festival, to name a few), beautiful beaches, plus the fact that it's the oldest city in the nation, settled by the Spanish in 1565. We've got more culture than most of these towns combined! The best thing about St. Augustine is the pride we take in our town. We refuse to destroy our historic district by turning it into a lame tourist trap. And with a population of around 14,000 we certainly qualify. Who made this list?

Wakefield New Hampshire should have been on that list foshowa.

Are they sure they have the right Gig Harbor. Numerous art galleries? Both of them? Gourmet Restaurants? Where? Local wines? Columbia Valley is on the other side of the state. I live in the Harbor and they obviously did not send someone here to check their facts.

My favorite are Taos and Durango, CO and I would rank them 1 and 2. However, i have to question your criteria when you include places like Naples and Laguna beach. They cannot be seperated from the sprawl that surrounds them. Its like taking someone's statement out of context.

Menomonie isn't a bad town by any means but in the top 20???? It's clean and friendly but the lake(s) turn to green gross smelly non useable holes by mid summer. The only cool building is the Mable Tainter theater the rest of downtown is not charming like other towns in the area. Not sure what your idea of "small" is but Stillwater MN has way more going for it then Menomonie does. And no I don't live in Stillwater I just think its probably one of the coolest smaller towns around. But then again "small" to me is less then 5000 people so I don't think Menomonie is small.

The first word that comes to mind when I think of Butler, is rust. It is beyond repair. Every house in the city is covered in rusting fascia. The vacant factories that surround the city remain, rusting away in silent agony. Severly cracked and potholed roads reveal Nature's determined final and only solution to this failure of a city. This city is a blight to nature itself. Nature wants her land back. For everyone's sake, residents please oblige. It is well past time to- move on.

Mill Valley is still a charming town in the way that American towns used to be charming, only we have raised the bar a couple of notches to include world class restaurants, and access to one of the great cities of the world. The Golden Gate Bridge is just 5 min. from my home, cross it and you are in San Francisco. We have a wonderful Mediterranean climate which draws visitors from all over the world. Silicon Valley is just 30 minutes south and our economy and housing markets are doing just fine.
You should all come for a visit, perhaps for the Americas Cup, and I think many of you will not want to return home. I'm just sayin.........

Oxford, Ms and the Ole Miss campus is one of the most beautiful towns of any size that exist anywhere. This is not the first list that has Oxford listed. Money magazine is just one that comes to mind that listed Oxford. Go visit for yourself and you will agree. The Ole Miss campus is just beautiful.

Siloam Springs, AR. You have got to be kidding me? This publication can't be serious. I don't think you could find a town in America with a worse atmosphere, lack of art and culture, and a generally drab veneer. I don't think there is a decent non chain resturant in the entire town. Northwest Arkansas is fantastic from Fayetteville to Bentonville, but Siloam Springs? What a joke. You guys really should do your homework before posting something like this.

Having lived in Taos for the past 14 years I want to say it is not only one of the best small towns in America to live in it may be one of the best places in the world to live. Now I have not been everywhere but do consider myself a worldly traveler. My husband and I are always looking for the perfect place to live and have not found anyplace with better weather or a more interesting culture than Taos. Those of us living in Taos know we have an amazing quality of life here. Thank you Smithsonian for recognizing our enchanting little town.

Since when did having "plenty of hipsters" become something GOOD for a town?

Wow. Butler, PA? Grew up there. A serious dump. Other than dirt cheap real estate there is nothing to recommend it. I can't imagine anyone from the Smithsonian actually visited it before making this list.

i know u cant name every nice small town but did you run out of gas b4 you got to the north east ohio for example

Put Iowa Park, Texas at the top of the list! It is "The Town of Friendly Living." Joe Ward, Mayor

I agree with Judy - Dahlonega, Georgia is a gem!

@Freddy Your well misinformed, I live in Oxford, there is no hunting in City limits. The square is amazing and the fact they left out DOUBLE DECKER the best festival in oxford is beyond me. Its a great quintessential town and a wonderful place to raise children! Glad we made the list! Oxford is a beautiful historic town. The square is not like any other.

I've been to several of these places and I believe a small town in Montana called Whitefish should have been listed before several of these.

Mill Valley is hardly a small town! more like a very welthy place for folks to live & play, that work in San Francisco. A great small town is Apalachicola, FLorida in the panhandle of Florida! check it out...

It is a common misbelief that the Tacoma Narrows bridge connects Tacoma to the Olympic Peninsula. It actually connects Tacoma to the Kitsap Peninsula, where Gig Harbor is located. The Hood Canal Bridge connects the Kitsap Peninsula with the Olympic Peninsula. This area is also beautiful.

I was delighted to see our town of Staunton, VA take its well-deserved spot on this list. But I was surprised not to see the Staunton Music Festival mentioned among the many cultural benefits of our community. This outstanding music festival, featuring performers with fine international reputations, it one of the amenities that brought us to Staunton some ten years ago. This is an event that we look forward to every year as well as folks who now come regularly from many other states. The festival has flourished and has gone from excellent to exceptional! For more information go to http://www.stauntonmusicfestival.com/.

Taos, NM? That's funny! Did anyone ever leave the plaza? Maybe you want to tweek your GIS program a bit....

To be quite honest I now distrust the credibility of this article seeing Menomonie as #15. . .

So any beautiful places...so little time. Santa Fe is also quiet nice.

In addition to the wonderful cultural and culinary delights of your number one choice, Great Barrington, allow me to also include the beautiful and inspiring houses of worship that are part of our landscape. We are home to both old and venerable synagogues and churches as well as new and inspiring places of worship. I love driving through our beautiful town to my own synagogue, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire where I am privileged to serve as rabbi. We're so happy to be part of this remarkable community.

I have lived in Northwest Arkansas most of my life. I have traveled to many places in the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. I have also been to Canada, Aruba, Mexico, and have taken two cruises. In my travels I have seen some beautiful God made scenery. Siloam Springs is my home town and it is comparable in beauty to any place I have been. Forest, springs, rivers, hills are all part of the landscape. Just 20 to 30 minutes away there is shopping and top class restaurants. I recommend anybody to come check it out. GC

I was born and lived most of my life in Staunton and there are lots of things to do with Frontier Culture and only 30 to 45 min. away is Charlottesville and Montacello. Skiing at two local area Massanutten and Wintergreen, golfing. You could spend your whole vacation and there are places that are not expensive in comparison to many others. Good food and wine, friendly people. I love it here.

I grew up in Butler, PA. While it's fun to see national recognition like this, it's not in the top 200 small towns let alone top 20. Western PA is beautiful and I think they could have found a better city there if they did a little more work on this. Not an impressive list.

I have been to Naples many times. While I understand how they are somehow trying to squeeze into the definition of "small town," the reality is that this is a metropolitan area of over 300,000. Dubious addition to this list at best.

Mill Valley and Luguna Beach are fantastic places and no tourist to California should miss them. In fact, I would say see them and stay there for your entire holiday. Thank God the really good California towns remain our secret.

I don't know where Freddy gets his frame of reference about Oxford, MS, but he clearly has spent no significant time there and appears to be confusing the "veritable hole in the earth" with its sister town of Starkville, several hours to the East...

You wouldn't go back to Key West or Naples? Because they're "too intense?" Are you sure you've been to either place? I'm glad you're not making a list.

I live 45 minutes from Menomonie, WI....not exciting...at all...

Taos is very deserving to be on this list as it is a real gem with so much ambience, culture, mixed landscape, history, and there is a spiritual draw.

Some of the best small towns in the USA are in the South, but southern towns were omitted from the list. hmmm Bias?

I'm from an actual small fishing village in Maine, and let me tell you that Brunswick is not that. Brunswick is filled with strip malls and car dealerships, not the quaint small town described in the article.

i think key west fl. is the best our town is surrounded by ocean view and you have to drive over bridges with great view of the ocean just to get to us.if you are driving to key west.

Beckley, West Virginia !!! Who ever wrote this article needs to be fired. For the love of God, Do Not Go to Beckley!!! I lived there for two years (for work) from 2009 - 2011 and here is the real scoop. Before I begin to blast Beckley, I'd like to give some credit to Mother Nature. The mountains and rivers of WV are very nice and there are plenty of out-door activities to get involved in. Speaking of involvement, lets talk about drugs. WV is the most medicated state in North America and Beckley is the hub for this epodimic. Studies from multiple accredited national orginizations have determined that the area has the highest precription drug abuse problem in America. From 1999 - 2012 drug related crime and overdodes in Beckley have increased over 550%. Within the area, prescription drug overdose is leading cause of death amoung residents under the age of 45. The population is 17,614, out of those 14,469 are between the ages 16 and 65, and out of those only 7,744 are employed. Without calculating residents who are in a student status, Beckley has a 53% unemployment rate!!! I was going to coment on Beckley's below average public education system and indreeding, but I've already lost enought time just living there and don't feel like loosing any more time thinking about this wasteland. Stay classy West Virginia.

I knew I'd see my little town on the list! Now all the rest of you riff-raff stay out. ;)

Key West and Naples, 10% of the list. Spent time in them both. Neither is worth a return visit. Too intense. Too expensive. Makes me question all of the others.

Dahlonega, Georgia should have been on the list. Perfect all four seasons, post-card, picture perfect, history, art, shopping, restaurants, winerys, music. Prettiest place on earth.

Seriously... First this should be labeled the best mid-sized towns in America as most are not small towns. And where did they get this list? Lets see, every travel magazine has had towns in northern Minnesota in the top 10. Oregon and Maine has been vastly overlooked as a whole. Plus lets define small town for a minute. Plus Menominie, really. I lived there for 5 years and I won't say anything bad about the place because it is an alright town, but nowhere near the top 20 small towns that I have been in and I don't consider myself all that overly traveled. These are always a grab bag of someone picking names out of a hat. If you really want to see a list try the budget travel top small towns.People vote on it that have actually been there and it changes yearly. Much better luck I would feel.

This is first time I have ever seen a list like this that didn't include Asheville, NC or Athens, GA.

Siloam Springs, Ar is not the birthplace of Wal-Mart or the Crystal Bridges Museum....That would be Bentonville, AR..

Oxford,MS??? You have got to be kidding me!! They allow hunting in the city limits in your backyard, the only decent thing to look at is the university campus and the town is a veritable hole in the earth.

I grew up 15 miles from Siloam Springs and that was the big city for us! We had no Wal-Mart in my home town, and this was the closest one at the time. I remember Christmas and Spring concerts at John Brown University. At Christmas we drove to Siloam to see the decorations and one in particular home rivaled Disney for it's creative animated decorations. Great place to live!

@ Misty D - you are correct regarding the #7 Butler, PA photo. This is not a photo of the "East Side neighborhood near downtown Butler" as labeled. The photo is of the neighboring Lyndora area. The photo was taken from Hansen Ave. facing west. (The western boundary of the city of Butler ends at Hansen Ave.) In the center of the photo is St. Andrew Orthodox Church and in the upper left, St. Fidelis/St. Stanislaus Kosta Church. Coincidently, most people who live in this area would probably say that the Homeacre-Lyndora area IS a nicer area to live than Butler. But since Homeacre-Lyndora is only a "census designated" place it will never make a "Best City" list.

Next time add Lake Worth, FL to the list. The best small seaside town I know!

I'm not at all surprised that Beckley, WV is on the list. In the Navy "I've been so far West it turned East and I've been so far East it turned West" and in all of my travels then and thereafter, I've never seen any place as beautiful as WEST (By the Grace of God) Virginia!!!!!!! Beckley is a great community full of great people and we have the common sense to realize and enjoy the life we've with which we have been so richly blessed.

Randy Smith

We live in Great Barrington and are excited and surprised we were selected the #1 small town in America. Sorry to hear that Laguna Beach only clocked in at #17. If anyone from that decent town would like to exchange homes for a summer to taste #1 in it's full excitement, just let us know. We'd be more than happy to downgrade for a couple of months. It's the most we can do at this point, but might be interested in a full time swap in a few years.

Has anyone from this magazine been to Butler PA.? I feel sorry for anyone who takes vacation time and spends $$$ to check the town out. They will not be happy!

As a native of Menomonie who returned years later to retire, I am delighted at the selection of our small jewel of a city. Other sites and qualities not mentioned--Legacy Chocolates,proximity to St. Paul/Minneapolis,historical and progressive meetings of the minds, actual neighborhoods where people know and care for each other....

5 best years of my life were in taos n.m. . beautiful landscapes , gorgeous riverbanks and the snow on the red mesa is so amazing.true the old indian spirits walk the land and provide for many interesting ghost stories!

Yay Mill Valley! Not only are we 15-20 minutes from San Francisco, we get to take the Golden Gate bridge to get there!

In Laguna Beach Ca. the restaurents with an ocean view are a wonderful place to have a pleasent lunch and then take a walk along the walkway. Also picnics on the grass is fun there too.

I think the best small town is Bay Harbor Islands, FL

As an Ashland Oregon native I feel that this award is true. Ashland is a nice place. Please do not move here. ;)

Brunswick, Me is a great town! Perfect blend of town, country, art, great food and pretty much anything you could want in a small town :)

Having lived in NWA for 18 years of my life, I wonder if the people who wrote this article have ever been to Siloam Springs. Because the best part of Siloam Springs is that you are no longer in West Siloam Springs.

I was born in Great Barrington and still have relatives there...almost as pretty as my next hometown of Jamestown, RI!

I love Naples Florida. It is absolutely beautiful and offers a great lifestyle away from big city life. I moved from Cincinnati to Naples in 2006 and now call our great little beach town home.

I love you, Red Bank! No place like home... I miss the shore so much.

I trying to figure out what has the most value. Is it the Methodone clinic. Thriving downtown? Really? All I see is closed stores and I hear the K-mart is next. It may have more Low income rentals than anywhere else. They said when they built the ballpark they would get a minor league team! That hasn't happenned. I could believe maybe Franklin but Butler? I see that they go by wasted tax payer dollars (stadiums, museums, and the like)

Always intersting to read different perception

Born and raised in Butler. Loved the Burger Hut, candy and toy stores downtown, walking bells on Main Street, downtown parades and Friday night football mania. Great little town.

Beckly is the heart of Applachia. I grew up there. I love America's small cities. I now live in Naples. Key West is a 2 hour boat ride. I love it here. I loved my old home place too. Beckley offers the best theater at Grandview State Park. WV state parks are the best in the world. Grandview Theater offers the world class play about the legend of the "Hatfield and Mccoys, Honey in the Rock." (civil war, natural gas, collision of indians, pioneers and industry). You can play the best golf courses, snow ski, water ski, fish, boat, hike, pack back, raft the wildest rivers in the world (class 5 rapids) IN ONE WEEKEND any time of year! Great colleges and ARTS centers are here. But the best thing is the people. They are the friendliest and happiest people I have ever known. Not even southern hospitality matches hillbilly happiness. I know how much it rains...that's what makes it green. I know how gray it is in the winter but I look past that to the warmth of home and neighbors.

Not sure how Beckley, West Virginia made the list over the far more attractive and much more interesting Lewisburg, West Virginia. For my money, it's the best small town in America.

#7 - Butler, PA This is a picture of Lyndora, PA.

Hi my name is Mickey I live in GB and you did a great job describing our unique town, but you forgot two important things, WBCR and Berkshire Theater Group. WBCR is a local radio station where local people host shows. My personal fav is radio 2 women, a show that gives women a voice. Berkshire Theater Group is a marvelous theater company that does a community show every summer, as well as other productions. Thanks and GB is as ubiquitous as it sounds.

A widely respected polytechnic institute???

Mill Valley and Marin County are fabulous! Despite travelling all over the world, it would be hard to live anywhere else. The scenic terrain surrounding the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, mild climates, scenic outdoor open space. Add to that access to San Francisco for entertainment. I highly recommend Marin.

Hmmm.. I've lived in Gig Harbor for a while, and moved away last year. "Numerous art galleries." Not true. There are a handful, and it's the same 10 people. The "gourmet restaurants," hmmm.... two? It's well known that GIg Harbor has a dearth of restaurants. There just is no "there" there. Nice bedroom community, I suppose, but other than churches, there's really nothing here. Plus you have dark rainy skies 9 months out of the year. Those picture postcard photos that accompany these articles, are only views available around 70 days a year.

Those events mentioned for the summer, well, they only happen in the summer. Actually nothing happens here except for 8 weeks in the summer. Period. It's just an odd place. People are polite, but it's hard to meet new people because we're indoors most of the year.

Now Mill Valley, CA? That is a wonderful town. Lots to do, gorgeous downtown, beautiful fall and spring colors, lovely homes. Gig Harbor has mostly expensive tract homes built post 1975, except for the cute houses downtown (well, downtown may be an overstatement.) Seriously, I think the writer visited there one day in August. Living here is such a different experience. The downtown is not somewhere you'd actually see your neighbors, the new Uptown shopping center has become more of a town center, which is sad.

Taos exemplifies the kind of place where the love of a place supersedes almost all other concerns. That's why so many people from every corner of the world visit here every year and so many of them are drawn back again and again.

Arcata. How , in Gods name, did you leave it out? Smart, clean, political, fun, quirky, redwoods, a marsh, green,

So pleased that Great Barrington tops the list. I grew up in the Hudson Valley of NY (very nearby) and currently live in Mt. Washington (near GB). The Berkshire Mts, always feels like home to me and Great Barrington is amazing. But as I think about it some more, ALL of the Berkshires, CT hills (NW CT) and Hudson Valley are AMAZING. I am so blessed to have all of these cultural and diverse towns around me. From the CIA in Hyde Park, to Tanglewood, Mass MoCa in northern BRK, amazing drives, and restaurants all of the above mentioned. This is HOME. If you haven't visited, you must. It will grab hold of your heart and soul.

What about Ashville, NC?

Although I'm glad, and surprised to see Butler, PA made the list, I can't help but to think....really? I'm from Butler and def would not describe it as having a 'thriving' downtown. I'm actually usually depressed when I drove through Main Street. Oh well, to each there own.

Taos, New Mexico is a fine choice. I use it as a writing retreat because it is full of art, both indoors and out and a wonderful climate, including a few days of beautiful snow in the winter, pleasantly worm summers and gorgeous falls and springs. To top it off it is full of early American and Native American history. It truly deserves to be in the top 10.

I love wva i was born and raised there

@Photographer Scott Goldsmith: The photo for Butler, PA is not an East Side neighborhood near downtown Butler; it is of Lyndora, PA, which is on the west side of town.
Having been to many of the towns on this list, I cannot honestly say that Butler, PA belongs on this list at all. I was born and raised in Butler. When I was a teenager, I moved to Texas with my family, but I longingly returned to Butler seven years later for college and eventually a job.
Since then, I've watched the town die a slow and agonizing death. Factory closures, rampant drug problems and low income have devastated this community and the past city councils have done little to entice new growth to the area. Complacency of its citizens has also been a contributing factor to the town's demise and although there are currently efforts to revitalize downtown with new businesses; such as Butler Brew Works and Element Cafe, I fear it's too little, too late.

Mill Valley? Just lump the rest of pretentious people and places in Marin County. Worst place ever.

Menomonie is my hometown of 20 years now and I love it. The community is very accepting. Its an hour away from the Twin Cities, got great nature spots for fishing/hiking, and is, I feel, one of the best places to raise kids. Such as me. I grew up here and, after talking to many other people from all over, found out this place is very unique. Menomonie is quaint, yes. Not exactly the most thrilling place but it's still amazing. Shout out to all you who know me!

Naples is very nice to visit, but tough for working people to live here unless you are a professional. Expensive and wages are typical florida (low, low, low). Public schools not great. Don't come down here without a job in place. Great place for nature lovers, with money, retirees, with money. Lots of outdoor venues that can be used for free or little cost. Most of the cutural venues, like the Phil, very expensive compared to other places I've lived. Other commentors are right about the population cited, that's just the City of Naples. Beach access is free and there are many parking lots in the City which is great, but you had better get there early if its season.

Agrees with JR, why oh why would you mislead america listing BUTLER PA #7 on your list, you should be ashamed of yourselves for trying to encourage anyone to live in BUTLER PA, look up BUTLER PA on youtube and see for yourselves what BUTLER PA has to offer...

I've lived in San Diego, Houston, Joliet, Jacksonville, Bridgeport and Gulfport, and I ALWAYS come home to Butler. I have been home since 85, andf I have no plans in leaving again. OH, JR, You sound like you're part of the problem...

My son first arrived in Durango in 2001 as a Fort Lewis College freshman, and he's never left. I don't blame him. It is a delightful town with the trappings of a bigger city but none of the hassles. Downtown is easily walkable. Increasingly good restaurants and award-winning craft breweries are found along Main Street and on nearby side streets. There's even an old-fashioned downtown movie house. The Animas River is the community's main vein -- with rafts, kayaks and fly fishermen playing in its waters, and the D&SNGRR hugging its banks once it chugs beyond the downtown core. Not only are the San Juan Mountains, acknowledged as Colorado's most scenic range, at Durango's doorstep, but so is the soulfoul desert. Mesa Verde Natl Park, acknowledged as America's premier archeological natl park, is a mere hour away. Surrounded by vast tracts of protected public lands, where outdoor recreational opportunities abound and untrammeled sprawl is impossible.

I have lived a lot of places and traveled to many more: Taiwan, BVI, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Aruba, Antillies, Granada, St Lucia, Caymans and some of the above more than once and yet we choose to settle in Durango, #6.

Although i agree Brunswick,Maine is a great small town is not a 'small fishing village' now nor has it been in the recent past. More recently, besides Bowdoin College, it was home to a huge naval air base. It also had several mills on the river in the 1900's - when they closed i'm not sure but they have been rehabbed to house other businesses now. Regardless it's a great place located very close to many other 'coastal towns' like Portland, Rockland, and Freeport.

Thank you....Thank you...Thank you... I love my hometown of Staunton, VA. Glad to see you do too. It has that good old "country home" feeling, but is surprisingly very 21st century in many ways. She isn't called "Queen of the Shenandoah" for nothing!!!

As both a Red Bank Regional High School (Red Bank NJ) and Fort Lewis College (Durango CO) graduate, I am COMPLETELY un-surprised they made the short list... Two awesome small towns. :) (Though I am surprised my third home, Ithaca, NY didn't make the list, it is every bit as awesome as the other two!)

I have been luck enough to spend by 30 some odd years in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. And of course, having one of our own towns/cities feature is great. But...I just moved to the Beckley area about a year ago and can say undoubtedly, it is the worst small city in WV I've lived in (and I've lived in a bunch of them...Morgantown, Bridgeport, Summersville, Fairmont, Buchannon).

Southern WV is has some wonderful areas (Fayetteville, Lewisburg, great places in serene Monroe County...I could go on) but Beckley(other than having Tamarack...)is generally an unsafe town with drug running, muggings and prostitution around just about most corners. Like I said, I love my state, and I'm proud to be from WV and make a great life here. But Beckley wouldn't even be in my top 50 places...in West Virginia!

Someone was smoking something - most likely bought in Butler - to put Butler on the list. I have been there. It's a ghost town with no culture, no food, no shopping and no people. Empty factories, empty storefronts and empty streets and plenty of drugs. ?????

Too bad no one checked out the Shoreline towns of CT. Mystic, Stonington, Madison, Guilford, Branford, Old Lyme etc...

And of all the towns in the Berkshires - Great Barrington?? NOT. Try Kent, Sharon, Litchfield, Washington Depot...

Not sure who put together this list or what the criteria was - but it's questionable.

And is there is anything more annoying than trying to get through Great Barrington when it's infested with these New Yorkers "trying to decide whether to have sushi or chimichangas for dinner" while standing in the middle of the crosswalk yapping at their iPhones or blocking traffic while doubled parked on the narrow main street? Used to be a nice town, too bad, now it's just an overpriced, cliche-ridden stomping ground for city folk to display their ill-manners. It also serves as a dumping ground for locals posing as hipsters, artistes, and other assorted counter-culturey types. BTW reviewer got the part wrong about Rte. 7 becoming Railroad Street - it's Main Street.

Naples a "small town?" C'mon...have you been here lately? it's a great place if you can afford it and don't mind (during season) waiting in traffic for minutes on end to move three feet to wait again! Naples is definitely NOT a place to raise children because there is not much here to appeal to kids other than the beach and that gets old after awhile. I'm sure it's the "paradise" it claims to be for older, wealthy retirees.

Siloam Springs is beautiful but if its citizens want it to stay that way they need to tell the city administrator, David Cameron. Parks and Rec is the only department to have its budgets cut and they recently had their employees cut. There has been talk of a rec center and new soccer fields for years but these things never come. If these are things you want in this community you have to make it known and make it known loudly!! A 5min call every other week by many of Siloams citizens to David Camerons office would accomplish a lot. A few wonderful, but outspoken, older ladies were able to get a new skate park built and the budget for that project increased! So your voices won't go unheard.

It's great to be recognized as the number one small town in America! But I'd gladly eschew the accolades for lower property taxes.

Ummm....yeah.

Apparently it's only a great town if it has theaters, artists, musicians or writers. Didn't see one mention of towns that are home to machinists, farmers, engineers, assemby line workers or any of the other fields of endeavor that actually create the disposable income possible for the artistic set to exist. And apparently value comes primarily indoor activites; theaters, shops, galleries, museums and so on. The out-of-doors was represented primarily by such things as biking....didn't see any white water rafting, fishing, hunting, canoeing and so on.

One definitely gets the impression the writers only find a place acceptable if the majority of the population can't make a fulfilling living there or engage in other than artistic passtimes. Count me glad to live in the less wonderful majority of the country.

Well, I am a 20 year resident of Naples, FL and (horrors!) under 45!

It is a great place raise children but if you're young and single, you'll probably be bored to death.

As a Native Floridian, I can tell you Naples beaches are unequivocally the most beautiful in the state.

yay for Menomonie! I miss it sooo much! I live in ohio and it is depressing. My family and I are trying to move back to Menomonie. Everyday I talk about Menomonie. I miss the awesome farmers market and the fourth if July celebration. In all of Wisconsin it is very family oriented and people there will give the shirts off their backs. I have lived in a lot of places and my Heart belongs to Menomonie!

I thought this list was right on picking Great Barrington as #1, but Menomonie, WI? Good lord. You can even tell by the description of the town that the judges aren't excited about it. Strange choice, boring town, unimpressive university.

I am from a small town in Idaho and moved away to the city. I lived in a lot of different places in the U.S. and have been blessed to travel to many other countries. Gig Harbor is the perfect blend of sweet family living in a small town with amazing natural views abundant, yet access to big city culture is readily available in Seattle. I don't really feel the need to leave that often! Top it off with the amazing people that live in this area and this place is GOLDEN. I am so happy this spot gets the kudos it deserves.

I grew up in Butler, PA. What wonderful memories of Main St. with Troutman's, Jaffe's, The John Honse Company, the Woolworth's store with it's wooden floors and lunch counter, the Sun Drug Store with it's great Cherry Coke's from the fountain, the Hot Dog Shoppe, the Lincoln Bakery, the Jay Shoppe and..... Oh, I could go on and on. It was a great place to grow up. Main Street has changed and most of the places I've mentioned are gone, but the memories of a once vibrant and tight community always come to mind. With Armco and Pullman Standard being just a memory now, the town has survived and flourishes. Any of us who were alums of Butler High School remember Art Bernardi and the Golden Tornado Football team with the likes of Terry Hanratty and the Saul Brothers among so many others. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Butler, PA, my hometown.

I grew up in Butler and it was a wonderful blend of farming and city life. I live in VA now and my kids love the beauty of Butler when we visit. There are many wonderful places in our country and the beauty is that if you don't like one you can move to another. With that said, JR, if you don't like it, don't live there.

I think you should do an article on a small town in Texas, call Crystal City, this town has festival sometime in November called the Spinach Fest. Crystal City,TX. is the spinach capital of the world. It is like nothing you have ever see. It's like going to Mexico without leaving the country.

Gig Harbor, WA is a beautiful little town that has not let time & growth ruin its charm. Their Saturday and Wednesday water front Farmer's Market are not to be missed...and do NOT pass up the chance to enjoy the freshest seafood while sitting out over the water at the legendary Tides Tavern! "It doesn't get much better than this! ~ Gig Harbor, WA."

Where's the good meal in Butler?

Too many comments don't even mention what town they are talking about. Please name the town you are talking about. I was lucky enough to move to the Berkshires almost 40 years ago. I have lived in Gt. Barrington for the last 12 years & wouldn't want to live elsewhere. The article about GB really mentioned several places not in GB, but is South County in general. Lee, Lenox, Sheffield, Monterey, the Egremonts and too many other small towns to mention here in South County are all wonderful. You really can't make a mistake visiting any place is South Berkshire County!

Spent 15 great years in good old Brattleboro. Made the best friends I ever had there and both my kids had all their schooling there. They had a great ski program, jumping and cross country and tennis too,and really good sports teams which our kids took part in. Best place to bring up a family in my opinion.

My old hometown, Red Bank NJ. Count Basey lived 2 blocks down from me when I lived on William street The theater named for him used to be the Carlton Theater and was beautiful , had a huge crystal chandelier and was decorated in the art nouveau style. Hope it still looks like that. The beauty of Red Bank was the river and all the boats there. A river that led into the Atlantic. Nice area.

Community service is a big part of Mill Valley. Boasting a large and active Boy Scout troop, and a busy and generous Ritary Club, helping others is very important.

Yup, I live here n its awsome.

Been around the world even South Africa and there is no place like Beckley WV and yes I am partial to home. Visit us often.

I have visited Mill Valley CA from England on two occasions and I must agree with all the comments as described in your article. I do however think you have missed one of its main attractions - sitting in the main square outside 'The Depot' enjoying an afternoon coffee and people watching. Surely this must be a visitor's idea of USA heaven!

I'm sure others may be amazed that Beckley, WV, made this list, but I'm not! My husband and I have been married 40 years and lived 3 of our first years of marriage in Reston, VA, which was known as a model community! Well, my desire the entire time I lived outside of WV, was to come home to Beckley.
We have taken cruises around the world and visited exotic rain forests, but nothing compares to the beauty of WV. I have always said, WV is a well kept secret! I have lived in Beckley since I was in the 5th grade, attended local public schools, worked in local businesses, raised my 2 children in Beckley and now have 4 grandchildren who are repeating that same life! I love Beckley! I love to drive through the familiar streets, enjoy the seasons, and share every experience in life with people who feel the same way I do! The only thing that will take me away from this place will be death and then, I will be in the "real Heaven", not "almost Heaven"! Thank you for considering Beckley, WV, a favored small town in America! We love America and we love people....all people! Come and visit, I think you'll love us too!! God bless you!

JR is wrong! He/she is probably from some suburb of Cleveland. Butler has been and still is a great small town! I was born and raised there and my parents and a lot of my friends still live there today. Yeah sure, parts of the town have seen better days, but what town hasn't in this economy. Butler's history and culture is what mnakes it such an interesting town to live.

Well I have to give Siloam Springs a thumbs up for an awesome place to live. The town is warm and the people are friendly the crime rate is low and we have some awesome sights to see.We have a lot of Natural Springs and cool parks for people just to set and read a good book. I have lived here for 27 years and have worked in the school district and I must say it is one of the best places to raise a family. I attend Church at the Pointe and I love it...Nothing but the best from my point of view. Come visit and enjoy

Gig Harbor, a little red town in a big blue state.

Don't Forget that Durango is a great place to get (or make) a job. With such great surroundings we attract all varieties of exceptional and successful business people.
We have a thriving start-up scene here. Lifestyle hunters should check out the Durango Tech Group on LinkedIn to find out where the opportunities lie. I run a company called E7 Systems and we have open jobs for 8 software developers right now. So be sure that opportunities exist.
Don't waste another day stuck in traffic. Come to Durango and walk to work.

What a huge mistake to call Butler no.7!!!! Wondering how much the mayor paid to get this? All that is available in Butler right now is new shoes, a good meal,buying drugs, sex and beat up. If this is what gets you to No.7, then Lord help us all!!! This is another example of how the media screws up America!!!
History is what happened in the past! The above is the present making of history! Would you want to live here???

Menomonie! How can a person turn so negative on Menonomie? Moved here three years ago and love it! Best farmer's market imaginable for a town of 15,000. Can bike by trail from here to Eau Claire; and can make it almost all the way by trail to the Mississippi River itself. The town is set on a fine lake, with walking, hiking, biking, and snow shoe parks scattered all around it. My 3-yr old has a rotation of six fine parks to pick from - all color-coded in his mind, according to the colors of their slides. Museums in town. Dairy farms all around the outskirts. Very fine rolling hills beyond that. And an annual bike race comes to town too.

So tickled to see Menomonie, WI on this list. It's a pretty nice little town.

Have they lost their minds? I have been to many of these places but I live in Chapel Hill, NC. That's okay - don't tell anyone. If these are the best, I'll stay where I am. In fact, never mind. It stinks here - don't come visit or consider moving here. Everyone is miserable. :)

I myself find it hard to beleive that beckley made this list. Of course there are lots of great things to do in the area but beckley? I think it should've been the county and surrounding counties that made that so called list.

WOW!! Thanks for recognizing how great our Brattleboro Vermont is. Despite the raging waters of Hurricane Irene and plenty else to still work on we have a great town! On May 4th we will have our third Diversity Day- a celebration of the wonderful growing diversity in our town. Hurrah!

Oxford, MS is the best small town on here. I'm biased though. I had the pleasure of attending Ole Miss for undergrad. You'd be very pleased with Oxford whether you're from the north, south, east or west. Has a ton to offer for a small town. Hotty Toddy

Siloam Springs may be a pretty town (at least in the older part of town, the newer part is turning into cookie-cutter "every other town"), but it is seriously lacking in cultural opportunities. There are NO "museums, historic sites, botanic gardens, resident orchestras, art galleries". Well, there is a tiny "city museum", but not a true museum with visiting exhibits, etc. You still have to travel to Tulsa for real culture, or Fayetteville, AR for traveling exhibits or shows that might pass through.

Diversity is nonexistent. TONS of banks and churches. Crime rate is low. Meth use is high. Super conservative politically, to the point of being laughable.

No surprises in these comments: Far too often, "Familiarity breeds contempt." :)

No place short of Heaven is perfect, but we love it in Menomonie - It's kind of a 'Prairie Home Companion' "Bob's Pretty Good Town."

I am thankful where I live is not on the list for a change. Enough tourist hoopla here as it is.

I came to Brattleboro in 1992 after 24 years of living in "The Greater Boston Metro Area," and after about a year of culture shock realized that I had finally found a place to live for a long, long, time. Had some of the best fun of my life right here in Brattleboro: ... adopted 3 wonderful greyhounds here; took me a whole lot of years but finally made as much money as I had in Boston here; found great bookshops here; had some truly grand food here - thanks Panda North and India Palace! ... oh and Chelsea Royal Diner oh yum! Made several trips to top of Mt. Mansfield with good friends; visited butterflies quite nearby; found great mechanics, super competent attorneys, creative hairstylists, helpful bankers, and really great landlords. Yeppers, gotta admit, it was the right place to be after a wonderful start of living "up North" in Boston. I've had some great experiences considering I started this life as a West Coast of Florida Gal. So glad to have seen a few of the "Strolling of the Heifers!" events.

Portsmouth NH
Ogunquit ME

Beckley WVa is depressing...Lewisburg, WVa will uplift.

Oh please.

"Mill Valley is one of the jewels in a necklace of beautiful towns—along with Sausalito, Marin City and Tiburon"

There is nothing beautiful about Marin City, unless you like public low-income housing. It's where Tupac Shakur got shot, (and became "One Pac").

However, the other towns, Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Tiburon, belong on the list of beautiful small towns. And add Larkspur while you're at it.

Durango - as one resident said.. spent 17 years to get out and 37 years to come back. wonderful small town, no tornados, earthquakes or national security threats. Lovely people who want to live in a small town.

So happy to see Princeton, NJ on the list. Beautiful in winter, fun in summer, breathtaking in the fall.

Gig Harbor, WA has the spirit and dedication to small town life that I love. The residents support the the local retail stores, visit the library, enjoy the parks, vote, and show up for Farmers' Markets. The sailboats on Puget Sound are enchanting along with rainbows, which prove we have sunshine along with the drizzle every month! Can any town compete with our azaleas and rhododendrons ?

Butler County Pa.USA is a special place to call home.We are fortunate to have the qualties of yesterday intermingled with the progress of today.We are fortunate to be located close to the wonderful city of Pittsburgh with all it's social,educational & economic advantages,yet removed enough to enjoy our rural atmosphere.We are fortunate to abound with our own music,theater & the arts,with many sports,a great Chamber of Commerce,a Community Development Corporation that consists of 32 business & corporate leaders that activley brings tax dollars into our county,our United Way,the Historical Society that reminds us of how important our history is & our state of the art Butler Health System,as well as a Free Clinic of volenteers to care for community members who do not have health insurance.We are fortunate to be a community where people express their love of God & rely openly on His guidance.We have our Butler County Community College & Slippery Rock Universty near by.We have the historic[modern] baseball park,Pullman Ball Park,as well as a world class Maridon [jade]Museum & Moraine State Park with 3,225 acre Lake Arthur & a great Tourism Bureau to welcome "you all" who now know of our wonderful communiy--thank you Smithsonian Magazine !!!

For the people making negative comments about beckley WV. I have lived here all my life.. and yet people who live here just want to complain about here or living here. Well than get out its over populated as it is.. we wont be sad to see you negative nannys go... also .. the drug comments.. there is drugs everywhere and i mean everywhere. if you think it is bad here try going to big city. I am personally glad to see our home on here. it is a nice place to live with a slower pace of life. ALOT to do if you love the outdoors glade creek and fayetteville are only a 20 minute drive down the road.. and the BEST part about living here is the love you can live your house and see old friend and a face you know and it sometimes it can just make your day. Life is what you make of it and the same as where you live. No i dont plan on living here forever but beckley will always be home and comfort in my heart.

Im very glad to see Beckley WV on this list. I grew up there most of my life,and it might be slow in pace,and small in size,but that's what makes it so great! People are friendly and will go out of their way to help out.Great air,clean water and awesome country side.I've been gone for several years,but I miss it everyday. RTJ,stuck in Columbus OH.

A.That isn't even Butler in the photo it's Lyndora.

B.Yes, Butler has some nice things such as the Butler Little Theater and the art center.

However I have lived here 39 of my 40 years and I am leaving this summer....I want more for my next 40 years than Butler has to offer.

If this was written 25-30 years ago I may have agreed but not now.

Butler has too many drugs.....Main Street is dead.....and why can we build a big new jail for all the criminals .....but the local pool cant be repaired for our children!

A lot of my 60's generation who went off to school did not come back do to the limited job opportunities. Not having traveled much as a kid, we took our local world for granted.

Only in retrospect can we look back now at having grown up in a Norman Rockwell painting...including flirting with the girls at Friendly Ice Cream, betting on the horses at the race track when you were 7 or 8, and skinny dipping in Green River while trying to learn what days the girls came.

I just had Dave Brooks send this to me, knowing I was coming home in May after 16 years away, and bringing all my video equipment with me to take GB back with me. Hope to meet some of you commenting folks in May.

Jim W. Dean, VeteransToday.com

DURANGO, COLORADO is a wonderful place to live! In our opinion the greatest place to live in the entire U.S., especially if you love the great outdoors! There is so much to see and do around here, so if you've never vacationed here you should put it on your "bucket list"; but don't be surprised if you decide you want to stay here!

Siloam Springs is a wee piece of heaven. Because of John Brown University it is a multi-cultural community with over 45 countries from around the world living here. Great place.

Butler? Really? The area contains alot of scummy people. Most businesses (small businesses and corporate offices) and can barely afford to stay there with all of the state taxes. Only reason the town has so many companies today is because the area gives out tax breaks to companies. Which is why we here in Armstrong County (the neighboring county) sit and watch busissness leave. None come and most that were here are leaving. Want to get on the list? Lower your taxes.

Dear Maureen Mossman:

Most people bad mouthing BUTLER, have been to many places. In fact, most of us got the heck out of there. We went to college, got great paying jobs, live in nice diverse and naturally and culturally rich communities, and will never turn back except for holiday get togethers. People supporting this #7 claim to fame tend to be the ones who know nothing outside of Butler. If you have ever truly explored other places, then you would never support this claim.Yes cities around the world have tons of problems, but we are talking about TOWNS...across the LOWER 48...BUTLER DOES NOT DESERVE IT!!!!

In answer to Kirk, Oxford, MS is quite a liberal town. I lived the first 21 years of my life in Oxford, the next 18 in Pasadena, CA. I can tell you that Oxford, MS is FAR more liberal than Pasadena, California. Also, society is centered around arts, education, and intellectual development rather than superficial fancy. Attitudes like yours are the reason towns like Oxford strive to be more educated, more cultured, and more enlightened than people would ever expect.

I'm so glad our little paradise is included with these other great places. Oxford is a beautiful town, it's safe, having a wonderful police force. We have good public schools, more culture than we can take advantage of, an always growing university which brings us great, bright young people. We also speak to folks on the street, take care of each other, and love our pets.

Gig Harbor is incredibly beautiful :) Lots of artsy fartsy stuff to do. Love living here! The people are friendly too.

My son lives in Mill Valley and as someone from the Mid West, I am totally unimpressed by homes on a (steep) hill and by folks who seem to have more money than sense!

Oxford= God's country... in every way!

There is no place in the world like Staunton, VA. It's my hometown, all my family are still there and I miss it so very much; hopefully one day I'll get back there. It has that wonderful small town appeal and warm southern charm. I live on the west coast now and people certainly are not as warm and friendly here as they are in Staunton. Congrats on making the top 10 !

I was born in Butler Hospital many years ago. It is a beautiful town but I really miss the hot dog shop. It is a nice town.

It is nice in Beckley, WV. It's not called Beckley City though. Our economy is not bad either. Whoever said that is wrong wrong wrong. We are surrounded by the beautiful New River Gorge...but yeah...we do need a bookstore. It is restaurant haven...would trade a restaurant for a bookstore.

Brunswick, Maine is a worthy choice. As a resident of Portland, I can speak to its charm and hometown appeal, but also its cultural center in Bowdoin College. A walk down Maine Street(yes, that's the spelling) tells the story of a town that is growing and thriving, despite the recent closure of Brunswick Naval Air Station in 2011. There's a sense of loyalty and enthusiasm in Brunswick. Bowdoin College provides a huge cultural center for the town, and there are always reasons to visit the campus for art exhibits or theater events.

Red Bank represent!

I'm from the Flatbush Section of Brooklyn and my wife is from Bay Ridge Brooklyn.

Through my job I was very familiar with the entire NY Metro area when we both chose Red Bank as our home in 1990.

We never had a second's regret over that decision.

We didn't want the total suburban scene, nor the very congested urban scene.

Although high taxes are Red Bank's biggest complaint now, the property taxes in crummy towns on Long Island were higher and continue to be higher than Red Bank's taxes.

We both love Red Bank, and our choice to make it our home seems to bring our three kids the closest to a consensus from them that we got something half right.

Red Bank is aptly called "Hip Town, NJ" and we're taking more advantage of that now that our youngest is 19.

But we also loved that the kids had a town they could explore and which had a very energized parent and school sponsored sports program.

I was very pleased that we scored so high because my wife and I have tried to make some small contributions towards making Red Bank a liveable place along with hundreds of other proud Red Bankers.

But one cherished Red Banker in particular helped the most in making us a great small town.

"Prowns Has Everything" was the motto of the old style "5 & Dime" David Prown inhereted from his father.

He had to retool it to a home improvement shop a few years back to keep the enterprise going.

But when it comes to time and dedication towards the youth of Red Bank "Prowns STILL has everything".

I feel such a debt towards all David Prown has done, and continutes to do, for Red Bank.

Finally, the Red Bank PD and our very active Fire and Emergency volunteers also deserve a large share of the credit for making Red Bank such a great place to live.

Great Barrington's golf course, Wyantenuck, is one of America's " hidden gems"............. A true delight to play....

Gig Harbor is a decent looking town, but there is nothing special there. You have to pay $4 to cross the toll bridge to go to Tacoma or Seattle. My sister lived/still works in Gig Harbor and she even said its a little boring. The western half of WA state is mostly Democrats btw.

Siloam Springs, AR and this area of NW AR is so pretty and peaceful. I thank God for wonderful places like this to like, work, shop, etc. We are blessed.

I grew up in Mill Valley and still live there. The one photo you should have taken was of Mt. Tamalpais. Things change in a small town but never the constant and enduring love for our mountain and how it brings us all together as a community...whether you have money or not.

I was born and raised in Key West but glad that I don't live there now. I miss my friends and the dwindling Cuban food though.

Beckley wv is a joke. I live near there. Everyone makes a big deal about tamarack. It's just a bunch of overpriced things you could make yourself. 40 dollars for a crocheted scarf. Band not even intricate or pretty. 200 dollars for a pair of painted keds. It's ridiculous. Nice to walk through and look at once. That's it.

I grew up in Butler. I now live in New York City, and have lived a few other places in this country. When I tell stories about my childhood to my own children or to my friends or their children here in New York, I get the same response all around - "you had the BEST childhood!" I walked everywhere I needed to go all by myself by the time I was in second or third grade. I walked to school with my other school friends when we were in KINDERGARTEN!!! A bunch of five year olds walking 8 blocks to school and home again - every day - can you imagine that now? Does that happen anywhere? I don't know if it still happens in Butler, actually, but I hope it does... There was tremendous pride in Butler, and I am, to this day, proud to have grown up there. It had strong values, and I am certain that hasn't changed. One thing I remember in particular - when you enter town on either of the two roads that take you in, there was a sign that read "Butler is a Church-going community." My father was the local Rabbi. I loved that about Butler, too. Sure there were folks who were not involved, but for the most part, this was a community that was engaged in being good to people. I'm surprised it was chosen for this honor only because I never thought anybody would notice Butler, but I'm not surprised based on its merit.

How wild that the little home town where I grew up in is now making news and being higlighted as a "must see" or "intresting local to visit". When in my eyes its just a small hole in the wall town that I grew up. Hey got love it though.

As many have stated, the photo of Butler, PA is not Butler, but Lyndora, PA. Lyndora is a town is west of Butler, so I am not sure how it could be an "East side neighborhood near downtown Butler." The Jeep Festival you mention was held for the first time last year (2011) so again, not sure how you can say, "....still celebrated in August at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival." If you got these things wrong about Butler, the one town in this article I do know, why should I believe what you wrote about any of the other towns? This creates credibility issues with anything you have on your website.

As someone who was born and raised in Gig Harbor, Washington, I found this article hilarious (also, 7,200 is a gross underestimate. My high school alone had 1,200 students and there are two). Yes, it is full of natural beauty and the waterfront is great. I am very lucky to have grown up there...
That being said I got out of town as fast as I could. If your kid isn't into sports or partying, there is VERY little for them to do. Good luck finding them a creative community.
There is no "culture" in Gig Harbor except a culture of extreme wealth (someone just built a 12,000 square foot house near my parents) and excess. Yes, the downtown area is nice and quaint or whatever, but the only people that really spend time down there are people who work there and tourists.
It is assumed that you can afford a boat, because why else would you live by the water?
The rest of the city that is not "downtown" is comprised of strip malls full of chain stores. I have no idea what art galleries this article is referring to, and would wager that if you are under 60 it's not your kind of art.

I was really proud that my town refused to let a Wal-mart build in town when I was in elementary school, but now there's Costco, Target, Fred Meyer, and more enormous box stores and I'm not sure how that's any better.

I'm currently enrolled in a GIS class (using ESRI software), and am happy to argue that the analysis for finding these towns was sadly flawed. ArcMap can't attest to the cultural value of a town, no matter how hard you try to quantify it.

And to answer the question someone posed earlier about political leanings, Gig Harbor is painfully conservative.

I grew up in Butler, spent 20 years in the Navy and could not wait to get back. Not the town I frew up in but still great.

Taos is a real dump behind the tourist facade, although the mountains are beautiful. There is a big social division, you are either dirt poor or relatively well off, like a lot of New Mexico. And in the state as a whole, including Taos, corruption, drug abuse, and crime are major issues. New Mexico feels like a third world country, but at least in a third world country the people are intelligent, motivated, and better educated.

The Smithsonian needs to get the facts correct. The picture is not Butler but a separate community southwest of downtown and not close by small town standards. the Jeep is not their greatest legacy. Written by publicistt who does not even know the town well.

Wow! I am so pleased and surprised that Menomonie is on here. I founded our Shakespeare in the Park!

Ashland, really, great except for the BOOMING homeless population. And, well it might be a wonderful place, IF, it was not so close to Medford, aka METHford. And what is up with all of the trailer parks along the road from medford to ashland? Never seen so many OLD trailer parks in 20 sq miles in my life.

Siloam Springs, Ark. - what a backward place!!! It deserves it's nick name as the "arm pit of Benton County". I moved to Naples, Florida (#9) 11 years ago and it is like comparing an Edsel (Siloam) to a Rolls Royce (Naples). How Siloam Springs could get ranked like this is insane!!!

Ever since getting my first haircut in Great Barrington I go back as often as I can. The town always had that small town appeal. The surrounding areas such as Sandisfield, Otis and Monterey are beautiful country areas. For sure you should put Great Barrington and the area on your travel agenda.

Former presidential hopeful Rick Santorum lived in Butler, grades 7-11.(Not something I'm proud of for the city by the way) And if anyone knows Rick Santorum's views on things, then you can pretty much figure out 80% of Butler's view on life. Butler is not a cultural hub of anything. In fact, you're more likely to see the Confederate flag being flaunted around town than anything else, nevermind that Butler, PA is well north of the Mason-Dixon line. Graduating from Butler Senior High School meant hearing the "n word" being dropped on a day to day basis by ignorant hicks sporting their support for the south. And if you're liberal, well, just keep your mouth shut. Butler is more locally known for it's perchance to herion and food stamps. Main street is lined with buildings that have long since seen their heyday, when my 50 something mother was a teenager herself. All that being said, Butler has the POTENIAL to be a great little town again, and I have all hope that it will. It does have quite a few areas in the city that have beautifully maintained victorian houses, and pretty tree lined streets in the summer. Several murals have been commissioned to be painted around downtown, and a micro-brewery may even be opening quite soon. There is a great locally owned resturant called the "Chop Shop" on main street that is wonderful and unique, as well as cummings coffee shop that makes you feel like you've gone back in time. Butler is certainly trying to clean up it's act, but it's far from the spot it was given on this list. By the way, that photo is of Lyndora, which is not techincally a part of the city of Butler. An actual picture of downtown would have been nice.

I live in Red Bank & everything in the article about it is true. What is also true is the number of empty storefronts dotting Broad St. & Monmouth St. Mom & pop stores can't afford to stay in business, while Starbucks, Urban Outfitters, Restoration Hardware & (wait for it) Tiffany & Co. seem to be thriving.

Brattleboro is the epitome of New England beauty and charm.

The great thing about Menomonie is that it doesn't stop at downtown. There is the Dunn County Historical Society in Wakanda Park, many arts opportunities through their liesure center, the Red Cedar Trail, and an excellent food co-op.

The nice thing about the school system is that there are many different types of learning opportunities for the kids and a wide variety of extra curricular arts, science, sports, and outdoor activities.

The town has changed a lot since the 90's and offers more for families.

Good to see it on the list.

So happy to see Butler on list, this happens to be a very safe and prosperous little town. Our citizens just like to have a little fun now and then.

I wonder what the political make up of these places are. More conservative or liberal?

Gig Harbor really is a wonderful city with a rich history and is a safe place to raise a family. The nearby beauty of the mountains, ocean, and rainforests will never allow me to leave. (But, shhhhhh, don't tell anyone!)

I'm proud to see Great Barrington as number one on this list. Great Barrington has done a lot to improve its image, and is very update with the green movement, and social responsibility. It's a great town, with a lot happening--for all age levels. Just watch out for people crossing the street!

I cannot believe Beckley, WV is on this list. This place is a dump. There are no cultural or entertainment options in this town. Beckley doesn't even have a bookstore! There are, however, about 90 video lottery joints. The economy is one of the worst in the country, and the place has a hefty prescription drug and meth problem.

Taxes are low, government intervention is scant, victorian homes are abundant. But best of all, there is a very active outdoorsy group of people that meet every week, follow a pre-marked trail in mixed urban and non-urban terrain, and socialize afterwards.

butler? hahaha! love it!

I lived in Menomonie, went to high school there and left. Sadly I had to come back, but left again. The place is depressing, boring, and backwards at times. The best thing about the town is... give me a second. Sadly I can't think of anything. I guess if you like small farm towns, you can't go wrong. But Eau Claire is a better options. Not much better, but still better than Menomonie. Yes it is a good place to raise a family, but the school system is 20 years behind the curve. Or it was when I was there in the 90's. When the university is done for the school year, downtown is pretty much a ghost town. And really there is little to do in the downtown area anyway. Mostly bars and pizza joints. Ted's rocks for pizza, so I guess I did find one good thing about the town.

Naples, FL, is wonderful. We moved here from Nashville, another super town, three years ago and continue to be amazed by the natural beauty, beaches, shelling, fishing, sunsets, gorgeous sky and Gulf, and good people here. A wonderful, healthy, positive and engaging home town. Thanks for including us!

I believe that Butler, PA is a great small town, most of the people are friendly. I grew up north of Butler. Yes there is drug activity in downtown butler but there is in every city doesn't matter where you go. There is so much history in this county, if you like history it is a wonderful place to visit.

Staunton - My home town, county seat. Can't wait to get back home some day...

Thanks for recognizing Beckley, WV. As a lifelong resident I can speak for the majority of us in saying we love it here... Life and love move a little slower here and we like it that way. Old traditions die hard and we believe in god and family first.

Naples, FL isn't "small." It has a metro population over 300,000. The 21,000 city population is deceptive. Hardly anyone lives (or can afford to live) within the city limits and most people in the area live many miles away from town in the endless sprawl of shopping malls and subdivisions.

There's no place on earth like North West AR. Green rolling hills, lakes, trees and flowers. Down home folks. Affordable living. My hometown is Siloam Springs and I love it here and am so thankful to live here, but all of NWA is beautiful. Thanks Smithsonian for recognizing us.

It is so sad that Butler's biggest problem is the negative residents like the ones making comments here. No town is perfect. One problem Butler has is that many residents have never been anywhere else...I mean never moved, don't go on vacation. Many have never been to Pittsburgh! They have no idea what a great town they have. Most people do not know we have a downtown manager. They don't know that many people spend countless hours on Redevelopment Committees. Stop badmouthing your own community. The drug problem we have here is the same as every other town. Same with welfare. I moved to Butler from Chicago and the problems are tiny here compared to the big cities. But, of course, they wouldn't know that since they have never been anywhere! Show some support! Big things are about to happen downtown...wake up.

While I suppose that getting any kind of agreement on even a few of these towns is probably next to impossible, I would say that my nominees for this list would consist of Cooperstown, NY, Middlebury, VT and Camden, ME. I will admit an eastern bias here, but I could make a very strong case of all three of these places. In addition, Geneseo, NY would also fit right in somewhere on the list

As a full time Naples resident who loves our town, and is married to a realtor, it is great news to hear our town is ranked #9. I am thankful to live in such a beautiful area of SW Florida. We have culture and arts, great sandy beaches, great restaurants and friendly people. The secret is out!

I'm from Gig Harbor, WA and I love it there, you can get anywhere by boat and it is a wonderful place to grow up. I live in Annapolis now, and I must say I've been to Staunton, VA and that town should definitely not be on this list.

Have you ever been to East Corinth, VT? I guess not. :(

It was nice to see Gig Harbor make the list. It is a sweet little town, and beautiful to boot!! It is also nice that it is across the water from Tacoma, which has a thriving cultural scene: a boat to Seattle isn't far off as well. I have met the nicest people there who take a lot of pride in their beloved village.

Red Bank, NJ, is wonderful. My cousins from VA visit just to walk around and to know that places like Red Bank still exist. However, it is getting upscale. You can shop at Tiffany's but can't buy a pair of socks anywhere. There are empty storefronts because landlords raised rents to unsustainable levels. But the town has all the small town values such as community participation in town government and helping neighbors as well as great music, culture and sports!

What is the definition of small town being followed? Key West and Naples may be smaller than a lot of cities, but by what stretch of the imagination are they "small towns"?

Stanton VA shows what true southern hospitality should be. I grew up in Staunton area and love it when I get to go home for a visit. I love taking my children to Gypsy Hill park like my parents and grandparents did with me and ride the train and feed the ducks. And who could forget the Happy Birthday USA celebration every 4th of July that was started by The Statler Brothers so many years ago. Like Dorothy in the wizard of oz stated "there is no place like home,"

It's fascinating, this list. As a resident of Brunswick, Maine, I can safely say that the blurb written here is in no way reflective of anything but stale, old money. In itself, this is no problem, but it undersells and overestimates at the same time. There are two points of particular contention. 1) The state of Maine is ruled and run by some ineffable "secret handshake" that is required for any person in search of anything approaching opportunity. Brunswick is no exception to this axiom. And the average age here is 55. 2) There's a lot about Brunswick that either is or could very well be wonderful, but the town is compartmentalized and socioeconomically stratified to the point at which most events are inaccessible to most residents. Same as with politics--there is a purportedly democratic process with governance here, but decisions are made and policies are created with precious little credence given to public opinion.

I was born in the hospital un Siloam and llived there for many years. My sweet family still lives there today. I miss the beautiful town. I can remember playing in the park beneath the old medical center and swinging on the swings. The springs were great and I loved the Christmas time with the Pool of Siloam. Great memories of Siloam.

I was born there in 1936 and my mother was born there in 1916----my grandfather was a constable with the police---my brother too was born there--we lived several places there but the one I remember most was near the Pet Milk plant where we had a cafe and grocery store---we moved to Virginia in 1951 ---to be stationed at Ft, Lee my grandparents are buried at the top of the hill near John Brown University---been back 3 times over the years as we still have cousins in the area but was dissapointed about the beautiful springs that are not working now---wish they could come back--- loved the place and still do.

I grew up in Siloam Springs and am proud to call it home! It is a wonderful blend of old and new. A truly fabulous place to plant roots and raise a family. It is a community that truly cares about education, family, and culture.

Taos... If you want beautiful sunsets and great food, go there. If you want epic mountain biking, skiing, and some good climbing, go there. If you rather dwindle around looking at some amazing art, listening to poetry or hiking to some relaxing hot springs go there. Grew up there and cherish every memory of it.

Brattleboro is a great place to visit, but unless you like politics 24/7, you don't want to live there.

BUTLER? Do one of the authors own a sizable chunk of real estate in the area that they are hoping to inflate the value of? Butler is probably the least cool place in Pennsylvania, and possibly all of the United States.

I agree with Key West FL. I love St Augustine FL. I like Newport RI. I find Butler, PA pretty depressing! Bethlehem, PA has a great downtown! Wellsboro, PA is a great little town. I love a town with history and great shops.

Glad to see Oxford, MS on this list. We have been here 10 years and we love Oxford. The town, the people the culture. I do not desire to live and raise my family any where else.

From Butler Pa, the background comments forgot to mention how ethnically diverse the city population has become since the installation of the Methadone/Betty Ford rehab clinic.....it keeps its successful cases close.......The poverty rate and employment.....A computer must have picked this, 'stuck in time' piece of Steel City History, fallen from grace.

I've lived in Oxford, Ms for forty years and can't imagine living anywhere else in the world.

I live 10 miles from Butler, PA (in a smaller town of about 2,000). I love this area...lots of history and just an overall nice place to live :-)

Butler does like most small towns have it's problems. Losing the Pullman plant with 3000 employees certainlydid not help along with the "Promise of hope and change" The negative people stay here because they could not survive in any other place. Given a few more years with the proper leadership and support it could become number one on the list. I spent over half my life traveling the country and some parts of Europe. I love America and I love the small towns

I don't envy the writers who were given the formidable task of creating this Top 20 list. I hope, between the "You've got to be kidding..." and the "How could you omit...", readers accept the article for what it is...an opportunity for small towns to, for once, overshadow their nearby cities. I am biased, though. I live in No. 5, Gig Harbor, Washington, and work at the terrific new Harbor History Museum. I fell in love with the harbor the second I drove down the hill and experienced the gorgeous waterfront, the historic buildings, and the sense of community among the residents. I feel blessed every day I come to work on the ever-changing waterfront.

As a former 20-year resident who is now proudly the director of the Red Bank Public Library, I'm very pleased that Red Bank, NJ, came in at #3, but sad that there's no mention of our beautiful library with its free and fabulous views of the Navesink River and its celebrated 75-year history as the Eisner Memorial Library.

Is it not fair to the rest of the cities that one of Naples main points is the Philharmonic, which is not in the Naples city limits. If you count the Phil then the population in the entire county is well over 19000.

I have traveled for work most of my adult life mostly stateside, but Europe as well. I have lived in, and visited many wonderful places across this great country. Moving to Naples was my 27th move. I have disliked it from the start and my opinion has not changed in 7 years of living here. Rude people, over priced everything, and terrible city planning make it difficult to enjoy the beautiful non-indigenous scenery. 3 months of nice weather (with thousands of "guests") mixed with 9 months of 98 degrees with 90% humidity. On one end of town you have billionaires on the other abject poverty. It must be nice for visitors, but it is certainly not a family-friendly place to call home.

I live in Gig Harbor and its such a beautiful town! I would love to see Naples though, someday...someday.

i live in beckley and it sucks soo bad nothing but drugs.....mainly pills and marijuana

So proud to live in Siloam Springs, 40 years, 37 years living overlooking downtown and Twin Springs Park. The 50 steps up to our house, a lot of brides use to walk down to the Gazebo for their wedding, beautiful spot for a wedding.

Red Bank has come a looooong way from its days when it was called "Dead Bank". Half of the shops were closed up, crime was high and even the McDonalds left town. It has become a very pricey town, but check out stayinout.org for all of the food and beverage deals in and around Red Bank. The $2 beer still lives!

I love Durango!!! Born and raised. :-)

It's true! Staunton, VA is a lovely, historic town located in the pristine beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. A must see! You'll find Shakespeare, glass blowing, locally grown grapes transformed into luscious wines, grass-fed beef, cheese artisans, boutique-style groceries with personal touch, educational opportunities for all, the bluest Blue Ridge Mountains, and even a small shop manufacturing acoustic guitars. All of that...and more...in beautiful Staunton!

Moved from San Diego to Siloam Springs in 1978. It was like moving 2,000 miles and 20 years back in time. It's changed a lot in the past 30 years but still has that small town flavor. And the JBU campus is a wonderful place to spend a day. All things considered it was a good move. But I missed my surfing off La Jolla.

I grew up in a small town, the population was about 1000 ppl. There are several on this list which are much larger and I would not consider a "small town." In my opinion you leave the "small town" barrier at 1800-2000 residents. Just throwing that out there.

I lived there it sucks

I live in Naples Florida, the demographics they show are for the Old Naples area ( about 20,000) which is the hub of many activities. Most condensed area of restaurants, side walk cafes (very European) boutiques, specialty shops, fine art in all of Naples. In season (October to Easter) and high season ( January to after spring break ); you will see a population explosian probably tripling the overall population. Folks just want to be in Naples during the winter months, can you blame them; with temps in the low 70"s?

How could you not have mentioned the earthships just outside of Taos?

Wow. Beckley (not Beckley City) made the list and all you can find for a picture is the sign at Tamarack? Did you look at the building, because it's a work of art itself?

Bentonville is where the home offices of Wal-Mart have always been, but Rogers was where the first Wal-Mart was opened. That Wal-Mart has expanded and moved twice but still is listed as Store #1.

Right on with Great Barrington. I always thought it was the best town in the Berkshires so Im not surprised it made the list of the Best Small Towns.

Naples is one of the most gorgeous place on earth has best climate and i am glad Smithsonian magazine did not disappoint this subscriber

Very proud that Butler, PA made the list. I've read some awful comments from some folks that live in my hometown. I moved back to Butler about 4 years ago. It still is a very warm town. Small town which continues to have a low unemployment rate. Sure there are problems but not at the magnitude the large cities have. It is the character of the people that make this small town a proud community, fighting against the blight of the big city problems. This community offers a symphony, several theaters and we are not talking movie theaters, which there are as well. So fight back for this small town and it will survive. If you aren't part of the problem then do your part to be part of the solution.

I am from a small town in Ohio close to the PA line and about 40-50 miles from Butler, PA. Have been there several times in my life and found it to be accomodating and friendly. A college classmate of mine is originally from Butler and that's good enoiugh for me. Must be a great town. Remember the Butler Speedway also. High school classmate of mine was a stock driver and I worked the speedway with him couple times.

Naples and Southwest Florida has so much to offer people of all ages. Great weather, beautiful beaches, theater, music, outdoor activities, and friendly residents.Every day is paradise in Naples!

But no Destin, Florida?

Thank you for putting Siloam Springs on your list. Lived here 51 years and wouldn't consider moving away. As for the comment from the lady in B'ville. It is sad you do not know what our town has to offer but good luck at the Casino anyway. (your spelling was incorrect - Siloam) Our downtown area is coming alive with many new businesses that are LOCALLY owned. We are a strong Christian community with many churches and a University that rivals Ivy League colleges. Stop by one of our businesses or restaurants and enjoy the hometown charm that you will find. The casino isn't going anywhere and it is always open.............

This just goes to show that you shouldn't use an algorithm or computerized formula to come up with a "Best Small Town" list. Butler, PA: did anyone actually visit it before designating it one of the 20 best small towns? It's a decent town, but let's be real here; if this is one of the 20 best small towns in the entire USA, it's time to explore other citizenship. Sure, it is reasonably sized, has a reasonable cost of living, and has a number of historic landmarks. The truth is that it is a faded star from western PA's glory days, now long gone. Other towns and cities in the area, including Pittsburgh itself, have reinvented themselves and been the better for it, but Butler has not. It comes up short in many departments; notably a lack of core large businesses, a tired downtown, and a heavily industrialized surrounding area. Many of its surrounding neighborhoods reflect the reality of a town that has seen major economic downturn, as happened with so many of the old steel towns in the area. It's not pretty. I can't vouch for any of the other towns on the list, but these kinds of number-crunching lists are ridiculous. I strongly suggest that the Smithsonian spend a little more time vetting their list before claiming that towns like Butler,PA are one of the "20 best in the USA".

This is a great description of Brattleboro and I am very proud to see my home town on this list! However, the author neglected to mention the annual Strolling of the Heifers, the only cow parade in the country (a spoof on "Running with the Bulls"). It's a sight everyone should see and includes free ice cream.

I was so pleased to see your article. I was Siloam Springs' first Main Street director in the 80s. We were one of the first AR towns to join the movement. We stared by offering low interest loans for facade renovation and business start-ups for downtown. Getting our buildings on the National Register of Historic Places was just the tip of the ice burg. With two amazing parks, mom and pop shops, and parking, this little downtown was going places. I often wondered if someone would carry the "Main Street" torch when I left. Looks like they did. I'm so proud to have been a small part of this downtown's success.

;-) sure is one of the beautifullest places on earth

Nice article. I live in the Southwest and I was glad to see Taos, in my home state of New Mexico, come in at no. 2, as well as other nice little towns out west. Note: your photo caption for Durango has an misspelling; it's Animas River not Animus River.

"The University is respected, but Ole Miss is loved. The University gives a diploma and regretfully terminates tenure, but one never graduates from Ole Miss."

I don't know about the other cities on the list but I lived in Siloam Springs for 17 years and just moved away last fall. It is not a destination city as a previous commenter mentioned but it is an absolutely great place to live. Scenery so beautiful and commonplace that you forget that not everywhere looks this good. Low cost of living. Good employment. I raised my kids here and I can't think of a better place for them to have grown up. I miss it everyday.

Red Bank is such a great town! Count Basie is such a cool place, love that it was mentioned. Red Bank has great music and great food - Basil T's is a favorite Red Bank Italian restaurant for locals heading to Count Basie http://www.basilts.org/

Brattleboro, VT? Maybe to visit, maybe if you're artsy and don't have children. But I wouldn't choose to live here unless you can ignore slipshod schools (with a curriculum that's behind by at least one year the neighboring town of Wilmington, 20 miles to the west), police practices that tend toward the trigger-happy, a bare-bones local newspaper, an extraordinarily high tax rate, high underemployment, and growing inequality.

Thanks for the mention of Taos, NM! But note that Taos Pueblo dates back at least to 1000 A.D., not the 15th century as erroneously stated in this article. It is a living UNESCO world heritage site.

We are proud that Taos made this list. Not only is Taos a wonderful small town, it is multicultural, full of art, and surrounded by the phenomenal Sangre de Christo Mountain Chain. The vast views of the Rio Grande Gorge, the High Desert and beautiful mountain fishing surround grace our little town. Taos and the surrounding small towns are laden with historic and spiritual ambiance. Towering over our town is the sacred Taos Mountain home to the ancient Taos Pueblo. Fun things to do: River rafting, fishing, mountain biking, killer downhill mountain biking in Angel Fire, one of the top ski resorts in the world (Taos Ski Valley), hiking, music, vast blue skies, art and more...

I moved to Butler 40 years ago and it is a great area to raise a family! There have been many changes and with the coming of an energy boom to the county/city, it will continue to thrive. Some of the above critics haven't been around much over the last couple of decades if this is their take of the area. The county of Butler is actually one of the fastest growing in the state of Pennsylvania. Butler will continue to provide excellent health, education and a high quality standard of living for all.

The picture of Butler is not even Butler, PA. It is of Lyndora, PA. The caption says it is an East side neighborhood which isn't even close. Lyndora sits just southwest of the city of Butler. Is this ranking based on the whole county or just the city of Butler? If it is just the city then I think the Smithsonian needs to actually come to Butler and then reconsider it's # 7 ranking.

As a historian I need to correct the idea as wrong that George Washington "blazed" a trail in what is now Butler County, PA. Rather, the Venango Indian path had existed long before GW was led on it by Indians from Loggs Town. Also, Butler is about 15 miles east of the path, not "along a trail blazed" by GW. Finally, GW's mission was to warn the French army to leave the region they planned to control to prevent British trade with the Indians as well as build settlements. Please, let's base our claims on historical fact rather than romanticizing it with fiction. Thanks.

I live in Butler and love it here. Couldn't agree more with these statements.

When I was married my inlaws lived in this area and I always thought Gig Harbor would be a great place to live. I never thought it would happen but here I am several years later and love it. It has been the best move of my life and I would not trade it for anything despite the rain. The rain just makes it that much greener and even more beautiful!

All of these towns are gorgeous and I even am a proud resident of one of the ones listed, but I also believe Lake Placid, New York should get a shout out.

Siloam Springs is where I called home for the formative early years of my life. It continues to be the spiritual nexus of my existance. 30 years later I still find myself hearing of friends and family that cross it's path regularly or live nearby in the fantastic Ozark Mtn. foothills. A place where one could still disappear and live "off-the-grid" without bother. I still remember the "Jesus People" movement in the late seventies who's local members all came over to our house for a singalong while my sister and I played on the back porch overlooking Dogwood Park in the valley below. The perfect quaintness of the downtown, the beauty of John Brown University, the public pool and park, the fantastic drive down highway 59 to Fort Smith all made Siloam my first, and best, hometown. Now the house is gone to make room for a helicopter landing pad for the hospital where my dad worked. The Franklin Electric Company factory has closed. The influx of migrant workers finding nothing better to do than to raise the crime rate, fail to mow, or pull their junkers to the yard have encroached on the peaceful town. You can still find sukor, however, at the Dayspring Church where the famous greeting card company is founded, or, for the not-so-natural, cross the border by about two feet into West Siloam Springs Oklahoma and hit the slots in the brand new ginormous casino.

NAPLES IS NOT NUMBER ONE ~ ARE YOU KIDDING? Seriously!

I grew up in Staunton, VA and I am so proud that I had this opportunity to live my life in such a wonderful town. We have so much to do in Staunton, that no one can say that they are bored. We have activities all year long, but the place I am most proud of is Gypsy Hill Park. Our park is beautiful, and from spring to fall, there are activities for the whole family to attend, or you can just enjoy the duck pond, the miniture train for children, or the great playgrounds. So many people walk in the park and develope freindships along the way. At Christmas time, the park is lit up with area churches and business setting out Christmas displays that the City helps with supplying electricity for these displays. What a great way to spend the evening with your family riding through and seeing all the beautiful decorations. I am never afraid to go out anywhere in Staunton by myself, because it is a very safe town. I hope many come to enjoy all that Staunton has to offer and enjoy the beauty of our town.

The people at the Smithsonian obviously didn't do their homework Butler is better known as a heroin capital any drug you want you can get it and their are more thieves than working folk.Downtown is struggling to stay afloat and many small businesses are going under everyday I'm sorry but you missed the mark on this one!! Butler Pa does not deserve to be on this list

Having been raised in Butler, PA, I'm wondering where I should leave my Comments as the only comments here are about the previous site - Great Barrington.

Residents of Siloam Springs knew we'd found a gem of a place when we moved here - thrilled that others know too!

Staunton is a beautiful city. We have so much to offer here. We also have the Beverley Street Studio School, that offers Art Classes and we are the only School of this type that is located outside of a Metropolitan area. Our Gypsy Hill Park is a real gem, our downtown offers free walking tours and we have local wineries and wonderful restaurants to choose from. Come to see us!!!

I was born and raised in Menomonie, WI and left and came back because of the small town atmosphere. I LOVE Menomonie! The rolling hills are gorgeous....it is a great place for families. Legacy Chocolates is the BEST....the Log Jam is a great place to eat....LaDeeDah is a great little gift shop with one of a kind gifts and there are all sorts of antique shops to visit. I am proud to call Menomonie my home!! ;)

I've lived in a few places, from remote pipe-in-the-sunlight hollows to near-Manhattan suburbia, with mid and small cities thrown in too. Now a Butler resident, I'm pleasantly surprised that Butler's variety of cultural activities has been noted beyond this area. And I'm highly pleased that this town is in such very good company. Something that ESRI may not have noted: there's even more popular involvement in local music here than meets the 20,000-foot eye. Sure, we have an exceptional orchestra for a small town, but I'd invite anyone who's looking for a place to jam - from bluegrass to Bach - to consider relocating here. You don't need to be either Pavarotti or Paganini; you'll be welcomed and encouraged and will find someone to share your music with at whatever your level happens to be.

On the corner of Main Street and Taconic Avenue in Great Barrington and across the street from Searles Castle stands the former St. James Episcopal Church, the 150 year old stone church. Once the home of the oldest Episcopal congregation west of Boston, celebrating its 250th year, it was sold in 2010 to a newly created not for profit "Saint James Place, Inc." and will be restored and renovated as a cultural facility for the community dedicated to the arts and social services and on Sunday, as a place of worship. The People's Pantry and The Salvation Army will have a permanent home in the basement level. With approximately 15,000 square feet at the gateway into town, the former church and adjacent parish house holds three medium to small performing venues, meeting spaces and six office spaces for local not for profit organizations.

This town is horrible.i live here.it is full of drugs and bars and a thriving welfare community. The centerpiece of the city is its brand new prison.if you can get past all of that,its a great place to grow old.

My feelings on Naples,Fl are quite extensive. I have spent time there a few years back and just recently bought a beautiful home there. I have never seen such a beautiful place, filled with great friendly people. Real estate goes up to millions and millions of dollors with this area of florida being a true piece of "Heaven on Earth" The beautiful beaches, fantasic restaurants, and strolling and shopping on 5th ave is second to none. Filled with artisic culture and class, Naples is once again back on track real estate wise. People from all over the world now are gobbling up real estate in Naples by the tons. The reason is once your go there, you'll fully understand why. Like I said, it is shear "Heaven on Earth"

It's very exciting to see Siloam recognized! It was a great place to grow up and I miss not living there now.

When you visit Menomonie, don't forget to include a visit to the award- winning Dunn County Historical Society museums in Wakanda Park! In 2010 we won the Wisconsin State Historical Society's Reuben Gold Thwaite Award, the W.H.S.'s highest honor. Frank, Curator of Collections

Butler also has the AABC Art Center ( located across from the post office!). The center is currently showing artwork by Slippery Rock seniors and has a nice array of Art classes. aabcArtCenter.com A fantastic public library with an amazing listening center recently built and a children's mural that lets you play seek and find. Cumming's coffee shop that feels like you're slipping back in time. A funny book store where people gather to play games. New Dimension Comics. And the absolute coolest looking court house in the state!

ive lived near Brunswick most of my life and can honestly say it is no wheres near the top of the list like this article claims.I give the article an F-

Oh! and don't forget about the wonderful elitist attitude you get for free from living or having gone to school there!

Smithsonian you have lost all credibility with this one. Obviously no one visited Butler....

I moved to Berkshire County over 22 years unexpectedly. Just passing through, stopped at Kripalu to get my Yoga Teacher Certification and never left. I live in a small home in Great Barrington, where I run my environmentally inspired real estate office, just walking distance to town, across from the old Dewey School or the Court House today. I never thought i could appreciate one place so much. Whether you get to live, visit, or study in the Berkshires, you are a lucky person. It's home. Jaya Jacobs, Broker, Yogini

Red Bank does have a lot of culture to offer from free music in the park to street fairs but you need major bucks to live here. A women's haircut in town costs on average of $70. The only thing in town I can afford is a cup of tea and a view of the Navesink river .

I wish they had taken a picture of that same area in the Spring when the hillside across the creek is in full bloom with the dogwood trees. It is breathtaking!

Butler should really not be considered for this list. It's the most awful city I've lived in. I moved away last fall and never looked back.

Butler, PA? You didn't even use a picture of Butler, PA. Your picture is a shot of Lyndora, PA--which is adjacent to Butler. Lyndora was settled by the peoples of the Carptho-Rusyn mountain areas. You describe Butler from 40 years ago. Right now, Butler is deteriorating to the ground. The leadership of the town is ineffective and useless to address the big city problems that are mushrooming all over the city. Unemployment is incredibly high. The Main Street is not a place residents wander through shopping or eating (with two or three exceptions)because of the drug dealing and shady characters. Drug dealing, prostitution, blighted buildings and whole areas of architectural blight of once thriving neighborhoods...it is the most heartbreaking scene you can imagine for a once thriving and beautiful "hometown America" kind of place--that I simply can't imagine how it made your list, let alone #7...I've lived here for 42 years and it is heart breaking...your research is shameful... to be honest. Butler should be in an article about how hometown America---how old time Main Street USA is dying by the second and no one is doing a thing about it...NOT. ONE. THING.

All of these towns are upper class, delusional white liberal fantasy lands. Totally SWPL. Not one of them is representative of real small town America.

Actually, Rogers, Ark., is not the birthplace of Walmart. Like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, it is located in Bentonville, Ark. I'm very surprised Silaom Springs made the list. Locals who live in the region would never consider going to Siloam for any reason other than passing through on the way to a casino.

I am from a neighboring town to Brattleboro, VT and attending high school at Brattleboro Union High School. I love Vermont and I love Brattleboro. My only issue when I visit now is the congestion in downtown Brattleboro. It's a lot different than it was back in the 70's and 80's but still beautiful and unique and worth a stop if you are passing through. ILOVERMONT! I miss you! (in Ohio now)

Thank you for including Butler PA in your list of "Top 20 Small Towns in America." I grew up here in the 1950's and they really were happy days. Dad had a good job at ARMCO Steel and Butler High School made sure kids got a good education. Kids showed off their cars at Morgan's Wonder Boy Drive In and attended the Tumble Inn dance at the YMCA every Friday night. The Hot Dog Shop downtown was frequented by people of all ages. It was usually the first stop for folks coming back for a visit. Downtown stores had personality. All that has changed with the coming of big box chain stores and restaurants, but Butler has still managed to retain it's all American small town character.

And if you factor in the cost of housing, which this listing clearly didn't, an average American might actually be able to live in the wonderful little town of Staunton, Virginia. Can the same be said of Laguna Beach or Mill Valley, California?

Gig Harbour. Nice place to visit but taxes and upscale attitudes make it a less than desirable destination for the mid income American. Beautiful place to live if you if you are six figures and above.

Staunton is a jewel of a city-- great restaurants, art galleries, shops. The people are friendly. There is a great farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Shakespeare Theater, the Smith Center Museum for History and Art, and soon the Staunton Performing Arts for entertainment. There are lots of art galleries and antique shops. Dogs are welcome in most shops. It is a great place to visit and a greater place to live.

wow, congratulations to Great Barrington, and particularly to the great American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) there - nice place, and even more importantly, fantastic people there!

While I have family in Beckley, WV, and currently work and live in Butler, PA, I still believe with all my heart that my hometown of Marietta, OH should have been on this list. It has such beauty, and rich history, it would have made an excellent choice.

I was not born and raised in Great Barrington. My old high school wrestling coach used to race horses at the Barrington Fair. The natural beauty impressed a city kid and I remembered those trips fondly. I was visiting a college friend who lives in Greenfield Ma and was treated a small town fair in GB. The fair was organized by local towns folk to benefit a family in great need. There were patchwork quilts hanging on clothe lines, home made cherry pies with lattice tops, ring toss and a dunking booth. The town had a population of about 2500 at the time I was told. It looked like most of them were there. I thought that I heard someone call for John Boy. Who wouldn't want to live there? I call Great Barrington home now.

I grew up in Gig Harbor, it's magical. Thick beautiful forests, rolling hills and hundreds of inlets, beaches & tiny islands to explore. Im so grateful for this place. It feels fresh there. The air is clean and the water tastes great. I wish we could freeze the gig harbor of my childhood, so i could show you all.

#20, not bad! It is nice to see something positive written about the place you have lived the majority of your life.

i live in gig harbor Washington and its a place to live if you are old and rich

As a residence of Princeton for about 15 years, I'm proud of our small town and what it offers. In addition to Princeton University and McCarter Theatre, the community Arts Council of Princeton offers classes and exhibitions at low or no cost; the Princeton Library is a multiple media town living room; restaurants of all range are walkable from the train or downtown parking structures; greenspaces dot the landscape; and a compact central area has a mix of living, dining, entertainment and relaxation spots. People cross the street, people wait and wave, and many generations and cultures enjoy all the fun. Welcome to all!

Thanks for writing about Great Barrington and the Berkshires! My husband and I feel blessed to live in this area (we live just north of GB in Lenox - home to Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Co, Ventfort Hall, Canyon Ranch, Kripalu & more)and think Great Barrington's a wonderful town with its own unique vibe. There are a lot of great towns to visit or live in in the Berkshires - Lee, Lenox (of course!), Pittsfield, North Adams - each with their own unique personality and yet all maintaining a familiar 'Berkshire' feeling. It's a wonderful place to live and we feel very lucky to be here.

Im so happy to see mill valley on this list. i grew up there and i think the description is delightfully accurate. i love this town with all my heart and im glad the world wide web can see how amazing it is :)

Woohoo! Go Butler! Could've chosen a better photo though.

I'm so glad that a wonderful little place like Oxford, Mississippi is being recognized. So many have such wild stipulations about the south that are so inaccurate. Oxford is a culturally enriched little town and fortunately, I had the privilege of growing up there. If you want a true taste of southern culture, great food, art and literature, Oxford is the place to go!

I have lived in Mill Valley, CA my entire life and am completely thrilled to see it make this list! Great schools, great shops, great people. Oh, and Go SF Giants!

SAMS is amazing just like Mocha Joe's. I agree about the 3 small paragraphs not enough. I have been to almost every restaurant and shop in town never had a bad meal or a shopping experience.

Wahoo Butler! This article is correct: Butler is a great place to live and to visit. I have loved growing up here. Its a warm town because of the warm people that live here, and no matter where I am, it will always be my Home. I am surprised that the article didn't mention the drive-in movie theater!

I have lived in Beckley WV for most of my life and I absolutely love it here. I agree that Beckley is not the only great small town in West Virginia, the state in a whole is beautiful ...but I am proud that we were mentioned and agree that it is a great small town .

MILL VALLEY ROCKS!!! perfect choice...

I'm in shock that Butler, PA made the list. I mean, it's just totally lacklustre - it's full of rednecks and steel industry casualties. A nice community in that part of PA would be Sewickley, and over in Northeast Ohio there are some really nice towns like Hudson, Chagrin Falls, Peninsula, and Medina.

Butler is the heroin Capitol of western Pennsylvania or even the northeast for that matter. There is nothing glorious about Butler...at all.

Butler, Pa? Really? I grew up there and, like most people, I moved away as fast as possible. Drugs, a disgustingly dirty downtown, public parks used as druggie hangouts, low income, high crime.... The list goes on. I wish it was scenic and the proud hometown of the Jeep (Bantam, not Chrystler but the author makes no distinction). It is, in fact, a failing community in which the best place to work is an ailing steel mill. Cranberry falls within Butler County and is prosperous as an outskirts of Pittsburgh but that's certainly all the County has going for it.

WHY OH WHY can't websites that post "lists" of things actually put a LIST on ONE page? I get so sick of clicking thru from page to page. Offer that option also, but please, just show me a LIST!!!!!

Great list! I'm going to keep some of these places in mind so I can visit the next time I'm in the area. :) Also, does anyone know who the artist of the painting in the photograph for No. 13, Brunswick, ME is? I love it. Thanks in advance!

I grew up in Northwest Arkansas, and have been a resident of Siloam Springs for several years. I am proud to see our town on this list and am proud of what it means for us as a community. I am glad to raise my family here. I am honored to be a part of the local school system (I teach film and speech at the high school). Thank you for featuring our lovely little town!

Princeton is lovely!

As someone who grew up in Gig Harbor (#5), I can assure you it is not the quaint maritime village this article suggests. For every "open-air film night," there are a dozen strip malls. The town is overrun with ugly gas stations and right-wing megachurches. Developers rule the local government, and have spent the last 20 years clear-cutting the forested land around Gig Harbor to build office parks and 1990s-style McMansions (many of which now sit empty). Get outside of the charming "downtown" and you'll see that Gig Harbor is just another grim northwestern exurb.

Butler, lol.

I moved to Gig from Los Angeles 4 years ago, and LOVE IT here!!! Such a quaint town, with big cities Tacoma and Seattle just minutes away

Menominee rocks I love day mabel tainted theater!!

Great article Smithsonian!

You did a great job capturing #7 with the photograph of Lyndora, PA (that's with a 1 6 0 0 2) - post Lynn and Dora (mom and daughter not born in Butler). Amazingly, Lyndora felt the necessity to secede from the not worthy Butler, PA aforementioned...

SRU MCGEE CHIMING IN.

While i was in high school and after i graduated i worked at the old friendlies, what a great place to work, i had many friends come in the store some old but mostly my age. When you drive down main street what a beautiful sight, i've moved away and been around the world while in the Air Force but there is nothing as beautiful as Great Barrington.

As a resident, id just like to say there's next to nothing to do here. Most people who live here knew nothing about the museums.

So neat to see my hometown Menomonie, Wisconsin on this list. I have always loved the weekly band concerts in Wilson park. Definitely deserving of this honor. The local theater guild also does a phenomenal job bringing a variety of shows to the historic Mabel Tainter theater. If you visit Menomonie, make sure you also check out the beautiful Wilson mansion and the cool logging museums. (If you come during June and July, don't forget to look for the amazing Strawberries that Menomonie is also known for!) These sights, together with the beautiful Red Cedar River, make Menomonie is an amazing place to visit and an even better place to live!

This is a great list, albeit with a heavy east coast slant. I wish that east coast publications would have the writers who do these sorts of articles have a more well rounded experience of a variety of areas. We see this time and again with best restaurant choices in America lists etc. Again, great towns but travel around the midwest and (my bias), especially the west.

If you have never visited this quaint little town, you should! A Little piece of a hometown spirit! So proud to be one of Siloam Springs neighboring towns!

Red Bank is a fantastic town! It truly has so much to offer - there is something for everyone here! Fabulous pick!

Butler: "The town serves as a business and cultural hub..." I guess if you consider vehement racism, radical conservatism, a raging heroin problem, and an ugly, dead steel industry as constituting a "business and cultural hub," Butler truly deserves to be on this list.

Thank you for appreciating our town! We also have very affordable housing. I hope some companies decide to move here and keep us all employed!

I grew up in D.C., the home of the Smithsonian, in whose properties I spent many, many hours as a child, and I've lived in the Berkshires for the last 26 years. Great Barrington has been my home for twelve years, and I've never been happier living anywhere else. My home is just around the corner from the Guthrie Center. The Housatonic Railroad, which was once the main transportation line through the Berkshires, runs past my backyard. The town has changed tremendously since I've lived in the area, most notably from being a place where people stopped for lunch on the way to Stockbridge or Lenox, to becoming a destination in its own right. The population, too, has boomed, with new housing built at a fever pitch--especially since 9/11, which drove large numbers of people from New York City. Many locals now won't drive into the center of town on weekends, owing to the crowded stores and sidewalks, traffic, and lack of parking. The stores and eateries have changed greatly, from moderately priced family-owned establishments to boutiques and gourmet restaurants usually out of the financial range of longtime residents. There exists a love-hate relationship between tourists and new- and second-home owners; the latters' presence is good for the town's economy, but at a price in terms of crowding, noise, and what is often seen as an oblivious or patronizing attitude. Crime, too, has increased with the arrival of conspicuous wealth. There are, however, some cherished aspects of the town that locals tend to hold to themselves and not to publicize, so that there remain places that are quiet and reminiscent of the Great Barrington of old. Much as I enjoy seeing my town recognized as the No. 1 "Best Small Town in America," I fear that this recognition will not make it a better place.

#9 is Menonomie, WI-Tough I'm very pleased to see a Wisconsin town on here, I lived in Menomonie for 5 years (which includes the past 3). It's pretty boring but also there is a limited amount of places to go and things to do. There's too much traffic, not enough greenery on the main drag and not enough sense of community and very little diversity. The only good things about it are the Food Co-op, the Art Department at UW-Stout, Raw Deal, Mabel Tainter Theatre and now Lucette Brewery. Also, the Nature Valley Grand Prix rides through there, Das Bierhaus and Zanzibars, and the Red Cedar Trail is lovely. IMO The best thing about Menomonie is that it's less than an hour from the Twin Cities but it's definitely not interesting. Number crunching needs to be redone. Eau Claire would've been a better bet!

I moved to Great Barrington and the Berkshires as a girl,and stayed there through high school,then moved away. For all my travels, and I have seen some quite amazing places with great beauty, there is no place so elegant and peaceful as the Berkshires. Every time I go home to visit my parents, I still can't believe how blessed I was to grow up in such a lovely place, that still feels like home. Driving among the hills you come upon places such as Bish Bash Falls, Mt. Washington, Mt. Everette, Monument Mountain, Mt Greylock, Ice Glen,or Bartholomew's Cobble and if you get out of the car and explore these places, the beauty and peacefulness sink in before you know it, so much so, they can be painted from the minds eye. This is why the Berkshires live with in the hearts of all who go there.

We,my husband and I were born in the Nederlands,lived all over the world and are so happy to have setteled down in Great Barrington for the last 12 years.Robert a Wallstreet man working in our barn and I am living my dream being an innkeeper in a beautiful old historic home right on Mainstreet. We love it here and don't ever want to leave.

Previous comment, I forgot to fill in the top. Please ask authors of Twenty Best Small Towns in America, Susan Spano and Aviva Shen to contact me. The Festival is delighted to have been mentioned in their article about Princeton. Best jean

Congrats Menomonie!! Where my 3 daughters, 1 this spring, and I graduated college, uw stout! Beautiful town!

Love, love love Key West. The pedestrian nature of the area is great for folks 55+. Keep up the good work, Key West.

Well, if it couldn't be Leesburg in Virginia, I'm happy Virginia made the list.

Bentonville is the birthplace of Walmart not Rogers. I've lived in Siloam Springs my whole life.

Willamette Springs Ar. Is a great choice! I should know I live there its beautiful and as you walk down the streets you may hear 2 teenagers with a convertable screaming and dancing in midday! Amazing right?

Obviously this writer has never been to Butler, PA.

I've lived in or around Staunton for all of my 39 years. Sometimes an honor like this is what the locals need to be reminded of how special our " little town " is and what it means to others. Proud to be home of The Statler Brothers as well. Thanks..:)

ilove to see the comments about GB but the one that stands out is this ( it was alittle sleepy ) as a past resident of afew different towns near GB over the yrs it would be very nice if those who love our quiet slow lo stress pace would be a lot more considerate when they do visit or move into towns its been my and numorous others opionion that if you liked when you visited and decided to move or visit more or make it a place for a second home learn to blend in and STOP moving in and making it horrid to live eat or in general be around thats how beatiful towns STAY that way im just sayin!!!!!!!!!!!

The author did a good job of conveying something of our little city in a few short paragraphs. There is so much more to say (don't worry, I am not going to say it all here) that a quick visit to www.visitstaunton.com is well worth it.

Or see the article in NTHP's Preservation Magazine: http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2012/jan-feb/secret-stauntons-success.html

We have amazing restaurants for such a small place, and The American Frontier Culture Museum is right on our doorstep.
You come and, like so many, you may never leave.

I'm sorry but I must speak out against the inclusion of Butler, PA in this list. I grew up in Slippery Rock, PA, the next town over in 'sleepy' Butler County and I have a few things to say about the subject.

First of all, Butler's median income, going back even further than the collapse of Big Steel and the slow demise of ARMCO in the end of the 1970s, has been no more than half what it is in the rest of the country. People in Butler are struggling to make ends meet and many don't win that battle. This is an impoverished, economically depressed area, which is easy to see when you drive down Main Street, through this 'cultural hub' and see dilapidated stores and restaurants, frequented by a population strung out on drugs.

The crime rate here is far higher than the national average for a town of this size as is the rate of drug abuse and violence. Less than 16% of people from Butler go on to college after high school, the ratio of convicted sex offenders per capita is about 1:350 (quite high!) and there are more cloudy or rainy days than sunny...making this one of the 'best small towns'? Really? With 95% of the population identifying as White on the census, how can this be seen as any kind of representation of America at all?

Please, Smithsonian Magazine, re-think including Butler in this list. Its clear that you've never visited it.

For specific numbers, see this page: http://www.city-data.com/city/Butler-Pennsylvania.html

I moved to Menomonie, Wisconsin to go to UW-Stout for college in 1979. I never left. I believe many others have done the same. It is such a beautiful city on the lake and has wonderful trails to bike or walk, lakes to boat on, Mabel Tainter is such a fantastic venue for plays and concerts, several golf courses and just a lot to do. People here are friendly and life is good! I have enjoyed watching our main street and this town evolve as a place to be over the years!

Excellent schools.

I have a lovely carriage home in Naples, Florida, and I've been visiting there for over 2 decades. I just love all the beauty, art, philharmonic, botanical gardens, shopping, restaurants, beautiful architecture, gorgeous plants and flowers, and wildlife. Of course, never forget that wonderful ocean!

It's a wonderful place to live...very healthy climate, too. Everyone should visit at least once. So glad to see we made the list.

It's Beckley!! GET IT RIGHT!! NOT "Beckley City". If you want to recognize a city please get the name right!!

The J.E. Neilson Co. is the 16th oldest store in the nation. It was established in 1839.

Stoked Staunton made it to this list, being where I moved to from Philadelphia when I was 10 but there is a new noise ordinance that shuts down all local shows at 11:30. The police are killing the music in this town and making it an unpleasant place for tourists to visit.

Don't judge us by Laguna Beach. If you make it all the way to So Cal, come down to Coronado Island (San Diego). You can stroll down the main street and get an ice cream, visit the museum and world famous Hotel Del, surf, or take the ferry to see the Midway...it's Mayberry meets the beach, especially on the Fourth of July, when the "Canine Mayor" presides. It also has the best kept secret; the Coronado School of the Arts - an arts high school within a high school, which contributes to the community in dance, theater, music and digital media. Bring your bike and your dog, the two things all residents must have.

I LIVED IN MOUNT HOLLY, VERMONT, FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS AND I CAN'T THINK OF ANYWHERE ELSE I WOULD HAVE RATHER LIVED.

I grew up in Red Bank as well as my family. My grandfather opened a loan and finance business on Broad Street in Red Bank in 1960. His company was called Bell finance, his name was Ralph Belknap. In the 60's banks did not loan money so people would borrow from my grandfather. My grandparents raised their two daughters in one of the oldest homes in Monmouth County called Rambler Hedge. What wonderful memories I have of my childhood and my Pop!

Awesome! Well deserved.

My wife grew up in Red Bank and the adjoining town, Little Silver. We met in Atlanta in 1985 and she told me how great it was up here. We finally moved to Red Bank in 2010 and LOVE it. Bought a 1910 home about a six minute walk to the heart of town....overlook the Navesink River, three miles to the ocean with GREAT beaches, an hour to NYC....what more can you ask for???

Thanks for recognizing Beckley, WV, and our attractions and events. Relative to Adam Bailey's comment - Fayetteville and Lewisburg has already been recognized on the Coolest Small Towns List. We should celebrate that another WV town is honored on a list.

Menomonie, really? Sounds very unremarkable and uninteresting. If you were trying to find a small town in WI why not look at La Crosse, Cedarburg, Lake Geneva or Mineral Point? These types of towns have something special to offer like beautiful scenery, a variety of recreational activities, interesting history, unique shops and galleries, good local restaurants/microbreweries. Not to mention all nice places to live. Sure Menomonie has a decent state university, but really the only thing I'd go there for is a rest stop on my way from Minneapolis to Milwaukee. Easy on and easy off the interstate.

i have lived in Menomonie most of my life(all but about a year), and am proud of my community. The people are the best, down to earth and always looking out for their neighbors. I played with the Ludington Guard for a summer and remember attending as a child...pie and ice cream!! The Mabel is a treasure!!! And the entertainment provided always top-notch!! Also beautiful river and lake as well as an all season bike, ski, walking trail.

I lived in Staunton Va... Beautiful town.. Beautiful Parks, but the Mall seems to be run down.. The outlet mall nearby seems to be mostly empty... There Historical sites are worth seeing though!

Butler may be 7th on the list but will always be 1st on mine. I was born and raised in Butler and seen first hand how great it is. We had many stars come out of Butler such as...Matt Clement (Boston Red Sox), Big John Studd (wrestler), Brian Minto (boxer), Marc Blacus (actor), even Rick Santorium when to high school here.

Much to my surprise it was nice to see Staunton VA on this list. I use to live near there when I was a child. It is such a beautiful little town with so many cool places to visit.
Then even more to my surprise, I find my current place of residence on the same list!! Menomonie WI is a cute college town with beautiful scenery. I would recommend visiting both places to anyone that has the chance to do so.

What do people actually do in the Berkshires to earn a living to live in such tony real estate? I live in a small town (pop. 800 year-round residents), on the most gorgeous cove on the Pacific NW coast - but people without trust funds are leaving in droves because there is no work. How do people live in these cute places and afford it, I wish this article had explained how these places were sustained.

Is this an April fools joke? Butler PA really? I live there and I can tell you it is everything but the 7th best small town in America. Just take a stroll through main street and you'll get what I'm talking about.

I always knew I grew up in the best little town ever. This just helps me to show others just how great we are.

Butler, PA- "thriving downtown?" I've lived here for over ten years now and manage a business right on Main street- I don't know how long you were here or when you were here, but there is nothing "thriving" about downtown. In fact the majority of the businesses on Main Street are scraping by just to get by. I am truly blown away by the fact that I live in the "7th Best Small Town in America..." cause after ten years of experience- and living several other places across the country- I can assure you Butler is not one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America. I may not have written this article- but I've lived it. The things that go on in this city are utterly unbelievable- in a very negative way. But, uh, props to you for somehow thinking this place is one of America's top twenty "best small towns." Stay for ten years- I'd be taken aback if you didn't change your mind in the first two years.

Grew up in Great Barrington. Went through high school here. Then went off to college, law school, have a career, raise a family. Now that I am retired I am happily back home. There is definitely a feel of home from church suppers, to tag sales, to everyone meeting in the Post Office, to Historic Society lectures and walks. There is something for everyone - and everyone is welcome! We who live here are very lucky. The air is pure and the water good - if only we could get the PCPs out of the beautiful Housatonic River that runs through town.

This list is a crock. You completely ignored the Midwest, 1/4 of the country, save for one town.

Also, Mill Valley, Laguna Beach and numerous other places on your list retain their features because of the greater metropolitan area they inhibit.

Isn't Smithosonian supposed to dedicate our tax dollars to the best minds in the US?

Naulakha (Brattleboro) isn't open to the public, except on very rare occasions, so all you can do is stare at it from the road. If it's history that interests you, I'd recommend going further afield, to the St Gaudens shrine in Cornish NH, and the Calvin Coolidge birthplace in Plymouth,Vt. Both are fascinating. One wonders if the writers of the article have even seen Brattleboro. No matter, it is charming. Some of the other highlights the author didn't mention: really great classical music at the Yellow Barn music festival in Putney, or at Marlboro College. Lots of great live theatre around: New England Youth Theatre, Vermont Theatre company, and once again, Marlboro College. Also, if you like nature, there are lots of great moderate hikes in the area, from the Retreat Meadows to the Madame Sherri forest or Mt Wantastiquet just across the river in NH. Just a bit further away are more ambitious hikes like Mt Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH, Mt Ascutney in Weathersfield, Vt, or Mt Greylock in Massachusetts.

After growing up in Butler, it is clear to me that the composers of this list did not spend enough time in this town. No way should it ever be deemed #7...or even #1,000,000.

I have say that ten of the best years of my adult life were spent in living in Menomonie, Wisconsin in the 1980s. Yes the winters are cold and long, but that didn't stop the residents from enjoying the outdoors - ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling. The health care was exceptional, the schools were solid, and the residents were simply good, caring citizens. I am happy to see that Menomonie is recognized as one of the top 20 best small towns in America! Those of us who have had the pleasure to spend a few years there already know it.

I've been to 49 states and many towns around the world and am delighted to have called Staunton home for nine years now. Even though I work in Georgetown in Washington DC part of each week, being in lovely Staunton is now necessary for my spirit. I love playing my bassoon in the Brigade Band's summer concerts in the park, walking/ running through 5 national historic districts, and the best Shakespeare anywhere!

Staunton Va? Is this a joke? I escaped twice and am back here. So many much, much better places to live than here!

Proud of my Hometown of Beckley, WV

I was kind of surprised to see Beckley on this list (like Adam said, it is NOT "Beckley City" that needs to be corrected). I disagree with him though. From the context of what they were looking at - city attractions like museums, theater, etc.. Beckley definitely offers more than Fayetteville or Lewisburg. Whenever I go home, I always take a day to go to Tamarack, if for nothing else than to look around. If you are looking for more historical stuff, Lewisburg is nice with the Greenbrier, General Lewis Inn, and downtown shopping. If you are outdoorsy- nothing beats Fayetteville! Both are very close to Beckley. I'm just glad to see any WV city on here - there is a lot WV has to offer for travel, and we often get overlooked despite being the most traveled through state!

What's an "ironic motel"? I think perhaps, in reference to Marfa, you might mean "iconic motel," the El Paisano, which housed stars during the filming of Giant, way back in the day. And while the town does have some funky finds, I think the real charm of Marfa is its proximity to Big Bend country and the Chisos Mountains.

I use to live in Bulter,Pa. It is truly a wonderful little town, I enjoyed living there. Plus the town is absolutely beautiful come fall when the leaves turn colors and the sunlight is just right.

...and also home to the Red Bank Rollet Vixens flat track roller derby league!

It's so great that you have recognized a small town we love to visit, Staunton VA.
The people there are very friendly, and the cultural aspects make it a wonderful place to spend a few days. We have season tickets for Blackfriars, attend glass blowing exhibitions at Sunspots, eat excellent food at many restaurants, and love staying at the Stonewall Jackson hotel which offers enticing incentives to visit again and again.

My wife and I visited the Great Barrington area for the first time last summer to get some good bike rides in. We loved the area, but weren't too keen on GB. Our impression was that GB is a place New Yorkers go to get away from it all, but they want everything from the city available to them. Kind of reminds me of the New Yorkers that buy a nice country home in VT, then start whining because they can't get a decent bagel and the dairy farm nearby wakes them up at 4:00 AM. Why go away if you end up in the same place? We stayed in Sheffield (just south of GB), loved it and planned to get back there this summer for more bike rides. We'll give GB another shot, maybe we'll change our minds.

One issue I have with a number of the selections is that they are tourist towns - Taos, Key West, Durango (kinda), even GB. Maybe that's what it takes for a small town to have the amenities that were included in your criteria. Not sure if I'd want to live in a tourist town, though.

I like the Brattleboro pick - cool, little town.

One last note - loved the pic for Brunswick ME!

This writer has obviously never been to a Tamarack if they think it is a cultural center... it's nothing more than a huge gas station with wolf t-shirts, etc.

Staunton= Piece of excrement...politically..socially..morally...culturally....proof can be provided to any visitors if they survive the plague of asbestos that is in every downtown edifice. AMC cancer center is the winner here. Prove me wrong..I bet you can't. hey did Susan Spano and Aviva Shen ever visit here? lol just curious.

Oxford is also known for having amazing restaurants--many of the best in the south.

Ajax, Snackbar, City Grocery (and more) - all well known and loved by regulars and food critics.

Due to your choice of #7, Butler, PA, your article has instantly become the laughing stock of many hundreds of people on Facebook, many of whom still live in Butler and the surrounding region. Well done, Smithsonian.

Street upon street of dilapidated buildings? The heroin epidemic? Widespread poverty and unemployment, racism and homophobia? Schools that are mediocre at best?

Yet, Smithsonian.com labels it a "cultural hub." What a travesty.

I'm not sure if you Googled Rick Santorum and found Butler, but in any case the choice shows a lack of research and discredits the many other fine towns in this piece.

Butler? Are you crazy? The worst part about Butler is the people. Their main source of income is welfare checks and drug money.

My family roots in Brattleboro go back to the 1700's & I have the old photos & land deeds to prove it! I visit from NJ every chance I get to hear those ancestors talk to me. Wonderful place to be from & to be in!

I live in Butler and can't believe it is #7 on the list of best small towns. I am not sure what your criteria is, but maybe you need to talk to someone who lives there. I have lived there for 33 years and I am still treated like an outsider because I wasn't born there. There is not one decent restaurant unless you like fast food. For an evening "on the town" it is best to leave town. The downtown district has no decent shopping. The only nice looking buildings are the ones with murals painted on them, the rest of town is a blighted. The city kids have no where to swim in the summer because the "city pool" has been closed for years.
The positive side of Butler is the hospital, community college and it is near a beautiful lake and recreation area.
Butler could be a great little town, if the people in charge would get their heads out of the sand and realized times have changed, but they have not.

I love the Berkshires. I moved to Stockbridge 18 years ago to own and operate the Inn at Stockbridge. I feel very fortunate to live in an area that attracts wonderful people who want to enjoy everything the Berkshires has to offer. The Berkshires is a great place to do business and live. I truly believe the Berkshire Visitors Bureau slogan, "find yourself in the Berkshires".

And Red Bank is also home to the award-winning Monmouth Civic Chorus!

Not sure how they rated Menomonie, WI? Stout may have some good programs but they have also been nationally ranked for alcohol consumption. The parties fall into the streets on a regular basis. The arts aspect is still very small and the downtown has improved a little in terms of a couple of new restaurants but is otherwise still dying to box stores on the other side of town. I tried moving back but there were fewer families and far less family tradition. I've spent a lot of time in many of the other towns listed here and I can't understand how they even got on the same list. To have more options for my son I had to leave the area again. :-(

After growing up in the "big" city of Milwaukee, our daughter chose to go to UW-Stout (4 1/2 hours north), in the booming metropolis of Menomonie, Wisconsin. We were worried that she would be bored there. She is now a senior in Graphic Design, and she has come to love Menomonie. There is always something to do, and with the Red Cedar Trail going through town she is always biking, hiking or X-C skiing the trail. The area is beautiful, especially if you like to be outdoors. Thank you for recognizing the beauty of northern Wisconsin and its towns.

Did anyone check the heroine use statistics or the teen pregnancy rates about "quaint ole Butler" I lived here...I know. NOT a great small town.....nor is Altoona/Johnstown.I truly wish these national media would stop taking one picture and saying it's a great place. You never lived there, therefore you don't know!

I am happy to see Oxford MS on the list. It is a vibrant, beautiful town that is wonderful to experience.

Lived here all my life and absolutely love it!!!

I wouldn't change a thing about my heritage as a native born and raised in Butler, Pennsylvania. Even Mayberry, NC can't hold a candle to the "dear hearts and gentle people who live and love in my home town".

When I lived in the Bay area,in the mid '60s, I used to take my boys fishing off the docks in Sausalito. Now there are "No Fishing" signs all over the place! Why? They wouldn't have gotten away with it back then!

Great write up on Oxford, MS. It is the quintessential college town and is home to many great memories for me. Some other things worth mentioning would be the Double Decker Music & Arts Festival, and the Grove on the campus of Ole Miss, which is regarded by many as the top tailgate destination in the country.

We have lived in Red Bank since 1991 and we couldn't agree with you more!!!

Red Bank is not the greatest place to live. Sure, there is the Count Basie, but there is no more jazz festival, no more 4th of July fireworks, a lot of empty storefronts and a very expensive, mediocre and crowded school system. If you are single and want to do the theater, bar thing, or commute to NYC it's ok. If you have kids, live somewhere better.

OXFORD...Been all over the country and this is a must see in the Spring and Fall (Football season)..can't beat the square and the Grove for tailgating. No doubt the prettiest girls in the world per capita!

So proud, humbled, and honored to call Red Bank home! Thank you Smithsonian!

Brunswick deserves the recognition. However, Brunswick is not a small fishing town. Cute intro but not factual.

Lenox, Do not feel so bad. You have Lenoxology and and the Kennedy Park overlook. What town could compete with that?

I'm from Butler, PA and honestly I'm unsure of how it made it on this list. True, Jeeps are pretty awesome, but Butler isn't that great. It's boring and full of drug addicts. If your town is rated below Butler on this list, I feel bad for you.

Thank youto the wonderful and beautiful area of Menominee! Every summer my family and I travel more than 120 miles north into the beauty of Menominee! Maybe it's a bitof a long drive, but seeing the place definitely makes up for it. So thanks again and I speak for all of us living here in Wisconsin insaying that we're proud of all of you!

Menomonie is a dump of a town with drunk college students and poor families that can't afford the tax rates of the nearby Eau Claire.

So happy that Great Barrington is being recognized. We have been coming up to GB for the past 4 years on the weekends to Ski Butternut which is the best place for a family to ski! Next month, we are moving our family up to GB full-time for a new adventure opening up a B&B. The things that draw us to that area are the beauty, the culinary variety and the great recreation offerings! This article couldn't have come at a better time to validate that we chose an awesome place to continue to raise our kids!

My husband and I drove our twin toddlers around Virginia many weekends for a couple of years, looking for the place to escape to (we lived near the Beltway and I-95 at that time). We finally found Staunton, kept returning, and soon said, "This is it!" Never looked back, ever. Staunton, Virginia is a small college town with LOTS to do (unlike most small towns), easy access to bigger towns (30 minutes from both Charlottesville and Fredericksburg ), good schools, friendly people, even a stadium-seating multiplex movie theater! Our hearts are at home now.

As a life-long resident of Butler, PA and a traveler that has been to more than 40 states in my lifetime I'm here to tell you that Butler is a decaying toilet. Nice try, Smithsonian.

Thrilled to see my hometown, Red Bank, NJ on your list! Born & raised here - love it! Moved away for college and after but moved back. Can't beat the theaters, fairs, stores, antiques, events on the river, and the people. Thanks for recongnizing RB as the gem that it is!

You guys at Smithsonian completely missed the absolute most charming town in America. The sailing capital of the USA and has more homes on the national historical register than any other. Newport Rhode Island is vastly more interesting and beautiful than BORINGTON RI> Sorry guys you missed the boat on this one.

I'm not really "angry." I'm pleased that GB has been portrayed positively, but I think journalists should get their facts straight. That's kind of their job.

Scott....u are crazy..u dnt rate cities based on history..Butler has one of the worst heroin/crack epidemic

See fairfield. Iowa

Shhhh!!! about Oxford, Ms. We don't want the whole country to know what a great town it is! We want to keep it to ourselves.

Awesome, My little town of Red Bank NJ made it to number 3.

There are many fine towns in the Berkshires, but Great Barrington is especially deserving of this recognition. Local activists have moved to create a fine network of hiking trails, to bring the recognition to W. E. B. DuBois that he deserves and to put the town back in touch with its river heritage. Congratulations to everyone in our neighboring town!

I'm a proud resident of Staunton, Virgina, and it is a fabulous and vibrant town. Brattleboro, VT, is a great town, too, but just 20 miles east is the best small town in America - Keene, NH. I'd rank Keene first, Staunton second, and Cheyenne, WY. third.

I could never live in a big city after growing up in South Egremont, as a child, and then living in Great Barrington. Many people cannot believe that i went to a one room schoolhouse for kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. How lucky i was that my parents decided to move here from Norwalk, CT when i was born in 1970. There are some unfortunate elements of city life that are starting to be more prevalent in GB these days, but it is still a great place to live...

Boo Yah, Great Barrington is freakin awesome. Although I was very shocked to see it on the list. In the daytime it is peaceful and great however, at night, some weird stuff goes down. Love the Appalachian Trail, the summer camp scene, the snowboarding, and all the stores.

I love, love, love Oxford so much. I am proud to call it my home town.

Trust me.... There is a LOT more beauty south of Great Barrington in Cornwall Bridge Ct ( Lots of forest, old sites, in Kent we have CAMA!) and Falls Village Ct. ( The great falls, and flat rocks!) Ancient Ironworks and blast furnaces. I have lived in all three, Cornwall is my home and always will be. There is nothing seriously more beautiful than a place that is NOT built up with all sorts of " Attractions ". But I guess you have to actually walk around in the woods and crawl through muddy brooks to see the spectacular sites and ancient history there.

Brunswick is about as much of a fishing town as New York City is a surfing town.

I am so happy that my second hometown Staunton is on this list! It absolutely deserves it. Can't wait to see it again in person! Great hole in the walls and scenic beauty make this city a fantastic place to live!

Pleased to see Oxford, MS, on this list. This is an incredibly varied town for fine eating, from James Beard "Chef of the South, 2010" winner John Currence's City Grocery to any of many ethnic choices.

Richard Howorth, owner of Square Books, served several terms as mayor. Oxford is a welcoming community for writers, musicians, sculptors, pottery makers, painters, etc.

We're especially proud of Thacker Mountain, a live radio show every Thursday that hosts national authors and musicians.

Forget that cliche about catfish and barbecue, Oxford offers great food, great music and great people . . .

I thought Beckley was a really bad city both times through.

I tried to make a living in Great Barrington once, running a small radio station that used to be THE way to keep in touch with the goings-on in a typical small town. But over time, Great Barrington became not a typical small town by regarding the "local" nature of it less and less.

No question, it's a lovely place. But the old variety store is closed where the Betros clan greeted you, the old FM frequency has been turned over to the public radio station from the big city of Albany, the chances of running into someone you knew from 20 years ago less.

But, I have to admit, helping Linda Ellerbee find a plumber once was kind of cool.

I live over the border from Great Barrington, in CT. To us it's the big city when it comes to stores. But we have more restaurants per capita, and good ones too! That's not what living in even smaller towns is about though. It's about beauty, history, quiet, and nice people. I rarely shop for anything but groceries and plants.

I am a resident of Great Barrington who happens to be Asian. I believe your writer is mistake in the fact that there is a large influx of people who are Asian that immigrate to this area. Additionally, it is extremely politically incorrect to state that there is a large Mexican immigrant population here. Had you lived here and been an actual resident (aka not a second home owner from an outlying city), you would realize that you just called every Hispanic person in this town a Mexican. Quite libelous to the Colombians, Argentinians, Ecuadorians, and many others that live in this beautiful area. We all appreciate the article as it is a beautiful place, but please exclude the racial stereotyping.

One quick look around told me this was the place for my kids to grow up in and be educated in; the education system at all levels is superior. Plus all those other things that make Brattleboro unique, creative, stimulating, community-minded and easy to live and work in. SO pleased we're on the list!

It's Beckley--not "Beckley City," and the surrounding "Best Small Towns" in the state like Fayetteville and Lewisburg are much better candidates for this designation. Beckley? No.

My boyfriend & I are moving to Red Bank this summer; he was just stationed to Sandy Hook, N.J., with the Coast Guard. We've been worried about the move, but seeing Red Bank on this list was a wonderful surprise that has helped allay our fears a bit. If you're reading this & you're from Red Bank or have suggestions for us, please consider contacting me through my blog, http://www.suburbansweetheart.com, so we can discuss!

There are so many wonderful places in our country and around the world to visit or even to stay awhile, but, as the Smithsonian knows, GB is a great place to call home. It's my hometown and I love it. I moved away for college, then elsewhere for many other great adventures, always knowing I would come back here to raise my children and live the good life. In or very near to GB, we have many of the cultural benefits of the city in a more intimate setting (my personal favorites are the Berkshire Bach Society and the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center), a wealth of exceptional restaurants - so many of which support the locavore movement, our own microbrewery, our own airport alongside a stretch of verdant farmland, abundant CSA farms, plus all the varied natural assets of good country living, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, lakes, ponds, streams, and wildlife galore. The writer is clearly not a skier, as GB's own SkiButternut, a perennially award-winning ski area, has been our winter centerpiece since the early 60's, and annual the host of an awesome summer crafts fair. Being nestled in the Berkshire Hills with our famous neighbors, Stockbridge and Lenox, and our lesser known neighboring hill towns, adds tremendous cache to the GB allure. Lastly, we are not just a pretty face. GB has an active social consciousness as evidenced by the presence of VIM (Volunteers in Medicine) and Construct for the less fortunate, a thriving local hospital to keep us well, an excellent school system, an ongoing protest in front of town hall every weekend against the military follies in Afganistan, an active 99% presence, a volunteer fire department, and an all volunteer community-made river walk. Pretty impressive for a small town.

Brattleboro has more to offer than that brief 3 paragraphs. Mcneills has great beer, mocha joes has awesome coffee and the shops are all unique. Gotta go to SAMs too. Great sportswear and sales. Good restaurants too. Great place! Go!

As exciting as it is to hear about Berkshire County being recognized by the Smithsonian maybe they should have done a little research before posting this. Rt. 7 doesn't turn into railroad st, and being a life long resident of lenox; there's a coffee shop right on main st, a book store called "The Bookstore" right on Housatonic St, and there's about 3 different places in lenox that offer yoga.

Oh, no! Great Barrington the best?? Don't do this to us, Smithsonian! Now America is going to love us to death. Listen America, the traffic is really bad on summer weekends, what with the hoards heading through town on their way to Tanglewood and Jacobs Pillow. Autumn colors mean reckless drivers gawking at red maples. Lift lines at our two ski mountains — Butternut and Catamount are going to be even worse. Even longer lines at SOCO Creamery, the best ice cream in the Northeast. The one good thing about this article is the advertising opportunity: If you are over 40 years old, the Great Barrington 40+ Champion Soccer team is looking for a highly experienced goalie to lead us to another undefeated season.

I'm beyond thrilled to see my hometown of Staunton, Virginia, on this list -- and in such great company! We're so proud of our little city.

Brattleboro is number 11. It is the best town. The one big event you forgot is the Strolling of the Heifers. It is the first weekend in June. This is an event that honors our agricultural roots. On Saturday ( June 2) is the parade. A experience you don't want to miss. http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com/

Don't forget about the strolling of the heifers, the harris hill skip jump competition,Beadnicks, Soundesign recording studio, NEYT, the BOC, and of course Mocha Joes! I love bratt!

As a life long resident of Brattleboro- This makes me so proud!

sorry to say brattleboro shouldnt be on here!!! it has gone down hill in the past 10 years... drugs and violence are everywhere!!

Greer, why so angry? The author isn't tearing down Lenox to build up GB. The Berkshires are a small and very beautiful area, and we should all be happy and proud when any town in our county is recognized. Shame on you.

I grew up in GB; moved away and lived in various states; but held on to the homested where I was raised. Even though I have to travel 5-6 hours to get to GB now, when I arrive home there is a sense of peace within. My son loves to bring friends with him when we go to GB. He has the freedom of going downtown or even walk up to Lake Mansfield and I don't have to worry about him. I guess the well kept secret of Great Barrington has now been identified.

I grew up there and I really miss it. Bringing my kids there this summer! Can't wait! Cindy Ponce, Puerto Rico

Living in any town in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts can change a person. You can bet on it. My roots are near Boston but I married and moved here to a town near Great Barrington. My husband and I have traveled to other countries and to the south and west of the USA , but could never have lived anywhere else but here. Our children and grandchildren live nearby as well. The outstanding beauty of the area continuously nurtures the psyche. Even in winter, the stark white against mountain landscapes makes 35-degrees look dramatic, even breathtaking. In spring, summer and autumn the mountains take on color and come closer. They seem to wrap around you. As my southern brother-in-law puts it ,"the mountains seem a lot friendlier here than most I've seen." Perhaps that is another reason they are referred to as The Berkshire Hills. This kind of beauty can tap into places in the psyche we only vaguely sense might be there. Intuitions seem heightened, and if you have the slightest trace of "some kind of artist" in you, you can never leave.

This delightful piece about our wonderful town might also have mentioned that Great Barrington, population 6,800, is the China publishing capital of the world. Well, one of them, as this story explains: http://ow.ly/akPGF. Here’s an extract:

“Karen Christensen got a call from the U.S. Commercial Service in Boston, a government agency that helps companies expand their international sales. The caller was puzzled by a request: a woman visiting from the Beijing consulate wanted to meet with Christensen.
“Why would she want to meet someone in Western Massachusetts? Christensen told the caller, ‘I guess you haven’t heard that Great Barrington is now the China publishing capital of the world.’”

And an article in Berkshire Business Quarterly about how we became so engrossed by all things China: http://ow.ly/akUEC. More about international publishing in Great Barrington and Beijing at http://www.berkshirepublishing.com – we encourage other global media businesses to relocate to this great small town.
Karen Christensne

I graduated from Simon's Rock, and stayed in the area after graduation, and remember it was a bit more sleepy than now, but still great. You didn't mention the Berkshire Fringe Festival, a celebration of art and performance, started by Simon's Rock alums, the wonderful swimming place on top of a huge hill overlooking the town, Butternut Basin ski area, hikes up Mt. Greylock and other interesting walks, including around town. (An amazing gorge sits just beyond the center of town on the south side, for example.) And Simon's Rock offers other cultural events or activities suchy as membership in the fitness center, with a large pool ringed by an indoor track. I guess many people could list their own favorite aspects. So, yeah, good job.

So proud--but not surprised--to see Brattleboro on the list! The short blurb only begins to describe the town's wonderfulness.

This is great news -- a nice way to start the morning. Brattleboro is a welcoming town that continues to surprise those who visit. If you haven't stopped by yet, please do!

Thank you Smithsonian and Susan Spano, for capturing our small town so well. Many of us have chosen to live and some to raise families along deBois' so called "golden river", which winds through this valley. Though we cannot swim in this river, due to GE's activities upstream of us in Pittsfield, many of us have harnessed our efforts to care for this environment in some way. Rachel Fletcher's River Walk is a wonderful way to see Great Barrington, to view the site of inventor William Stanley's place and watch the carefully cared for river bank come back to life in the spring, filled with native beauty. Great Barrington has excellent public and private schools, a lake to ice skate on and a spectrum of community members with whom we share our days. Simon's Rock College of Bard, Close Encounters with Music and other producing venues keep our cultural calendars hopping. There is much to savor here in the Berkshires, many small wonders and secret places, and a steady flow of citizens willing to put their good efforts in to caring for this sweet town. Thank you again for this honor. Sincerely, Suzi

And of course, its next door neighbor Sheffield is a great small town too!!

This is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to Brattleboro. Check it out!

What a pleasure it was to read the news that Great Barrington has been selected number one in the 20 Best Small Towns in America. My husband and I lived in Lanesboro for 30 years finding the Berkshires are a most wonderful place to live while raising our two daughters. An excursion to Great Barrington was always a pleasure, so I can just imagine how the residents must thrive as things just get better and better. Now we live in small town South Carolina, on the border of North Carolina. Culture is definitely part of the scene here, as well as a burgeoning locavore movement. Aren't we Americans lucky?

i leave in great barrington. the kids all have too much money and do too many drugs. Waaaaaay too much dope in GB. Nice on the surface, dirty underneath.

Thanks for the excellent article. My husband and I moved to Great Barrington several years ago and we find the description to be right on (except for the trivial detail that route 7 is Main Street, Railroad Street is a side street). Otherwise perfect - I'd only add two other really fine, mostly chamber music festivals, Berkshire Bach and Close Encounters With Music, that have concerts year-round in town or nearby. And Purradise, the Berkshire Humane Society's cat adoption center, that finds homes for cats who need them, after giving them medical care and socializing them. We've lived in big cities and don't miss them because there's so much going on here.

You'll have to wait a while for that lager in the basement of the Brooks House, since the place had a disastrous fire last year. But there are plenty of other places to enjoy a pint.

Ummm, as someone from Great Barrington I'm shocked we made the list. The locals are about as poor and ignorant as it gets and there is a real love hate relationship between the locals who look down upon someone who can't take apart a lawn mower and put it back together themselves and those who come to buy weekend homes and stay at B&Bs. I had to leave the area after college because the only work available is stuff like landscaping for all the weekend/summer homes. The place is a ghost town if not during the summer or leaf season.

The author essentially wrote about the migrating tourists and the handful or retirees who move out here and decide to open a toy shop or sushi place to cater to tourists. Didn't mention the Searles Castle isn't a regular boarding school but one for troubled teens. It also didn't mention the increasingly large problem of drug abuse and the neighboring city of Pittsfield is considered one of the areas most prevalent in heroine, crack and meth. In my last job before leaving Berkshire county I had to drive 3 coworkers to rehab in my last week and that was just the 3 that were caught by management shooting up in the break room.

I grew up on the border of the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley and after going away to college and living in various cities, returned here as an adult. The breathtaking natural beauty, quality of life, and cultural richness make it one of the best places in the world, bar none. One quibble with the article: Lenox also has excellent espresso, books, shop, restaurants and Tanglewood down the road!

About Great Barrington - Where did you get the directions? I'm a lifelong Berkshire resident and Route 7 definitely never "becomes Railroad Street." Railroad Street is off Main (aka Rt 7) in GB.
Also, Lenox has a farmers' market, a bookstore, and a coffee shop, and you sure can take yoga classes there, at Kripalu just outside of the village. Has the author ever actually been to the Berkshires? It makes me wonder if the other towns featured have been inaccurately documented as well.

So proud to be from the Berkshire's... And New England in general!

One small correction:
Rte. # 7 does not become Railroad Street as it enters from the south. It becomes Main Street. Railroad Street is a side street perpendicular to Main Street in Great Barrington.

Shallow reporting like saying someone is beautiful with full make up. Never looked below the surface, just spouted the party line. Never asked locals penetrating questions. Just a fairy tale to entice people with nary a word of truth. there is just too much negative to say about such reporting. so much left out. I feel sick