Big cities have nabbed the most headlines for rising murder rates in 2020, but small towns werent immune. - Population: 10,669 (20% age 55-64 and 40% age 65+) Everything from remote work to spiking violent crime rates in larger locales has been credited with the exodus. There's a lot to enjoy within this town's one square mile, including pristine beaches and a mile-long boardwalk filled with attractions, shops, and restaurants. The town is home to the Emerald Bay Community, as well, which has an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, and restaurant. And the percentage of residents with a high school diploma ranges from 75% to 91.5%. For reference, America is about 60% white, while Billings clocks in at 86%. "It was an opportunity to not only restores Wilson to its former glory, but make it a hub of food and culture in the Delta while staying true to its roots," says Norbert Mede, who heads up the town's development. - Population: 854 (23% age 55-64 and 62% age 65+) - Median household income: $87,083 - Median household income: $47,862 Similarly, these smaller towns report a lower percentage of people living below the poverty line. - Median home value: $823,300 (92% own) - Median household income: $70,341 New Hanover Township, New Jersey 8. - Median home value: $229,800 (84% own) - Median rent: $1,254 (41% rent). In a larger, urban setting, there are more opportunities and fewer familiar eyes on homes, cars, packages, etc. It has a staggering violent crime rate of 54.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which is 15 times higher than the U.S. violent crime rate and 13 times higher than the violent crime rate for all of Illinois. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington, KY is all about bluegrass, bourbon, and the Breeder's Cup. On one hand, you could say that small towns experience less of everythingfewer weddings, fewer funerals, fewer high school reunionsbut thats an oversimplification. 10 Best Small Towns in America - Prettiest Small Towns in America 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 Amazon's Best Winter Fashion is on Sale Right Now 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing Chevy Chase sits at the border of Maryland and the District of Columbia, just a few miles from the White House and the U.S. Capitol down Connecticut Avenue. For country escapes, visit Kindred Farm, which hosts dinners on its 17-acre property, or nearby Natchez Hills vineyard. The cost of living in Shenandoah is lower than the U.S. average, and the poverty rate is low. The bad news: SafeWise reports that there was a 38% rise in the violent crime rate among the safest small towns on this years list. This is SmartAssets fourth study on the most livable small cities. Dozens of pop culture references (from Gilmore Girls to The Andy Griffith Show) are burned into our brains, but an unending parade of town festivals and folks relying more on the sheriff than locks to keep their home safe dont necessarily line up with reality. - Median household income: $181,667 With so many charming small towns across America, it's hard to pick favorites. 49 towns made the list for the first time this year. Which small towns reported the most crime? On top of our overall 100 Safest Cities in America report, we think it helps to hone in on crime trends in cities of similar sizes. This 0.2-square-mile hamlet is one of several communities in the Great Neck area. America's most conservative cities are skewed toward being more liberal than one might expect, according to an analysis by The Economist. ", - Population: 20,902 (14% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) - Median household income: $87,248 - Median household income: $177,500 While the numbers are still below historic peaks, the statistics have left many people wondering where they can go to feel safe. - Population: 16,050 (14% age 55-64 and 41% age 65+) - Population: 2,835 (15% age 55-64 and 21% age 65+) US Census Bureau, Semega, Kollar, Shrider, and Creamer. Despite changes, beloved parts of Highlands (like its many antique shops) remain the same. - Median rent: $1,196 (9% rent). Elmira Town, New York 9. Just over 30 miles away from St. Louis, OFallon, Missouri leads our study as the most livable small city in America. Retirees are drawn to the endless array of outdoor activities, from fishing and tennis to sailing, kayaking, and golf. Contact [email protected]. Among the 100 cities on our list this year, there were six murders total, down from nine the previous yearthats a 33% drop. This is not a guarantee. It's one of the largest of the islands, and one of the most beautiful and quintessentially Southern. Lafayette is a small city with a number of colleges and universities. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. , May 21, 2020. - Median household income: $49,147 These photos capture all the charm of small town life, from farmers' markets to covered bridges to cozy inns. This community sits on the 25.4-mile barrier island of Bogue Banks, which is part of an area called the Crystal Coast for its white beaches and clear water. With no shortage of choices, how do they decide? - Median rent: $932 (20% rent). The draw of idealized Normal Rockwell communities may be growing as headlines continue to highlight big crime in big cities across the country, says Rebecca Edwards, a security expert, safety and tech reporter for SafeWise. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is nearly 1 in 5. The community's 668-foot-long fishing pier provides an ideal spot for anglers during the day and acts as a live-music venue during summer evenings. It's a half-mile boardwalk along a saltwater estuary where residents can eat, listen to live music, shop, and enjoy recreational water activities. - Median home value: $1,001,800 (81% own) An old political adage goes that cities are more liberal whilst rural areas are more conservative. The city has a charming town square with historic buildings that is frequently bustling with festivals and events. The town is also home to the long-running annual Fiesta, a celebration of West Michigan's Latino culture and community. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. Then, in 2010, the Lawrence Group acquired it as part of a larger land purchase. - Median household income: $131,071 - Median rent: $1,518 (5% rent), Leland Grove is just minutes away from Springfield and all the restaurants, attractions, and shopping the state capital has to offer. - Population: 8,852 (15% age 55-64 and 31% age 65+) See the rest of the safest small towns in America. So what are the most conservative cities in the United States? - Median rent: $1,135 (33% rent). The Hollywood Park Community Association works toward that goal by hosting community events and running programs like Neighbors Lifting Neighbors, which pairs people needing assistance with others seeking to help. This Central Coast town has plenty to boast about, with more than 200 wineries and award-winning restaurants. - Median home value: $261,000 (55% own) According to the 2020 Census, 63% of Americans live in an incorporated place , and 76% of those places are home to fewer than 5,000 people. Current market conditions bring both opportunity and risk. States with a gap of 20 points or greater are considered "highly conservative." 1. Residents of Parole benefit from shops, services and restaurants being an easy walk or short drive away. Those who want to stay active with outdoor recreation or by playing golf have their pick of communities near manicured club courses and the great outdoors. And, broadly speaking, crime tends to be more rampant when theres more opportunity for it to occur. Among them: The Maker, an 11-room boutique hotel spread across three historic buildings, founded by the owners of Fresh beauty products, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg. Percent of Population Age 25 and over by Educational Attainment: 19402020. Meanwhile, Sauk Village, Illinoisa suburb of Chicagowhich was named the second most dangerous town in America overall was ranked as the most violent small town in the country. Median housing costs equal 15.39% of median household income in Fishers, Indiana, ranking fifth for this metric out of all 291 cities we studied. This area in the eastern part of the state includes some of the state's most conservative towns.Nearby Middleton, with 1,800 people at the northern end of . This data was used to provide additional insight into any trends or patterns that may correlate to why some cities or states may be more likely to report lower crime numbers than others. Known as a "City of Historic Homes," visitors can view the exteriors of houses built as early as 1790. Although it didnt impact rankings, we also examined poverty rates, median income, and education attainment. A 2013 regional planning commission report noted that Leland Grove's "high-quality residential character represents its greatest strength," and that its "community spirit is a valuable asset. Collectively, we saw a 38% rise in the violent crime rate among our safest small towns this year. on. The community is only a 15-minute drive to Siesta Key, a Gulf of Mexico barrier island with sandy beaches, tidal pools, and coral reefs. Bethany Beach is among the southern Delaware coastal towns known as the Quiet Resorts. According to the 2020 Census, 63% of Americans live in an, But it turns out the trends weve seen during the pandemic. - Median rent: $1,433 (19% rent), This hilly, 4-square-mile patch of Texas is conveniently located near Austin's downtown and two Austin gems Zilker Metropolitan Park and Lady Bird Lake. Median housing costs equal 17.43% of median household income in Flower Mound, the 21st-lowest ranking for this metric. Some cities are more conservative than liberal. The percentage of residents living below the poverty line ranges from 4% to 22%. Woodbury is situated near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Bear Mountain State Park, with views down the Hudson River to New York City. The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 50, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 59 , The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 65, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 66, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 70 . Residents can appreciate the four waterfront neighborhood parks and a private boat ramp. The news gets better when we look at property crime. - Median home value: $159,900 (89% own) - Median rent: $2,547 (7% rent), This Phoenix suburb sits on the edges of both the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and Camelback Mountain and has three golf courses, four medical centers, nine resorts, and 294 sunny days per year. - Median rent: $1,645 (11% rent). - Population: 14,473 (15% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) - Population: 12,978 (17% age 55-64 and 41% age 65+) But as with most things in life, there are exceptions to this. A maximum of 10 towns from each state and towns with a population of fewer than 40,000 were considered for the rankings, which Niche calculated according to retiree representation, weather quality, cost and safety, access to healthy living, and a handful of other factors. This Oklahoma Small Town Has Been Ranked Most Charming in the State by HGTV Network. Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals! The Marsh Walk is a source of pride in this beach town known as the seafood capital of South Carolina. The first five cities on our list reported zero incidents of both violent and property crime. Why small towns? Recreation and learning opportunities abound in this retirement community 25 miles south of Tucson in the Sonoran Desert. - Population: 1,129 (16% age 55-64 and 48% age 65+) To help retirees thinking about a move, Stacker referenced Niche's 2020 Best Places to Retire study, which lists 50 American small towns that offer the best retirement options. Populations greater than 15,000 people and fewer than 5,000 people were excluded. Golfers and anglers alike won't have trouble filling their days in this town that spans the island bearing its name and parts of the coastal mainland. In this article we discuss the 5 most conservative major cities in the United States. The community also has a community college campus that offers lifelong learning opportunities. Unlike the safest and most dangerous metros, this years safest small towns saw a rise in violent crime year over year. "We were drawn to Hudson's diversity and creative energy," says Lev. Country Living editors select each product featured. Unfortunately, theres no easy answer. December 20, 2021. The town's name traces back to the Civil War, when Union soldiers captured by the Confederates were held at Camp Parole. Taking money from your IRA may seem like a simple matter, but it's a decision that must be timed right. - Median household income: $57,265 Although it didnt impact rankings, we also examined poverty rates, median income, and education attainment. 19. St. Simons Island is part of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. Median housing costs equal just 16.93% of median household income in OFallon, ranking 19th for that metric in the study overall. - Population: 4,360 (21% age 55-64 and 30% age 65+) - Median household income: $104,006 SafeWise is an independent review site. In 2021 that number grew . Holly Hills is a small Denver suburb, which gives residents the advantage of being close to the excitement of the city with the ability to go home to a small, friendly community at the end of the day. Larceny-theft was the most common property crime reported, accounting for 92% of all reported incidents. - Median rent: $1,568 (8% rent). Everyone loves a comeback, and Wilson's is one for the ages. - Median rent: $1,214 (11% rent). Points: 2. - Median home value: $1,109,400 (79% own) You may also like: These Are the Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. - Population: 24,729 (20% age 55-64 and 38% age 65+) - Median household income: $132,955 Union County, N.C. Largest city: Monroe. - Population: 5,283 (15% age 55-64 and 34% age 65+) Holland is also on the water, so there's beach time, too, at spots like Holland Beach State Park, home to the iconic Big Red Lighthouse. This Long Island hamlet is home to the luxury shopping center Americana Manhasset. The low-key beach town has two state parks, Stump Pass Beach State Park and Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. A typical Social Security payment is likely to cover basic costs in these areas. Perched on Lake Palestine in eastern Texas, Emerald Bay is a top spot in the state for retirees because of its small population (approximately 1,300 residents), rural feel, and affordable cost of living. - Population: 1,255 (13% age 55-64 and 54% age 65+) The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses.. These Are the Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation guide, the restaurants, attractions, and shopping, water activities and observing the many bird species, Here's How Much Parental Leave You Get in Every U.S. State, shopping centers, fine dining, and water sports, four waterfront neighborhood parks and a private boat ramp, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Dozens of pop culture references (from. ) Our number 1 most conservative state in America.Wyoming leads the nation by far in terms of the widest gap between conservatives and liberals at 35%. Dutch Island, situated on the outskirts of Savannah, is like stepping into another world. - Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent). Stowe, VT 05672, USA. While Joseph may be best known for its community of bronze artists, summer rodeo, and the Wallowa Lake Tramway (among the steepest on the continent, which takes riders to the top of Mt. It offers retirees a suburban vibe with restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of green spaceand the proximity to the nation's capital leaves even more room for culture, arts, and education. For more safe city data, check out our list of the 100 Safest Cities in America, and watch for our ranking of the safest (and most dangerous) metro areascoming soon. (And a note: SafeWise used the terms safest and dangerous to refer to crime rates calculated from FBI data. Picture Spanish moss hanging from stately oak trees, quaint streets, restaurants, and shops. And, as weve stated before, small towns still see their share of crime. Motto: "A great place to visit, a better place to live.". Olmos Park is surrounded by San Antonio, offering the community quick access to all the attractions found in the larger city. - Median home value: $232,600 (71% own) - Median household income: $53,503 - Median home value: $346,400 (89% own) Heres a rundown of what we learned: Overwhelmingly, when compared to big cities, the 100 towns that made our list have higher numbers when it comes to median household income and the number of high school graduates. Thetford Township, Michigan 1. The average percentage of people with a high school diploma or higher in the safest small towns is 94.3, 3.7% higher than the US average of 90.9%. - Median rent: null (9% rent). *SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. For anyone considering a move to Garden City Beach, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation guide. - Population: 17,074 (16% age 55-64 and 32% age 65+) - Median household income: $74,087 Its stated mission is to provide "high-quality public services to a community which values limited government. Billed as "The Original Fun City," Sun City is dedicated to creating a fun, relaxing place for active retired adults. - Population: 3,874 (16% age 55-64 and 24% age 65+) Georgetown also provides convenient access to the scenic rivers and lakes of the Texas Hill Country. 29% of Mississippi residents are moderate, and 12% are liberal, the smallest percentage of every state. "Highlands has really become a year-round town," says Jason Reeves, owner of the new Highlander Mountain House hotel and The Ruffed Grouse Tavern. The populations range from 5,300 to over 12,500. But ranks 215th for its concentration of restaurants, which account for only 6.72% of all establishments at the county level. Among the 100 safest small towns, there was a 17% decline in property crimes compared to the cities that made the list last year. 5 cities tied for first place with zero crimes reported: For the second year in a row, the Northeast boasts the most safe small towns. In a larger, urban setting, there are more opportunities and fewer familiar eyes on homes, cars, packages, etc. And if you're planning a holiday escape, here are the best small towns to visit for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.